Two Steps Beyond

Part 87

The next morning when Mr. Smythe came down for coffee Lexi was already in the kitchen. "Morning." He said after giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Morning Dad, sleep well?" She said as she poured him a cup of coffee.

"I did, you?"

"I did. Are you sure Cooper or I can't drive you to the airport?"

"I'm positive, but thank you for the offer. I really need to thank you for everything you did."

"There is no need to thank me, Dad. I just hope it all works out the way you want."

"It should. The Senator is supposedly a smart man who just had a lapse of judgment because he loves his children. Sadly I know how that can be."

"Dad." Lexi said before sitting down next to him. "You need to stop beating yourself up for everything that happened. You did the best you could in crummy circumstances."

"That's nice of you to say, but…"

"Please Dad, don't. Dwelling on everything isn't going to make things better. And right now, you're doing more than anyone could've ever expected. Have you been keeping our Mother informed of what's going on?"

"She knows almost everything. The only thing I didn't tell her was what happened to Blaine. It's not my place to tell her that. I'm still a bit shocked that he let Seb tell me."

"Well, from what you told me you really didn't leave them much chose. But you're right, if Blaine didn't want to tell you, he wouldn't have. Did you get to talk to his parents about it?"

"I did. Seeing how emotional they got about it, just proved my point even more. No one should have to go through that. The worst part is Blaine was basically still a kid when it happened. The fact that he's grown into such a remarkable young man is amazing."

"I agree." They both turned and spotted Cooper. "He is remarkable."

"Where are your parents Coop?" She asked as he poured himself some coffee.

"They went for a walk, but they should be back soon. I'm sure Lexi already said it, but are you sure one of us can't drive you?"

"Positive, though I appreciate the offer."

"Are you going to be going back to Ohio tonight Dad?"

"That's the plan. After my meeting I'll give you a call."

By the time Mr. and Mrs. Anderson had returned, Lexi was already up in her office working. Since that was the case, Cooper was in the family room with the kids. When Brittany arrived she saw the three parents in the foyer talking. After saying hello she headed up the stairs. "Morning Cooper."

"Morning Britt, have fun last night?"

"I did, thank you. Is Lexi in her office?"

"Where else." After Brittany headed down the hall, Cooper got up from his spot on the floor since the twins seemed occupied for a moment and walked over to the staircase. As he looked over the railing he could see the three parents deep in conversation. He'd tried numerous times to get them to tell him and Lexi what was going on but they weren't saying a word. It was times like this he really wished they didn't treat them as children though he understood why. They were parents and in their mind they're protecting their children. All of them were as upset with what was happening as Lexi and Cooper were, but they seemed to have a better handle on things.

Once he was back on the floor he soon saw Lexi walking down the hall. Without a word said, he watched her open the gate and head down the stairs. With a quick glance at his watch Cooper realized that Mr. Smythe must be about to leave. Since they'd already said their goodbyes, Cooper stayed where he was. He knew all too well that Lexi needed some time alone with her Dad.

When she finally came back up she walked over to where Cooper was and knelt down next to him. Before saying anything she leaned in and placed a kiss on his cheek. "I love you Coop."

"I love you too, you okay?" He asked while turning slightly so that he could see her while still keeping an eye on the kids.

"Yea, I'm just worried. What if whatever he has planned doesn't work?"

"He has a back-up plan."

"And how do you know that?"

"I overheard him and my Dad talking. Honestly, I think they both want him to screw up."

"Why?"

"Because they're going to go after him with both barrels blazing."

The flight down to DC was uneventful and reminded Mr. Smythe of so many of the flights he'd taken around Europe. After claiming his bag he found his driver waiting for him. He'd considered taking a cab, but didn't want to worry about dealing with his luggage so he commissioned a car for the afternoon. On the ride over to the Senator's office, Mr. Smythe took quite a few calming breathes. Even though he had all the right in the world to be furious, he knew he needed to remain calm, not only for Sebastian's sake, but for Blaine's as well.

Once he was inside he walked into the outer office. "Good afternoon sir, may I help you?"

"Yes, I have an appointment with Senator Jackson."

"Your last name."

"Anderson." The secretary then glanced at the calendar on her desk.

"He's currently in a meeting Mr. Anderson but he should be done soon."

"That's not a problem; I don't mind waiting to see him."

"Very well." It was almost an hour later when a group of men exited the senator's office. While his secretary walked into the office Mr. Smythe took one last look at his phone. A small smile crept to his face when he saw a text from Sebastian wishing him luck with whatever he had planned. "The senator is sorry for the wait Mr. Anderson, but he'll see you now."

"Thank you." He replied as he got up from his chair. After straightening his suit he followed the secretary towards the office.

"Go right on in, he's waiting." Once Mr. Smythe was inside the office the secretary closed the door behind him.

"Mr. Anderson, how may I…you're not Mr. Anderson."

