Brian's patience has run out, somewhere around the 10th advertising pitch he had submitted to that arrogant man, Belden. Despite his admittedly self-diagnosed brilliant ideas, nothing seemed to impress this man. Not too long ago, this kind of challenge would have been met stubbornly until nothing but a signed agreement had been obtained. But surprisingly, the Brian Kinney of the present had finally decided that maybe it wasn't all so fucking important that all battles be won. Maybe his attitude had started to change around the time he had to battle more important issues: the cancer, getting fired, losing all his possessions. Because a strange thing happened when all that came crashing down on him. He found out what really meant the most of all: his friends, his son, and most importantly, Justin. Yes, the successful ad exec had finally realized what really meant the most to him, and amazingly, it WASN'T winning over every potential client he encountered.
So after waging yet another unsuccessful campaign to win over this unyielding, smug asshole, Brian did something astonishing: he decided to pack up his toys and go home. He wanted nothing more than to fly back to Pittsburgh and surprise his partner with a night alone at the loft, just the two of them in each other's arms, fucking each other's brains out – in their bed, the shower, the couch, and anywhere else the mood struck them.
Feeling the weight of the world lifted from his shoulders, he stuffed the remainder of his clothes into his leather tote and picked up the hotel phone to inform the front desk he was checking out. He smiled in anticipation of his partner's reaction at seeing him back early. Well, better rest up now, Sunshine, because when I get home, you'll be getting a thorough workout. Since he had already spoken to Justin earlier today, he determined he could make it back home to the loft just in time before they were supposed to talk again. Perfect timing. His heart beat faster at the thought of seeing his lover soon. He eagerly picked up his luggage as he walked out of the hotel room toward the elevators.
"So, Justin, have you ever been to Lancaster?"
Looking sheepish, Justin admitted, "I'm afraid I don't know much about it. I remember seeing an old movie with Harrison Ford in it and a lot of Amish people there. That's about all I know, I'm afraid."
Vince chuckled. "Yeah, I get that from a lot of people. Everyone thinks that's all there is in Lancaster – Amish people riding around in horse and buggies. Don't get me wrong – there IS a large population of Amish living there. But Lancaster is a very contemporary city in a lot of other ways, and the fact that it's not seen as a very cosmopolitan area is actually an advantage to me. There aren't a lot of fine dining establishments in Lancaster as a result, so I've been able to pretty much corner the market there when it comes to more expensive cuisine. There's not a lot of competition, shall we say. All to the good for me, though. It certainly doesn't hurt profits one bit," he confided, winking at his flying companion.
Justin smiled. Despite his initial nervousness at accompanying the powerful man on his jet, the older man was very adept at making him feel at ease. He had a dry wit and had a wealth of information about epicurean trends and Pennsylvania culture in general. Justin found himself fascinated by some of the quirky facts he divulged about several of the cities where his restaurants were located, and he was only too willing to share this knowledge with the artist. He was also very informative about what he thought were some very unique spots throughout the state that he felt Justin should take advantage of for his painting. Justin spent quite a bit of time during the flight jotting down each of the suggestions for scenic vistas that Comisar gave to him. He made a mental note to do some more in-depth research regarding those locations when he got back from this trip.
Everything seemed to be going smoothly. Comisar has gushed over the painting and the way it had been framed. He practically bubbled with excitement, affirming to Justin that the painting would go perfectly in his newly-remodeled restaurant. He was thankful, though, that the artist had agreed to accompany him, as it was extremely important to the fastidious man that everything was situated just right in his restaurants. He fervently believed that not only did the quality of food determine a successful eating establishment, but also the ambiance and décor.
Justin was eager to see the man's newly-remodeled restaurant; he also hoped to establish the right location for his painting rather promptly, so he could complete his commitment and head back to Pittsburgh in time to meet Brian at the airport when he returned. He still felt guilty about leaving without Brian's knowledge, but he knew how worried his partner would be if he knew he had left town, even if it was for a business reason. He only hoped Brian would understand when he explained to him.
"Justin?" His thoughts just then were interrupted by his escort, who was returning from the cockpit after speaking with his pilot. "Scotty told me we should be in Lancaster shortly. I hope you don't mind – since it's close to lunch time, I arranged for my chef at the restaurant to prepare a light lunch for us. Actually, you'll be doing me a favor. This is a new chef, and he could use the practice on some guinea pigs before we reopen," he added, smiling. "I know you're anxious to get back to Pittsburgh, but would you mind sticking around just a little longer afterward for lunch? He can have it prepared while we discuss the placement of your painting, and I'll make sure we depart immediately after we're finished eating. Okay by you?"
Justin sighed inwardly, masking his disappointment that he couldn't leave more quickly; however, he realized he would need to eat somewhere, and it didn't sound like it would take too long. Besides, a free French meal didn't exactly sound distasteful, he thought realistically. Just wait until Emmett hears this – he'll be so jealous."That sounds fine, Mr. Comisar," Justin answered. I appreciate your thoughtfulness."
"Good," the restaurateur replied. "And call me Vince. I'll have the pilot call the chef to advise – these damn cell phones aren't worth a crap on this jet – too much interference. If you'll excuse me for a minute," he said, disappearing once again toward the cockpit area.
