MICHAEL & ROBERT
By Trevor Johnson
Chapter Twenty four
This story is a spin off from, the adventures of Cliff & Derek. Michael you may recall was responsible for putting Cliff in hospital with some horrific Injuries. Here we tell you his story.
Looking out of the window as the dawn was breaking we could see that the whole area was covered by a pall of smoke. It was difficult to see where it was coming from. The sun was struggling to come through the smoke, and it was difficult to distinguish any landmarks in the murky gloom.
All night we had stayed huddled together in one room with no food, drink or light. A couple of security men arrived with tea, coffee and bacon sandwiches. Not sure where they came from or how they managed to cook but they were very welcome.
We asked them if there was any news and I noticed both of them glanced sideways at each other before telling us they had no idea what was going on, except the whole district was in lock down with no phones, no power nothing.
Not long after that Steve our head of security came in and I swear he looked ten years older than he did yesterday.
He asked Robert and me to join him in the room next door. We went to follow him and the three boys began to follow us and we asked Steve if they could come with us. He nodded yes. Since being woken by the explosion or whatever it was at 3 am the boys have clung to us like limpet mines.
Steve closed the door behind us before speaking.
"At the moment we are all under the jurisdiction of the police and information is being passed on a need to know basis."
He paused obviously trying to decide what to tell us.
"I'm so sorry Robert but the explosion was centred in your home which has been totally demolished."
He paused to let that piece of information sink in and I could see tears forming in Robert's eyes. After all this is the home he was born in, the home he was brought up in and the home his parents drove away from before they were killed in that terrible road crash. I moved over to console him, putting my arms around him and he rested his head on my shoulder. Our three boys began crying and Steve called them to him telling them not to worry they were safe here. Steve continued,
"It appears that the two sent from Spain to kill you broke into your home killing one of our security guards in the process. They began laying charges downstairs obviously thinking you were all asleep upstairs, but something went wrong and all the explosives they had with them were detonated blowing them to pieces in the process. Several homes close to yours were damaged some quite badly but there have been no other reported causalities. The blast also blew out an electricity transformer and brought down phone lines causing a total loss of power and communications."
"What about our security guard who was murdered, was he married, did he have children?"
Robert asked.
"Yes he was, they had two small children not yet at school I believe."
"I want to make sure that his wife and children never want for anything. I know we can't bring him back but we must make sure that his wife and children don't suffer any more than they have already."
At that he broke down completely collapsing onto a chair crying bitterly, tears flowing down his face. The boys and I joined him all of us hanging on to each other. Steve just stood there not knowing what he could do to pacify us. After a while we calmed down and I noticed the three boys talking among themselves in Spanish. They appeared to make up their minds about something and came to sit at our feet. As always Serge was the spokesperson.
"Senor Robert, Senor Michael we are so sorry for the loss of your house and the life of one man who has now left behind a wife and two children with no father. This would not have happened if you hadn't brought us to England. To save more people from dying we want to go back to Spain, to our old boss, that way no one will get hurt anymore."
Robert jumped up gathering the boys in his arms saying,
"No, no, no you boys will also die if you go back; he will kill you for sure. You are our boys now, we love you and will always protect you. I, I mean we will not stand for that kind of talk, understand?"
The boys nodded meekly tears once again flowing. The anger welling up inside of Robert was a shock, I had never seen him like this before and it worried me. There was a knock on the door and Steve opened it to let the two MI5 men we had met before in. Robert flew at them fury written all over his face. He stopped right in front of them just inches from their faces.
"Call yourselves protectors."
He snarled.
"You let two known professional assassins into the country, lose them, allowing them to come here blow up my house and kill one of our staff, God help us if we have to rely on you in a real invasion."
"At least they blew themselves up as well so we won't be bothered by them anymore."
One of them said.
"Is that the only answer you can come up with? They died so it's all right, fucking hell man they'd already done what they set out to do, in fact it was overkill and let me tell you it is sheer luck that we were not sleeping there last night. Yes, sheer luck. Now fuck off out of my sight before I do something I might regret in the future."
At that he turned his back on them walking back to where we were standing. I reached out to hold him in my arms as he began sobbing again, while our three young charges just stood there with their mouths open. I'd never seen my lover so uptight and angry like that before and it was certainly an eye opener.
