Together As One
Chapter 10 
The next few days sped quickly by as the two men spent as much time they could together getting to know one another in ways lovers do. 

Brian knew that he had fallen under the blond’s spell and it scared him and thrilled him all at the same time. The conflicting emotions disturbed him and he wondered how he was going to deal with it. He had never planned on letting anyone get this close to him, but he had come to realize what that something had been that was missing from his life. It was the man with sparkling blue eyes, with a smile that lit up a room and warmed his soul; it was he that and made him feel loved and that was the most frightening feeling of all; to know that he was worthy of this man’s love. There were moments he wanted to turn tail and run, but then all he’d have to do is look into the depths of Justin’s soul and he knew that what he was feeling was right. 

As the days passed, Justin realized Brian was having doubts about his feelings toward the him, but he also knew that all the verbal reassurances on his part was not going to convince Brian of his love for him. That, he thought, had to be heard from his heart and not from my lips. Distance was not going to help their situation, but Justin felt Brian was worth fighting for and when the time was right they would find a way to be together. For now, he was willing to work with what was thrown at them because he knew that this time he meant more to Brian than just being a trick. Whether there would ever come a time when he would willing admit it, Justin knew that in his own way, Brian loved him. 

Much to the dismay of Jennifer, she noticed a lot the boy’s time was spent behind closed doors. It’s not that she was opposed to them having sex; after all she realized they were both young and virile men with huge sexual appetites. Her concern lay in the fact that eventually someone was going to go back to Pittsburgh and where would that leave the other. There was no mistaking it, her son had fallen hard; it didn’t matter whether he would admit to it or not. No matter how much Justin might have tried to convince himself that he was okay with the way things were, she knew deep down it was not going to be easy for him when Brian left; no matter what kind of promise they made to each other. She didn’t think that this so called relationship, if you could call it that, would work out and the one that was going to be hurt by it the most was her son. If for no other reason than he was the type that wore heart on his sleeve and therefore, was the more vulnerable of the two. Sighing to herself, she wondered why did loving someone have to be so hard; especially for Justin. He had been through a lot and all she wanted to do was to make up for it; to see him happy. Well this
would be a good place to start; she would be there for him when he needed her the most. Hopefully, she thought that wouldn’t be the case, because she wasn’t sure that she knew how to mend a shattered heart.

The night before Brian was due to leave, the two men decided to spend their last evening together by having a nice quiet dinner at the Inn and then spending the night in Brian’s room. They had come to a silent agreement that talk of the future would be tabled, and whatever came their way later they would try to work it out.

After dinner was completed, they opted for a nightcap beside the large open fireplace in the lounge. Brian sat holding his drink and watching Justin over the top of his snifter. He lazily swirled the dark amber color liquid as the glow of the fireplace reflected through the glass and danced off his lover’s beautiful profile.

Justin sat forward, resting his arms on his knees, staring pensively into the fire, his entire being a study of grace and innocence. Brian continued to watch him, a smile poised on his lips; he truly admired the view.

Feeling that he was being watched, Justin looked up with a questioning look on his face that quickly turned into a warm smile as he looked over at the man sitting beside him.

“Did you enjoy dinner, Brian?” he asked trying to bridge the silence that had suddenly consumed them.

“It was excellent. The lamb was cooked perfectly.”

“Yeah, Andre is a great chef; we were lucky to have found him. He and his wife moved here after they retired, but he quickly got bored and wanted to get back into being a chef. I was told that he could have gone anywhere, but he wasn’t looking for a high volume restaurant to work for and the Inn seemed to suit his needs just fine. In fact, his wife, Giselle, helps him out too,” Justin stopped short when he realized he sounded like he was babbling. Hoping to change the focus, he asked, “What do you have planned for Kinnetik when you get back?”

“I have to fly out to New York to see a client, and I have several new campaigns to work on for some of my existing clientele. It’ll be busy for a while.

“You’re going to New York? I’ve always wanted to go there and spend time visiting the museums and taking in some of the shows,” he said wistfully.

“Well maybe that’s a trip we can plan for; you know, spend a weekend, stay at the…hotel, visit the museums… and doing whatever else comes to mind.” He looked over at Justin, cocking a brow to let him know that their days might be filled with culture but their nights will be filled with hot sex. 

