---

Jeff's hospital room was a madhouse on the morning he was to be released. Nurses as well as therapists were in and out performing all their final checks to make sure Jeff was ready to be on his own. Damon knew that as long as Jeff's parents were in town would make any visit he made to the apartment uncomfortable so he decided to make a hospital call first thing in the morning before they arrived. Between visits from hospital staff Damon was able to spend some time alone with Jeff so they could catch up.

Jeff hobbled out of bed and pulled up a chair next to Damon. "I've really missed you," Jeff uncharacteristically took Damon's hand into his own and couldn't care less who saw them.

"Not as much as I've missed you."

"Yeah right," Jeff smirked, "I bet you missed me while you were by the pool working on your tan and I was here having my mother dote over me."

"You know you enjoyed it babe, besides I'm the one who spent several days with you not knowing me and then a couple more with you not wanting to see me."

"Yeah, but I made up for all that the last twenty-four hours pissed at myself for listening to Josh. I feel like such a jerk being played the fool by him I just hope I don't run into him again anytime soon. If I do I really might have to mess up his face."

Damon felt Jeff tense up. "He's not my favorite person right now either but cut him some slack for fessing up."

"As far as I'm concerned he's done too much damage for me to overlook. I'm stuck here not able to take care of myself. Mom gave me a sponge bath the other day do you know how embarrassing it is for a guy my age to have my mother wash my dick? My Jeep is totaled and I already know I don't have enough insurance to cover for it and on top of everything else who knows what legal trouble I'm in." Jeff glowered. "The way I see it is this is simple cause and effect. If Josh didn't do what he did none of the rest would have happened. It's going to be a while before I can overlook that." He saw Damon's look of disappointment and flashed his killer smile, "But I'm not ruling it out."

"You can be such a sweetie at times." Damon felt his cock twitch as he leaned and kissed Jeff on his stubble-covered cheek.

"Yeah whatever," Jeff feigned annoyance and wiped the kiss with the back of his hand. "Just don't let that get out I have a reputation to live down to ya know."

"Are you Jeffrey Wayne Schultz?"

"Depends on who's asking." The two policemen who had just entered ignored Jeff's sorry attempt at corny humor.

"We understand you were to be released today and we have orders that you're to be held until arraignment."

"What?" Damon jumped at the revelation.

"As soon as the doctor signs him out we're taking him to jail." The policeman reaffirmed.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you yet Damon." Jeff tugged at Damon's shirt to get him to sit down.

"Tell me what Jeff? What's going on here?"

Before Jeff could respond the policeman filled in the blanks. "Mr. Schultz was allegedly driving while under the influence, disregarded an automatic signal and was responsible for personal and property damage."

"That doesn't make sense his leg is in a cast. It's not like he's going anywhere."

"I'm sorry but we have our orders, where is the attending physician?"

"Do you have a lawyer?" Damon asked.

"Sort of, Larry Blackburn from back home, he should be in town somewhere."

"What the fuck is going on here?" Wayne scowled as he and his wife entered the room and were surprised to find the policemen and Damon. After hearing why the policemen were there Linda sat and wept while Wayne marched to the nurses' station to use the phone. He was relieved to hear that the doctor was in surgery and hadn't yet signed the release papers. With Wayne out of the room and the policemen busy using their radio Jeff suggested to Damon that he might want to leave before being caught in the crossfire and to check back later. Damon reluctantly agreed. As much as he wanted to give Jeff a goodbye kiss he knew better and just gave his shoulder a squeeze then quietly left, slipping unseen by the nurses' station. Hearing the colorful language Wayne used while he screeched into the phone was all Damon needed to make him recognize that he never wanted to be the object of Wayne Schultz's wrath.

"You boys might want to check in with your boss." Wayne snapped when he returned to the room.

"Yeah, we just got the call." The officer didn't look too pleased but acted cordial as he reattached his radio to its clip on his belt. "Sorry to have bothered you folks."

"What was that all about?" Jennifer and Brian passed the policemen leaving as they arrived. "We saw Damon in the lobby and he said something about police and jail."

Wayne conveyed his phone calls to Blackburn and Officer Feldman. What Wayne did not pass on was how he was much more impressed with how the police officer was handling the case than he was with his own friend and attorney. Feldman had already spoken with the prosecutor and filed paperwork to have Jeff released to his parents' care. He used Jeff's condition to invoke a city policy stating that if he were sent either to jail or the SAFE House the city would be responsible for all his prescriptions and medical care as well as ensure his safety amongst the general population. Feldman had pulled some favors and had the case assigned to a judge who agreed to bend procedures and meet with them after lunch to see what could be resolved.

