Zzathras

Papa Bear and Baby Bear

[2]

"Hello! My name is Bill."

"Hello, I am David. Your boy seems very friendly. I am glad that my sons have found a new friend."

David seemed a bit casual to me but it was refreshing.

"He can be, or he can be shy to the point of being comatose at times."

We laughed at this and shook hands.

"I haven't seen you here before Bill, do you live nearby?"

"No, David, I am a photographer by trade and am here on vacation. This is my first time to this beach."

"This is a nice beach we have here. The others have been over run and are no longer enjoyable to visit."

We chatted a bit while watching the boys at play. The lads had been playing near the surf and played a game that consisted of building loose sand structures and jumping up and down on them. At one point the little boy Billy was playing with jumped as high as he could to land on a lump of sand and we could hear clearly the sound of tearing fabric. He reached around his behind and grabbed his butt. The other boys fell over laughing. David and I nearly did the same.

"Daddy! My shorts tore!" The boy ran up to us holding his rear. The other two were not far behind. Giggling David said "Turn around so I can see."

I was surprised that the boy turned around and took his hands away giving us both a great view of his wonderful bum. I did notice he had a well-tanned ass.

"You really did a number on these Jeffy. I guess that does it for today, we can't have you running around in those."

"AWWWW Dad!"

"I won't have you running around half naked on a public beach."

"How about all naked dad?" The older one piped.

"I think not Mikey. Lets get our things now."

"I have a pair of shorts he can wear!" Billy yelled as he ran back to our spot.

"If you want to you can wear those while you swim." I told Jeffy. He jumped up and down, "Can I daddy? I don't want to go home right now. We just got here!"

"Well 3; 3;"

"Please!?"

"I have no problem and Billy has offered." I told them.

""OK. But you remember to give them back before we leave."

"YAY!" The boy cried as he dropped his mangled swimsuit right there on the spot. I could not help but stare.

"Jeffy!" David yelled. "You could at least wait till everyone isn't looking!"

I blushed and turned around.

"Now see? You have embarrassed Bill here."

"I'm sorry," I heard in a small voice.

"No problem!" I said. "I just don't want to embarrass you."

"Bill, My boys don't embarrass easily! As you can see."

I turned around. Jeffy was still naked as Billy came running back.

"EEP!"

Billy said as he saw Jeffy naked before the world. He quickly handed the lad his shorts.

"Thanks Billy!" Jeffy chirped as he crawled into the shorts. They looked as killer on his well-tanned body as they did on Billy. They clung to his ass and hips like silk and his tan accented the shorts beautifully. I hoped Billy would wear them as well when he tanned some.

"My those shorts look good on Jeffy." David stated as the boys ran off to play again.

"Billy picked them out. I was surprised considering how shy he is. And, Yes they do look good on him." I had difficulty in controlling my breathing.

"I hope that he didn't make you uncomfortable, but they are definitely not shy. Most of the time I have trouble getting them to wear clothes around the house, so most of the time they don't."

"No, no. I wasn't embarrassed. But he did catch me off guard. I have never met a boy so uninhibited. I only hope that Billy gets as good of a tan as your boys."

"Yes they are beautiful kids."

We sat down and drank sodas and talked about nothing in particular as well as our boys. I had to do some quick thinking and fast talking to fill in some gap. I had to talk to Billy about our situation.

All too soon it was 5:00 and time we all left the beach in search of food. Walking back to the parking lot with our gear and three tired, yet happy, boys, David asked me "Would it be possible for me too see some of your work? I would like to have some portraits of the boys made."

CHA CHING! "Sure, I keep a portfolio in my van." I opened the van and all three boys piled in, Billy showing everything to his two new friends. I reached into a cabinet and pulled out a large package and a copy of the year book I did for one group. While the boys played in my van David looked at my work. "These are good. It isn't very often lately that you can find someone who takes this kind of care in their work."

"I hate to make bad pictures. Ever since grade school when we got those lame off color class pictures I wanted to make better pictures. My labs hate me because I'm so picky."

"I can imagine." He said laughing. "I know you are on vacation, but would you be willing to do some portraits of the boys? I can pay extra considering it is your time off."

"Well, Billy and I are doing Disney land the next couple days, but I have some time after that."

"That would be perfect! I have a large house with a guest room if you would care to spend a couple days with us. I know the boys would love to have Billy around to play with."

"I think that would be wonderful. Billy certainly has needed a couple friends and I could use the money. It is very generous of you to offer. Thank you."

We quickly exchanged information and a map to his home outside Oceanview.

"Billy, we need to get going and get some food."

"Awwwww." He reluctantly said his good-byes to Jeffy and Mikey.

"I almost forgot Billy!" Jeffy yelled as we closed the side door to the van. I turned around and saw the little boy drop the shorts he was wearing and hand them to Billy. "Here's your shorts. Thanks for letting me wear them."

With that he gave Billy a big, naked bear hug. Much to Billy's chagrin.

"Jeffy!" David yelled. But Jeffy wasn't listening. He was jumping into their car.

"Kids, go figure." He said with a lopsided smile. We shook hands and parted company. Billy was still blushing as he climbed into the van.

"He don't care if anyone sees him naked."

"No love he dose not."

"He's tanned all over."

"Yes he is."

"Even down 'there'."

"I saw that Billy."

"He looks good."

"He looks very good Billy."

"I wish I looked like he does. I'm all skinny and white."

"In time you will. If you want a tan like that you can sunbathe in the nude."

"You mean naked?!"

"Yes. Those two do at home apparently from what their dad says. You can see how well tanned they both are."

"I don't know."

"I don't mean in public! Shelly has a nice private balcony that she sunbathes on. No one can see you there. It would be perfect."

"As long as no one can see me naked."

"Good! You are beautiful now but in a few days you will look like a Greek God."

"Whatever that means."

We searched out a nice little steak house to have dinner at and Billy and I changed to go eat. I could tell the afternoon sun had made him a little pink. We ate a huge meal and went for a walk in a nearby mini mall. It was about 7:00 and many shops were closing up for the night. As we passed a hair salon Billy stopped to look at the pictures of the kid's hair styles they offered. I noticed that the sign said it closed in another hour and decided to have Billy's hair cut.

"Do you want a hair cut Billy?" I asked.

"I want my hair to look like that." He pointed to a nice layered simple cut that make the boy in the picture look like the average all American boy. He was cute and very masculine but not butch. I really did not like the slicked back look or the mushroom cuts that were cropping up all over.

"That is what I would have picked myself Billy."

Inside we found one lonely lady hairstylist waiting for the end of her day.

"Hello." She called as we walked in. I nudged Billy, "Tell her what you want Billy."

"Umm, I need a haircut." He said in a small voice.

"Do you know what you would like?" She asked in a cheery voice as she led him to the styling chair.

"I want my hair to look like the one in the window."

The flat top or the other one?

"The other one."

"That's our All American Boy special. The cut and a shampoo for $12.50."

With that she led Billy to the shampoo station and washed out the sea salt from his hair.

"He has really fine hair, and I haven't seen anyone with hair this naturally white. It is really beautiful."

Soon she had him in the chair clipping and snipping his hair. I watched as his long locks fell away. I was wondering exactly what he would look like with a real haircut. His hair was long to the point of being ridiculous. He still almost looked like a girl and I hoped to change that soon. I took a seat and relaxed watching the sun as it fell lower in the sky. I wanted my life to stay just like it was. My only fear was that it could not continue like this. Nothing in my life ever did.

"How does this look sir?" I heard from the lady. There he stood. Four foot nothing [1.20 meter]. Deep blue eyes. Fair complexion. Stark white hair. And all Boy. He looked beautiful.

"WOW!" Was all I could stammer. Billy giggled.

"You did a wonderful job miss. He looks like a boy should now."

"It was a pleasure cutting his hair sir. We had a good time talking. I think you should see about getting some special shampoo and conditioner to keep his hair it's natural color and keep it's texture."

I thanked her and bought some of the products she suggested and left her a nice tip for her troubles.

"Do you like this haircut Bill?"

"Absolutely! You almost looked like a girl at a distance with all that long hair. This hair style screams Boy all over it."

"I'm glad you like it. It feels funny but I like it too."

We stopped and got a couple ice cream cones to eat on the way back to the van.

"Billy?"

"Yea?"

"We need to talk about some things."

"Like what?" He sounded worried.

"I want you to stay with me always. But we can't just say it and make it happen. If people ask us questions we need to be able to answer them and have our answers match."

"I think I understand."

"We need to decide what to tell people. I don't like to lie, but we may have to. If someone asks if I am your father we need to decide what to say."

"OK. But I already told Mikey and Jeffy that you were my dad."

"That's OK. Their dad thinks I am too. So we are safe there." We walked on for a few minutes. "What are we going to say when people ask about your mom?"

"I don't know." He sounded like he wanted to cry. We reached the van and climbed it leaving the door wide open to catch the breeze.

"Tell me about her Billy. I need to know as much as I can."

"She was real pretty till last year. Then she started taking stuff to make her feel good."

"Drugs?"

"Yea. It was a little at first, then it more and more. Soon it was all the time. She stopped caring about anything. Even me." His eyes teared up. "She loved me before she met Jamal. He gave her the drugs! He ruined my life. He took my momy from me!" The tears ran down his face in rivers but he refused to cry. He was pissed.

"She spent all our money on drugs. Even if we didn't eat she bought his drugs. She got skinny and dirty. She changed. Nothing mattered but her drugs. She got mad at me if I told her I was hungry. She left me alone for days sometimes. Jamal kept giving her drugs and making her do things with men to get the drugs. The same things he wanted me to do. And she did it to get her drugs. Then about the time school got out he started telling me I would have to do those things if I wanted to eat. She told him to fuck off."