Justin blushed, picking up on Brian’s “whatever else comes to mind” comment. He knew exactly what the man meant, but decided not to rise to the bait.

“You mean it?” Justin asked his voice tinged with excitement.

“You mean doing whatever else comes to mind,” Brian teased, purposely being obtuse. 

He smiled and stuck the tip of his tongue out at Brian, reminding the older man of just how young he still was.

“You know what I mean.”

“Sure, it might be fun spending the weekend in New York. I never really get to do the tourist thing. I’m there usually for business and as quickly as I finish I leave.”

As they spoke in low, whispered tones, Brian noticed how Justin’s face glowed with excitement at the possibility of spending time in New York. He loved seeing how happy the younger man was and made himself a silent promise that come hell or high water they would make that trip together; if for nothing else but to see that smile.

Justin realized he was babbling again and fell quiet as he noticed his silent partner observing him with lust filled eyes. Immediately he felt his cock harden, and tugged at his pants trying to ease the discomfort.

Brian had seen Justin as he shifted uncomfortably in his chair and realized that the blond was experiencing the same feelings that he was. Setting his glass aside, he stood up and offered his hand, pulling the blond up toward his chest, and at the same time letting his arms encircle the smaller man’s waist. He watched as the tip of Justin’s tongue snaked out, licking his lips just before Brian let his own descend and capture the luscious lips in a soul-burning kiss that left both men breathless, but craving more.

Taking Justin by the hand he led him upstairs to his room. Trying to insert the key in the lock, Brian was distracted by Justin nuzzling his neck and running his hand teasingly over his cock. 

“Justin, I am never going to unlock this door if you keep distracting me,” he said in a raspy voice.

“I’m only kissing you,” the blond said innocently.

“Uh huh. Then why does your hand keeping rubbing my dick?”

“Oh I didn’t realize I was doing that,” Justin chuckled softly but stopped his teasing so they could get into the room. His own cock was stiffening and he wanted Brian to quickly do something about it. 

Finally getting the lock open, Brian grabbed Justin as he hurriedly pushed open the door. Lips and hands were everywhere as they devoured each other and made quick work of removing one another’s clothing. Finding the bed was no problem as Brian walked Justin backwards lips still making contacting with every inch of exposed skin until the back of his knees hit the mattress and he fell flat on his back. Their first round was hard and fast as both men needed immediate release. After they both rode out the wave of their first orgasm, Brian pulled out and tossed his condom. Still breathless they laid beside each other, Justin gently drawing circles on Brian’s chest in a soothing manner waiting for their rapid heartbeats to slow. 

“This isn’t exactly what I had planned,” Brian whispered into the darkness. “I had planned on taking it slow, but thanks to someone’s teasing I couldn’t exactly wait,” he laughed softly.

Justin smiled at the man facing him, “That’s okay, I couldn’t wait either, but we have all night to change that,” he gave a sly smile. 

The rest of the night the lovers made slow, gentle love. Finally sated, they fell asleep wrapped in a warm cocoon of each other’s arms.

The soft glow of the early morning sun flooded the room and illuminated the two lovers in a halo of light. Slowly Brian’s eyelids fluttered opened and he groaned softly as he glanced at the clock. As much as he hated to leave Justin’s side, and the warmth of the bed, he had no choice; he had to get ready and leave. Placing a kiss on Justin’s cheek he quietly slid out of bed to make his way to the bathroom being careful not to wake the sleeping beauty. Unable to resist, he turned around, his gaze falling upon the slumbering man; a smile gracing his lips even in sleep. Being ever so careful, Brian leaned over and once more laid a kiss upon his lover’s forehead. 

The sudden emptiness of the bed alerted Justin that Brian was no longer beside him. Glancing at the clock, he realized the time and the running of the shower confirmed his lover was indeed getting ready to leave.

Brian entered the shower and let the hot water cascade over him, washing away the tiredness he felt from lack of sleep. After several rounds of sex the two lovers had finally fallen asleep in the early morning hours. He couldn’t get over how insatiable the blond had been and Brian gladly accommodated him. He chuckled to himself as he thought how he met his match in the younger man. This man who had slowly crept his way into his heart; leaving him was not going to be easy.