"Blackburn better get his ass in gear," Wayne scowled, "for what I'm paying him I expect better results."

"How are you paying for this?" Linda questioned. As a general rule she did not bother with family finances other than buying groceries and other necessary supplies. But she had been led to believe that money was tight.

"Don't worry about that, I have it covered." Wayne was standing at the window looking out so no one could read his face or see the bead of sweat on his forehead. The others just gave questioning looks to each other, none really sure what he meant.

Anxiety was high since the only thing they could so was sit and worry about what might happen to Jeff. The room remained unusually quiet as nobody had anything to say to relieve the tension. Linda sat in the corner with her rosary and occasionally used a tissue to wipe a tear. Brian excused himself long enough to get coffee for everyone then took a seat next to Jennifer who remained solemn. Wayne left the room saying he needed some fresh air. He stopped at the gift shop on the first floor and was upset they did not sell cigarettes but had more or less expected it. He hadn't smoked one in over a year and seldom had one but needed one to calm his nerves. He left the building and went to the car where he had a pouch of Red Man stashed in the side pocket. After taking a plug he walked around the building. He had more important things on his mind than Jeff's condition and legal situation. He stood by his decision that he only did what was best for his family and hoped that they would agree. He technically hadn't done anything illegal and there is definitely no way they could have afforded for both of the kids to afford an expensive private college or rent on their apartment otherwise. After two times around the building he spat into a flower garden. He stopped at the gift shop on the way back for a pack of mints and seeing the cooler bought a Dr. Pepper to take back up to Jeff.

It was after lunch before the doctor finally made his rounds. Wayne held his comment regarding the late appearance when he received a stern look from his wife. Jeff was just glad to finally be able to leave the hospital, but to where? After a quick exam the doctor approved Jeff's release and left instructions for a follow up appointment in his office two weeks out.

Jennifer gave her brother a good luck hug then she and Brian left to go to class. They would have liked to go but Blackburn had suggested keeping the group to a minimum as to not create a spectacle. After Jeff changed into the street clothes his mother had brought from the apartment he was wheeled to the main entrance where Wayne had the car waiting.

Larry Blackburn was already waiting at the courthouse speaking with Officer Feldman and a representative from the prosecutor's office when the family arrived. After introductions were made they were led into Judge Dugan's office where she had just received the case notes. The prosecutor made the judge's decision easy when she heard they still had not reached a decision as to exactly what charges would be filed. A sigh of relief could be heard in the chamber when the judge allowed Jeff to be released to his mother's care where he would receive adequate attention until the official hearing scheduled in three weeks. All was going well and the judge was about to dismiss when Blackburn requested that Jeff be allowed to return home to Spring Hill. At first neither the judge not the prosecutor were convinced that it would be a good idea to allow Jeff to cross the state line. It was Feldman who raised concern regarding the difficulty Jeff would have climbing to the second floor apartment with Blackburn adding the family would be much more comfortable in their own home, not to mention Wayne would be able to return to work and therefore provide for his family. The judge excused herself to review the file then returned and announced that with Jeff's clean record with the law as well as with the Marine Corps and since the family maintained the local apartment in which Jennifer would be staying behind there were sufficient ties to believe Jeff would return. Given the unusual circumstances in the case it was decided to allow Jeff to go home. A wave of relief went through the room before the judge issued her final warning.

"This is against my better judgment and I would be lying if I said I was 100% convinced that it's a good idea. However I anticipate that I haven't made a bad decision and set a bad precedent so you had better not disappoint me. Your presence and punctuality will be expected at your hearing or trust me young man when I say that I will issue a warrant so stiff that if you ever show yourself again in the state of Indiana you will wish you never heard of this state, do you understand." A wide-eyed Jeff shook his head, "Very good, you're dismissed."

Feldman and Blackburn exchanged cards as they left the courthouse and agreed to speak the following week. Blackburn said his goodbyes to the family then left for Spring Hill. The Schultz Family returned to the apartment where after struggling with the stairs Jeff helped his mother pack what he thought was important for his trip home.