"You're correct, I'm not. And since you know that, you must remember me. I'm Alexander Smythe." Senator Jackson looked at Mr. Smythe for a moment before offering him a seat and taking one as well.

"What can I do for you Mr. Smythe?"

"You can keep your son away from my son."

"Trevor hasn't gone near Sebastian again, has he?"

"No, he hasn't yet. But he's made it abundantly clear that he blames my son for his problems. It's only a matter of time before he tries again."

"I'm sorry that you see it that way, but Trevor told me he wouldn't go near him again."

"And you believe him." The sternness in Mr. Smythe glare seemed to catch the senator off guard.

"I…I do."

"Your hesitation says otherwise. You know probably better than anyone what a loose cannon your son is. He confronted my son in a room full of people. Not only that, but my son was with friends. So it wasn't just random people."

"As I told you at the University, it was a lapse in judgment on his part."

"Are you talking about him merely showing up on campus, a place he's not supposed to be or confronting and shoving my son?"

"Both, and I've spoken to him about it."

"Did you know he showed up at lacrosse practice two weeks prior to confronting my son?"

"He wouldn't have."

"But he did. Seems he's keeping an eye on the lacrosse team as the day he showed, Michael wasn't there."

"So you know about the restraining order."

"I do. Michael and his parents are lovely people."

"You've spoken to them?" The uncertainty in the senator's voice was exactly what Mr. Smythe was hoping for.

"I have. You see, the entire lacrosse team heard about Trevor confronting my son. And it just so happens that two of the boys that were with my son that day, were teammates. Who in turn told their captains what happened."

"I see. I can only assume you didn't only come here to share this information with me, you must want something."

"I do and you're the only person that can see to it that it happens."

"And if I don't?"

"Everyone finds out that the senator that lobbies for equal rights for gays allow his own son to go unpunished when he committed a hate crime."

"He was punished."

"You and I both know that was not the punishment he deserved."

"Fine, what do you want Mr. Smythe?"

"You're going to make it clear to your son that he's to stay the hell away from mine."

"Anything else?"

"Yes, he's not only going to stay away from Sebastian, he's going to stay away from Sebastian's boyfriend."

"And why would he bother your son's boyfriend?"

"Now senator, you and I both know if he's told he needs to stay away from Sebastian he might still want to hurt him and what better way to do that then hurt his boyfriend."

"I doubt my son even knows who he is, but fine."

"That's where you're wrong senator, he does know as he talked about him when he confronted my son. I know you're not a dumb man, you're just doing what any father would do and that's protecting their children. But in this case, you are protecting your son who clearly has issues which is endangering others. So, if your son or for that matter, the friends he had with him that day go anywhere near my son or his boyfriend it will get out how you saw to it that your son went unpunished."

"That would ruin my career."

"That it would, considering what you supposedly believe in. You'd be viewed as the hypocrite that you are."

"I'm not a hypocrite. I truly believe that your son and his boyfriend deserve the same rights that heterosexual couples are allowed."

"You became one when the day you protected your son. So if you want to even have any hope of being elected to another term you'll see to it your son gets the help he needs and stays away from my son and his boyfriend."

"Fine, I'll speak with Trevor. You need to believe me Mr. Smythe; I don't condone what my son did to Michael. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about it. I can only imagine how his parents felt."

"Put it this way senator; imagine your son in a hospital bed beaten so badly that you're thankful each day that you don't receive a phone call telling you he passed away during the night. And that the only reason he's there is because he dared to be true to himself. But someone took offense to it and took it upon themselves to let him know, that in their eyes who he is, is wrong." Mr. Smythe could see just how uncomfortable the senator was as he spoke.

"That's…horrible. No parent should have to go through that."

"I agree. That is why you need to see to it that your son doesn't hurt another person again."

"As I've said, I'll talk to him."

"You better see to it he listens, because all it's going to take is one phone call and everyone will know what you've done."

"I understand Mr. Smythe." As the two men stood the Senator looked at Mr. Smythe. "May I ask you a question?" Mr. Smythe nodded. "Have you ever wished your son wasn't gay?"

"No, I love Sebastian for who he is regardless of his sexual orientation. The only thing I want for my children is for them to be happy with whomever they end up with. And that's the only reason I came here today."

"I understand that, though your methods leave something to be questioned. You do know all I'd have to do is make a phone call and you'd be arrested for blackmailing a senator."

"I know that. And you should also know by now I'm not a man who does something without a contingency plan."

By the time Mr. Smythe left the senator's office, he had a satisfied grin on his face. It wasn't that he was necessarily proud of what he had done, but he would do everything he could to protect Sebastian as well as Blaine. He understood why the Senator did what he did, it was just unfortunate he didn't consider the consequences of his actions might cause. Once he was settled in his car and on his way back to the airport it was time for him to make some calls.

"Hello, Clarington household."

"Hello, I'd like to speak with Mrs. Clarington."

