Kenny nodded to Chris. Chris understood what Officer Omega wanted. He got up and went to the door. "Who's there?" Chris' voice was filled with authority.
"It's Detective Sergeant Miller. Kota is on Kung Pau Street." The voice on the other side of the door responded.
Kenny completely relaxed. "It's him. That's our code." He opened the door for his superior officer.
Sergeant Miller stepped into the hotel room. "I'm sorry, I should have called, but there wasn't an opportunity. I wanted to update you on what we've decided about Styles. He's at the hotel across the road. We wanted him close. He also made a show of driving that odd looking car of his. We hope Morrison has been watching for him. Styles is wired, and there are cops watching. I'm going to be set up in a room here with Officer Phillips. We've also added a second K nine unit to watch your vehicles. Styles has agreed to work with us one hundred percent. I just hope it works. What I need to know is, what are your plans?" Sergeant Miller looked at the storm chasers, brow arched.
Chris looked at the Detective. "We haven't finished our forecast, but it looks like the Pampa, Texas area is gearing up for the weekend. We will probably be here until Friday. Of course, that isn't written in stone. I'm guessing you'd like us to stay in Dodge City as long as possible?"
Miller nodded. "Yes, if you can. Also, when your out, I'd like you to talk about leaving and when. Also, make it known that Kenny is a visiting family member or maybe someone from the University. Anything, but a police officer. I also want you to act normal. Go grocery shopping, or out to eat. Kenny will be with you. Just don't move in a pack. I'm sure Morrison knows a bit about your routine. We hope, with Styles free and you acting normal, it will make Morrison feel complacent. As I said, we've added another K nine unit, but don't panic if you don't see them. We are hoping Morrison will accept that one is watching. It would be what he would expect. It's tricky, but, hopefully it will work. Look, I know I am asking a lot, but I want Morrison; badly." Detective Sergeant Miller was serious as he looked around the room.
Hunter picked up something from the way Miller spoke. "Ken, what aren't you telling us? You've found something out about Morrison, haven't you?" His brow arched as he looked at Ken.
Ken Miller scoffed a bit. "You should be at my desk. Yes, my brother and I have both been digging deeper into Morrison. His real name is John Randall Hennigan. He was born in L.A. He has a list of about ten aliases, including John Morrison, Johnny Blackcraft, Johnny Nitro and others. He was using the name Johnny Mundo when an L. A. County Sheriff was killed. The description fit our Morrison, but he got away, so to speak. At the time he was questioned for drug smuggling, he used the Blackcraft alias. He was also bleach blond. So they didn't even think to link him to the officer's shooting. We are still digging, he may have committed other crimes. The point is, a man who kills an armed police officer won't hesitate to kill anyone. Especially if he thinks he's smart enough and clever enough to get away with it. We have also made Styles aware of most of Morrison's past. Needless to say it broke him even further. AJ Styles was truly in love with John Morrison." Ken took a sip of the root beer Shawn had given him.
Shawn tisked. "I actually feel bad for AJ. His worst problem is his huge ego and smart mouth. Maybe, someday down the line, he will take my council. Chris, you've said yourself he's a good chaser, even if he does dog people." Shawn spoke as a Pastor. He always looked for the good in people, or at least he tried.
Chris sighed. "Yeah, I know. When he's actually being serious, Styles has gotten good footage. Not anywhere near Adam and Dean's level, but good. With that red shoe of his, he does get close. Anyway, we'll do what you want, Sergeant. We will be as normal as possible. One question, if Morrison doesn't come out of hiding, will we have to stay? We want Morrison caught, but, we do have work to do. I suppose we could miss one storm, but if we don't go, Morrison could get suspicious." He looked at Ken, brow arched.
Ken rubbed his chin. "I'm hoping Morrison will hear about Pampa and come out to find Styles. If you have to go, you'll have to go. I won't stop your work. If it does happen, I'll speak to the Pampa Police. Look, until Morrison is caught, Kenny will stay with you. Even if you go to South Dakota." He gave Kenny Omega an appreciative smile.