A cold breeze and a warm, sleep-filled body wrapped his arms around Brian as he was joined Justin in the shower. 

“Mmmm, morning,” Justin purred as he came up behind Brian wrapping his arms around his waist and hugged him.

“Morning to you too, Sunshine.” Brian smiled enjoying the feel of Justin’s compact body against his wet skin. 

“Why didn’t you wake me, so that I could join you?”

“You looked so peaceful that I didn’t want to disturb you. I know you didn’t get much sleep,” he smirked as he recalled the events of last night.

“Well, that’s true but I want to spend as much time with you as I can before you leave,” he pouted.

“Well, I’m glad you joined me.” Brian turned to face Justin, and captured his pouty lips wanting to erase the sadness that crept into the blue eyes. 

The gentle kiss turned into something more with Brian turning Justin around to face the wall of the shower. He reached outside and grabbed a condom from his kit and using the soap he prepared himself and Justin. He quickly thrust into his lover’s tight hole, not giving the blond time to adjust to the intrusion. But Justin wanted it just as badly as Brian and he pushed back against the brunet. A fast paced rhythm ensued as Brian grasped Justin’s erection stroking in time to his own movements. Within minutes, a primal growl escaped Brian’s lips as both men descended over the edge, and he collapsed against Justin until his breathing returned to normal. 

Removing himself from the younger man, he disposed of his condom. Then, turning Justin around, he leaned in and, still breathless, placed a sweet, lingering kiss upon his lips.

Realizing that if they wanted to grab some breakfast before Brian had to leave, the two hurriedly finished their shower, quickly toweling one another off and got dressed.

Justin sat on the bed as he watched Brian throw the last of his things into his bag before zipping it up. Checking the time, he realized that they would have to hurry if they were to have enough time to eat before Brian had to leave for the airport.

“Hey Bri, we’d better hurry if we’re going to get something to eat. We still have time before you have to go,” Justin suggested, wanting to prolong the man’s departure as much as possible.

“Sounds like a plan. Let’s go, Sunshine,” Brian agreed as he picked up his bag and extended his hand toward Justin, pulling him off the bed.

The two entered the restaurant, seeking a quiet corner table to allow them some last minute privacy. After placing their orders, silence seemed to hang in the air, as each man became lost in their own thoughts. They had agreed to table all talk of the future…come what may, they would deal with things together. They would make no promises other than to be honest with each other and share what they were feeling. On Brian’s part this was no small feat, for he was one who always kept his feelings very well hidden. Justin knew what this herculean effort meant on Brian’s part and it gave him some inner peace that things would work out for them. 

As their orders were placed before them, conversation turned to making plans for their trip to New York. It had been tentatively decided that they would go when the busy season ended at the Inn. Justin said that he would have loved to visit during the Christmas season so he could see Rockerfeller Center and Times Square all decked out for the holidays, but until he got a handle on the situation at the Inn, he didn’t think it was right to leave his mother to do it all alone. 

Brian checked his watch and called the waitress for the bill; it was finally time for him to leave for the airport. As he dropped some bills on the table to pay for breakfast, he gathered his things and wrapped his arms around Justin ; together, the two lovers left the restaurant. 

Justin hovered beside the car as Brian placed his bag on the front seat. Brian decided there would be no long drawn out goodbyes because he didn’t want to remember the last look of his lover to be one filled with tears. He knew in his heart that they would find a way to make things work out for them.

Turning to face Justin, Brian pulled him toward his chest, enveloped him in a tight embrace and softly whispered, “This isn’t goodbye, so no tears. I want my memory of you to be of that brilliant smile, okay?” He felt a small nod and continued, “I don’t want tears spoiling it.” 

Brian knew how hard it was for Justin not to shed any tears because it was taking every bit of his own self-control not to let any of his own go. Pulling back slightly, he captured Justin’s lips with his own, and let his tongue invade the other’s mouth, wanting to take back with him the taste of his lover. 

“Later,” Brian whispered as he released Justin from his embrace.

“Later,” the blond repeated, as he did his best to give Brian the smile he wanted. 