He smiled. "She was mad at him and she stood up for me. I was happy. I thought she was my mommy again. " His face drooped. "But she kept taking the drugs. One day he came over and told her she owed him a lot of money. We didn't have any money to give him. She begged and he just laughed at her. He left, he said she knew what to do if she wanted her drugs. I didn't know what he meant. Mommy just sat in the kitchen crying. The next day she was all shaky and sweaty. She hurt real bad and I couldn't help her. The next day was worse. She was mad at me and said it was my fault cause I wouldn't do what he wanted." He pulled his knees to his chest and kept talking. "She was so mad she hit me. She never hit me. It was the drugs. His drugs. She dragged me to his place telling me it was all my fault and she was gonna give me what I deserved. She gave me to him. Gave me to him. Like I was some 3; thing not her son! He told me I was his and then he did those things I told you about. She left with her drugs and I never saw her again." He sniffled.

"She was a good mommy before she met him. She loved me. He took her away from me. I want to kill him."

"Billy, I know you want to kill him. So do I. But we can't go looking for him like that. If we killed him we would go to jail and never see each other again. What we need to do is decide what we will tell people."

"Can we tell them she didn't want me and gave me to you?"

"That is close to the truth. We can tell them she got into drugs and couldn't take care of you any more. I think we shouldn't tell people she didn't want you any more. I think you need to remember that she loved you a lot." He snorted at this, "but the drugs got in the way. She is still your mother and if she ever gets straight I think she will remember that."

"I don't want to go back to her. She let him do those things to me. You love me."

"So will we tell people that she didn't want you or that she gave you up?"

He thought about it. "She gave me to you cause she can't take care of me."

"OK." I did not want him hating his mom and if he told people she did not want him it would reinforce that.

"What's your favorite color Billy?" I asked, I had to get some idea of what made this boy who he was.

"Blue. I like blue like the water. What's yours?"

"Red love. Like the roses on a spring morning. What's your birthday?"

"July twenty third. When is yours?"

"August seventh. I don't even know how old you are."

"I'm eight silly! almost nine!"

"Billy, what is your moms name? I need to know."

"Lisa." He whispered. "Lisa MacDugan.

"Billy MacDugan, I am Billy Jhonstone." I said formally and held out my hand. He took my hand and shook it "Nice to meet you Mr. Jhonstone." Just as formally. We laughed and I wiped off the tears on his face. The night was warm and we watched the surf pound the beach.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Damn I hated mornings. 5:30 was simply too early for a human to wake up.

"Wake up Billy It's time we got started." I shook him gently.

"Stretching and groaning he asked "What time is it?"

"Five thirty. We need to get going."

"What time we going to get to Disneyland?"

"After we exercise and get something to eat."

"Exercise?"

"Yes, you want to look like Ahnald then you have to work out."

"What we gonna do?"

"I'm going to teach you some karate and calisthenics that will help build your stamina and muscle tone."

"YAY! when can I beat someone up?"

"NEVER. If I ever catch you using what I teach you for anything other than self defense and I will personally kick the shit out of you."

"Why?" He looked surprised.

"Because what I am going to teach you will take years and can easily hurt someone very bad or even take their life. It is not a toy and not to be used for anything other than self defense."

"OK." He sounded chastised. Just the way he should have. We spent the next hour and a half in a good basic workout. Stretching and muscle building activities. Then we went into some basic defense moves. He was to say the least an ungraceful student. He was clumsy and tired easily so we had to take several breaks. But he tried hard and wanted to do more after we finished. All sweaty and sandy from the beach we worked out on, we went back to the van.

"I need a bath." Billy stated simply.

"Well all I can offer is a cold sponge bath."

"What's that?"

I grinned at him.

"That's COLD!" Billy screamed as I washed him with a cloth and cold water.

"Like I said, a cold sponge bath. We have no tub and only a small amount of cold water to work with."

It took the better part of an hour to get both of us clean and ready for Disney land.

"This place is GREAT! I wanna see Mickey and Goofy and 3; 3; 3;"

He went on and on. I listened to his desires and tried to create some sort of game plan. I made him sit with me for ten minutes as we looked at a map of Disneyland and chose what we wanted to do and what order to do it in. We attacked the place like the marines at Iwo Jima. Billy tried his hardest to see everything he could in the first day and I recorded it all on film. Every ride and all the characters he met. He would get to the giant moppet and talk with them like they were old friends. I did notice that Goofy had his hand on Billy's ass a bit more than he should have. I almost ran out of film before we left that first day. He hated waiting in lines for the rides and so did I bit we endured and went to the matterhorn and treasure island and 3; Well you get the idea.

We left our first day in the magic kingdom at 4 pm. We both were pooped and hungry. NEVER eat in those places. The prices are WAY too high for the food you get. So dinner was Pizza and Pepsi. We scarfed down a whole large supreme and a salad before our appetite was sated. We were in the van and passed out by 8:30. Like I said we were pooped! Billy in his jammies that I had to put on him and me in my sweats. I was feeling mellow and content with his warm little body snuggled up to mine and the sounds of crashing surf outside.

BAM! BAM! BAM!

"You in the van! Open up! this is the police!"

I hit my head on the shelving above the bed.

"OW Goddamnit! Take it easy on the paint! I'm coming!"

I opened the side door and was looking into the flashlight of a large police man. It gave me an instant headache. "What?" I tried to avoid sounding belligerent and failed.

"We got a call from someone about some suspicious activities in this van."

"Details officer. I can't think when I get woke up so rudely." The sun had set and my watch said it was 9:00. We had only been asleep a half hour.

"Someone said there was a man undressing a small boy in here."

"Yes there was. I was getting my boy ready for bed. He's right there passed out after a long day at Disney Land." I was annoyed.

"Step out of the vehicle sir. We need to get this resolved."

I stepped out and one officer took my arms and told me to turn around.

"Am I under arrest?" I asked as he put cuffs on me.

"No."

"Then get these damned things off me unless you have a REAL good reason to be doing this."

"Just routine, so shut up till we get this straightened out." He sounded less than friendly. I watched as another officer climbed into the van and shook Billy.

"Wake up kid."

And Billy did. With a vengeance. At first he slowly opened one eye and he saw a stranger standing over him. He bolted up, much better than I could considering his height, and hammered the cop in the nose with a sweet straight punch. The cop fell back holding his nose. Billy looked like a trapped animal as he searched for me. He saw me handcuffed and leaning face first against the van. He jumped up and grabbed a tripod out of the cabinet and swung it two handed into the face of the officer in the van, "SMACK!"

"OWCH goddamn you little shit!"

Crack! Billy caught him with another shot upside the head. A scuffle ensued inside the van and I grew concerned for Billy's safety.

"Just get out of the van and let him calm down!" I screamed. Of course they didn't listen. Soon two more cops drug Billy out of the van screaming and crying. The first cop came out bleeding violently from several places on his face. At least this gave me some satisfaction.

"Get an ambulance to take that little shit to the loony bin!"

"Fuck you!" I screamed. "He's just terrified. Let me talk him down."

"Get this freak out of my sight!" He told another officer who drug me to a patrol car and dumped me in. I watched in misery as Billy fought his captors to a stand still. They had a hold of him but could not hope to control him. He was kicking and screaming all the while till another car drove up and a female officer got out and approached Billy. She spent ten minutes talking to the boy to no effect. He was still fighting with all his tinny might and screaming at them. She walked over to the car and opened the door." Are you his father?"

"Yes, damnit!" I lied.

"We need you to calm him down. We are afraid he will hurt himself."

"No shit braniack! I told those goons that first thing and they locked me in here. He's prone to night terrors and panic attacks."

"Well I'm going to take the cuffs off because he's distressed that you are in them." She took off the cuffs and told me "I'm taking a risk here. I am NOT supposed to take these off."

"They should not have been on in the first place unless I was wanted or considered a threat and I did nothing to warrant either. Now get the fuck out of my way." I pushed past her and to the ring of cops trying to control Billy. "Get the hell back!" I shoved through them and sat on the ground in front of Billy. "Let him go."

"You nuts?"

"Let him the fuck go!." I glared at the officer. "You have scared the shit out of me and my boy, assaulted us both and refused to do the sane things necessary to 'resolve this situation' now let my son go or I WILL kill you right here before any of these fools could get a shot off."

"Are you threatening me?" He asked.

"No. It is a promise.

"Let him go sergeant." I heard the female officer say.

"Yes lieutenant." He let go of Billy who flew into my arms sobbing.

"See? Nothing to it you stupid fuck."

I sat on the hot, hard pavement with my boy sobbing in my arms for what seemed forever. When his emotions came under some resemblance of control I explained to him that these officers were investigating something and he was to cooperate with them.

"Why did they have you handcuffed?" He sniffled.

"Because they thought I had hurt you and were being careful. Now go with this lady and be good. Don't worry about me." I watched as he spurned her hand and walked to her car. "By the way Billy, That was the sweetest punch I have seen in a long time!" I called after him. He turned and smiled at me wide as the grand canyon. The bleeding cop glared at me.

"We were called here because someone thought they saw you molesting that boy. What do you have to say to that?"

"Like I said before. 'More details' What did they say they saw?"

"You tell me what happened here and I will ask the questions here!"

"I and Billy got back here about 8:15 or so and we were exhausted from a long first day at Disney Land. Billy was falling asleep so I put him into his pajamas and got ready for bed and we went to sleep about 8:30. that's it before you tried to destroy my paint job."

"Why would someone think you were molesting the boy?"

"Easy. Paranoia. I was dressing him in the van and someone probably looked inside while I was doing it and jumped to the conclusion."

"Does your boy always sleep without underwear? The person who called said he was naked."

"He sleeps in what he wants. Usually in his underpants and sometimes in his pajamas. When he sleep in those he does not wear any underpants."

"Why did you dress him in those this particular time? If he usually wears his underpants why pajamas now?"

"Because we are sleeping here in the van. The van has no toilet facilities. If he has to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night I didn't want him running around in his underpants."