Steve ushered the two men out of the door, and once he had calmed down a bit, I guided Robert and the boys back into the other room to join everyone else. Shirley arrived along with Betty to announce that we now had cooking facilities up and running and the phones were working but all incoming calls were being monitored to keep the media at bay.
The boys were still looking upset so I rang the school asking to speak to the headmaster. When he came on I explained briefly what was happening telling him that the boys wouldn't be at school for the next few days until things got back to normal. I then asked if he could arrange for David and a couple of the other boys who had become friends with them to come up and visit the boys to help calm them down. He said he would check with the boys' parents and see what could be arranged. After thanking him I rang off and then called David's father. Assuring him that we were all fine and uninjured, I asked if his company would be able to handle the media for us. He replied that they could and he would be up to see us straight away. I called Steve telling him what I had arranged and could he ensure he got through the cordon which had been set up around our building.
Not long after I had done that a couple of security guards came in with three young boys one of them being David, Ferdy's eyes lit up when he saw his new boyfriend and the others were happy to see a couple of their friends as well.
"Thank you Dad for thinking of us, and especially me."
Ferdy said beaming from ear to ear.
"Take your friends into your room and behave yourselves."
I said with a grin,
"We'll call you when lunch is ready."
Robert had been by the window just staring into space and when he noticed what I had done he came over giving me a passionate kiss saying,
"Thank you for thinking of the boys, I'm afraid I lost the plot before, sorry my darling it was all too much for me for a while."
We held hands for quite a while and I realized we were probably both still in shock. Steve came in with Nathan, David's father who I think I mentioned before is a media expert when it comes to handling the press.
"Sorry to hear what happened."
He said,
"What you did saving those boys was wonderful, but I fear you could be in for a lot more trouble. The media are blaming you for taking those boys from the Spanish Mafia and bringing them here putting everyone in danger."
Robert once again flared up, not as bad as before but I could see he was still very angry.
"And we wouldn't want it any other way and if you agree with the knockers out there you can piss off."
I jumped in calming Robert and saying to Nathan,
"Sorry Nathan, Robert is very upset at what happened and the authorities had the gall to suggest that we return the boys to Spain."
The look of disgust on Nathans face said it all,
"How could they possibly allow those three adorable young boys to be returned to Spain for what would surely be a death sentence. If I can help deal with the media in any way just say the word."
"That's what I was hoping you would say."
I told him. We talked at length on how we should tackle the media and Nathan straight away suggested that we call a press conference. Show just how young and vulnerable these boys are and ask the British public the question, `Would you send these boys back to Spain to face certain death?'"
We both agreed that was a brilliant idea and asked Nathan to set it up.
"I'll get Shirley to find you an office with a phone that works, plus where would you like to hold this press conference?"
"I think in front of the smoking ruins that was once your home."
Robert wasn't too sure about that idea,
"I'm not sure if I could handle seeing our home at the moment, but I suppose it's for the best so I'll be all right, I think."
Shirley headed off with Nathan to find an office and I called Steve to tell him what we had planned.
"I will have to clear it with the police but I reckon they'll think it's a good idea anyway."
Hand in hand we headed for the boys room knocking on the door and waiting to be called in. Miguel opened the door inviting us in and we found the boys sat around the bed playing Monopoly. It was good to see them smiling again although every so often a glazed look would come into their eyes as they recall what happened last night.
They invited us to join in but we said no because we had a lot of organizing to do. We told the boys about the press conference asking them to change into some nice clean presentable clothes.
After we had closed the door and were walking away I realized what I had said.
"Oh my do you realize that Ferdy will get naked and changed in front of David and the other two will do the same."
For the first time today Robert laughed,
"Yes, I hope it doesn't lead to something it shouldn't."
"I don't think the other two boys are that way inclined but you never know."
Betty announced that lunch was ready and everyone trooped into the makeshift dining room, I went to collect the boys and they looked good in clean shirts and shorts all pressed and smart.
They'd even combed their hair. I don't know how Betty and her helpers did it but we had a delicious Irish stew followed by tinned fruit and custard. Half way through the meal Nathan joined us explaining that everything was arranged for three pm so that we would be in time for the national news at six. He explained that all the major stations would be covering it including some foreign services plus radio and all the national papers.
"Do you want to answer any questions or just issue a statement? I have made some notes for you to look at and see if you approve I will have them typed up into some sort of order."