Hunter spoke up. "Kenny, are you sure? I mean, what about your work? We are grateful. It is calming to know Chris and Seth are safe in the ROW. But..." He hated the thought of Kenny missing out on his normal police work.
Kenny looked at Hunter. "Don't worry, this is my real work. Honestly, with Kota away, I am enjoying the company. Listen, I've been thinking. I think Chris and I could pass off as being cousins. After all, we're both from Winnipeg. We could convince anyone listening that we're related, talking about life back in Canada. You invited me down to spend some time learning. Maybe I could have a chase team in Winnipeg?" He put forth the ideas he'd been thinking about.
Hunter smiled. "That's a great idea. Well Kenny, I guess you're stuck with us for a while."
"Welcome to the Jericho family, Kenny. Guess that makes us cousins-in-law." Adam smiled at Kenny.
Chris also smiled. "That's a great idea. Yeah, you're here to learn about new storm chase ideas. Oh, you have to be my Aunt's son, on my mom's side. My dad was an only child. Just in case Morrison, tries to check. It's shocking to hear all that about Morrison. He must be a true psychopath. Well, Sergeant, thank you for all that you are doing. If we do have to take Officer Omega with us, rest assured he will be well looked after. I just hope Morrison comes out of hiding."
"So do I. We and especially myself, really appreciate that you are all so willing to see this through. Morrison or Hennigan who ever he is, needs to be in jail. Oh, when I leave here, I'm going to the station and change into a disguise. If you see me, ignore me. Kenny, all your communication will be done on our secured cell phones. Clever as Morrison is, he may have access to a scanner. So with that, I say goodnight and pleasant dreams." Detective Sergeant Miller left after a round of handshakes. The group settled back down.
Adam leaned back against the headboard of his and Chris' bed. "I can't believe what JoMo has done. I can't help but wonder what he would have eventually done to Drew. And I thought Drew was an asshole. Maybe… Drew was saved… in a weird way. Oh well. Dean, did you get the video package off to Cole?" He knew Dean had worked on it while Detective Miller was there, so they could meet the deadline.
"Yep, I did. He confirmed it a minute ago. He also said he'd spoken to the Weather Channel. They will take our live feed, and they seemed excited about it." Dean informed Adam about the email from Michael Cole.
Adam beamed. "Good. Dean, this is a great opportunity for you. TWC will get a good look at what you can do. They will hire you for the Norman bureau. You will make a fantastic field reporter." Adam continued to beam like a proud father.
Dean stared at his mentor. "I never thought of that. What if I screw up?" His face clouded with worry.
Seth cupped Dean's face in his hands. "You haven't screwed up yet, and you won't. Even if you do, everyone makes mistakes. Remember that video we watched on funny news bloopers? You just chuckle and go on. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, don't waste it, D." He finished with a soft kiss to Dean's lips.
"Seth is right, Dean. Why do you think I put you in charge of the live stream. I knew you would be the best. I watched your class videos. I just wish we'd have done a live stream from day one. It was your idea. So you should be the one on the live stream." Chris spoke with utter confidence to the college student.
Dean shyly ducked his head. "Thank you, Chris. I appreciate it very much. I promise to always do my best for Jericho Storm Chase, Inc."
Dean then looked at Seth. "Thank you, baby. You and Ro are always behind me. I love you so much for that." He again kissed Seth, then went over to kiss Roman.
Roman gladly kissed Dean. "You know I have utter faith in you. Would you please bring me a cold cola? We've got some work to do on these probes." Roman and Hunter were deep in probe repairs.
Dean smiled. "Of course, Ro. Hunter, want anything?"
"I would love a cup of coffee, please. Kenny, I need to go out and get a tool box." Hunter stood with a stretch. Dean went to make coffee and fix Roman's cold drink.
"That's fine, Hunter. K nine is out there. Just keep pretending like we aren't here." Kenny gave Hunter a wink and a nod.
The rest of the evening was spent quietly. Everyone did their own thing. As usual the Weather Channel constantly ran in the background.
Sometime after midnight, Seth looked up at the TV. "Hey, look! It's our video!" He pointed at the TV.