"May I ask who is calling?"

"Alexander Smythe."

"One moment please." While he waited for her to pick up he leaned his head back and relaxed for what felt like the first time in days.

"Alexander."

"Hello, Abigail. How are you?"

"I'm doing well. How did things go?"

"Better than expected. He said he'd speak with his son."

"As much as I wish that a talk would end this, I have a feeling it won't."

"That is something we both agree upon. But I made it clear to him that if Trevor or his friends go anywhere near Seb or Blaine I would see to it everyone would know what he had done."

"How did he take that?"

"He was shocked and said it would ruin him."

"It will ruin him. Personally I wish we'd just release the information but I understand why you're holding it above his head. You're hoping it's enough to keep the boys safe."

"I know it's selfish to do this to solely protect them, but…"

"You don't have to explain, I get it. I would do anything to protect my children as well. Now, since you're obvious not going to be in New York with the boys are you going to let Lexi and Cooper in on what you've done?"

"I'm going to need to, though I'd prefer to keep them out of it. Once we're done speaking I need to call Greg and Carolyn and let them know how things went."

"Do you mind me asking what they thought of your plan?"

"They thought it was risky since I basically…you know I really should say it over the phone."

"Good decision and I agree with them. It was risky, but you didn't go into it not knowing it was."

"He mentioned it to me as well. To that I pointed out I didn't come here without a contingency plan. And that seemed to frighten him more as he knows I'm not the only one involved. Now we'll just have to wait and see if he's able to get through to his son."

"I hope he's able to as well."

"Well, I should be going so I can call the Andersons before my flight. Thank you again for all your help."

"As I've told you before, it was my pleasure. And please, let the Andersons know if they need anything to not hesitate to call me."

"I can do that. Goodbye Abigail."

"Goodbye Alexander."

Once the call ended, Mr. Smythe asked his drive how long it would be till they'd be at the airport. Considering DC traffic, he had more than enough time to make his call. Upon calling the house he was greeted by Brittany's bubbly voice. After asking if the Andersons were there, he asked her if she could put one of them on the phone. "Hello."

"Greg, it's Alexander."

"I was hoping you'd call soon. How did it go?"

"Better than expected. His face when he saw me was priceless. I think that was his first indication that he wasn't going to like where this meeting was going to go."

"Now, did he still try to explain away his son's actions?"

"Of course he did. And I made it clear that by protecting his son he's putting too many people at risk. From everything I've been told a simple conversation with this boy isn't going to stop him."

"What does the senator think?"

"At first he believed it might, but the more I spoke you could tell he was realizing how bad the situation was. He had no clue that his son had shown up at practice."

"How did he respond when you told him you spoke with Michael and his family?"

"He was mortified. The best thing Michael's family did was not settle which allows them to talk about what happened. I'm certain if they'd accepted a settlement a gag-order would've been put in place barring them from talking about it."

"If they couldn't speak, this whole incident would've been completely swept under the rug. Now, did you make your terms clear to him?"

"I did and he seemed surprised that I included Blaine, though I didn't mention him by name. I just informed him that his son knew who Seb's boyfriend was. He felt I was overreacting that his son might go after Blaine if he couldn't go near Seb."

"You and I both know the easiest way to hurt someone is to go after someone they love. So, I appreciate that you're looking after Blaine."

"As I said before, there is no need to thank me. I know you would've done the same thing. Both of our boys would disown us if we didn't protect the other."

"That they would. Now, what do you need me to do?"

"Explain the situation to Lexi and Cooper since I feel it's important they're spoken to in person. We both know how they feel about what's going on. And we both know Blaine and Seb will go to them before they call either of us."

"I'll talk to them once Lexi is done working for the day and Brittany's gone home. If things happen the way we both think they're going to, who are they to call to set everything in motion?"

"All it's going to take is one phone call to Abigail. I've already spoken to her. That reminds me, she said if you or Carolyn needs anything to call her."

"Does it need to be Lexi to make the call or can it be her or Cooper?"

"It can be either of them. Also, I put a safety net in place."

"And what would that be?"

"Abigail is going to speak with Cassie about everything in case Hunter says anything to her to raise a flag."

"That makes sense considering Hunter goes to school with Seb."

"Are you sure Blaine is going to be alright?"

"Yes. From everything he and Seb have told me ever since Blaine told Nick and Jeff what's going on Jeff seems to be keeping a close eye on Blaine. I know those boys well enough that if anything was to happen to Blaine, they would call Seb or Cooper immediately."

"Well then, sounds as though we've got our boys covered as well as we can without intruding on their lives completely."

"Is it wrong to wish we could do more?"

"No, because I wish there was. Well, I've arrived at the airport so I need to go. Good luck with your talk with Lexi and Cooper. Fair warning, my daughter is stubborn."

"Thanks and that's something I do know. I'll call you once we all talk. Have a safe flight."

"Thank you. Bye."