* * *

Jennifer and Brian walked in the apartment after class just in time to say goodbye. Brian helped Jeff down the stairs and into the front seat of the aging Ford sedan then was surprised to get a pat on the back from Wayne and a hug from Linda thanking him for all that he had done to help Jennifer. Jeff, already sitting in the front seat just rolled his eyes. After waving as the car pulled away Jennifer and Brian practically ran up the stairs and locked the door behind them.

"I didn't think they would ever leave." Jennifer commented as she reached for Brian's zipper and released his rapidly expanding organ. "I think it's time we make up for lost time." With a couple of strokes she had her man fully erect and ready for action while he massaged her breasts through her clothes. She gave him a devilish grin and led him to her bedroom by his hard-on.

"I need to call Damon." Brian realized.

"Now?" Jennifer yanked his khakis to his knees.

"I promised him I would as soon as we knew what happened with the judge. Although I'm sure he is going to be disappointed to hear Jeff has already left.

"You sure know how to get a girl worked up and then spoil the mood Brian Flynn. Can't you tell him tonight?"

"Well," Brian slipped her top over her head and threw it aside. "I hadn't planned on going home."

"Teasing me are you big boy?"

"Absolutely," He gave her a quick peck between her breasts. "So, do you want me to call him now then see how fast I can get you back in the mood? Or, we can wait in which case he may call and interrupt or worse, stop by."

"Make it snappy."

After a very quick phone call Brian returned to the bedroom to find her naked and sensually posed on the bed where he quickly joined her. They more than made up for lost time that night.

* * *

"Hi Dad,"

"Damon? How's Jeff?"

"He's fine; they released him from the hospital today."

"Why is it you don't seem too excited about it?"

"He's home, as in Illinois."

"I see," Stephen had questions about how Jeff was allowed to leave the state but decided not to ask his son whom he had no doubt was already missing his partner. "Do you know if he has a good lawyer?"

"Yes sir, someone name Blackman or something like that. Jeff says he's like a hundred or something and has handled the family business for years."

Stephen snickered at his son's analogy, "That is contract law, I wonder what his credentials are to handle a case like Jeff's?"

"Jeff didn't seem too confident when I was up this morning. He said this Blackman has already told him he Is going to jail it's just a matter of how long." Stephen could hear the tears in his son's voice.

"I'm sure he's just exaggerating son, hang in there and let's see what happens, okay?"

"Okay Dad,"

"You back in your classes?"

"Yes sir, I started back today."

"I know it's not going to be easy to put Jeff out of your mind but try your best. I want you to concentrate on your studies, get your mind on something else for now."

"I don't know if I can Dad, and I've missed so much."

"It's only been a few days son; I know you can do it."

"I'll try Dad, thanks."

After disconnecting with his Son Stephen made a few phone calls and became increasingly concerned as he found out more about Lawrence R Blackburn of Spring Hill, Illinois. Not only did it appear that Blackburn seldom handled anything outside Kaskaskia County but his record of criminal cases was dismal at best choosing to plea for a lesser sentence rather than get his client acquitted. He had more than one obstruction charge against him and it appeared he was not above using bribery.

After pondering the situation over dinner and at the urging of his wife Stephen finally called his good friend and personal attorney Andrew Niemeier for advice. Andrew recommended his nephew Phillip who specialized in criminal law; Stephen was familiar with his reputation and accepted Andrew's offer to call Phillip that evening.

Damon was hard at study when his father called him with the good news. He was relieved his Dad had found someone with better credentials to take the case but reminded his father that Jeff's family may not be able to afford Niemeier. "Leave that to me." Stephen said to his son. Damon just needed to call Jeff and make sure he was content with it and to make arrangements for Phillip Niemeier to contact Jeff.

Damon's attempts to contact Jeff were unsuccessful with Linda Shultz screening his calls. He tried to explain to her about the lawyer but she just hung up on him. He would like to have called Jennifer but since Brian still wasn't home he just smiled knowing what his roommate and his girlfriend were probably up to. But then sulked when he realized they were doing exactly what he wanted to be doing with Jeff.

* * *

Damon had caught up with Brian after his first class to give him the news. They then met with Jennifer in the Student Commons for lunch.

"Damon that's great! Larry is just an old country lawyer. I think the only reason he hasn't retired is because he'd have to stay at home with his wife."

Jennifer was pissed when she heard about Damon's encounter with her mother the night before and quickly agreed to call Jeff on his behalf.

