It had been two weeks since Davy's funeral. Bret was doing better. There was a major breakthrough during the first week after the burial. Bret had asked Adam and Shawn to go with him to his house. He had decided to sell the modest home. They were there to pack Davy's things. Bret wanted the clothes to go to the fire storage.
The fire storage was run by the Fire Spouses Auxiliary. They kept clothes, toys, furniture, and appliances in a big warehouse. People who had lost things in fires could come there and "shop". The only payment required was what ever they could give, even if it was only fifty cents. The other requirement was they had to show proof they didn't have any fire insurance.
Bret decided that everything in the house, except his own clothes and a few boxes of personal items would go to the warehouse. He would just buy new furniture when he found a new house to buy.
The breakthrough happened when Bret started to sort through Davy's closet. He got so angry, he scared Adam. Shawn held steady as Bret ranted and raged. Several mirrors were shattered along with some plates. While Shawn and Bret were sitting in the middle of the broken shards of glass, the grief hit Bret like never before. As he sobbed, he tried to bargain with God to bring David back.
Shawn did a lot of talking while Bret did a lot of crying. Finally the pastor in Shawn convinced Bret that asking God to take Davy away from Heaven would be wrong. Bret finally accepted the fact that David was happy on his pink cloud.
In the days that followed, the grief and anger slowly changed to acceptance. Bret wasn't "healed", but he was making progress. He'd even started house hunting.
Adam had learned a lot about grief and its stages. He knew it would help him with patient's families in the future. Shawn had given him some great books on the subject as well. His friendship with Bret continued, it was hard not to, after all Bret was still living with Shawn and Hunter. They saw each other nearly every day.
It was Friday morning, Adam was over in the main house doing his laundry. Shawn had long ago insisted that Adam should stop wasting money at the laundromat and use his machine. So, that's what the young doctor was doing.
Adam was excited, he'd worked three days in a row, with no break just to have the weekend off. This was the weekend in Colorado Springs Chris had promised him. Chris was going to pick him up at six. If they were lucky with the traffic, they would be in the "Springs" by seven or a little after.
Jericho had made reservations at the five-star, five diamond, Broadmoor Hotel Resort. It had been built in 1871 and was "the" place to stay. While he couldn't exactly afford a luxury suite, Chris had booked a room with a mountain view.
Bret, who was still off work was listening while he fried up a couple of hamburgers for their lunch, while Adam ironed one of Chris' dress shirts carefully.
"I've always wanted to stay at the Broadmoor. Chrissy got a room with a mountain view. I'd like to go there for part of our honeymoon," Adam's voice was full of excitement as he told Bret about the weekend.
"Oh, honeymoon? Did you set the date then?" Bret asked curiously as he added blue cheese to the burgers.
The ironing board was set up in the kitchen, near the door to the laundry room. Adam carefully folded the shirt and placed it in the open suit case that sat in a nearby chair. It was already half packed. Adam started ironing his own shirt, "well no. We're going to do that this weekend. That's kind of the reason for the trip. We want to get away from everything. My brother will "baby sit" the band so none of them can bother us," he explained as the iron steamed out the wrinkles in the light blue shirt.
"Good luck then. I can't believe I haven't met Jason yet, he must be really busy. You must worry about him, like I do with Oje," Bret responded as he slipped the burgers onto the waiting buns. He checked the fries baking in the oven.
"He is, and I do. Well, he gets good care. He and Slater, the lead guitarist, have eyes for each other. Probably more than eyes involved by now. So, is Owen settled? You must miss him," Adam said as he folded his freshly pressed shirt and added it to the suit case. He turned off the iron and sat down at the kitchen table. He made two check marks on a piece of paper. It was a list of what needed to be packed.
"Well, I hope to meet your brother soon. Yes, Oje is fine. The kids are excited to have a huge bunch of cousins to play with and Margret is house hunting. I miss him terribly, but Owen is his own man with his own life and family," Bret said with a sigh. He took the fries out of the oven and slid them into a basket. He took the food to the table and sat down with Adam. The doctor poured two glasses of iced tea from the pitcher on the table.