Watching the car speed down the highway until it was a speck in the distance, Justin held his smile in place as promised, but as soon as it disappeared from sight his face crumbled and the tears flowed. Loving someone, he thought, sure wasn’t an easy thing to do.

Pulling back the heavy steel door, Brian walked into the loft and stood just inside the doorway. He had only been away a few days but it suddenly felt foreign to him. The minimalist look he so valued seemed cold and he longed for the warm atmosphere he remembered experiencing at the Inn. 

As the days slipped by, Brian felt an emptiness like he had never known before. The time he had spent with Justin put some things in perspective, one of which was whether or not he wanted to spend his life alone. Deep down he knew what his answer was but was, he ready for it; only time would tell.

Kinnetik kept him buried in work; since his return he had gained three new clients. He was grateful that it kept him occupied and his mind off Justin, at least while he was forced to focus on coming up with brilliant campaigns for each of them. 

Cynthia had noticed that every once in a while she’d catch Brian with a far away look in his eyes and his mind elsewhere and she had a feeling where he might be escaping to during these periods of reflection. Ever since his return from Bennington, she had noticed a change in him, but when she questioned him about it he brushed her off in his usual brusque manner; which meant the topic was not open for discussion. She also had a feeling that he was going through some inner turmoil and wondered if it had anything to do with the client in Bennington. She’s known for a long time that he felt he’d been missing something in his life; maybe he’s found that something in Bennington she ruminated. Knowing her boss like she did, she knew how much of a struggle that would be for him. After all, he didn’t do boyfriends or relationships. Smiling to herself, she hoped that one day she would get to meet the man that had her boss rethinking his rules.

Going to Babylon seemed to have lost its luster since his return. Even his friends seemed to notice that his trips to the backroom were far and few between. In fact, they often wondered what was going on with the Stud of Liberty Avenue, but any questions asked only received the infamous Kinney glare and standard “it’s none of your fucking business.” As obtuse as Michael could be at times, even he knew this was a touchy subject and it was best that he let it alone if he didn’t want his head bitten off. His friends also noticed that on the nights Brian did show up, he would not stay past midnight; his excuse being he had an appointment. Who the fuck had appointments at midnight, they thought, but they all learned it was better not to ask if they didn’t want to get their ass chewed off.

Going to Babylon seemed to have lost its luster since his return. Even his friends seemed to notice that his trips to the backroom were far and few between. In fact, they often wondered what was going on with the Stud of Liberty Avenue, but any questions asked only received the infamous Kinney glare and standard “it’s none of your fucking business.” As obtuse as Michael could be at times, even he knew this was a touchy subject and it was best that he let it alone if he didn’t want his head bitten off. His friends also noticed that on the nights Brian did show up, he would not stay past midnight; his excuse being he had an appointment. Who the fuck had appointments at midnight, they thought, but they all learned it was better not to ask if they didn’t want to get their ass chewed off.

Since their parting, it became a regime of nightly phone calls between the two men that usually culminating in some hot phone sex. Each would recall every nuance of one another’s body; the feel, the taste, and the exquisite sensations that coursed through them as they reached their ultimate goal. Most often it was these phone calls to one another that were the highlight of their day and they kept to their silent pact of not discussing their future and what may come of it. For now they would just savor their memories.

Justin’s days were occupied with the Inn, which didn’t give him much time to think of Brian, but as his days drew to a close he looked forward to his nightly phone call to his lover. It was his time to get away from the frustrations of the day and hear the voice of someone who wanted and needed him. Often times he would take to daydreaming of being at home waiting for Brian to arrive and then the two of them spending a quiet evening together. He could see them sitting in front the fireplace sipping a glass of wine and going over the day and finding comfort in the fact that no matter what, above all else, that you were safe, secure and loved by someone special. Shaking his head, he laughed to himself; what a nice fantasy it was.