He kept asking a bunch of annoying questions and I began to grow frustrated at him. "Why don't you get those cuts taken care of? Because I am done answering your questions. So if you are going to arrest me then do it."

"Sergeant!" The lieutenant waved him over to a private conversation. Billy looked at me longingly from the car. I smiled at him and he relaxed a bit. We exchanged funny faces for a few minutes while the officers talked.

The questioning resumed with different partners this time. The woman cop was talking to me as another officer tried to talk to Billy. He failed miserably. Billy refused to talk to any one. The bleeding cop was with the paramedics getting his cuts treated as I watched Billy sitting in the patrol car with his mouth sealed shut.

"Mr. Jhonstone, Billy is not cooperating with the officers."

"Don't ask me. I can't tell him anything from over here. Now I have answered all your questions twice. This conversation is at an end now."

"You are being difficult sir."

"No ma'am I am not. You asked me questions and I have answered. Now they are beginning to repeat themselves and I am very tired. So unless you have anything new to ask, either arrest me or let us go back to sleep."

She went back to a conference with several officers and I waited again. Billy was sitting in the patrol car with his arms crossed and looking all the world like he wanted to kick something. After what seemed like an eternity she came back to the car I was in.

"I think we don't need to arrest anyone today. But I do want to talk to Billy some more. Will he cooperate?"

"Don't ask me. You won't let me talk to him. If he wants to talk he will, if not he won't."

She walked back to the car that held Billy. I watched as she managed to get him talking a bit. He even smiled a couple times in spite of himself. She picked him up and brought him over to me. "I don't see any reason to keep you two up any longer. I am sorry for disturbing you. And officer Dell apologizes for scarring you Billy." Officer Dell was glaring at her like he wanted to say something, however he held his tongue. We exchanged pleasantries before they left and I heard Dell say to the lady cop "Damnit, he assaulted me! I want to arrest the brat!"

"You will do no such thing. He was scared and reacted in self defense. All you have is a few cuts and will have to take some ribbing about letting a little kid beat you up. He will probably have nightmares after waking up to your ugly mug."

They argued all the way back to their cars. We went back to bed.

"Billy?" I heard from the darkness.

"Yes?"

"I was scared they were gonna take you away."

"So was I."

"Why did they do that?"

"Because someone thought I was molesting you when they saw me putting you in your jammies."

"What does that mean?"

I was concerned a bit, and unsure how to proceed.

" 'Molesting' means when someone who is an adult forces a kid to do sexual things."

"Is that what we were doing?"

"Did I force you?"

"No."

"Now most people think that if we do those things even when you want to it is bad. And it is illegal. I could go to prison if any one finds out that we do those things together."

"Why? I like to do the things we do to feel good."

"Because it is. I don't like it and I can't change it, but that is the way it is whether we like it of not."

"If they are that stupid then I won't tell anyone."

"I think that would be good."

"Who makes those stupid laws anyway?"

"A lot of people."

"The president?"

"He is one of the people."

"I think if I sucked his weenie he would change those laws." He giggled. I imagined him on his knees in the oval office sucking off the president of the United States. With this boys sucking skills I know that laws would change if Billy managed to do that.

"Well, there are a lot of people who make the laws like all the people in the House of representatives and the Senate."

"Who many are there?"

"A lot honey. I think it's several hundred."

"I would do them all if it meant we didn't have to be scared about you going to jail."

I believed he would. I honestly think he would.

We awoke at 6:30. I reset the alarm because of the sleep we lost. I opened the door to the van after getting Billy into his short shorts. He didn't want to work out but he agreed to.

"Hello Mr. Jhonstone!" Officer Lady person called to me.

"Officer Lady Person! I called back. "What brings you here this morning?"

"Well I just finished my shift and thought I would come by to apologize again. And the name is Mary Jones."

"Well Mary Jones, that is a nice thing to do and we appreciate it."

"Do you like danish?" She asked as she held up a bag from dunkin doughnuts.

"We love them, thanks."

We spent a half an hour talking and laughing. It was a much nicer encounter in the light of day after a good night's sleep.

"My those are cute shorts Billy." Mary said as she looked at Billy in his shorts without a shirt. Blushing he said "I picked them out for swimming and stuff."

"You did? Well those do look good on you, but if they were any smaller you would be naked."

He ducked behind me to hide his face. And other parts.

"Bill, I need to talk to you alone a minute. It is very important.

"Billy, why don't you get started stretching. I know your muscles hurt a bunch but if you don't then it will take a lot longer to stop hurting."

He looked less than happy about another workout. "OK."

I and Officer Mary walked to the benches near the beach as Billy went to the sand and began to stretch his sore body out.

"I ran a check on Billy's mother last night after we left."

"Did you find her? I could not after she handed him to me." I had to lie. I had run the story by her the night before.

"Yes we did." She paused. I knew she was stalling.

"How is she?"

"Bill. She's dead." Mary didn't look at me. "I hate this part of the job. San Diego PD found her body in her apartment last night. She has been dead for about two days. They suspect an OD."

A long pause followed. I was stunned. I wanted to keep Billy forever but not like this.

"An autopsy will be performed. The drugs she had in the apartment should not have killed her unless she really overdid it. The coroner thinks they may have been laced with something. Billy, I hate to do this but we need to do a identification. She never had her fingerprints taken so someone has to ID the body."

"I only saw here once in the last nine years outside a few days ago."

"We need Billy to do it. It has to be someone that knew her well enough to definitively say whether it is her or not."

"NO! I will not have him look at his mothers corpse!"

"It is not pleasant but we have to do it."

"can't you find some picture of her alive and compare the two? I won't have him being traumatized like that. He already thinks she hates him."

"I can ask the coroner. If we can find a photo that we can say without a doubt is her then we can do it."

I really wanted this day to end. I talked with Mary for a few minutes about the details. We would come to Sandiego in a few days after our vacation. I left her with my cell phone number and went back to Billy. I would not tell him his mother was dead yet. He needed to enjoy this trip and so did I. It would serve no useful porpose to tell him this news now.

"Owwwww!" He moaned as I helped him stretch the kinks out.

"I know it hurts, but if we don't it will take longer for the pain to go away."

We worked out for an hour. He knew something was up but didn't push it. He couldn't do even two good pushups or even one sit-up. Damn he was out of shape. I resolved to make sure he became fit as soon as possible. He tried to do as many of the calisthenics as he could and he tried to perfect all the moves I had showed him the day before. He was a trooper, that was for sure. But DAMN he was weak. We walked down the beach to a gray brick building that stood near the beach. It acted as restroom and shower facilities for this stretch of beach. I parked near here to ensure we could shower this morning.

"Do we have to shower here? I don't want anyone seeing me naked!"

"Yes we do 'cause this is the only place around. Also, I need to wash my hair. Or do you want another cold sponge bath?"

He grumbled something.

"Besides, it's early and there isn't anyone out yet. The chances of someone seeing you aren't that great."

Inside the place was as gray as it was outside. The benches were cold and the walls as well. I undressed quickly and went to wash my hair as Billy poked around.

"Hurry up! the longer you wait the more likely it will be that someone comes in." I called from the steamy room. I was happy the water was heated.

"Lets hurry! So no one sees us." Billy said as he ran into the water with me. I knelt down and scrubbed his back quickly and he soaped up his body. As we rinsed off I heard the door open and the voices of a couple kids coming in. Billy looked up at me and I down at him. "Mabe they are just changing and won't come in here."

Sure enough I was proven wrong. Two little boys about six came running into the shower area giggling and laughing. They stopped short at the sight of us and stared.

"Hello!" I said. Billy had taken refuge behind me. I could tell the boys were staring at my penis. I felt it necessary to finish quickly before something came up. Literally. I saw that the two looked almost like clones. Both sprouted erections as they looked at my penis. I was following suit so I walked to the dressing area leaving Billy without me to hide behind. He lingered for a few moments and came hustling after me.

"You left me there!"

"You should have followed me, besides I was getting a stiff."

"SO?"

"So I don't want some kids running to tell their parents I was looking at them with a boner. Now lets get dressed and go feed our faces."

We ate and went for out second day at Disneyland. We knew what we wanted to do for the first time and scheduled those attractions first, followed by the things we wanted to do a second time. Billy wanted to see all the characters again the second day. I noticed it was Mickey himself that groped Billy's butt this time. One has to wonder about the characters in the Magic Kingdom.

"Billy?" My boy asked me as we neared the end of our second day.

"Yes?" I was trying to get the last ice cube out of my soda cup.

"Can we go visit Jeffy and Mikey tomorrow? I sputtered as the ice cube came loose and hit me in the eye.

"Sure! I was going to ask if you wanted to do just that very thing. In fact we were invited to spend a couple days with them."

"YAY! They told me they have a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. What's a Jacuzzi?"

"It is like a small pool with hot swirling water in it. They are great for relaxing in."

"And they have a big back yard with trees and grass and a 3;"

He told me all about the things the two boys had. I was happy he was so eager to visit the two boys. Back at the van I called up David.

"David, Its Bill. I thought I would call and see if tomorrow would be a good day for us to come up."

"Absolutely. The boys are going nuts and need a playmate. I won't be officially on vacation for two more days but you can come up."

"Great! What time would be best for us to be there?

"I should be done early, about noon."

"Ok that gives me time to go back to San Diego and grab the gear I need.

"I will see you then good-bye."

I decided to drive back to the apartment to spend the night and pack the gear. Billy was more than happy to have a real bed to sleep in and a private shower.

The next morning came at 6:00. Billy complained and grumbled as we stretched on the hardwood floor of the studio and went to work on the bags. He found out it was far different punching a bag than it was air. Today he managed almost three complete pushups and two good sit-ups. He did not see the improvement but I certainly did.

"I hurt all over still! When is it going to stop hurting?"