"I understand, I'm glad they are doing well. Thanks for making lunch, I get so busy I sometimes forget to eat," the doctor laughed as he took a bite of his burger. His tongue chased a drip of ketchup.
Bret smirked, he thought that one day, that tongue licking was going to get the kid in trouble. "Happy to do it," he paused and looked up at the ceiling, then continued. "Bet they are glad their night shifts are over for a while. Is it rare for all three of you to be off for a weekend?" Bret asked with a sip of his tea.
"Yes, it is. I had to work nearly thirty-six hours in a row to get this weekend off, but I don't care. A weekend with Chris at the Broadmoor, I can't wait..." Adam was interrupted when his cell phone went off, it was Chris' ring tone. Adam got up and took the phone to the laundry room. He decided it would be better, sometimes their calls got a little... sexual in nature.
Bret smiled and kept eating, he flipped on the little television, it was time for the noon news, he liked to keep up with events. He finished off his lunch. By the news, and hour had gone by and Adam wasn't back yet.
Hart decided he'd better go find out if he should put Adam's half eaten burger to warm in the oven. He went to the laundry room. Adam was sitting in the middle of the floor, he knees drawn up to his chest, his arms over his head as his chin rested on his knees, his shoulders were shaking. Adam appeared to be crying.
Bret knelt next to the blond, he placed a gentle hand on Adam's shoulder, "Hey, what's wrong?"
Adam gave a sniff, he looked up at the fire Captain, his beautiful hazel eyes were rimmed in red, "That was Chris. We can't go. He has to be at the studio," his words came in halting, broken sobs, he could barely speak at all.
Bret sighed, he felt bad for Adam, but he knew in his job experience that things sometimes happened. Many times plans he and Davy made were interrupted or had to be changed.
"I'm sorry, Adam. It's hard, I know, but sometimes things happen. I'm sure Chris is just as upset. You know they just want to make the best possible record..." he hoped he was helping, but Bret wasn't sure.
Adam nodded, "I know you're right. I just, all those hours I worked; for nothing. The band always comes first," he whined like a hurt child.
"I'm sure you've had to change plans with Chris because of a shift change. He probably says your patients come first. Look at it this way, you have a nice weekend off. I'm sure you can still spend time with Chris. Come to the barbecue tomorrow, you know Shawn throws a great party," Bret spoke in an encouraging tone. He kept his hands on Adam's shoulder.
"Stop making sense," Adam said with a bit of a laugh, then continued, "yes I have, more than once. That sounds like fun. Maybe Jay and Chris could come. Shawn always makes too much food," he spoke with another laugh. Adam then pulled himself up with Bret's help. He still had laundry to do.
While Adam started unpacking, Bret warmed the left over burger in the oven. They chatted while they worked. Bret sat with Adam while he finished his lunch.
The rest of the afternoon was spent washing, ironing, folding and putting clean things away. Adam carried a basket of laundry, while Bret carried the empty suit case. They were going up the steps to Adam's apartment over the garage. It was Hart's first time in the carriage house.
Adam stopped before he turned the key in the lock, "Sorry about the mess," he face blushed a bit. Adam opened the door and entered. He went to the far corner where his closet was located. Bret followed him in. Hart looked around, to him the place was a neat as a pin. Only a few dirty dishes cluttered the sink and the trash can was a little full.
The carriage house was a large space. It was divided, by the furniture into a living/sitting room with a small fire-place. A small kitchen with stove, sink, fridge, and cabinets. The bedroom area had a dresser, small closet and a queen sized bed. A door led to the bathroom. It was a cozy space.
Bret admired Adam's taste. The colors were soft and inviting. There were pictures on the wall, some of Adam and Chris, others with another young man and a pretty older woman. He assumed they were Adam's brother and mother. There were a few pictures of Shawn and Hunter with the Copeland brothers.