Turning back to the paperwork on his he desk, he sighed as he was brought back to reality. He was still stymied over the accounts; there was something missing and he couldn’t put his finger on it. Taking a break, he turned his chair so that he was facing the credenza behind the desk. Leaning back in his chair, his hands placed behind his head, he let his eyes focus on a photo his father had kept on the shelf of his mother and sister. Funny how Craig had wasted little time in wiping out any trace of his existence, he thought. As he stared at the photo, his right leg rhythmically swung back and forth letting the toe of his shoe hit against the bottom panel. As he became aware of his actions he noticed a slightly hollow echo to the panel. Shifting his foot over he aimed the toe of shoe at a second panel and realized it had a solid sound to it. Bending and with both hands he pushed against the first panel; with a click the panel popped open to reveal a safe. The thought never crossed his mind to search for one; now the only question that remained was, how to get it open. 

He didn’t think his mother even knew about the safe because if she had he was certain she would have mentioned it to him. Getting the combination from her was a moot point, so he sat for a few minutes, pondering his dilemma. Well, he said to himself, just sitting on my ass is not going to find the combination. Turning back to face the desk he thought it was just a good a place as any to start looking. Pulling open the top drawer he felt along the underside as well as the bottom but his search came up empty. He did the same to the three side drawers and still couldn’t find anything. Sighing to himself he stood up and randomly pulled several books off the shelf, bending each one at the spine he held each one open and shook it to see if any slip of paper might come floating out. 

Deciding that he would have to make a more methodical search, he started back at the desk; getting down on his hands and knees, he thoroughly searched every inch from top to bottom. Next he turned his search to the credenza and, book-by-book he pulled each one off the shelf, turned them on their sides, and ran his fingers through the pages; and still he found nothing. Wanting to scream in frustration, he sat hard in the chair and once again his eyes landed on the photo. Like a light bulb going off in his head he stared at the frame and thought that it couldn’t be that easy. Picking up the frame, he removed the back and sure enough, sandwiched in between two pieces of cardboard lay a scrap of paper that was taped to one of the pieces. Pulling off the paper, he stared at it as if it had grown horns. Now that the possibility was near he wasn’t so sure he wanted to find out what his father may have been hiding behind the safe’s door. 

Sitting on the floor and holding the scrap of paper in his left hand, he hesitantly started moving the dial to the right until he landed on the first digit of the combination. Carefully he moved the dial around to each of the numbers, until he finished with the last and final one. Grasping the handle of the safe he moved it in a downward motion and heard a resounding click. His heart raced with the thought that he had successfully completed the combination. 

He took a deep breath and noticed that his hand trembled slightly as he pulled the heavy steel door open. A gasp escaped his lips and a look of stunned surprise washed over him as some of the contents of the safe came into view. Holy shit, what the fuck was my dad up to, he thought as he started rifling through the contents. All he considered finding were possibly a few documents, a small amount of cash, but as Justin began emptying the contents and laid it out before him he was stunned to see was stashed in the safe. As he inventoried the contents he found close to one hundred thousand dollars in cash, a computer disc, a 457 automatic, a few legal looking documents, and a couple of letters on which he didn’t recognize the woman’s name or return address. What he was really surprised to find was an airline ticket stuck in between his father’s passport. 

After examining the ticket further, Justin surmised that his father was planning a trip outside the country. A closer look and he found that it was a one-way trip and just for himself. He wondered why his father would be making such a trip without taking his mother; she always wanted to go to Europe but with the Inn there never seemed to be enough time. Why was he planning on going at this particular tine and why was he going alone? Placing the ticket back between the pages of the passport, he set it aside; hoping the answer lay somewhere in the safe among the other things. 

He unfolded the first document he came across and closer inspection showed that it was some sort of medical form. As he read it, Justin realized it was from Diagnostic Laboratories for lab tests that his father had taken. Apparently he had a DNA test done and it confirmed that he was a match to Alexander Clarkson. He set aside the lab results, baffled as to why his father would have a DNA test done and wondering just who the hell this Alexander was. 

Fear settled in the pit of his stomach as he comprehended the possible meaning of the lab test. Deciding that maybe the letters from the woman might give him some answers, he tentatively removed them from the envelope that had become yellow with age and slowly began to read the first one. Justin’s jaw dropped open and his heart beat a little faster as the content of the letter revealed itself. He couldn’t believe what a deceitful, lying asshole his father had been. He could taste the bitter bile rise up to cause a burning sensation in the back of his throat as he read all the letters and discovered the secrets his father had kept hidden from the family. Was this the reason his father was leaving the country?