"It takes a few days. But in the mean time I can give you a good rubdown to help."

He just grinned at me.

"Not that silly! You grab a towel and meet me in the living room."

I stopped to grab some heating lotion out of the medicine cabinet before setting to work on Billy's aching muscles. In the living room he was stretched out, face down on the floor, without a stitch of clothing on. I could see where he had gotten sun. The light tan line ended at his hips and just around his crotch. The outline of his Speedoes was noticeable but not pronounced yet. He groaned and relaxed into a puddle as I kneaded his body like a loaf of bread dough. He indicated he wanted something more. "No way! This stuff I am using will hurt like crazy if I get in on you there. You can feel it's heat on your skin and it will burn like hell fire on your private parts."

"Oh, then maybe we should wait till later."

"I think that would be a good idea."

I left him snoozing on the floor as I went upstairs to pack the items I thought we would need. Unfortunately it amounted to everything I had unpacked a few days earlier.

"Billy? Are we taking all that stuff back to the van?" My little elf squeaked.

"Yes we are. David wants me too shoot some pictures of his boys and I want to be ready for anything they might want."

"AWWWW."

"Now don't complain and put some pants on so you can help me load this stuff up."

Billy slipped into a pair of the biker shorts and a T-shirt. I marveled at how beautiful he looked. I was also amazed that he chose those to wear. Then I realized the shirt covered him pretty well.

"These are comfortable Bill. I should have had these at the beach."

"Well lets get this stuff loaded up so we can shower and hit the road. It's almost nine and I want to be there by one."

Indeed we had the van loaded by ten and we showered quickly together. We both wanted to take some personal time but we also wanted to get on the road. A few different items were packed for clothing and the items we had taken with us had been washed the night before. Billy included a pair of bikers in his clothes and was sure to take his short shorts as well as his speedos.

2:30 pm my watch read as we pulled up to David's front gate. I was tired and frustrated at the traffic we had to fight.

"This is where they live?" Billy was in awe. So was I. This wasn't a home. It was an estate. Huge wrought iron gates at the driveway entrance. You could not see the house from the road. A tall brick fence surrounded the property. The property itself was outside the city, away from the noise and pollution. I double checked the map. It was indeed the address. I pushed the intercom button and waited.

"What does David do? Is he rich?" Billy asked.

"He told me he is a pediatrician."

"A pedo-what?"

Laughing I said "No, A Pediatrician." I was sure to pronounce it carefully.

"That means he is a doctor that specializes in children. And yes I think he is rich."

"Hello?" The little box nearby said.

"This is Bill Jhonstone. I'm here to see Mr. Morris."

"Hi! Mr. Jhonstone!" The voice took an entirely different aspect. Like that of a child. "Daddy's not here yet but you can come up. Is Billy with you?"

"Yes he is."

"Great!"

With that the gates parted and let us enter what seemed like paradise. The drive way seemed like a road. It wound for about a half a mile before ending in front of a huge old house. Jeffy and Mikey were waiting there for us with an older lady who looked at me sternly.

"Hello ma'am." I said as friendly as I could. "I am Bill Jhonstone, Mr. Morris asked me to come today."

"I know who you are." She seemed less than friendly. "Mr. Morris has been delayed. He will be here within the hour."

I waited a few moments.

"Ummm. Is there any where I can unload my gear? I would hate to waste Mr. Morris's time unnecessarily particularly after a long day at work and the drive up here from the city. The traffic is rather tiresome today."

The boys had run off to explore the property much to the annoyance of the woman before me and myself. I was hoping for some assistance in unloading. The gargoyle led me to a side room and opened it for me. It seemed to be as far from the main part of the house as humanly possible and it would ensure that I would have to carry the equipment a good distance to another part of the building to set it up for any kind of shoot.

"Is there any place closer to the main house? I would prefer not to have to haul all this to the other side of the world if Mr. Morris wants me to set up somewhere else."

"You asked for a place to unload. This is where you will unload."

She was getting nasty.

"Fine. I will wait until he shows up and can give me more specific instructions."

She followed me back to the van and sat in a chair at the front patio. She was definitely watching every move I made. I sat in the open door and took out a note pad and began to jot notes about a few things I had in mind for scenes and setups to shoot the boys. After about fifteen minutes I grew tired of her games. I walked up to her and sat down uninvited.

"Why are you trying to make me feel uncomfortable?"

"I am not."

"Yes you are. So don't insult my intelligence and your honor by denying something we both know to be true."

"I don't wish to be rude to a guest of my employer."

"To late for that. However, if I knew your reasons I might be less insulted."

"Well, I simply think it is not right for a man to be gallivanting around the country with a young boy in a van. It just isn't done. There is an air of impropriety to it all. Also I have my reservations about you. You are a 'photographer' and it is a 'profession' that is less than respectable."

"Simply put 'ma'am' you have managed to insult me more in thirty seconds than anyone I have ever met has managed in my life. As to your first concern? My son and I are not 'gallivanting around the country' we are on vacation. We met your employer at the beach where my boy and I were the other day. We did sleep in the van. But only because we wanted to and to save some money instead of staying in a hotel room. Yes I would have chosen a more appropriate method of travel and all that considering his age and all, however, I was unaware of his existence until about a week ago, so I was unprepared to take him on a vacation. As to my profession: I don't care what you think of it. I am not a paparazzi. I am not a peeper who stalks stars and such hoping to catch them with their pants down. I have never shot a nude subject though I must admit the prospect intrigues me. I don't sell my pictures to the newspapers and I have the utmost respect for the people I photograph. So if you would like to a sk me any questions I would be happy to consider answering it."

She looked at me till I thought her eyes would dry out.

"What do you mean that you were unaware of your 'son's' existence?"

"Just what I said. I met his mother before he was born. We parted company without me knowing she was pregnant. She knows the same people here that I do so it was not like I was avoiding her. She could have contacted me at any time but chose not to. I never contacted her because we really weren't interested in each other. About a week ago I was visiting friends and she shows up and say's 'Meet your son. It's your turn to raise him,' and leaves. I have no need or desire to return him to his mother because she is a drug addict and I believe she allowed certain things to occur that would lead me to fear for Billy's safety if he returned to her. If you think I was trying to avoid my parental responsibilities then you are sorely mistaken. Even the people I knew that knew her were unaware that the boy was mine."

"There is something about you that doesn't seem right about you Mr. Jhonstone. I can't put my finger on it, but it is there."

"I suggest you trust your feelings ma'am till you have reason to think otherwise."

"And why is that?" She seemed surprised at the admission.

"Because I have learned that instincts are much more accurate than logic in most cases."

"Am I right about you?"

"Of course. There are things about me nobody knows and never will. But what you must know is that I am, for the most part, harmless. Unless you give me reason to be otherwise. I can be your best friend and ally, or your worst nightmare. I would prefer to be the former."

"We shall see Mr. Jhonstone."

We chit chatted a bit about nothing of importance and waited for Mr. Morris.

"Billy! David's coming up the driveway!" Billy called from the top floor of the house. We looked down the drive to see the same car I saw at the beach pulling up to the van.

"Mr. Jhonstone, why does your son call you by your name instead of a more 'fatherly' name?"

"Because we are still strangers for the most part. After all I haven't known him that long."

"I can accept that." She said as she turned to David as he got out of the car.

"For now." She finished without looking at me. I could get the feeling that she was going to make a game out of this.

David and I greeted each other and we chatted a moment before we all went into the house. It was as spectacular inside as it was out. The furniture and decoration was simply put, elegantly simple and functional. Nothing ostentatious or gaudy. It was all comfortable yet beautiful. The front facing rooms were large and spacious. One was a dining hall and the other a library. Both were impressive in size and grace. The rest of the house was built to be lived in. A large kitchen and dining room. A comfortable living room with a large screen TV and a huge entertainment center with all the latest gizmos. A game room with another TV and game system with a pool table and card table. The guest room we were led to had its own large bathroom and walk in closet. The back yard was immense. Covered in rich green grass that you would expect on a Kentucky plantation, it had a variety of trees and a good sized flower garden. The pool was nearly twice the size of any private pool I had ever seen. It looked perfect for swimming laps in or just swimming lazily in. The Jacuzzi was under the patio next to the main house. It too was large but not huge. I wanted to jump in right there and wash away a large number of worries. There was also a large garage and servant's house that housed the gardener and Mrs. Prune face (her name was Elizabeth MacKinney David informed me). Apparently the two had been with David's parents for a great many years before he inherited the property and they stayed on so he built them a house to live in. The gardener was currently on a short vacation to Hawaii. David also had a small examination room built into the side if his house where he could see urgent cases if he needed to. He also told me he was the personal doctor to a few well to do people in the area who disliked the idea of going into the city to see a doctor in a public office. Rich people, Go Fig. We walked the property with David and the boys as Mrs. MacKinney fixed dinner for us. The whole thing was on about fifteen acres. It seemed like much more.

"Bill, why don't you get unloaded into the dining hall and then unpack so we can have dinner. You don't need to start right away. Just relax tonight and enjoy the hospitality of my home."

"I think that would be great David. This place is so ripe with photographic opprotunities I am having a hard time deciding where to start. But I think we should start with unloading the van."

And we did. David's boys gave me a hand as David went to his office to finish some doctor stuff. Billy and I took the more fragile items, well I did, and the boys took the other things they could manage as we moved into the dining room. It was almost intimidating to be in the huge room intended to feed a hundred people at a sitting. I took as much room as I needed and still had more room than I knew what to do with. Leaving the gear on the floor, Billy and I went upstairs to our room to unpack. We had the entire guest room to ourselves. It had one huge bed in the center and a cherry wood dresser. It must be good to have money.

I asked David about the one bed and he told me it had a roll away under it if I did not want to sleep in the same bed as Billy. I was concerned about appearances. It was nearly 4:00 before I decided to start setting up my gear. I soon realized that i was dangerously low on film. I had shot up most of it at Disneyland and forgot to restock.