Over the small fireplace was a beautiful painting of the sun going behind the mountains and the colors of the sky were perfect, yellow to orange to pink. Bret set the suit case down and moved to look closer at the artwork. Hart saw the signature in the corner, "you? You painted this? Adam it's beautiful," he was truly impressed with the doctor's hidden talent.
Adam closed the closet door, again he blushed, "yes I did. It was my final for the art course I took during my first year of college. I haven't had time to paint since. I miss it," his tone had a bit a pride mixed with sadness. He loved painting, but had no time.
"I draw cartoons, but this is... master work. Adam, you should make time, even if it's only an hour or two a week. Do you have more?" Bret asked his brow raised. All artists usually had hidden works somewhere.
Adam laughed, "You've seen my work before, you just didn't know it. Yes, I have more, one moment," he opened the closet door again and started moving a few things.
Bret thought about it, then it dawned on him, "that painting, over the couch in Shawn's front parlor. The one of the mountains reflected in the lake! You did that?" he asked with a smile. He loved that painting as well. He always thought it was just something Shawn found in an art store.
Adam closed the door again. He had a large, black artists portfolio case in his hand. "Yup I did. I painted it for one of their anniversaries. I also did that portrait of Shawn that's in Hunter's study," he replied as he sat on the couch. He put the portfolio on the coffee table and unzipped it. He indicated for Bret to sit next to him.
"Hold on, I always thought that was a photograph of Shawn! Adam, you are a master artist," Hart's tone was full of awe. He again was truly impressed.
"Hardly a master, but I do or rather did enjoy it, as I said. You're right though, I do need to make time for it again," Adam said with a warm smile. Well he had some time this weekend, maybe later he'd go to the art supply store, at least get a pad and some pencils.
Nothing more was said as Adam let Bret leaf through his old sketch books and few canvases he had yet to frame. Bret admired them all. He especially loved the smaller eight by ten, near copy of the much larger sixteen by twenty picture that hung over Adam's fireplace. It so reminded him of Davy.
"I love this. Um... could I buy it?" Bret asked as he lovingly stared at the small painting.
Adam saw the expression on the firefighters face, there was something there other than the simple love of a painting. He guessed it was a memory that Bret held close to his heart, probably a memory of his lost husband. It touched the young physician deeply.
"No, but you can have it. May I ask?..." Adam never got to finish before Bret interrupted him.
"Davy. Sunset was our favorite time of the day. We watched from our deck whenever we could. When the sky got to these pink colors, Davy just... glowed in my arms. Thank you, Adam. This will be greatly treasured," Bret spoke with honest, loving emotion. He would keep the painting and memory for ever.
"Thank you for sharing that with me. I'm glad for you to have it. I only hope Chris and I can build things like that to hold and cherish," Adam said with a sigh.
"You will. I promise. Treasure every moment you have with him, Adam; good or bad. You never know, when it, will just... go up in smoke," Bret's voice was steady but on the verge of cracking.
"I'm, I will," Adam said simply. He didn't know what else to say. He knew Bret was still dealing heavily with Davy's loss and he didn't want to escalate things.
"Okay, enough. Thank you again for this. I'll have our Chief frame it. He's and artist too and his wife owns a frame shop. Shawn and Hunter should be up soon. I'm taking them down to the steak house for dinner, come with us?" Bret asked as he watched Adam neaten up, then close the portfolio.
Adam put the portfolio back in the closet. He handed Bret a large padded envelope to put the canvas in, "Are you sure? You don't have to invite me out of pity. I am a big boy you know."
Bret slipped the painting into the envelope, "I am wounded. I wouldn't invite you out on pity!" his face was like stone, but his tone made it obvious he was teasing.
Adam laughed, then he said he would be ready and meet everyone over at the house at six. Bret left and Adam went to get ready. He decided he was going to make the most of his rare weekend off.