Jennifer called and after some pleasantries with her mother asked to speak to Jeff, then put Damon on the phone to let him explain. Jeff was thrilled but kept his excitement down as to not alert his mother who he was really speaking to. He quickly agreed to speak to Niemeier and told Damon his mother would be playing Bunco with his Aunt Betty and his Dad didn't answer the phone so there would be no one to screen calls.

That evening Phillip Niemeier called and spoke with Jeff for a half hour getting his story and statement but wanted a face to face meeting as well as a meeting with Blackburn and Officer Feldman to get everything he could on the case. Normally he wouldn't make a nearly five hour drive himself and would have been more than happy to correspond with Blackburn by phone and fax. But his calls to Blackburn went unanswered and while he was able to get plenty of good information from Feldman he wanted a face to face meeting with his client. Phillip was persuaded by his Uncle Andrew to make the trip himself and to take Damon stressing the importance of keeping an important client like Stephen Jung happy.

* * *

Phillip had no problem picking up Damon and was looking forward to having the company for the trip. He kissed his wife as she slept then left his East Louisville neighborhood early enough to miss the morning rush hour. Damon was dressed and ready when Phillip called him from the highway just outside town. Damon was glad to be able to have an excuse to see Jeff but not looking forward to another encounter with Mr. and Mrs. Schultz who had been less than friendly towards him. When Damon slipped into the passenger's seat of the Lincoln Navigator he commented on how he's pretty sure he remembered the way. When Phillip commented that he already had the address programmed into the GPS device on the dashboard Damon was impressed with the turn by turn directions and commented how he knew that Jeff being the gadget geek he was would love it.

After the obligatory introductions and general conversations about backgrounds, schools and sports conversation was kept to a minimum during the drive. Not only from the lack of things to say but also due to the constant interruptions from Phillip's cell phone ringing. They only made one quick stop in Vincennes for gas and snacks in order to make better time. Damon enjoyed the trip more than the first time since he was sitting higher, and as he was not driving was able to see more of the scenery pass by as they drove through the rolling hills of Southern and Central Indiana and Illinois.

As they passed through the small downtown Damon began to get nervous and had noticeable beads of sweat as they pulled into the gravel drive in front of the familiar farmhouse. His heart immediately sank noticing both the old Dodge truck and family sedan were parked in addition to a Camry. He had hoped one or both of Jeff's parents would be gone.

Lori was really unsure why she was sitting on the sofa in the Schultz farmhouse living room. True, she and Jeff had been in school together and she always had a crush on him. But sitting in the same room with him, she couldn't take her eyes off how great he looked and thinking about how being in the Marines was great for his body. She couldn't understand why Mary Miller dumped him for Joe Thompson. She now realized it was a setup when her mother asked her to deliver pecans to Linda Schulz. Linda seemed to care less about the nuts than offering her fresh tea and a seat in the living room. But a lot had changed in her life since then and sure it had in his as well, but maybe, who knew? She sure would be the envy of the others if she was the one to finally snag Jeff Schultz! Jeff seemed less interested in talking to her than she did to him as he kept gazing to the television and petting the brightly colored Calico cat that had hissed at her when she tried to pet it. He perked up though when they heard the gravel in the drive being crushed under a large vehicle and almost seemed excited when two men got out and walked towards the house.

"I wonder who that could be." From Linda's seat she did not see Damon and Phillip when they pulled in. Lori could see all color leave the older woman's face when she met the visitors at the door.

"What are you doing here?" Linda scowled. She recognized Damon but not the well dressed man with the briefcase.

"Let em in Mom. I knew they were coming, he's a lawyer."

Linda reluctantly opened screen door to let them in. Both she and Lori noticed Jeff's face light up when he saw Damon. "Hey Dame, glad you could come."

"I'm glad I was able to make it, what happened?" When Damon scratched his cheeks Jeff knew his boyfriend was referring to his having shaved.

"Mom made me do it before Father Beaman came over for lunch yesterday. Disappointed?"

"I'm sure I'll get used to it." Damon smiled but Jeff could sense his disappointment. Lori's jaw dropped seeing the exchange. Damon bent to pet Skittles who remember Damon from his previous visit and was already purring at his feet. "Oh, this is Phillip Niemeier who you spoke with last night. His uncle is a friend of my father's and has been his lawyer for years. He wouldn't have recommended Phillip if he didn't have confidence he could handle your case. Phillip, you've probably already guessed this bum pretending to be an invalid is Jeff."

"What the Hell's going on here? We've already got a lawyer." Wayne said as he entered the room from the kitchen.