The Weather Channel played the video package of the six funnel storm. They chyron across the bottom of the screen read: "Video footage from Jericho Storm Chase, Inc. Videographers Dean Ambrose and Adam Jericho." Adam and Dean toasted each other with root beer.
Everyone finally settled in to sleep around one in the morning. Adam was curled up in Chris' arms. "I want you so much." Chris barely whispered in Adam's ear.
Adam nuzzled into his husband's neck. "Me too, but not with everyone in the room." He also barely spoke.
"I love you, Kitty." Chris whispered again. He gave Adam a soft, love filled kiss.
"I love you, Lion." Adam returned the kiss. The couple snuggled together and fell into a deep sleep.
Shawn and Hunter had the same conversation as did the threesome. They all hated not being able to make love, but staying safe was more important.
While the seven storm chasers drifted off to sleep, Kenny had a silent text conversation with his husband, Kota in Japan. When he finished, Kenny felt into a light sleep in front of the door. He'd rented a roll-away bed and it was actually quite comfortable.
The morning of May 25th dawned like most, hot and cloudless. The previous days storm hadn't killed the heat, but the humidity was down. It was also Roman Reigns' 24th birthday.
Kenny Omega was the first one up. Without a sound, he folded up his bed. He dressed in a black Jericho Storm Chase, Inc. tee shirt, jeans and sneakers. All his police gear, like his weapon and cell phone were well hidden. He silently stepped out of the room.
The K-9 Officer watched the hotel room as Kenny bought a newspaper from the box in front of the hotel office. He returned to the room. Kenny noticed Hunter was up, but was probably in the bathroom of one of the other rooms.
Over the next hour, one by one, the team woke up. They stumbled into showers and returned fresh and chipper. Everyone was dressed the same. Jericho team tee shirts, jeans and sneakers. Adam and Shawn wore royal blue, but all the rest wore black.
When Roman came into the Jericho's room, Seth hugged him. "Happy birthday, Ro." He gave Roman a love filled kiss.
Dean kissed Roman next. "Happy birthday, you old dog. Sorry I can't make your usual birthday pecan waffles. We can go out for some. There is a Waffle House, you're favorite."
"Happy birthday, Roman." The others called out in a near chorus. Adam, Chris, Hunter, Shawn and Kenny all gave Roman a brother hug or handshake.
Roman smiled with a flush to his cheeks. "Thank you, everyone. I would love to go to the Waffle House. It's bad luck without my yearly pecan waffles. Does anyone mind?" He would do what the majority wanted. Roman wasn't pushy about things like this.
"Sounds good to me. I love their pork chops. And, it's on the company. After all, Dean and Adam's deal will help… a lot. So, let's head out. Let's take both vehicles, it looks better than all eight of us crowding into the Range Rover. Hunter, you and Shawn alright with that? You're both armed." Chris spoke as the group leader. He wanted to follow Sargent Miller's advice.
Hunter nodded. "Yeah, it's fine. I'd rather Kenny be with Chris and Adam. It's terrible to say, but they are in the most danger from Morrison." He was serious as he spoke.
Kenny nodded. "Sorry to say, but Hunter is right. Well, cousin Chris, you going to take me out for a real American breakfast?"
Adam spoke. "It is Roman's birthday. No more talk of Morrison. Happy day only, I mean it!" He too was serious. He wanted Roman to have a happy day, not one filled with worry and angst.
"Agreed. Today is Roman's day. Alright, move out! Waffle House or bust!" Shawn stated happily. He began to herd the group out of the door like a cowboy on a cattle ranch.
Thirty minutes later, the storm chasers and Officer Omega were seated at a long table by a large picture window in the Waffle House. They sipped their coffee and waited for their breakfast to arrive.
John Morrison sat in a booth in far corner of the Waffle House. He was unrecognizable. Morrison looked like a truck driver, who'd been on the road for weeks.