At dinner, Hunter was pissed off at Chris, but Shawn was like Bret. They talked about Adam's art and agreed he should make time. On the way home, Bret stopped at the Hobby Lobby. Adam ran in and bought some new sketch pads and drawing pencils, it was a place to start.
Saturday morning, Adam was helping Shawn get ready for the barbecue that afternoon. The event was to welcome Wade Alexander Barrett to Denver and the University of Colorado Hospital. Barrett was a doctor that was part of an exchange program. I was coming to spend five years at the hospital, while a doctor went to England for the same five years. It was an excellent way to learn different or new ways to do things.
Hunter was looking forward to it. Doctor Barrett had three years experience in the trauma rooms of the biggest and best hospital in London. It had taken a lot to get Barrett, but he knew it would be worth it; at least he hoped so. Adam too, was looking forward to Doctor Barrett's arrival. It would take a lot of pressure off his shoulders to have another trauma specialist on staff. Cody and Ted, his fellow ER doctors were good, but young.
Cody Rhodes was an intern with another year of medical school to finish and Ted DiBiase was a first year resident. They liked Adam and they all got along very well. Because Adam had been there four years, that meant that he was second in rank to Hunter. Hunter trusted Adam, and gave him a lot of control over the ER, he just hoped Adam and Wade would get along.
When Hunter had gone to England to interview the exchange program candidates, Barrett had stood head and shoulders above the other three doctors. The only problem, Barrett's ego matched his qualifications.
Shawn had suggested the barbecue. He thought meeting socially would be better than meeting for the first time at the hospital. Ted and Cody were invited as well as a few of the nurses. In a way, Shawn was glad Adam would be there, even though Chris had hurt him.
Ted and Cody were the first to arrive at three. Not only were the fellow doctor's they were also engaged. They were planning their wedding for the following summer, when Cody would graduate from med school. They were happy and totally devoted to each other.
The engaged couple were shocked when Adam opened the front door of the Helmsley house. "Hey boss! I didn't think you were going to be here!" Ted said with a smile as he shook Adam's hand.
Adam hugged Cody, then closed the door behind the couple as they entered the house, "Yeah, well sadly Chris got called to the studio, so we couldn't go to the Springs," he explained as he led them through the house and finally to the barbecue area out in the back yard.
"Oh sorry, but I guess that happens to all of us. I'm glad you're here though. I just hope this Barron fellow is nice," Cody said with a tiny lisp to his words.
Ted laughed, "Barrett, not Barron. I'm sorry too boss, but it is good you are here." He took Cody by the hand as they sat on the brick bench in front of the fire pit.
"Thank Captain Hart, he's the one that invited me. Help yourselves to the drink cooler and snacks. I'm going to call and make sure Jay and Chris get here at some point," Adam said as he went back into the house.
Over then next hour the rest of the guests arrived. AJ Lee, Kelly, Eva, Natalya and Gail all of then, except AJ were nurses on Shawn's staff. They were all outside, waiting for Hunter and the new doctor to arrive.
Adam was busily introducing Bret to all his co-workers. In turn, Bret introduced Chiefs Lawler and Ross. Shawn had invited them so Bret would have friends to talk to as well. As was the usual case, they all knew each other, but usually it was because of an injury. It was nice to meet people like this in a social environment.
It wasn't long after the introductions were made, that Hunter's BMW pulled into the driveway. He'd gone over to Barrett's temporary apartment on the college campus to pick him up.
Everyone looked as Hunter and the new doctor came into view. Doctor Wade Barrett was an imposing figure. He stood six feet seven inches and had the muscular body frame to match. His hair was raven black and slickly parted on the side. He was thirty-one years old and over all, extremely handsome.
Hunter spent the next few minutes introducing Wade to the assembled group, he started with Bret and ended with, "... and last, but not least this is Doctor Adam Copeland, my right hand man. Adam, please meet Doctor Wade Barrett, from Manchester, England."