"Dad let's hear what he has to say, I'm not sure about Larry."

"What do you mean not sure? He was fine when you needed him to straighten out that mess you got in last year. He also took care of you when you went into the Marines and needed a will and power of attorney papers. You think you move off to the city you're too good for him now boy?"

"No Dad it's not like that, Larry's a good guy I just don't think..."

"Don't think what, you don't think he's big city enough?"

"Sir if I might interject, I'm not familiar with Larry..." Phillip tried to smooth things over.

"Damn right you're not." Wayne interrupted. "We don't need you here."

"Here, maybe not. I'm sure Larry has handled things for you quite well over the years."

"Then what the fuck you doing here?"

"Mr. Schultz I guess?" Phillip extended his hand but Wayne refused. "I have been handling cases like Jeff's for over ten years and am much more familiar with the laws involved so if I might say so I'd probably stand a better chance of getting the charges dropped."

Wayne opened his pouch of Red Man and put a plug in his mouth while he pondered. "So just what is your plan? And what does it have to do with him?" Wayne pointed at Damon.

"He rode over with me," Phillip answered. "I have already spoken with a local policeman, a James Feldman and he faxed my office copies of his reports. I have also already begun putting together a personal profile on Jeff. I know this is doable or I wouldn't have traveled this far."

"Listen to him Wayne, I don't want Jeff to go to jail." Linda pleaded.

"I don't know, I've already hired Larry and believe in loyalty to friends. Since I'm the one footing the bill what I say goes."

"That's not really fair," Damon spoke, "Jeff is free, white and twenty one. He has the right to make his own decisions over who represents him."

This infuriated Wayne who was used to being the man of his house. He furrowed his brow and spoke to Damon. "Boy I think you need to stay out of Schultz family business. This has nothing to do with you. I don't know what you stand to gain by butting in."

"Dad he's right, it's my life that's at stake here and I think I should have a say in this. I invited them over to hear what Phillip has to say." Jeff's voice was raised, something he have never done to either of his parents ever before. Lori felt it was a good time to make a hasty exit and slipped out.

"Fine, whatever you want since you think you're a man now. But, whose gonna pay for it? I'm not."

Jeff felt beat, he knew he had already spent a chunk of his savings moving into the apartment and he knew he was going to have hospital bills to contend with as well.

Phillip looked around and could see the tension; he was concerned about the family conflict his presence was creating. "Don't worry," he said, "my fees are covered, I am on retainer from Stephen Jung Enterprises who will handle expenses."

"Who the fuck is Stephen Jung?" Wayne asked.

"My dad." Damon answered.

"Why would your dad give a rat's ass about my boy?"

"Dad met Jeff a few weeks back, when I told him Jeff needed a good," Damon stressed the last word. "Lawyer he agreed."

"I still don't get it; I wouldn't buy you a Coke much less pay for a lawyer. And I don't, think, I have anything against you." Wayne stumbled over his words.

"What do you mean you don't think dad?"

"I just want to know what's going on between you two, something just doesn't add up."

"Meaning?"

"How you've become such great friends all of a sudden after what happened between him and your sister. And just why were you at that guy's house when all this happened."

"What guy dad?"

"Come on now son, I saw Blackburn's report, Blackburn has talked to that Fletcher kid whose house you were at and thinks he's queer."

"And that's a problem why Dad?"

"It could work in our favor, Blackburn was going to say you panicked when he made a move on you and that's why you went running out and why you weren't thinking straight when you ran the red light."

"But Dad wouldn't that be lying. I thought you raised me better than that."

"Come on son, I don't want you getting a reputation hanging out with people like that, look what it would do to the family."

"You're an asshole dad nobody in these parts has ever met, or likely ever will meet, Josh so your reputation as a homophobic redneck is intact."

"So son, where does that leave you?"

"Dad I see what you're fishing at but do you really want to go there?"

"Are you a fag?" Wayne asked bluntly.

"Hell yes," Jeff nervously replied, "To answer your other question, yes, Damon and I are lovers, and have been since earlier this year when I went to visit Jen. Oh, and yes we fucked in my bed under your roof when he was here before." His father remained expressionless. His mother though gasped first, and then started crying and then jumped from her rocking chair and ran from the room. This was also news to Phillip who hadn't been filled in on this aspect of his client's life. "I told you not to ask if you really didn't want to know."