He wore a long, mouse brown wig, pulled into a pony tail. JoMo wore a red plaid flannel shirt like a jacket over a white wife beater, that badly needed a wash. He wore equally dirty jeans and heavy, dirty work boots covered his feet. A very well worn baseball cap rested on his head. Morrison also had a full beard and mustache. He also looked like he'd gained twenty pounds. This had been achieved by padding stuffed into the right places. It was amazing what could be found by diving into a few well chosen dumpsters, and raiding the Goodwill drop off boxes. Morrison sipped a cup of coffee and nibbled on a waffle. He'd been shocked when the Jericho team entered the restaurant. Now he wanted to stay, maybe he could learn something, something that would help him kill Chris Jericho and his blond bitch.
The Jericho Storm team was surprised when Kevin Nash walked up to their table.
"Kev! We thought you'd gone back home to edit your movie!" Hunter stood and shook Kevin's hand.
Kevin chuckled. "We were, but, I need more B roll. So, we came out for another month or so. Bad thing, we missed that six funnel storm by an hour. I see you've picked up a new team member." He nodded toward Kenny.
Chris smiled. "For a while. Kevin, meet my cousin Kenny. He came down from Winnipeg to see how we do things. He has a small team up there. Wants to learn more about data collection and camera techniques. Kenny, this is Kevin Nash. He's making an IMAX film on tornadoes and chasing. He drives that tornado tank you asked about."
Kenny stood and shook Kevin's hand. "It's an honor to meet you, Mister Nash. I can't wait to see your film. Cousin Adam has told me about it." He was a bit of a fanboy. He'd watched many videos that featured Kevin's tornado tank.
Kevin grinned brightly. "It's just Kevin, Mister Nash was my dad. Tell you what, I'll give Chris an extra ticket to the premier, maybe you can come. Say Dean, we caught your live feed yesterday, fantastic work. You have the talent to be a filmmaker, as does Adam. So, you headed to Pampa?" Kevin's brow arched as he spoke.
"Yes, but not for a couple of days. Adam and Dean want to shoot more pictures around here. We've got the time." Chris explained their plan to Kevin.
Morrison overheard every word. He knew he couldn't risk doing anything in Dodge City. JoMo had to get to Pampa, Texas, but how. He thought of AJ. Even though he'd grown to care a bit about the man, he wasn't sure AJ would take him back. JoMo thought, maybe if he fixed up pretty and used his tears, AJ would help. Maybe it was worth a try.
No one noticed when the scruffy truck driver left the restaurant. JoMo walked like his knees and back ached, from long, hard hours on the road. If anything good could be said about John "Morrison" Hennigan, it would be, he was a master of disguise and aliases.
The waitress brought Kevin's filled coffee thermos and gave him a smile. Kevin bid goodbye to the Jericho team, paid for the coffee and left. The waitress then began to serve the storm chasers breakfast.
Shawn waited until all the food had been served, then he gave a short, meaningful prayer of thanks. He also asked for added blessings for Roman to have a wonderful day and more in the future. The prayer ended with a chorused, "Amen."
Kenny leaned and spoke. "Morrison was here, that truck driver who sat in the back corner. He's gone now. You did a great job. I'm sure he believes I'm your cousin. He also reacted when Pampa was mentioned. I'm hoping he will go to Styles now. I will say one thing, he is excellent at disguises. I nearly didn't recognize him." He informed the group as they ate.
Shawn let out a sigh. "I had a feeling he was here. I just wasn't sure where. I'm glad to know I wasn't being crazy. You are very smart to have seen him."
Kenny smiled. "It's my job. A lot of it is feelings. He must have done some serious dumpster diving. Probably broke into some Goodwill boxes as well. If we can prove it, that's something else we can charge him with. Well, we can now relax a bit. How about an orange juice toast to Roman. Happy Birthday, Roman!" He raised his glass of juice to Roman.
"To Roman! Happy Birthday!" The others raised their glasses and toasted the graduate college student.
Roman ducked his head with a dust of blush on his cheeks. With his caramel skin tone, the blush made him even more handsome. "Thanks, everyone. I really do appreciate it. Birthday's in our family are usually embarrassing. A hundred and fifty Samoan's eating and drinking… well, I learned to just stay in my room during parties. This is much better. At least there won't be a trip to the jail to bail out Uncle Afa and Uncle Rikishi after their drunken fights. They weren't really vicious, just extremely loud. Some neighbor or other would always call the police eventually..." Roman went on to tell some funny stories about the family fights as they ate their breakfast.