Adam reached out and shook Wade's hand, the man gripped firmly, "Pleasure to meet you, Doctor Copeland, I have heard a lot about you. You're right Hunter, he is nice on the eye," Wade's accent wasn't too thick as he spoke with a coy wink at Adam.
Adam flushed, he was going to kill Hunter, "Adam, please and welcome. I hope you find your time here enjoyable," he shook hands, but before he could let go, Wade kissed the back of his hand.
"My pleasure, Adam and I am Wade," his words were made even smoother with the English accent. Adam just stared after Barrett as Hunter led him towards the seating area. Oh did the warning bells go off in his head.
"Before Adam could sit down, his older brother arrived. The brothers hugged , then proudly, Adam introduced him to everyone. Bret was especially pleased to meet the band manager.
"So, where is Chris?" Adam asked as he was finally able to sit down and talk to his brother.
Jay flicked the ash from his cigarette into the ashtray on the nearby table, "at the studio. He'll be here after while," Jay fiddled with his cigarette, he didn't look at his brother as he spoke.
By Jason actions, he knew something wasn't right. Number one, Jay never smoked around him and two; his brother didn't look him in the eye.
"William Jason Copeland-Reso, tell me the truth! Where is Christopher!" Adam asked with more anger and volume than he intended, all eyes flicked over to the two brothers.
Jay stubbed out his cigarette, then looked at his younger brother, "he's at the studio. I swear. They are finishing up the vocal track for the last song," Jay's eyes bore into Adam's.
Adam sighed, "okay, I'm sorry bro. It's just that I'm still upset about our trip."
"I know and so is Chris. Jack had said the studio would be unavailable this weekend. Then yesterday he called and wanted to just get it finished. I'm sorry," Jay said with another sigh and lit another cigarette.
Everyone had gone back to what they were doing, leaving the brothers to talk. That is everyone but Bret and Wade, they casually but intently listened as best they could. However their reasons were as different as day light and dark.
Bret cared about his friend, Barrett was curious because he thought Adam was a pretty piece of ass. Neither was aware of what the other was thinking about Doctor Adam J. Copeland.
Shawn saw the mood of his party shifting. He wanted this to be fun for everyone. It was supposed to be a nice welcome for Doctor Barrett. He decided some party games would be a good way to mix.
Shaw split them into two teams of eight. Nurses plus Jay and Jim against Doctors and Bret and Jerry. He had set up a chalk board. He'd borrowed one from a classroom at the hospital. They were going to play Draw Charades.
Draw Charades was played by drawing pictures instead of acting out the chosen subject. Everyone loved the idea and several had played before.
The two groups got together at opposite ends of the patio to decide the subjects they would use. Wade had never played, he used this to his advantage.
Barrett, who had sat next to Adam, leaned over into the blond's personal space, "so can you explain to me how this works?" his voice was low and a tad husky, his accent smooth and silky.
Adam smiled warmly, "it's easy. Instead of acting out the subject like a book, movie, television show or word, you draw the clues on the board. It's a fun game, you will like it," the blond beauty explained.
Barrett scoffed, "I never had time to play games. I spent all my time at study. I'll give it... how do you American's put it? I'll give it the old college try," the Englishman grinned. What ever the game, he was sure to be the best, he always was.
Shawn's team went first. He picked a slip of paper from the doctor's basket of subjects. Shawn went to work, he was trying to get his team to guess the book "Fahrenheit 451". Of course this had to come from one of the firefighters or at least he assumed. After a minute had passed, Hunter called time. None of Team Nurse had gotten it. They all groaned when Shawn told them the answer.
Barrett took the first turn for Team Doctor. He began to crudely draw a bush with four stick legs, then something that sort of looked like a television set. They all made guesses but Shawn called time. Again groans were heard as Barrett said it was "Lassie".
More turns were had and both teams scored. It was tied four all. Adam was the last one to draw, if the doctors could guess, they would win. Adam drew the last slip of paper from the basket in front of Team Nurse.