After about two minutes of total silence Wayne spit into the cup he was holding then wiped the tobacco juice leaking from the corner of his mouth with a hand towel that he immediately placed in his back pocket. He looked first at Damon, and then to his son and spoke low and deep. "I'm going out to the barn to cool off for a spell. When I return I expect you to have gathered your stuff and be gone. You go back to the city to the new life that you've chosen. I don't want any faggots in my family so I don't ever, and I mean NEVER want to see you back in this house or this town again. In fact, I don't want you talking to anybody in the family about this. You hear me boy?"

"Yes sir." Jeff knew he was fucked by the tone of his father's voice. He had heard it used on other people before but never anyone in the family.

"I hope this doesn't make a difference." Damon said to Phillip.

"No, not to me personally it doesn't. I'm not sure though how it may affect the case. I think you have more immediate concerns now though."

"Are you alright Jeff? I'm really sorry." Damon could see the look of shock on his lover's face, like what had happened had not yet soaked in. "Jeff?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. There's nothing to be sorry for Damon, it's not your fault. I'm the disappointment."

"Don't feel that way Jeff you can't help who you are." Damon embraced Jeff, at first he resisted but put his arms around Damon and his rested head on his lover's shoulder.

"I know I can't help what I am and I'm not sorry for it. And I'm not sorry I met you. I am sorry they think I'm a disappointment though."

"It's their loss Jeff."

"Guys, I hate to ruin your moment but shouldn't we be getting things together in case your father is serious?" Phillip asked.

"Oh he's serious alright," Jeff acknowledged.

"I've got a truck Jeff and I'll be more than happy to take you and whatever you need if you have someplace to go."

"Thanks Phillip, I know this isn't the reason you're here but I appreciate it. I guess I'll be moving back to the apartment in town. Help me up the stairs Dame and see what's in my room I need to take."

Jeff had been healing sufficiently and almost didn't need his crutches but still needed a hand getting up to his room. "I thought Brian said the reason you came here was to avoid stairs at your apartment. At least with those once you were in you were in. How were you planning to go up and down these several times a day?" Damon asked.

"I hear ya!" Jeff laughed. "Luckily there's a bathroom downstairs so once I go down for the day I'm fine. I can always sleep on the couch. I have more trouble going up stairs though."

Jeff looked around his room and realized there probably wasn't much he really needed but still sent Damon to the basement to get some boxes. Phillip then helped Jeff gather the things he wanted such as clothes, CD's, books and his laptop. He went through his desk drawers and closet finding a few more odds and ends.

Damon returned to the room with boxes and Skittles at his feet. As Jeff packed he had to occasionally stop to pet her or move her out of the way when she wanted to jump in and investigate the box he was packing.

"What about these?" Damon pointed to some trophies on the shelf over the dresser.

"Nah, I've already got the important ones over at the apartment. I don't think there's enough room for too much. I do want my Boy Scout ribbons though."

"Where are they?"

"They should be in a box on the floor in the closet. Can you check, I sorta can't bend too well."

Damon did as asked and pulled out a couple boxes. One contained the mementos Jeff wanted but the other a surprise he had forgotten about.

"What are these?" Damon laughed holding up a Playboy magazine.

"I think you have a good idea." Jeff blushed.

"I thought you were gay?" Phillip grabbed one and began paging through.

"They're from my younger... confused days. We can just put em back, or thrown em away I don't want them no more."

"Un huh, right. I remember you checking out that bitches tits last week." Damon teased causing Jeff to blush.

"If you're going to throw them out I'll take them." Phillip volunteered.

"And why would you want them?"

"I like to read the articles."

"She sure is interesting reading!" Damon ribbed looking over Phillip's shoulder to see the centerfold he was oogling.

"Sure is."

"They're yours," Jeff offered, "But consider them a down payment on my bill."

"Deal!" Phillip chuckled as he put the magazine back into the box then took it and a couple others out to his Navigator.

"Speaking of girls, who was that in the living room when I got here?"

"That's just Lori Bailey. My Mom was trying to set me up with her."

"Should I be jealous?"

"Not on your life! The last woman in my life was Tina Anderson and she walked out of my life two weeks before I realized I like guys and trust me when I say there's not going to be another."

With the three working it didn't take long for Jeff to gather what he wanted and the others to load the truck.

"Is that the last of it?" Phillip asked as he walked in the front door to find Jeff in the foyer gazing around. He's wasn't sure but he thought he saw a tear in Jeff's eye.

"I think so; I can't take 23 years of memories."