By the time the meal was over, Morrison had, for the moment, been forgotten. During the last round of coffee, Roman caught Hunter's eye and nodded towards the restroom.
Hunter stood. "Excuse me, please. Too much coffee." He went to the restroom with a chuckle.
A couple of minutes later, Roman also excused himself. He went to join Hunter who waited for him.
Roman smiled at the older man. "Thanks for coming here. I'll make this quick..." He filled Hunter in on his plan. When their talk ended, Hunter left first. Roman followed a few minutes later. He hoped Dean wouldn't be suspicious, his lover had a quick mind.
Adam leaned back in his seat and rubbed his fully belly. "Next time, remind me that two pork chops are enough. That was too much. I want to take a nap. So, what is the plan?"
Shawn responded. "I need to go shopping, but not till the day before we pull out. Listen, we need to finish off the food in the coolers. I know it's probably not possible, but how about an afternoon and supper at the Arkansas River? We could swim and relax. Roman, it's your day. Is there something you would like to do?"
Roman grinned. "Actually, that sounds great. Kenny, is there a place we could go?" The thought of seeing Seth and Dean sunbathing was a perfect birthday wish come true.
Kenny smiled with a nod. "I know the perfect place. Kota and I found it. Perfect for a picnic, swimming and just relaxing. It is also very hard for anyone to find. It's an isolated, safe place." The spot was where he and Kota had first made love. It was also where he'd proposed to Kota. It was indeed a special place, but he didn't mind sharing it with the storm chasers and neither would Kota.
Chris brightened. "Sounds perfect. Okay, I officially declare this a day off. Kenny, lead the way." Chris stood and dropped two twenty dollar bills on the table for a tip.
Hunter pulled out the company credit card to pay. "Listen, Roman and I need to stop for a few probe repair supplies. We'll meet you back at the hotel. By the time everyone gets ready, we will be back. Don't worry, we will be safe. Anyone object?" It was a perfect way to carry out Roman's idea, unless Shawn objected.
Officer Omega spoke up first. "You'll be safe, I am sure. Just stay alert. But, if my instincts tell me anything, Morrison is off to pretty himself up for Styles. He will now think that Pampa is the place to attack next." He spoke with confidence.
Shawn laid a hand on Hunter's arm. "I know you will be alright. Just pick up some root beer, please. It goes so fast."
Hunter gave Shawn a chaste kiss. "I will. Thanks, love. You're so beautiful, my little copperhead." He spoke softly. Hunter's eyes were filled with love for his husband.
A few minutes later, Hunter and Roman left in the Scout truck. The others piled into the Range Rover and headed back to the hotel to prepare for an afternoon at the Arkansas River.
By the time Hunter and Roman arrived at the hotel, the others were ready. Shorts and tee shirts were the order of dress. Also, everyone had a backpack with swim gear and warmer clothes to wear in the evening. Kenny had told Shawn there was a rock fire ring they could use. Kenny knew, because he and Kota built it.
"Ro, all you have to do is change. Seth packed your backpack for you." Dean stated as he greeted Roman with a kiss.
Roman smiled into the kiss. "Thanks, D. I won't be long." He hurried off to change into his shorts.
Hunter stayed in his jeans. He only ever wore shorts to swim. Kenny showed Hunter the location of the area on one of Hunter's maps.
"How did you find this place. According to the map, there is nothing there." Hunter's brow arched. He believed Kenny, he was simply curious.
Kenny's face softened. "Okay, I confess. This is Kota and mines special place. On our first date, we went canoeing on the river. We found this place when we wanted to rest a bit. It became our place. It's where I proposed to Kota. As far as I know, no one else has been there. Our fire ring is always intact, and our wood pile is never depleted. There is a lovely sand beach, but the area is hidden by a thicket of trees, grasses and flowers. Adam, Dean you should bring your cameras." Kenny smiled at the group. They had all stopped what they were doing to listen to his story.