Adam picked up the chalk and began to quickly draw the clue on his slip of paper. He drew a picture of a cow being picked up by a tornado. "Twister!" Bret yelled out, just as Wade was going to give the same answer. The doctor glared at the Captain, the man had swarmed around Adam all day, the Englishman didn't like it.
With a cheer, Team Doctor was declared the winner. The prize was a blueberry pie Shawn had made. Only the winning team was allowed to eat it.
Adam smiled as he went to sit back down. Just as he did, his phone vibrated, he pulled it out to look. He had an email from a blocked ID. He'd almost decided to ignore it, but like a cat he was curious, he opened the email. Adam looked, the message read: "I'm so sorry, but you need to know". There was a picture file attached. He opened it... "No! NO!" he screamed in what could only be termed as a wail of mourning. He dropped the phone like it was on fire and took off running, his cries faded with his vanishing image.
"What the fuck?" Bret exclaimed as he bent down and picked up the abandoned smart phone.
Jay had tears running down his cheeks, he didn't need to look at the phone. He knew exactly what Adam had seen. He knew, because he had sent the message, the guilt had finally gotten to him.
Chris had been called to the studio, that part of the story had been true. The lie was, they had finished last night. He and Adam could have gone to the Springs this morning, but Chris opted not too.
Bret showed Shawn and Hunter the image on Adam's phone. Bret was confused, Shawn was deeply hurt and Hunter was furious. There, on the screen for anyone to see was Chris, his tongue shoved down the throat of a young man, Evan Bourne, the new drummer of The Lionhearts. Evan wasn't resisting either, his body was wrapped around Chris like a boa constrictor.
"Give him a chance? He's just busy? I knew it, Shawn. I knew that bastard wasn't good enough for our boy! I'll kill him, I swear to God; I. Will. Kill. Him." Hunter didn't speak, he growled out his words through his teeth.
Shawn sighed, "Maybe I was wrong, but I want to hear what Jericho has to say..." Shawn's words were halted by the devil himself.
Chris Jericho had pulled into the driveway. Jim and Jerry herded everyone into the house. It wasn't their business. Barrett went in, but he quickly found a place to sit, near the open window.
Before anyone could make a move, Adam appeared from no where. He was by Chris' car door, tears streaming down his cheeks. Chris opened the door and stepped out, he knew of course, something was wrong, just not what.
"Kitten? I know you're upset with me, but if we leave right now, we can still have a lovely dinner and night in the Springs. I'll make up the long weekend to you, soon I promise," his tone was sincere, of course, he didn't know about the picture.
"Come on, Hunter, Bret this is their business. Jay, you too," Shawn stated in a near whisper as the pulled Hunter toward the kitchen door. They all went, Jay trailed behind Shawn like a lost child, a fact that Shawn noticed.
"You sent the picture?" Shawn asked in a whisper. Jay nodded, he knew he had a lot to answer for.
Adam was cross between furious and broken-hearted as he stood beside, Chris' car. He toyed with his engagement ring, "Why Chris? I thought you loved me! Why?" he refused to let the tears fall again, he was too angry to cry, at least for the moment.
"I do love you baby Kitty. Why what? If it's about the weekend, I am sorry. We had a chance to finish. You've canceled things on us too, you know. It's the nature of our jobs," Jericho said in a worried tone. What the hell was going on?
"If you love me so much, why was I sent a picture of you and the little drummer boy kissing like the whore he is! I understood about the weekend, don't throw that in my face, Christopher Keith!" Adam spit the words out like they were poison.
Chris was dumbstruck, he didn't realize someone had seen them. His mind and mouth flew into action, "wait, just wait. Look, I'll admit he kissed me, but he was just overly excited about finishing up his first professional record. We all were. I should have stopped it, but I was just as thrilled. Adam, baby, I'm sorry. It won't happen again! It's you I love, it's you I asked to marry. Please, Adam, it was just a celebration kiss, nothing more," Chris' tone was pleading, his eyes full of worry.