As he looked through the other documents his searched revealed an agreement of sale for a parcel of land on the north side of the mountain where one of the better ski runs were. Not wanting to face the possibility that his father was
involved in selling off land that was never meant to be sold, Justin placed the document back into it’s envelope; he would deal with all of it later. But for now he just needed to sort everything out and make some sense of all that he found. 

Placing the contents back into the safe the only item he kept out was the computer disc. He decided to take a look at it; hoping it might provide him with some answers.

He held up the plastic case that contained the computer disc and noticed it was marked “Maple Inn Accounts”. Justin wondered why his father had another set of files since he already had backed up the ones on his hard drive. Slipping the disc into the computer, he opened up the files and discovered the accounts and where all the missing funds had gone. It appeared as if his father had been withdrawing funds from several accounts that should have been used to maintain the Inn. He had itemized them as payments for repairs to various pieces of equipment, which was bullshit, because Justin knew the work had never been done. 

Molly had been out and about enjoying the freshly fallen snow. She was making her way toward a grove of trees when she spotted a familiar face and walked over.

“Hey Molly, how are you doing?” 

“I’m doing okay,” the young girl replied

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”

“Yeah, it has been. What are you doing here?” she questioned curiously.

“I was coming to look for you?”

“You were? Why?”

“Well I heard you wanted to get a dog?”

“You did?”

“Yep, your brother mentioned it?”

“Yeah, I do want one, but I’m not so sure my mom will let me have one.”

“Well, I found one and I have him up in the line shack. I was coming to get you to see if you wanted him.”

“You were?” Molly bounced around with excitement. “Can you take me to see him?”

“I sure can, and you can even take him home with you. Maybe if your mom sees it she’ll let you keep him.”

“Hey that’s a good idea. How could she resist a cute puppy.”

“That’s right. Come on let’s go see him.”

As the two entered the line shack, Molly asked, “I don’t see any puppy. Where is he?”

Before she realized what was happening she was roughly pushed forward, losing her balance she fell to the ground. “Hey what did you do that for?” she questioned, a hint of terror in her voice as she tried to stand up. “Where’s the puppy you promised me?”

“You stupid little girl, there’s no puppy. Stay right there, and don’t move, ” he threatened. Reaching for some rope he bound her hands and legs tightly. 

“Why are you doing this?” she questioned, a sob breaking from her lips.

“Keep quiet or I’ll tape your mouth shut.” A menacing stare had Molly quickly huddled close to the wall.

Walking outside the shack, the man pulled out his cell phone and dialed Justin’s number. 

“Justin Taylor,” was the answer that came after only one ring.

“Taylor, if you want to see your sister again, meet me at the line shack and come alone.” 

“Who is this?” Panic could be clearly heard in Justin’s voice.

“You’ll fucking find out at the line shack,”

Justin stared at the phone as the line went dead. What the fuck; was this some sort of sick joke? Standing up from his desk, he decided to go see where Molly was. As he entered the lobby he looked around and spotted his mother.

Casually so as not to alarm her he asked, “Hey Mom, have you seen Molly?”

“No Sweetie, I haven’t. She’s suppose to be outdoors. She was excited about the fresh snow that had fallen. Why, is something the matter?”

“Um…no. I just wanted to see if she would help me with something,” he replied. “I’ll go check outside and see if she’s around.” This did not look good, he had not seen his sister as he walked over to the Inn. Hopefully one of the workers knew where she was.

“Hey, Nick,” Justin called out.

“Hey Justin, what’s up?”

“By any chance have you seen Molly?”

“Oh yeah, she was talking with some guy.”

“Did you recognize him?”

“Nope, I couldn’t see his face, but it couldn’t have been a stranger.”

“Why would say that?”

“She seemed really friendly with him and next thing you know the two took off. Why the questions, Boss?”

“Oh, I was just looking for her. I wanted her to do something for me,” he said trying to remain calm but he noticed his heart was beating rapidly. “Thanks, Nick. I’ll keep looking for her.”

Justin stood for a moment fear paralyzing his actions as he realized that the phone call was not a joke. He wanted to contact the police but he’d been warned to come alone and he wasn’t about to jeopardize Molly’s life. Who knows what this person would do if he didn’t do as he was told.