"Ah, Kenny. Are you sure you want us to invade your special place? We would understand if you'd rather not." Adam gave Kenny a soft smile of his own. He was a sappy romantic deep at heart.
Kenny nodded. "I'd only share it with you guys. Besides it's Roman's birthday. You guys deserve some time to relax and decompress, in a place where you can feel totally safe and secure." He ended with another firm nod.
Adam gave Kenny a friendly hug. "It is very sweet of you. Thank you. We do need some time to just kick back. I wish you really were our cousin."
Kenny chuckled. "Me too. I miss having family. Kota's family is fantastic, but they are all in Japan. Well, let's get going. I told the Sarge our plan and he thinks it's a great idea. Oh, no sign of Morrison going to Styles, but, Sarge said he probably won't make a move till dark. He said for us to enjoy ourselves and not to worry, the ROW is safe. Frank and Flash are on the job." He told about the talk he'd had with Detective Sargent Miller a bit earlier.
Chris grinned. "Sounds great. Oh and guys, no computers. I want us all to relax." He was firm in his words. He did want everyone to relax and enjoy the day. They might not have another chance during the season.
"Seth, Dean would you mind if I ride with Shawn and Hunter? I want to tell Hunter about an idea for the probes while it's still fresh in my mind. Then, when we get to the river, no shop talk, I promise." Roman spoke to his boyfriends as they all went outside.
"I don't mind, Ro. I know what it's like to keep an idea bottled up." Dean smiled at Roman.
Seth kissed Roman. "Go ahead, it's okay. But, when we get to the river, you are all ours to spoil on your birthday." He gave Roman another kiss with a sly wink.
Roman kissed both Seth and Dean. "Thanks. I promise, I am all yours at the river." He smiled, then got into the truck with the Helmsley's.
Hunter followed the Range Rover out of the parking lot. In the Rover, Kenny sat up front with Chris to point the way. Little did the storm chasers realize, John Morrison watched them leave. The criminal smiled, he knew now it would be safe to visit AJ. The cops only watched the damn Jericho's. Still, he would wait until dark. No need to draw unwanted attention. He had time to go back to his lair and fix up pretty for AJ. Morrison knew he would have to be as sexy as possible. He knew once AJ saw his tears, he would be back in AJ's bed and under his protection.
Kenny eventually pointed out a little used country road. After a couple of miles, he again pointed to a pig trail road. Luckily neither Rover or Scout had a problem. Kenny indicated for Chris to park in the midst of a small clearing of trees.
"The river is just down the hill, about a couple minutes walk. We tried driving down once, trust me, this is better." Kenny explained with a bit of a laugh.
Everyone carried a cooler or box down the small hill to the river bank below. There was a moment of silence as the group took in the beauty of the area.
The hill gave way to a lush grassy area, that bordered a sandy "beach". At the edge of the grass and sand was a large ring of river rock. There were felled trees that could be sat on or leaned up against near the ring. All kinds of beautiful flowers grew among the grass. A thicket of scrub pines encircled the area, and cut off any view from people who might pass by. It was a little paradise in Kansas, on the Arkansas River.
"Oh, Kenny. I can see why you and your husband love this place. I could build a cabin and be quite happy." Shawn exclaimed as he took in the calm, peaceful atmosphere. He was a woodsman at heart.
Hunter put his hands on Shawn's shoulders. He gently pulled his husband's back up against his chest. Hunter wrapped his arms around Shawn. "One day, my little copperhead. I promise, I will buy you a cabin in the woods. I am adding to that account every chance I get." Hunter always tried to put money in a special bank account every month. He really did want to buy Shawn his dream cabin. Hunter vowed it would happen one day.
Shawn turned to face Hunter. "I know, my love. I know." He kissed Hunter, confident, that come hell or high water, Hunter would keep his promise.
After a kiss to Hunter, Shawn spoke. "Kenny, where is the wood pile?" He asked as he and Hunter spread a blanket on the ground in front of the felled trees.
"Behind those rocks. It should be covered. Be careful, we have seen snakes. Only once, but still..." Kenny spoke in a warning tone.