Adam looked hard at Chris, he was searching for any sign of a lie, he sighed, "Yeah, okay. But, I don't want to go to the Springs. Let's just join the barbecue. That new doctor I was telling you about is here, it would be rude of me to leave now. We'll go some other time. At least I have the weekend off," Adam said in a sad tone. He still wasn't sure about things.
Chris pulled Adam into his arms and kissed him gently. With his arm around Adam's waist, Chris walked to him to the house. Adam never saw the look on Chris' face, was it relief or guilt?
When they got to the house, Adam immediately pulled Shawn, Hunter, Jay and Bret aside, where no one could hear them, or so he thought. Wade Barrett was listening from the small bathroom just off the laundry room. The others were standing in the living room.
"Hunter, just let me explain. I see how angry you are..." Adam then went on to explain what Chris had told him. Chris did a good job of looking contrite and guilty. Adam finished and looked at his fiancé.
"It was a dumb thing for me to do. I was or rather we were all excited about finishing up last night. Jay, come on, you let Heath plant one on you!" Chris said with a smirk to his manager.
The four men accepted Jericho's story. It was plausible that something like that could happen. Then Adam had another thought. "Wait. Jay, you said they finished this morning. Did you lie to me?" Adam looked at his brother with confusion as he cocked his head to one side.
Jay sighed, "No, not exactly. Chris did have to finish up with Jack on the mixing board, so the recording was done last night, see?" he explained as he glanced at Chris. He wasn't at all happy with Jericho.
"Oh, okay. I don't understand all that stuff. Now we've ruined Shawn's party long enough. Come on Chris let's go feed you," Adam said as he pulled his fiancé away. Bret and Jason followed the now happy couple.
Hunter turned to his husband, "I don't believe one word that rock star says. Not. One. Word. This is headed for disaster, I can feel it."
Shawn sighed, "you... could be right, but then again maybe not. Let's just go see to our guests," he spoke firmly. He'd have to talk to Jason, but not now, they had guests.
Barret filed all he heard in his brain's memory file. He had his eye on having Adam, and Wade Barrett always got what he wanted, always. He flushed the toilet, for effect, washed his hands and joined the others.
As the party continued, Jason sat back and watched his little brother. He had promised their mother that he would always protect Adam. Up till now he had done that. He made a decision. No one noticed that he started working on his cell phone.
Everyone was back outside, enjoying the steaks Hunter and Chief Ross had grilled. With the fire pit and the warm early spring air the Colorado atmosphere was pleasant. Barret was taking to Hunter, Shawn was visiting with the three firefighters, the nurses among themselves, while Adam was deeply ensconced in Chris' arms.
Jason was off to the side, still working with his phone. When Jay finished, he slipped his phone into his pocket and moved to sit closer to his brother on the brick bench. As he did, he pushed the "send" button.
Bret felt his pocket vibrate, until that moment, he'd forgotten he still had Adam's cell phone. He stood up and went to the young doctor.
"Forgot, I still had this, you just got a message," the Captain said as he handed Adam his phone, then returned to his seat. It couldn't be the same thing twice.
Adam noticed it was the same blocked number. He looked at the message. Chris was now talking to Jason, Adam still in his lap.
This time the message was even more ominous, "he lied". This time there were several pictures attached. He opened them.
Suddenly, without warning, Adam jumped up from Chris' lap. He began to scream at Jericho, "GET OUT! GET THE FUCK OUT! TAKE THIS WITH YOU! I HATE YOU! I FUCKING HATE YOU!" Adam pulled the sapphire and diamond ring off his left ring finger and threw it at Chris. He then ran, his phone still in his hand. He went up to his carriage house apartment.
Adam stared at the pictures again, not only were there images of Chris and Evan kissing, but several of them, taken from a distance of the lead singer and drummer fucking, in what they'd thought was a hidden corner. He fell on his bed and sobbed his heart out.
Chris looked at Jason in confusion. Jay sighed deeply, "he knows, everything... you'd better leave... now."