"David," I said as I walked into the game room. He was watching the boys playing a game on the TV. "I need to run into town to get some film. I'm almost out. Is there anyplace you might suggest?"

"Yes there is. It is near the market where Elizabeth gets the groceries. She can give you the directions. Hurry back. She is making some of the best prime rib you could wish for, and she will not brook being late."

"That's right!" Piped up Jeffy. "I was late to dinner once and she made me wait till every one was don't before I could have any."

I went to the kitchen to approach the dragon.

"Mrs. MacKinney? Mr. Morris told me there is a photo shop near the market. I need to pick up some film, would you be able to tell me how to get there?" I tried to sound as harmless as possible.

"I can do better than that. I can take you there. I have to go get some fresh vegetables. It seems the ones they delivered this morning were less than fresh." She seemed less than happy about it. She went to the game room and came back quickly. "I swear if those boys touch my stoves this time I will skin them alive."

Outside I invited her to let me drive her in the van.

"I think not. I am more than capable to drive us in a real vehicle."

I was nearly insulted. OK. I was insulted. But I let it slide. She did prove herself to be a very capable driver, even in heavy traffic. Soon we were at the market and she went inside leaving me to walk over to the photo shop by myself. I hurried, intending to be at the car before she was to keep her from having to wait for me. Inside I found a decent selection of films and was soon back at the car with a largish package in hand. I had a hundred rolls of color film, 25, 100, and 1000 speed, all 36 exposures. Three bulk rolls of the same films and a couple dozen canisters, and three rolls of black and white. 50, 100 and 400 speed. I did not intend to run out of film in the middle of this shoot. I wanted to prove to the old bat I was competent. I have no idea why it was so important for me to be accepted by her but it seemed it was for some reason. I was happy to see that she was still in the market.

I wasn't happy to see the car of teens that rolled up and parked in a handicapped space before pouring out of the car. From their language and attitude they looked like they were looking for trouble.

I decided to go inside and find Mrs. MacKinney to escort her back to the car. I didn't even get to the door as she came out with a large bag in her arms. Unfortunately she did not see the thugs before they saw her. She looked up to see them as they, laughing, walked up to her and started saying something to he I could not hear. She was not happy with what one said and slapped him in the face without letting go of the groceries. Spunky lady. Stupid. But spunky. The teens about came unglued. One grabbed her and held her from behind as the slappee glared at her. I counted five. I knew in a bad situation I could handle two maybe three. But five was out of the question. The three free ones circled the others as the slapee reached into his pocket. He pulled out a switch blade. I was almost there but had to act fast before it got nasty. He pushed the button and the blade began to swing out as my hand closed on his and held the blade in check.

"I think that would be a bad thing to do guys."

"Who the fuck you be?"

"Me be hell on two feet. If you want to throw down, why don't you go find someone on the other side. Or this side for all I care. Just don't be cowards by picking on an old woman."

"Let the fuck go of my blade man!" He was trying to get loose but I wasn't letting him go. In fact I was steadily increasing the pressure on his hand. I hoped I could break his hand before anyone interfered.

"NO. You let go of it and leave before someone gets hurt."

The one holding Liz threw her down and grabbed me from behind. I didn't let go of the knife. I added more pressure to my grip till I felt his hand crunch. Then I let go.

"YEAAGHG! The muther fucker broke my hand! Waste his ass!"

One of his crew stepped up to take a swing. His mistake. I snapped out my foot and caught him in the sternum. He grunted and grabbed his chest. Then he started screaming to make angels shudder. The others paused a moment. I focused my concentration and began to part my hands, fighting against the gangsters' arms. It wasn't easy because he was as strong as a horse. But I didn't want to break his grip. He would do that in a moment of his own free will. All I needed was a bit of play. When I got as much as I needed I punched out both arms as I dropped into a low stance to one side. I then slammed my left elbow into this fools solarplexus and snapped my fist down into a hammer strike to the groin. Needless to say he let go. I was supposed to do three more things to the thug, but I was being merciful. I just reached back and pushed him to the ground. That was three. Or two and a half.

Another came rushing at me trying to tackle me. I felt high on adrenaline. I positioned my feet and hands to be in his chest as he slammed into me. I must admit, he moved me a couple feet back, but I remained standing. With just a little movement I had both hands over his pectoral muscles. And well-defined pectorals they were. It made my job easier. I had to act quickly before he threw me down. My fingers found the muscle seams where the major muscle groups joined. This is where it gets ugly. So those of you who are squeamish might want to skip forward a bit. Using my finger tips I then gripped this poor peeon by his pectorals and began the slow process of removing them from his chest. OK. Id didn't have to be slow. Actually it should be done quickly. But I was in no real hurry as I saw the fourth one and the one with the broken hand watch with widening eyes as their friend began to scream like a banshee and dance at the end of my arms. When I felt this one was no longer a threat I let him go to crumple next to the screamer holding his chest.

"Next?" Was all I said. The other two jumped into their car and sped out of the parking lot. I paused to get their license plate number.

"Are you harmed Mrs. MacKinney?"

I helped her to her feet.

"No," she sounded shaken. "I am not. I am a bit shaken."

"I can understand that. Now, if you are OK, I have to quiet these two before I get a head ache."

Three persons were on the ground at my feet. One was moaning softly as he gasped for breath. One was clutching his chest screaming and the other was getting his sobbing under control but still being a bit loud about it. I stepped over the screamer and leaned close. I reached out and clamped my hand on his throat. Squeezing I silenced his scream as he frantically looked at my face, ready to piss himself.

"Listen carefully. I broke your sternum, your chest bone. It hurts. A lot. Now. Every time you breath it is going to hurt. If you take a deep breath it will hurt more. If you scream it will hurt even more. SO. Stop screaming. It will help ease the pain. NOT eliminate it. If you don't stop screaming I will tear out you throat to get you to stop. Understand?"

He nodded. I eased my hand off his throat. He surprised me by not screaming.

"LOOKOUT!" Elizabeth screamed. I spun around and found the one I creamed in the nuts standing behind me with a knife. He swung it in a wide arc and caught my arm just below the left elbow. I could feel the sting of the blade as it sliced my arm and the warm flow of blood as it poured down my arm. His arm reached the end of its arc and descended again. I stepped in and grabbed his knife hand in my left arm and shot my right hand between his legs. I found his package easily and gripped his family stones tight. His eyes grew wide and he tried to get my hand off his testicles with his left hand. I grinned wide as I jerked down and twisted counter-clockwise. He collapsed as I felt his nuts tear loose in my hand. He didn't even scream. I wanted to see if he could reach a soprano. I stepped back and felt a wave of nausea flood me.

"William, come sit down. The police are here now. Let me look at that arm."

I want going to argue with her. I wanted to puke. She quickly tied off my arm to staunch the flow of blood. The police wanted to take a statement but she wouldn't allow it.

"This man is hurt and needs a doctor. If you want to take his statement you come to this address and after his doctor sees him you can talk to him." The officer's voice she was talking to sounded familiar but I wasn't paying attention.

"What the hell happened Elizabeth?" David sounded distinctly concerned.

"Billy! Your bleeding! What happened?" Billy sounded terrified as he starred at my arm.

"We had some trouble at the market. I'm OK. You go with Mrs. MacKinney and be good."

He grabbed me around the neck and hugged tight. "Are you going to die?" He sounded lost.

"NO. It's just a cut."

"Was it Jamal?" He was near breakdown.

"No. It was some punk kids. Now the good doctor here will patch me up while you go have dinner." I was woozy and needed to sit down.

In David's examination room he made me lie down as he went to work on my arm. "What happened?" I told him everything that occurred. I also nearly broke down myself. It was the first time I had to use my skills as a martial artist and I was terrified of the brutality of what I had done.

"It sounds like you have never done this before."

"Never."

"Well this cut is deep but not serious. Needs some stitches and that's about it."

With that he numbed my arm with a shot and stitches me back together. Out side the room I could hear Mrs. MacKinney arguing with the police. We soon joined them in the kitchen where they took our statement. Officer Lady Mary was there.

"Why do we keep seeing each other Bill?"

"Fate. It hates me."

"Well I need a statement from you both."

With that we each gave our accounting of the events.

"Owwwww! You did what to him?"

"Yea. I did."

I really wanted to get this over. I could see the boys on the couch with their leggs crossed and pained looks on their faces, just imagining what I did.

"Jeez. Do you realize that you helped us a lot?"

"No. I thought I just made a bunch of work for you."

"Well we have been looking for two of the three in the hospital now and from your description the fourth is also wanted. They have a habit of picking fights with old ladies. It looks like they found one with a guardian angel."

I just shrugged it off. I was still upset with myself for enjoying the whole thing.

"Officer Lady Mary?" Billy squeaked. "Are you gonna take my dad away?"

"No honey, we just needed him to tell us what happened at the market. Some guys tried to hurt Mrs. MacKinney and your dad saved her."

"He's a hero?"

"Yes he is. Now you go play and let us finish up so he can rest."

"OK! Wow. A HERO. Wow."

The boys ran to the upstairs and disappeared.

"I really need to get to bed Officer Mary. Do you need anything else from me?" I was getting sleepy.

"No. I think we have all we need. If I need anything else can I find you here?"

"Yes." David interjected. "For the next few days he will be here."

"OK. Then I will leave you to rest Bill. I hope the next time we meet it will be under better circumstances."

"Me too. every time we meet it seems I get depressed."

We parted company and I was forced to sit down to dinner. I really was not hungry but I was made to eat a plate of rather delicious prime rib with all the fixings. Then I was sent to bed with a pill in my tummy. The sun was still shining and it wasn't even 8:00 pm yet. I went to my room and sat heavily on the bed. I didn't even want to get undressed.

"Bill? You going to bed?" Billy asked at the door.