Shawn chuckled. "Don't worry, I am hunter. I know the dangers of the woods. Oh will someone get some newspaper, please. I have some in the truck."
Dean started up the hill. "I'll get it. Adam, do you want your camera bag?"
Adam thought for a moment. "No, thanks. I am taking the day off. You can shoot if you want, you don't need my permission." He took a root beer out of the cooler, cracked it open and handed it to Chris.
Chris had sat on a blanket and rested his back against one of the fallen trees. "Thank you, Kitten. I can't believe you're not going to shoot any pictures." He smiled when Adam pulled his tee shirt off.
Adam grabbed a beach towel from his backpack. "I'm off today. I am going to work on my tan. A month into the season and I already have severe tee shirt sleeve tan lines. You want a sandwich before I go?" He already had a spot picked out on the beach.
Chris tugged on Adam's arm. The blond bent down and kissed his husband. "No, I'm fine. You go relax. I brought my favorite book. I am happy to read and relax." Chris pulled out a well worn paper back copy of 'The Hobbit'. He was a huge fan of Tolkien.
Kenny and Shawn gathered fire wood. Even though it was over 100 degrees, Shawn wanted to make a pot of camp fire coffee. Besides, once the sun went down, the temperature would rapidly drop being next to the river. A small fire now, would give the rocks time to heat up. By nightfall, the area would be warm and cozy.
Dean gave Hunter a thin stack of newspaper. He also had his camera bag. He grinned and took out his camera. Roman and Seth were already in the river, he couldn't resist taking a couple of pictures of his lovers at play.
Shawn happily tended the fire and the coffee. Hunter already dozed, shirtless as he lay on a nearby blanket. Shawn was glad Hunter felt so relaxed and content.
Kenny sat on the third log and worked on a crossword puzzle. However, the law enforcement officer was actively aware of every sound and movement. He was fairly sure Morrison wasn't anywhere near them, but, one could never be completely sure. He was there to protect and that is what Kenny Omega did.
It wasn't long before Dean put his camera away and joined Roman and Seth in the river. Seth laughed as Roman and Dean tried to catch him to dunk him under the water.
Eventually the college students went to the beach to sunbathe. Dean and Seth both rubbed suntan lotion across Roman's broad, muscular back. It was a wonderful birthday treat for Roman.
After Hunter woke up, he took Shawn down to the river for a swim. While the weather was hot, the water was fairly cold. After all, the waters of the Arkansas River came from the Rocky Mountains. It started as melted snow and ice, and the waters remained cold. It was why the Arkansas River was well known for trout fishing. Shawn almost wished he had some fishing gear.
Chris put his book down and grabbed his own beach towel. He went to join his husband on the sandy beach. Chris teased Adam a bit as he applied suntan lotion to his own muscular arms and torso.
"That's not fair. You bad, bad, Lion." Adam gave Chris a lust filled look.
Chris chuckled. "And neither is that look you are giving me. Shower tonight, after everyone is asleep." He spoke softly with a sly wink.
Kenny smiled as he watched the others. Seeing the love between the husbands and college lovers tugged his heart a bit. He missed Kota very much. However, he knew the work Kota did in Japan was important, and it made Kota happy. That was all that mattered to Kenny; Kota's happiness.
After a couple of hours of roasting in the sun, the seven storm chasers took a quick dip in the river. They soon sat around the small fire. Shawn filled coffee cups, then put another pot on to boil brew. He always had the camp coffee pot In the truck. He'd also filled several empty water bottles with tap water to use for making the coffee.
Suddenly Seth smacked his head with his hand. "Why didn't we stop to get some marshmallows? Or chocolate and graham crackers for S'mores!" He whined like a child instead of a post-graduate doctoral student.
Roman exchanged a glance with Hunter. They both grinned, but kept quiet. What Seth didn't know, wouldn't hurt. But, root beer wasn't the only thing they had purchased at the store on their earlier errand.
Everyone was startled when Kenny's police issued cell phone rang. Kenny quickly answered it. He obviously spoke to Detective Sargent Miller.
Kenny looked at the group of storm chasers. "He wants me to put it on speaker. Sarge has something very serious to say…"