Quickly he made his way toward the line shack. As he neared the area, he stopped a few yards away. Then using a grove the trees as a protective cover, he
looked around. Not noticing anyone he cautiously approached the door of the shack and slowly pushed it open; calling out to Molly as he entered. 

”Mol, are you there?” he called out softly into the darkness of the shack.

“Jus!”

His name was the last thing he heard before his world went black and he felt his body crumble to the hard-packed earth. 

The next thing Justin knew he was jolted back into consciousness by a well placed kick to his ribs. The violent kick racked his body in pain and he rolled onto his side clutching his ribs, gasping for air. He tried to sit up, but the blow he’d received on the back of his head and the kick to his ribs made any sort of movement too painful, so he chose instead to simply lie there hoping it would subside. That option, however, was taken out of his hands when he was suddenly grabbed by the hair and pulled into a sitting position; something that gave him his first opportunity to catch a glimpse as his tormentor. 

“Oh my God!” he gasped as he recognized the man towering over him with a maniacal gleam in his eyes.

Without reacting to Justin’s astonishment, the tormentor simply grasped him by the hair a second time and pulled hard. The pain shot through the blond’s body once again as he was yanked into the corner nearer his sister.

“Molly, are you okay?” Justin choked; his voice raspy and barely above a whisper. He squeezed his eyes in pain as the blow he had received to the back of his head continued to hinder any movement, but he did manage to move closer to his sister.

“Yes, I’m okay. Jus…I’m scared.”

“It’s okay to be scared Molly; I am too. God Mol, my head is killing me. I feel like I may pass out.”

“Shut the fuck up you two,” their captor shouted as he backhanded Justin across the face, splitting his lip.

As his head snapped back the last thing Justin heard was Molly’s panicked scream as he fell into darkness.

Frightened, Molly tied to shrink her body closer into the corner. She couldn’t believe all the things that were happening and all the bad things she had heard about her father. Though her legs were bound she tried to nudge her brother awake. Leaning over so as not to be heard, in a pleading voice she whispered, “Jus…wake up…pleeeeeese I need you.” The only response she received was a soft moan.

Like an angry caged animal the tormentor paced back and forth in the small confined space of the line shack. Spewing nonsensical and venomous rantings about what a lying, cheating asshole Craig Taylor was and how he had deserved to die. Now was his time; now he would get what he wanted; what was owed to him and his family.

Slowly coming out of unconsciousness, Justin became aware of the irate man as he paced, and watched as his captor ran agitated fingers through his greasy hair. He heard bits and pieces of the angry diatribe that was being disgorged from the lips of their captor and stunned disbelief washed over him. None of this could be true; he’s got to be delusional. My father was a lot of things, and he hated me for being gay, but he wouldn’t hurt the family by doing the things he was claimed to have done. 

The midday sun was high overhead when Jennifer began to wonder where her two errant children had disappeared to. The last thing she remembered was Justin asking if she had seen Molly, and that was the last she had heard from him. Maybe he had been able to coral his sister into helping him. But before heading home to start the noonday meal, she decided to take a walk around and see if the two were out on the grounds.

As she headed toward the maintenance shed, she ran into Todd and Nick who had just finished cleaning the snowmobiles and were headed back to the Inn for their lunch break.

“Todd?”

“Oh hi, Mrs. Taylor. We were just wrapping things up before going to lunch. What can I do for you?” Todd asked.

“I was wondering if you have seen Justin or Molly? I can’t to find them anywhere.” 

“No I haven’t, except for our early morning meeting. He mentioned that he would be working out of the house the rest of the day. That was the last I’ve
seen of him. Nick, you were working outdoors most of the day, did you see them?” Todd turned and looked toward the other man.

“As a matter of fact, I did see Justin but that was a while ago. He was looking for Molly,” Nick replied.

“He came and asked me if I had seen her too,” Jennifer remarked. “What did you tell him, Nick?”

“I told him that I had; she happened to be talking with someone.”

“Did you know who that was?” she asked as concern filled her voice.

“I told Justin I couldn’t see the face of the person she was talking to, but it appeared that she knew who the person was.”

“Thanks for you help,” Jennifer said as she headed home.

on to chapter 11