"Yes love. Doctor's orders. You can stay up if you want. I just need to get some sleep."

"Arrant you gonna get undressed?"

"I can't get my arms to work." The pill had started to work.

"Let me help." With that he helped me get down to my briefs and crawl into bed. I was well on my way to slumberland before my head hit the pillow.

The next morning at 6:00 am I woke to a small boy cuddled under my right arm, and a throbbing pain in my left.

"Good morning William." Elizabeth was standing in the door with a tray in her hands. "I have some breakfast for you."

"That is not really necessary ma'am. I could come downstairs."

"I insist. It is the least I could do after yesterday." She actually smiled at me.

"Thank you." I ate the food she brought me as Billy slept soundly next to me.

"Poor baby. He was up late worrying about you." She cooed as she stroked his hair.

"He does tend to the emotional side. But he is really a good kid."

We chatted a little and I decided to get up and start the day.

"I will be downstairs getting breakfast for the others. You call if you need anything."

"I will. and thank you again."

I slowly got out of bed trying to avoid disturbing Billy. In the shower, I got a good look at the cut on my arm. It hurt a lot worse than it looked. When I finished I found a new adventure trying to shave and brush my teeth. One never knows how much one uses a limb until you loose the use of it. I finished and went to the bed room to dress. Damn my arm hurt.

"Your awake finally!" David sounded too chipper for his own good.

"Yea. Finally."

"Lemme look at your arm. We need to make this quick because I need to be in the office in an hour."

He changed the bandage and gave me some antibiotics and a mild pain killer. We were discussing what pics he wanted me to shoot when Billy rolled over. Well I wanted to take the pictures today but he insisted on me relaxing. He just couldn't understand that it would be relaxing for me to be shooting the boys.

"What time is it?" Billy yawned.

"About 7:00. How did you sleep little one?" I asked.

"Not too good. My tummy hurt all night."

"Really? Well let me take a look there young man." With that the doctor pulled back the sheets and exposed Billy's nude form to us both. Billy pulled the sheets back up to cover his boy hood.

"Don't be embarrassed Billy. You have a fine body and should be proud of it."

With that he began to prod Billy's tummy and ask questions of the lad. When he finished he looked to me.

"Have him take some Pepto and keep an eye on him." He turned to Billy. "I will be back by 2:00 and if your tummy hurts still then I will take a closer look. I think it's just stress. New place and all the excitement of yesterday."

We walked to the car and he left for work. I went in search of my subjects for the day. I intended to disobey doctor's orders and get to work. Elizabeth was in the kitchen and she got me a wonderful cup of coffee and told me the boys were swimming as they do each morning. I walked to the back window and saw their cute mop heads poking out of the water.

"William?"

"Yes? Ma'am?"

"Please call me 'Elizabeth'. Can I ask you something?"

"Yes, anything."

"Are my babies safe with you?"

She stunned me.

"Yes. I would never do anything to harm your children, or any children. Is that what you have been concerned about?"

"Yes." She looked at the ground. "I feel terrible about the way I treated you, but I have to see to the safety of the boys."

"I can understand entirely." I was treading carefully. "But I must assure you that your children are as safe with me as you are."

"It seems strange. I get this funny feeling about you, yet I trust you."

"You have no idea how much that means to me Elizabeth. If I ever give you reason to doubt that just ask me to leave and I will without question."

"I don't think it will come to that. Now, do you intend to do as the doctor ordered or do you intend to get on with your work today?"

"I think if I spend any time thinking I will spend too much time dwelling on last night."

"That is a good idea. When the boys finish their swim would you like me to get them dressed for their pictures?"

"Actually no, just have them come in and help me set up."

She looked at me like I was mad. Laughing I explained. "Kids can be tense in front of a camera. It is all so foreign. With some kids it can help if they get into the entire thing like helping me set up. It takes the mystique out of it."

"OH! Now I see. That won't be a problem. They should be done soon. Why don't you get Billy up so he can join us?"

"I think I will. He wasn't feeling very good this morning. By the way, do you have some Pepto-Bismol? The doctor recommended it for his little tummy."

"Yes I do. I will bring it up to you."

I went upstairs to find Billy still in bed. He looked less than happy.

"How ya doing kiddo?"

"My tummy hurts."

"Elizabeth is bringing you something to help. How long has your tummy hurt?"

"It got bad last night."

"'Got bad'?"

"Yea. It's been hurting a little for a long time. But it got real bad last night."

"When did it start hurting?"

"When Jamal did those things to me. It hurt a lot when he did them and most of it went away, but not all of it."

"And it just got worse last night?"

He nodded.

"I think we will wait too see what happens today, but if you don't feel better by tonight I think we will have to have the doctor take a look and see if Jamal didn't hurt you real bad up there."

He looked like he would rather almost anything else happen.

"I know. But if something is wrong we need to get a handle on it NOW."

"I don't want to."

"Well in this I am not giving you a choice. You will do as I say in this. It is either have someone look up your butt or get very sick and die. You know that I want you to be healthy and happy. But for now just hope for the best. Maybe it's just a tummy ache."

I knew it was something more. A gentle knocking on the door interrupted us.

"Hello, time for some medicine for a sick boy."

"I don't wanna take any medicine." Billy certainly was sick. He was also very grumpy.

"Billy, we discussed this, now take your medicine and quit being grumpy."

He took it with yucky faces and all.

"Now you get yourself feeling better and you will be playing in the pool before you know it."

She left on a chipper note. I crawled into bed next to my boy and snuggled him. I could tell he was warm. He definitely had a temperature. At least he settled down and relaxed some. Soon the door opened and two bundles of energy jumped into bed with us. They were both naked.

"Come on Billy! It's time to get up!" They screamed. Billy put his head under his pillow and mumbled something.

"Guys! Billy is not feeling well. I don't think he wants to play right now."

"OH. Sorry Billy." Mikey sounded upset that he made Billy mad. Jeffy just crawled into bed next to Billy and cuddled next to him. Mikey crawled into my lap and curled up. "What's wrong?"

"He has a bad tummy ache and a fever. He might need some rest today. I think he overdid it yesterday."

"Nanny said to come up and get ready to help you set up your stuff."

Mikey said looking up at me. I was feeling odd having the naked boy in my lap.

"Yep, we need to get ready to do your portraits and I thought you would like to help me set up so you could see how some of it is done."

"Cool! But what about Billy?"

"I don't wanna. Leave me alone please." Billy sounded miserable.

The boys left us alone and I felt worse than ever. "Billy, why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"It didn't hurt to bad. I thought it would go away. I don't want David looking at my butt. He will know what happened." I could see tears starting.

"Billy, He has to know. If you want I can tell him. He just wants to help you. I want to help you. Please let us help you. I know it is embarrassing and humiliating, but I love you! If you are hurt inside and we don't get it taken care of then you could get very sick and maybe even die. If that happened I don't know if I could live. You are the one thing in my life that has filled this huge emptiness that has been in me since as long as I can remember. Please let us help you get well."

I could feel the tears on my face and didn't care.

"Don't cry. I love you too. It's just so embarrassing! I don't want anyone to know what he did to me. It's like if they know I can never forget the hurt."

"Honey, you can never forget it. It is a part of you. Whether you want it or not it is there. But if we ignore this he wins. He hurt you then and he's hurting you now. You need to be stronger than he is. Don't let him make you afraid anymore and do what you need to get better so we can leave him behind."

"OK. For you."

"Billy, you are a great kid. Now when we tell the doctor he will have to tell the police."

"NO! I don't want everyone knowing what he did to me!"

"He has to. It's the law. Besides," I got the most evil thoughts at his next bit. "the police will be looking for him for what he did to you. You saw what they did when they thought I hurt you, imagine what they will do to him when they know what he did to you. Also when he gets to prison the other prisoners will give him the same thing he did to you."

"I wish it didn't have to be this way." He buried his head in his pillow.

"But it is. Now we need to do what we can to make sure you are going to get better and that he won't do this to anyone else."

"Do it." Was all he said after that. We hugged and cried together for a long time.

Downstairs I saw Elizabeth. "William, what's going on? I heard Billy and you talking. I didn't catch it all but from what I heard someone hurt him?"

"Yes." I could feel the tears coming again and sat in a chair with my head in my hands.

"Would you like to talk about it?"

"Someone named Jamal." It was hard to keep from choking. "Billy's mother."

"Take it from the beginning."

"Billy's mother got into drugs. Her pusher forced her into a position where she gave Billy to him." Elizabeth's eyes got wide. "Jamal is his name. Sweet Jesus, Elizabeth! He raped my son!" I broke down and all the fears, anger and all of it came out in a blast of emotions. She held me and let me cry it all out. I couldn't tell he all of it but she didn't ask.

"Why didn't you tell someone?"

"He didn't tell me till now." It hurt to lie to her.

"Now that he is sick it comes out. I hear it is like that. The little ones won't say anything until they have no choice. Will he want to testify?"

"If it goes to court." My heart hardened.

"Bill. Don't think like that! Billy needs you now. He has no one but you and you won't help him if you do what I think your thinking."

"Your right. I just feel so helpless. How could anyone do something like that? I hope when I die I get to see him burning in hell."

"There is a special place for those who hurt children." She stood up. "We need to report this. I will call David to come examine the lad." She took over the entire thing.

"Call this Officer." I handed her a card. "She was here yesterday. Billy and I have met her before and he likes her. He might be more willing to talk to her than a stranger."

"I will."

Half and hour later two officers were at the door.

"Bill?" Officer Mary greeted me.

"Officer Lady Mary." I tried to sound more comfortable than I did.

"There is no easy way to do this. We have to get your statement and Billy's. Is he OK?"

"No. But he understands what needs to be done. I hope you don't mind that we called you in when you were off duty."

"No. I don't mind."

Billy was in his jammies when Mary and I came into the room. He hugged a pillow to his chest and buried his face in it.