Comisar's mention of his cell phone made Justin slightly panic, for he suddenly realized he had forgotten to even BRING his cell phone with him; he had been in such a hurry rushing to the diner to meet with Em for breakfast, he had ran out of the loft without it. He had already checked in with Brian before breakfast, so thankfully he wouldn't be expecting another call until later this evening. Justin was sure he could either make it back in time for the call, or at worst he could borrow Comisar's phone to call him, so he wasn't overly concerned at the moment.
As soon as he knew he was out of earshot and beyond Justin's sight, Comisar quickly flipped open his cell phone and dialed a familiar number. "Listen, I don't have much time to talk. We're about to land. Everything's arranged on this end. We should be at the restaurant around 12:30 or so."
"Good," Lane replied. "I'll take care of the rest of the details here. I owe you big time, buddy. You don't know how much I appreciate this. Leave the rest to me."
"Oh, don't worry," his friend replied. "I've already got my date with the tailor," he added jokingly before flipping the phone shut.
Brian was never so relieved to get off a plane; he was glad he only had a carry-on to lug from his seat to the long-term parking area and his 'Vette. Fortunately for him, the guys from the art department had been left the unwelcome task of dragging all the other supplies out of the baggage claim area and back to the agency.
As he eased his long legs into the car, he thought briefly about calling Justin to let him know he was back, but not wanting to spoil the surprise, he decided against it. Instead, as soon as he was out of the terminal parking area, he picked up his cell phone to call Lee Keller with Ever Watch Security; he could still check on Justin without him knowing he was back.
"Lee? Hi, it's Brian."
"Brian? Back from your trip early?"
"Yeah, I finished up what I needed to do. How's the situation around the loft? Everything quiet?"
Puzzled, Keller asked, "I'm not sure what you mean. I did as you instructed me to do. My men haven't been at the loft for a couple of days now."
"What the FUCK are you talking about? What do you mean, as I instructed you to do?"
"You told your assistant to call me and cancel the security detail. You said your partner had found out about and was pissed. I don't understand – what's going on?"
"That's what I'D like to know!" Brian was close to exploding. "I did NO SUCH THING! Who called and cancelled it? Fuck!"
"It was some assistant of yours….I think he said he was your comptroller? Smith maybe?"
"Ted Schmidt?"
"Yeah, that's the name. He called and said you wanted to cancel immediately. He even had the correct cancellation code. Are you saying you did NOT tell him to call and cancel?"
"You're fucking right I DIDN'T!" Brian's fury made his face redden. Under any other circumstances, the next words out of his mouth would have been a not-so-polite confirmation that the man had just been fired from any further security details; however, his extreme worry for his partner outweighed any such concerns at the moment. "I'll talk to you LATER," he snarled as he abruptly snapped the phone shut. He took a few seconds to breathe before opening it back up open and quickly pressing the speed dial key for Justin's cell.
The phone rang twice before he heard his partner's voicemail message. He could barely control himself as he desperately waited for the tone to begin speaking. "Shit!" He yelled into the phone. "Where ARE you? I TOLD you to leave your phone on! Please! Call me as soon as you get this message!"
His heart beating rapidly as all kinds of terrible scenarios played out in his mind, Brian dialed Ted at Kinnetik.
"Brian! The guys from the art department just called me and said you were back. Listen, I'm sorry it…."
"Ted!" Brian snarled. "Shut the fuck up and LISTEN to me! Did you call Keller at Ever Watch and cancel the security detail I had at the loft?"
"No, Brian. I didn't call anyone. I didn't even know you HAD security staked out at the loft. Why?"
"Have you seen Justin since I left?" The brunet could not disguise his mounting concern.
"No, I'm sorry, Brian, I haven't. I've been so busy here at the agency while you've been gone."
Brian was about to snap the phone shut in total frustration when Ted mentioned something that made his blood run cold. "Brian, before you go, there was a letter delivered by a special courier a little while ago. Had your name and Kinnetik's on it, but no return address. The man who gave it to me said to make sure you read it as soon as possible, and then just abruptly walked out. What's going on?"
Brian's hands clenched on the steering wheel. Forcing himself to remain calm, he took a deep breath before telling his assistant, "Open it up and read it to me."
He could barely control his patience as he heard the envelope being slit open and the paper being unfolded. "Ted! What does it SAY?"
"I don't get it, Brian," the man said, confusion plainly registering in his voice. "It says, I told you I don't stop until I get what I want. He's where he belongs now." And in that moment, Brian had a total epiphany as he replayed a conversation he had had over a year ago with a certain pompous, cocky businessman:
"I didn't get this far in the fashion business by being timid. If I wanted something, I went after it until I got it. The same goes for my personal life. If I want something, I don't stop until I get it. And I WANT him. More than I've ever wanted any other man. And I won't quit until I have him completely – mind, body, and soul. "
"Oh, my God. Prescott." Suddenly, everything made perfect sense. How could he have been so stupid? The expensive gifts, the very personal writing, it all had the earmarks of that arrogant son of a bitch who was so enamored of Justin last year. How could he have forgotten the obvious?
"What did you say, Brian?" Brian momentarily forgot he still had Ted on the line.
"Never mind, Ted. Keep the paper there. Whatever you do, do NOT throw it away!"
"Okay, sure. Is everything all right?" Ted was totally befuddled by now.
"No, Ted, everything is NOT all right," Brian replied, wearily. He snapped the phone shut as his hands trembled on the steering wheel. This cannot be happening. Justin. Where ARE you?