Robert and I read what he had prepared at it all sounded very good so we gave him the go ahead. Steve came in to eat and we told him all the details of the press conference. He told us that the police had agreed but said the details of the explosion should be kept to a minimum for now until they have investigated further.
"They obtained the explosives from somewhere in England and the police are keen to find out were."
He paused to take a mouthful of food and I thought god he must be starving and getting very tired.
"Oh and the MI5 guys realized that you were very uptight and upset and apologize for their stuff up and have pledged to support us in any way they can to make amends."
"I must say sorry too, they picked the wrong time to arrive and try to talk to me, but I shouldn't have flown off the handle like I did."
Robert said sounding more like his old self again.
"They indicated that they would like further meetings with us very soon, and I suggested to them that they give us a week or two to come to grips with what happened."
Nathan finished off our speech and Robert asked me if I could do the talking because he didn't think he could cope with it right now.
"Of course I will darling and Nathan if they start asking questions I will answer if I can, but if things get out of hand could you step in and rescue us please?"
"Of course I will Michael that's my job don't you worry about a thing.
Soon it was time and we all went downstairs into a convoy of waiting cars with motorcycle escorts and police cars front and back as well.
When we arrived at the house and saw the pile of rubble which had been our home we had to sit in the car for a few minutes and compose ourselves. Robert was a bit of a mess but Nathan said,
"I know this sound mean and nasty Robert but to show you in a distressed state will help us get our message across."
We nodded and got out of the car, moving in front of the house in what used to be a beautiful rose garden created by Roberts's mother many years ago. A bank of microphones was set up and Nathan led us up to them to face the mass of media assembled. Dazzled and blinded by flash bulbs we stood there with our three boys standing in front of us, looking very frightened and bewildered. I felt so sorry for them being put through this ordeal. Nathan came up and stood out front holding up his hands for silence.
"Members of the media welcome, Michael will read a short prepared statement and we will then endeavour to answer some questions but I warn you if your questions become too personal or away from the subject this press conference will stop."
Nervously I moved up to the microphones, Robert stood by my side and surprised me by placing his arm around me, hugging me close. Also unprompted the three boys came to our side with Miguel holding onto Robert's other hand while Serge stood in front of me and Ferdy on my other side. Once again the cameras began flashing. I cleared my throat and began speaking,
"Thank you all for coming. Early this morning two Spanish assassins murdered a security guard, and blew up our family home, killing themselves in the process. They did this because on a business trip to Spain we rescued these three lovely young boys from a life of prostitution and slavery. They had been sold to the Spanish Mafia by their parents because there was not enough food available to feed the large families from which they came. We took a big risk, paying out a considerable sum of money for these boys, a large amount of that money being used as bribes so we could escape with the boys quickly. These young lads were kept under appalling conditions to wait on tables and satisfy the perverted wishes of male patrons to what is for want of better words a male Spanish brothel.
We could not stand by and see the way these boys were being treated and I'm sure there are many British families watching this now and reading about it in their newspapers tomorrow that would have done the same as we did if they were able. These three boys are very intelligent and polite; they deserve to have a place in society where they can go to school, have a career, live decent lives like you all do."
I paused to take a breath looking around at the sea of faces all of them taking in every word I have uttered.
"This morning these delightful boys suggested that it might be better and save more people getting killed and property damaged if they went back to Spain to their master. I can assure you that the authorities have told us if they do return they will almost certainly be executed. These boys were happy to accept that to save us and others from further trouble. Of course we refused. Why you ask? Because that is not the British way we must not let these murderers, thugs and criminals get away with this. I say again that is not the way we do things in Britain, we fight back, we fight for what is good and Robert and I will strive to protect these poor innocent boys and give them a good education if it is the last thing we do."
I noticed Robert and the boys had tears streaming down their faces and realized I was crying too. Then looking round at the crowd in front of me I notice several of them also had tears in their eyes.
"We are asking every decent member of our wonderful nation to support us in our efforts to save these three beautiful, innocent young men, whose only crime was to be born into a family that couldn't support them and be taken away by evil men, perverted men who allowed these poor boys to be repeatedly assaulted, raped and have their tiny innocent bodies abused. Sadly one man as already lost his life in fighting this cause and we have pledged to help his widow and children. We can't give those children their father back or their mother her husband but we will make sure that they also never have to want for anything in life."
I could see Nathan getting a bit worried because I had wandered from the script. I continued.