"Billy, I need you to tell me everything about what Jamal did to you."

It took a long time to get it all. Billy broke down several times. But he did keep it together enough to stick to the story we came up with.

"Doctor Morris is qualified to do the examination. It has been so long there will be little physical evidence but it needs doing. Be strong little man, and we will get this bastard in jail where he won't hurt anyone else."

"Mary?" Billy asked from a tear streaked face.

"Yes?"

"Do me a favor?"

"Anything I can."

"If you see Jamal?"

She nodded.

"Kill him."

"I can't promise that Billy."

"I don't want you to DO it, Just promise me."

"OK Billy Just for you."

Half an hour later David was home. He was enraged when he got the story. Then, after he calmed down, we went to talk to Billy.

"Son? I want to tell you what I'm going to do when I examine you."

"OK. But I don't want anyone else to be there 'cept you and my dad."

"I can understand that."

With that we spent the afternoon I wanted to be immortalizing two gorgeous little boys going through a humiliating experience with my son. After it was over Billy was back in bed and sleeping. Everyone else was downstairs. Elizabeth was talking to the boys as I discussed Billy with the doctor.

"He has been through hell Bill. This Jamal person was built like a horse to do what he did to poor Billy. In fact I am surprised Billy survived it."

"Will he be OK?"

"He does need some surgery to repair the damage that was done. His immediate problem is an infection. I wonder how he went this long without complaining. We can control the infection with medication, but he needs to get the damage repaired soon. It isn't life threatening at the moment, but it has to be repaired or it will cause problems."

"Shit. Some fucking vacation for him."

"Tell me about it."

"How long will it take for him to be up and about after the surgery?"

"A couple weeks before he can do anything really active."

"Is there a hospital and doctor in San Diego you would suggest?"

"No. But I can do it at the hospital I work at and you are welcome to stay here till he gets on his feet."

"No. You have been too kind. I can't impose on your vacation. We can stay in San Diego."

"I won't let any hack down there touch this boy. I insist. You can work off your stay here and I can get the hospital to take his case pro-bonno. It won't cost you a cent."

"When can you do the surgery?"

"A few days. We need to get the infection under control. He won't feel to bad then. But he has to have this done. Make sure he understands this."

"I did. He knows that if he doesn't then Jamal will keep hurting him. He wants this guy dead. And so do I."

"Me too Bill. But the most important thing is your little boy."

"So, three weeks before we can get on with our lives?"

"About that. If everything goes well it could be less but if anything goes wrong it could be longer."

"I will say three and cross my fingers. Now I have to call my clients and loose some business." I was not looking forward to this.

Late that afternoon I was finished calling my clients and rescheduling most of my summer jobs. Most understood the situation and could work with me. A few understood but were tied into a tight schedule and I would have to subcontract to other photographers. A couple flat out dumped me. All in all it wasn't as bad as I thought. But it still cost me four thousand. Four thousand I could not afford right now. I sat in the den with my head on the desk trying to get my thoughts together. I had to call my accountant. He wasn't going to be happy, that's for sure. My entire financial plan was based on this summer and me not having a kid. How was I going to make up more than four thousand dollars? This could cause my studio to fold.

"Bill? are you OK?" David sounded concerned.

"As well as can be expected. The final figures come out ugly. I lost several clients and about four grand in business."

"Damn. Is there anything I can do?"

"No. I can't ask for a loan. It won't help. What I need is some jobs to replace the ones I lost. Thank God the health club could reschedule. Without that my business would fold. I am waiting for my accountant to call back so I can give him the figures."

"I gave Billy a shot of antibiotics. He should show improvement by morning. He can't take pills. Did you know that?"

"No. There is still so much about him I don't know." I sighed deeply. "And the worst is yet to come."

"The surgery won't be that bad."

"Not the surgery." I looked into his face. "His mother is dead."

"WHAT!?"

"Officer Mary told me a few days ago. I won't tell him till we know for sure. It looks like she overdosed or was poisoned. How am I going to tell him? He's been through so much lately."

"Why can't fate help the little ones? There are so many more deserving of this misery, why does he have to go through this?"

"Just what I was asking."

"Give me your portfolio to take to work tomorrow. I can show some of my clients and maybe drum up some business for you."

"I hope you can David. I hope you can."

"I want you to remember something."

"What is that?"

"These people have money coming out their ears. They know quality when they see it and are willing to pay for it. You just keep that in mind when quoting them. I priced some of the other studios in this area. For a photographer to come to your home here is very expensive. And most don't do the quality of work you do."

"Most don't shoot as much film either."

"You sit down with that phone and call some of them up. Get their prices and decide how much to charge. What ever you do don't try to undercut them. The people around here see that as a sign that the quality is lacking in some way. If they want to haggle then go for it. But most will hear your prices and either take it or not. I'm betting on most will take it."

"Thanks David. I will."

"Dinner will be ready in about an hour. Would you like to take it upstairs with Billy?"

"Yes, please." I dug the phone book off the bookshelf and set to work. Maybe this wouldn't be as bad as I thought.

Billy and I ate our dinner together and watched some TV before bed. He was still grumpy and feverish.

"Bill? You want to say something."

"Yes. But it can wait."

We spooned together and slept the night through.

"Officer Mary! What brings you back today?"

"Business unfortunately. How's Billy doing?"

"His fever is down and his tummy doesn't hurt as much. The boys are playing board games with him in bed now."

"I have some pictures of his mother that were found in the apartment. Can you show him and get a positive id?"

"I hate this. When will he be able to be a little boy again?" I was becoming depressed.

"This will be over soon. Let's get this over. We can't put this off forever."

Upstairs the boys were laughing and playing on the bed. Mikey and Jeffy were in boxers and Billy had on his pajama bottoms. We could all see how pale he was next to the other boys.

"Guys? We need a few minutes alone here."

"Officer Mary? You look sad." Jeffy stated bluntly.

"I am little one. Now run along."

When we were alone in the room Billy said "I don't wanna talk about it no more."

"This is about your mother Billy." I tried to sound as comforting as I could.

"Did you find her Mary? Does she want me back?" He sounded uncertain.

"We think we found her, but we need you to look at some pictures to be sure."

"Is she coming to take me away? I don't wana go."

"Just look at the pictures Billy."

I wanted to get this done with. He picked up the pictures and looked through them. There were about a dozen. He smiled at a few and laughed at a couple.

"That's my mommy." He held up one with him and her together. She was hugging him tight and they both were smiling like sunshine. She was indeed a beautiful woman. Billy looked at the next one and his face clouded over like a thunderstorm on a spring morning.

"THAT is Jamal." He spat with venom.

It was a picture of Jamal and his mom standing in a park. Jamal was not what I expected. Billy had given a description the day before. Right down to the man's penis size and I could not remember a damned thing about it, I was so clouded with anger. Jamal was a tall man about six feet [1.80 m]. Jet black hair that contrasted with his Caucasian features. Strong angular face. Large muscles in his arms and legs. He had the look of a predator on his face. He looked dangerous. I hated him on sight. The man who destroyed the life of this angel in my arms.

"We still haven't found him baby. But we will keep looking. Trust me, he won't go free long."

"So does my mom want me back. Cause I don't want to go back. I love her and all but she let him hurt me."

"Billy," Mary whispered. "Your mother is dead."

We were surrounded by silence. I could feel Billy had stopped breathing.

"She was found in the apartment. The coroner thinks it was an overdose of drugs."

"Was the bag blue? Jamal gave her a blue bag with drugs in it." He was shaking like a leaf. "It was, wasn't it? It was blue."

She looked at me. "Yes honey the bag was blue. You actually saw him give her the bag himself?"

"Yes." The tears were welling up in his eyes. "He killed her didn't he?"

"He gave her the drugs that killed her. Now we can get him for murder too. He will pay for this Billy, I promise. I have friends in San Diego that will help us find him. We have his picture now. He won't go free long now."

"Can you go now? I don't want you to see me crying." He was barely holding it in as it was.

"Yes. I will be back tomorrow for a visit. No sad stuff. Just a visit."

With that she kissed him on the head and left. Billy buried his head in my chest and exploded into tears.

The rest of the day he was as quiet as a church mouse. We tried to keep him involved in things but he just stared into space and cried in my arms occasionally. The boys were sad that their new friend was going through all this and they couldn't help. I was sitting in a chair next to the bed when they came in and crawled into my lap and watched him nap.

"Billy?" Mikey asked. "Is his mom really dead?"

"Yes honey she is. He needs us more now than he ever needed anyone."

"She really let that guy do those things to him?" Jeffy whispered.

"Yes she did. But in all actuality it was Jamal. He got her addicted and then used that to get what he wanted." I sighed. "The drugs can make you do things you never would have imagined. Billy told me she loved him a lot before."

"Our mom is dead too." Mikey stated. I thought they were divorced.

"Can I ask how it happened?"

"Car wreck. She was taking us to school one morning three years ago. Some lady was drunk. She drove us off a cliff. Mommy died in the crash. We were in the back seat. I was awake when we got to the hospital. Daddy was working the emergency room that day. I remember his face when he saw us."

"So we know what it is like to not have a mommy." Jeffy mumbled. We sat and cuddled till Billy woke up.

"Billy, Jeffy and Mikey lost their mommy too. they can help you if you let them."

"I don't wanna talk about it right now. Can you hold me?"

We all climbed into the bed. The boys held Billy tight as he cried in their arms and I held them all. I looked up to see Elizabeth watching. She looked as sad as we felt.

The next morning Billy was feeling much better physically. He was still in a daze, but he got up at the crack of dawn with me. The boys came into the room and asked if he wanted to go swimming.

"Can I?" He asked.

"You bet kiddo. Just don't over do it."