"What about personal papers, such as birth certificate or social security card?"

"Good idea, thanks for reminding me Phillip. Everything like that is in Dad's desk." Jeff went to the antique roll top desk in the corner of the dining room to find it locked. But he knew the key was in the same place it had been with his great grandfather used the same desk which had been sitting in the same corner since his forebear had occupied the home. He quickly opened the desk and went to the bottom right drawer where he knew all personal family paperwork was stored. He easily found the file that had the aforementioned paperwork as well as an old passbook bank book of an account he knew his grandfather had started for him at the Kaskaskia State Bank not long after he was born. He was about to close the drawer when he noticed a manila folder with his name on it that he grabbed before closing the drawer and replacing the key. "I think that's it."

"Anything else?" Damon asked, "We probably need to be going before he comes back and causes trouble." Damon was in the foyer with Skittles.

"I'm not worried about him, I can handle my Dad if I need to." Jeff didn't convince anybody, not even himself. "I need to take Skittles."

"Huh?" Damon and Phillip said in unison.

"She's my cat and I'm the only one she really likes. Mom has always had a hard time with her when I'm gone." Hearing her name she mewed then went to Jeff purring. "If I'm not coming back I need to take her with me."

Phillip shook his head not sure he wanted a cat in his truck for three hours. He has already gotten into more than he bargained for on this trip.

"Do you have a pet carrier?" Damon asked looking at his watch.

"Yeah, in the barn." Jeff said. They all held their breath knowing that's where Wayne had went. "Wait, it may be in the basement. Can you check Damon?"

"That I'll do."

Damon returned a minute later and Skittle walked right in when he opened the gate. Jeff had him also grab the bag of litter and hard food he knew would be in the pantry. The last thing Jeff grabbed was the Tampa Bay Bucs cap that Damon had given him the weekend they first met and put it on backwards causing Damon to smile. With that they quietly left the house for the last time. Linda Schultz was still sitting, sobbing on the swing on the front porch holding her rosary. Jeff tried to talk to her, but she just shooed him away.

"I don't know where we went wrong, you were always such a good boy." Then she turned and looked at Damon, "And you, I should have know you was evil when you were here before, the way you just ignored sissy the whole time. You're probably the one that turned bubby aren't you? And it was my fault putting you up together. I can only hope the good Lord forgives me for what I have done."

"Mom that's not the way it was and you know it. Damon had nothing to do with what I am I knew what I was before I even met him." Jeff wanted to remind her that it was Jennifer that had ignored Damon but chose not to go there.

"You'd best be getting on now, you're father has been gone an awful long time and will probably be back soon. If you're still here I have a feeling it's not going to be pretty."

"Goodbye Mom," Phillip was already in the truck while Damon helped Jeff step down from the porch. From there he was able to use the crutches to get to the truck.

Even before he looked up he knew who was driving the older white Ford Explorer when he heard the loose muffler and Toby Keith blaring from the stereo. Ryan came to a stop just as Jeff opened the door to the Navigator and was about to climb in. As much as he wanted to hug his cousin goodbye he knew better.

"I thought I told you to be gone by the time I got back." Wayne growled as he came around the side of the house with a shot gun.

"Wassup?" Ryan asked as he was getting out of his truck.

"Stay back Ryan, your cousin was just leaving and has nothing to say to you." Wayne ordered.

"Sorry bro gotta go." Jeff turned away and climbed into the truck. He couldn't bring himself to face Ryan. He knew that his young cousin always idolized him as a big brother but that would change when he found out his secret. He heard his father cock the shot gun. "Can't talk about it now, maybe someday if you understand and still want to." Ryan could see a tear in his cousin's eyes as the large SUV backed out of the drive.

"What's going on Uncle Wayne? Who's that Jeff's leaving with?" Ryan asked.

"He made his own bed, now its time for him to lie in it." Wayne said as he put his arms around his nephew's shoulder.

"Coach Simms wants him..."

"I'll talk to the coach and smooth things over."

After the SUV was out of sight Wayne removed his arm and started walking away. "Ryan, he's no longer welcome around here. If you see him or that other boy lurking around town I want you to let me know right away, got it?"

"But what happened?"

"That's not for you to worry about, don't be asking me again." Wayne said hatefully. But seeing the grief in his nephew's eyes caused him to change his attitude. Ryan was now the closest thing he had to a son and the one who would have to take over the family farm. "So how's things going between you and Denise?"