"To help rid the world of the scum who perpetrated this crime I would like to see our government impose sanctions on Spain, I would like to see the lucrative holiday trade to Spain stopped and remain stopped until the Spanish government cleans up its own backyard. These three boys I am sure are just the tip of the iceberg they will already have been replaced in the brothel were they worked by other poor illiterate children. I am asking you the media of this country of ours to help get the message out to the people so we can stamp out this cruel and beastly way of life."
I moved back from the microphones and the bulbs began flashing again, while everyone was silent not saying a word.
I think it was a couple of policemen who started the applause, but it soon spread to other workers and then some of the media.
Robert and the boys hugged me which caused another flurry of flash bulbs. Nathan quietly congratulated me on my speech and I noticed all our staff standing to the side applauding with many of them wiping their eyes.
When the noise dies down Nathan spoke,
"After that speech people I don't think we need to have any questions and I'm sure Robert Michael and the boys would like to rest a while after last night's ordeal.
One or two of the journalists started shouting questions but Nathan ignored them, ushering us back into the car for the trip back to our offices and now our home.
While we were at the old house or what was left of it, our new living quarters had been cleaned up and some sort of order restored. Shirley told us that the office would be up and running tomorrow, which was great news. Natalie our receptionist looking very tired came in to tell us Bill was on the phone. We'd totally forgotten about Bill in Folkstone bidding for the Channel Tunnel job. Robert picked up the phone,
"Hello Bill, we had forgotten all about you how are things going down there?"
Robert put the speakerphone on.
"How are things down here what about you lot? I've been sick with worry and just saw you all on TV in front of the house or what's left. Are you and the boys safe and well?"
"Yes everything's fine now, a bit shaken up and stressed earlier but we are getting over it."
"What about the boys how are they faring?"
"Getting over it like the rest of us but how did you go?"
"Fine we've signed the contract and it's worth a lot more than we first thought and will keep us in work for quite a few years, in fact it could be up to ten years." "That's great news Bill, well done. When are you coming home?"
"I'll be back by lunch time tomorrow but will have to go back and start setting things up next week."
We said our goodbyes and Robert said it was good to get some good news to cap off the day.
Betty called us into the dining room to watch the news on TV and they showed just about all of my speech, in fact the story took up most of the news. Nathan came in and we thanked him for all he had done today telling him to send the invoice in straight away so we could pay him.
"I don't want any money for what I did today that was my contribution towards saving the boys."
"We both hugged him kissing him on the cheek and David who was still there said,
"Be careful you'll make Dad's boyfriend Damien jealous."
We all had a good laugh at that, the first big laugh we had for a couple of days and boy it felt good.
"Nathan, how do you feel about being retained by the company as our media link?"
"It depends what you want me to do I can't be full time because I already have other clients, but I'm sure we could come to some arrangement."
"We would like you to look after all our media stuff, it is obvious we are going to be hounded for a while until this business settles down, plus we need someone like you to tell the world what we are doing after all we just landed a multi-million pound contract and should make sure people know about it."
"I can certainly do that and would love to work with you people, I like the feel this organization has and how it works."
"Welcome aboard."
I said as we all shook hands and hugged.
"On another subject, are you happy with the relationship between David and Ferdy?"
"Yes, I think so they appear sensible enough and I don't think they'll get into too much trouble just as long as we keep an eye on them."
"I'm not sure how experienced in these things David is but as you may imagine Ferdy has had a lot of experience for someone his age and that doesn't bother you?"
"No as I said they are sensible and should be ok."
We left it at that and much to Ferdy's disgust David had to leave with his father. I told the boys to go have showers and get ready for bed and then come in and say goodnight.
Steve called in with his boyfriend our accountant, Paul, Steve looked terrible and we told him to take a couple of days off but he pointed out that we were still in danger and couldn't rest just yet. Paul also looked traumatised and I mentioned to Robert later that the staff suffered just as we did, so we should think of some way to lighten things up for all of us.
Steve told us that the building was guarded the best he could, we had a group hug before saying good night. We headed towards our own bedroom had a quick shower and then the boys came in to say goodnight.
We all lay on the bed together in what could best be described as a heap. We could tell that the boys didn't want to leave us alone because they took an awful long time to say goodnight. Robert and I got between the sheets and the boys cuddled up close to us. I told them they could lay there for a few more minutes before going to their own room.