I went to take a shower and shave. I was supposed to meet someone today that David sent over. A rich elderly lady that wanted her family to be photographed at a wedding. I hated doing weddings. You had one shot to do it right and if you botched if you were screwed. But I needed the money. Downstairs I met Elizabeth in the kitchen looking out to the pool. She watched the boys like a hawk. I didn't even peek.

"He has had such a hard life." She observed.

"Yes he has. I hope that I can make his life something better from now on."

"I believe you will do everything in your power to William."

"Well I should get started setting up that gear. I kinda got distracted the last couple days."

"Shall I call the boys?"

"No. They need some time together. Whenever they come in is fine. Mrs. Lindsey should be coming by at 11:00. Can you let me know when she gets here?"

"Absolutely."

With that I went to set up. I was well into the process when the boys all came running in naked and wet. Dripping wet actually.

"WHOA! Don't you guys have towels? You're getting water all over. Mrs. MacKinney will tan your naked hides for getting her floors wet."

"She's in the den talking on the phone. She sounds real sad." Mikey said.

"Tell you all what, you go get you towels and clean up this water then go get dressed. I will go see to Mrs. MacKinney."

I found her in the den putting the phone down. She did look very upset.

"Elizabeth? What happened? Is there anything I can do?"

"My sister had a stroke. I need to go to her."

"What can I do?"

"I am not sure yet. I need to make arrangements to go. David needs to know. What is he going to do with the boys?"

"You worry about your sister. The boys will be taken care of. You go pack while I call David and make the reservations. Just tell me where you need to go."

"Seattle."

"Go pack. We will get you there."

"Thank you William." With that she hurried off to Pack her things. It never seemed to rain. It simply poured on me and those around me.

"It seems to come in threes Bill. Tell Elizabeth that she isn't to worry. You make the arrangements for the flight. I can't come home right this minute but as soon as I can I will be back." He sounded as concerned as I felt.

"OK. I will make the flight reservations and call you back."

"William, I simply can't fly!" She was standing in the doorway shaking like a leaf. "I have never been able to fly. It terrifies me so much."

"Ummm. OK. How about the train?"

"That would be fine. I wish I could fly but the thought alone scares me to death."

"I understand. I'm the same way with spiders." With that I called up the train station and found out that the earliest train to Seattle was late the next day. So I tried the bus station and every thing I could think of but there was nothing going to happen. It was an hour before I finished all the calls.

"OH my. That simply will not do! I have to get there as soon as possible!"

She was tearing up.

"Elizabeth, if I have to I can drive you myself. Trust me, we would get there a lot sooner that way. My van can do 120 [75 mph] without trying."

"The Ferrari can do 150 [95 mph]." David said from the door. "I will drive you Elizabeth. You will be with your sister by midnight. Go get your things."

With that we packed her bags in the car. A gorgeous cherry red Ferrari. It looked like it was speeding just standing in the garage. The boys stood with me as the two intrepid travelers got into the car.

"William, promise to keep my babies safe." She looked into my eyes looking for security.

"You have my word that no harm will come to these boys. On my life."

"Thank you." With hugs for the boys she was gone.

"Billy? I miss my daddy." They had not even gotten to the gate.

"He will be back in a couple days. Don't worry."

I looked at my watch. It was almost 11:00. "Damn! What's her face is supposed to be here soon. Boys, you all go get some clothes on."

"We have clothes on!" Jeffy whined.

"No whining! Your not old enough to drink. I won't have you meeting her in your boxers. I need to get this job, so give me a hand and go get dressed."

With that the boys wandered upstairs. I heard the gate buzzer a couple minutes later and went to the control box.

"Yes?" I called into it.

"Hello, This is Mrs. Lindsey's car. She has an appointment with Mr. Jhonstone."

"Yes, Come up please." I pushed the gate button and went to the drive to greet her. It wasn't a car. It was a stretched Lincoln Continental in the traditional Limo black with tinted windows. I wasn't sure how to approach the situation so I stepped over to the car and waited for the driver to open her door while I helped her out. I hoped my semi casual dress was not making a bad impression.

"Mrs. Lindsey? I am Bill Jhonstone. Thank you for coming."

"I expected to see Mrs. MacKinney or Mr. Morris today." She sounded powerful and sure of herself. I was not comfortable.

"Mrs. MacKinney had a family emergency and Mr. Morris is driving her to Seattle. Please, come inside."

Inside I found the boys standing near the door waiting. They were all dressed nicely. Not formally. Each had a good polo pull over shirt and semi casual shorts on with a belt and clean sneakers with white pony socks on. They almost looked like they were related.

"My what handsome boys. These two I recognize, Hello Jeffrey, Hello Michael." She sounded as if her entire life was spent in a private school.

"However this young man I have never met."

"Hello Mrs. Lindsey. My name is Billy, I am glad to meet you."

I was surprised at the formality that Billy greeted her. She shook his hand and I escorted her to the dining hall. As we walked I turned to Billy and gave him a wink and a smile. He blushed. When we were all seated the interview began.

"Mr. Jhonstone, You have come very highly recommended by Mr. Morris. However I still need to see your work."

"Didn't David show you my portfolio?"

"Yes he did. But what I am looking for is a more broad selection of your work. Not what you show people but what you don't show them."

"I assure you that what is in that portfolio is a good cross section of my work and is representative of the quality I demand from myself as well as the people I employ to do the chemistry."

"Do you have anything that is not in your portfolio I might look at?" She was being a pisser that is for sure.

"Actually I was not prepared for this so I only brought my portfolio with me. Your request is a bit unusual." I felt Billy tug on my sleeve.

"Billy," he whispered in my ear. "I brought those pictures you took of me. Do you want those?"

"However there are a few of my son that I have here. If you would excuse me a moment I will go get those." With that I walked to the door and closed it quietly.

"Where are they Billy?"

"Upstairs in my suitcase."

We ran upstairs to get them. I had to quickly sort out the ones I thought would be a problem and we rushed down stairs again. Taking a moment to gather our wits we re-entered the dining hall.

"Mrs. Lindsey, these are some that I took of my son Billy not to long ago. I hope these will satisfy your needs."

I handed her nearly twenty images of Billy. There were primarily the ones I had taken of him in his dress clothes and his play outfits. She carefully examined each in turn. All of the ones I took of Billy were against a neutral gray background. It limited the scope of my pictures to him alone. It was like she was appraising what I had done. I got the feeling she was looking for what was wrong rather than what was right. After what seemed an eternity she selected one and said "This one is certainly intriguing."

As she handed it to me. It was a favorite of mine. Billy was in his speedos on the floor stalking me like a great cat. I thought I had pulled that one out.

"It is a favorite of mine ma'am. As you can see, Billy is a good subject to work with." I hoped my nervousness didn't show. I really hadn't intended to show her that one.

"Some might misinterpret it."

"Are you trying to say something? Because if you are I would appreciate it if you got to the point." I was not happy with the insinuation she made. She looked at me waiting for something. I didn't give it to her.

"Well I can see that your portfolio is indeed representative of your work."

She took off her white cotton gloves and pulled her scheduler out of her briefcase. "There are a few things I require of you in shooting my daughters wedding."

She then proceeded to tell me the what's, where's, who's, how's, and when's of the job. I waited patiently for her to finish. It was not easy considering she was in essence telling me how to do my job. When she finished she asked, "Do you have any questions?"

"No."

"Good then I shall be going now."

"But I do have something I have to say." She stopped and looked at me.

"Please, sit down."

She did as I asked.

"First of all: All I need is for you to let me know what poses of whom and in what quantities you want. Second: I will decide when I will arrive to set up, and that will be one full day before the wedding. Not the morning of. Third: No one tells me how to do my job. This includes you. I am a professional and I am competent enough to know how to do my work. Fourth: No one touches my equipment other than me and my helpers. NO ONE. Fifth: If you don't wish me to do this job then I can suggest a few others willing to do it. Do not presume that because you are paying me I will sit and do as I am told. This is what I do for a living and I know my work better than you ever will. I will be relying on you for guidance in what you wish but not how I do it. Do I make myself clear?"

She fixed an icy gaze on me for so long I thought I would get frost bite. I refused to blink.

"Mr. Jhonstone. None of my employees has ever spoken to me like you have and gotten away with it."

"But I am not your employee. Nor will I ever be. I wish to be a contractor to you, not a lackey."

"I notice you seem to be confident in this."

"Yes I am."

"Why? Are you so sure I will hire you?"

"No. I am sure that if you do hire me you will be pleased with my work. Beyond that I have no confidence that you will neither hire me or blackball me in this city."

"We shall see. We shall see." She folded her hands in her lap and looked me in the eye. "Now about your compensation."

We sat and detailed everything she wanted in the wedding album. This took so long that I sent the boys to get us some tea and cookies. When it was all over I handed her a fresh printout from my laptop.

"This is the package price of the poses you wish to have. Any extra I take at the wedding you can choose from at an additional price which I have noted on the second page. Also I have listed a few additional services I have such as digital imaging and personal Photo Disks I can press containing all of the images. Do you have any concerns or questions?"

"Your prices seem acceptable. Will you require a down payment?"

"Yes. Twenty-five percent down, refundable if I am unable to be there. Non-refundable should you decide to not have me do the wedding."

"Twenty five? You must be joking."

"No Ma'am I am not. On site shoots involve a significant expense to me including insurance, film, fuel, time, food and aspirin to name a few. This deposit is the same I require of all my contracts and only covers about one half my expenses."

"I guess this will be acceptable. Can you take a check?"

"Of course."

With that she cut me a sizable check and we parted company in the driveway. The boys and I looked after her car until it disappeared out of sight.

"YESS!!!!!" We all screamed.

"I thought she wasn't going to do it." I stated.

"I thought you went nuts talking to her like that!" Billy all but screamed at me.

"Well, I got the job and I have you guys to thank for helping me do it."

They all beamed at me.

"So. Where are we going for dinner to celebrate?"

My mistake.

NEXT PART