The next thing I knew the sun was shining through the windows and the boys were still asleep curled up next to us.
I climbed out of bed as quietly as I could trying not to wake the others. I headed for the bathroom and no sooner had I finished taking a leak the three boys came bounding in desperate to use the toilet. All three stood around aiming at the bowl, while I washed, heading back into the bedroom to get dressed. My lover was awake lying on his back staring into space; I leant down bringing him back to earth by kissing his luscious lips.
"Good morning sweetheart."
I said,
"Did you know I love you?"
"Yes, and I love you too my darling."
We heard a noise behind us and there were the three boys pretending to vomit.
"You'll be acting like that one day in fact Ferdy probably already is so don't laugh, know go and get ready for breakfast."
We all met in the dining room, with most of the buildings staff already there. Over breakfast Robert spoke quietly to me so we couldn't be overheard,
"I think we should give everyone the day off and organize a big party for tomorrow to thank them for their efforts and loyalty."
I agreed before calling Shirley over to tell everyone they can go home or just hang around and rest if they live in but no one need do any work today. I also told her that we would have a senior management meeting straight after breakfast before she and the others headed off.
The only one not at the meeting was Bill, who wasn't due back until later in the day.
Robert spoke first,
"I would personally like to thank all of you for the help and devotion to us, our three boys and the company you have shown these last few days, Michael and I count on you not so much as employees but friends. Today is a rest day, while tomorrow we propose to throw a big thank you party for all our staff and friends."
Shirley and Betty both started speaking at the same time asking the same question.
"How many should we cater for and what kinds of food do you want?"
"Wait a minute."
I said,
"Who said anything about you people working, all the catering will come from outside and Robert and I will organise that, plus we will also have some entertainment."
Robert continued,
"All we want you to do is invite any one you think should be there including our neighbours whose homes were damaged. Steve I would also like the police to stand guard so all our security people can enjoy themselves as well. Can you check that out for us? Offer to pay their wages or something."
Once everything had been organized we all went our different ways. I gave Ferdy permission to phone David to come over if he could, and at the same time I told his father Nathan that he and his partner were invited to the party as well. We also checked on Cliff's mum making sure she was all right and asking her along as well. She told us that Cliff had been trying to contact us for a couple of days and was worried sick so we promised to give him a call as well.
After lunch Bill arrived home armed with a lucrative contract. We told him to forget that for now. We would look at that in a couple of days' time. Right know it was time to try and forget what happened and relax if that was possible.
For the rest of the day we sat around doing nothing, watching television with Miguel and Serge while Ferdy and David secreted themselves away in the boy's bedroom getting up to who knows what. When they came out for dinner they were both flushed and had red lips and a guilty look on their faces. The other two boys gave them hell so we didn't say anything. After dinner the boys wanted to play monopoly so we all joined in including Steve, Paul and our other two young managers Tony and Trent who now also lived in. I must admit we appeared to be one big happy family. In the end we played till almost midnight until the boys started falling asleep. When we started to get ready for bed we realized David was still here. He and Ferdy had kept quite during the game obviously thinking that if they did we wouldn't notice David was still here until it was too late, and now it was.
I called his father apologizing for the late hour asking if it was all right for him to stay explaining what the boys had done. Chuckling Nathan said it was all right he could stay if we didn't mind until the party.
"I'll bring him a change of clothes when we come up."
When I relayed this to the two boys they were delighted both of them kissing Robert and me.
"You'll have to behave yourselves because the other two boys will be in the same room as you unless we put David into a guest room on his own."
The looks on their faces said it all as we burst out laughing. Serge said.
"Dad's, do we have to put up with their love making all night long?"
"No because there not going to be doing anything, are you boys?"
Very meekly they answered,
"No dad."
I looked at Robert raising my eyebrows as if to say `yea sure'.
We kissed them all goodnight, including David who thanked us for being such nice people.
Finally we made it our own bed and it was good to be alone close to the man I love.
We were both very tired so there was no chance of any `Hanky Panky'.
Before closing my eyes I said,
"I love you darling."
My lover replied,
"I love you too my love."
The next thing I knew the sun was streaming through the window.
Well quite a traumatic time for the guys but they appear to be slowly coming out of it.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter and once again I would appreciate your thoughts and comments and will try and answer each and every one of them.
trevorvj@optusnet.com.au