Dead on Your Feet

by Grant Michaels

  “So even phone traps aren’t foolproof,” I said.

  Branco grunted.

  “And the front door of the Appleton?” I said.

  Branco replied, “Zander’s attempt to imply a vandal, most likely.” The three of us went out the alley door and got into the big dark sedan Branco had parked back there. On the way to the theater I got to stretch out on the back seat, which took some of the pressure off my sore rump.

  The Boston Performance Center glittered with the excitement and glamour of a ballet opening night. We had house seats in the orchestra, and mercifully I was on the aisle, so I could stretch my leg out and shift the weight off my wounded cheek. I was reading the program when I realized the importance of this night for Rafik. It was his first commissioned work for the Boston City Ballet, a full-length piece he’d created especially for them. Though Rafik had restaged many of his other works on the company, this night marked a world premiere, and before an extremely critical audience too.

  In his program notes Rafik described the piece Uomo giocoso as a paean to the adventure of love that he and I shared. He said he wanted to express the challenges and rewards of spending his life with me, and I squirmed in my seat, anticipating a mawkish display of my life on stage.

  Sitting next to me, Nicole said, “Pain, dear?”

  “Heartburn,” I replied.

  Uomo giocoso was set to George Gershwin’s Concerto in F. The work was dedicated to me. There was my name, Stan Kraychik, right there in the program. The premier performance was in memory of Max Harkey. The Phoenix would not be performed this season, if ever. Maybe its era had passed. Times change, after all, and there’s no better way to initiate change than with new art. Ergo, Uomo giocoso.

  There were three soloists. Scott Molloy portrayed me on stage, and I finally comprehended why he’d always been studying my moves and gestures so carefully in real life. Rafik portrayed himself, in a role that required more drama than ballet technique, and I fell in love with him again, just like the first time. Alissa Kortland played the third role, the metaphoric role, the role of jealousy and mystery in our love. Rafik was even confessing his own participation in our conflicts and resolutions. The most moving part for me was during the plaintive trumpet solo in the second movement. It was a beautiful pas de trois for all three of them—or us—Rafik, Stan, and the outside forces that affected us.

  With Uomo giocoso Rafik had taken all his difficult experiences with me and had refracted them into a work of art that focused on the essence of why we were together. Through dance he was trying to show that the difficulties between us were external to the positive forces that kept us together.

  The corps de ballet had challenging ensemble work during all three movements, especially when some of the corps members danced in canonic imitation of the three soloists. Their dancing seemed to symbolize the potential and far-reaching effects all our actions have on others, the ripples that can result from the simplest action on one person’s part.

  Jason Sears played the piano with bravura, Toni di Natale conducted the orchestra with panache, and love conquered all. Rafik’s creativity had finally obliterated my cynicism.

  The ovation lasted for fifteen minutes. Uomo giocoso was, as Rafik later said, un succes fou—wildly, insanely, ridiculously successful. True, it helped that the opening night audience was well attended by gays. But even Branco had stood and applauded with the others.

  After the performance Nicole and Branco and I headed backstage to congratulate Rafik. He was surrounded by people, but Branco cleared the way for me and protected my arm in its sling as I made my way to Rafik. I saw Madame Rubinskaya standing next to him. She looked dazed with pleasure.

  When I got to Rafik, he lifted his long arms to quiet the big mob. Then he put one arm on my shoulder and announced to everyone, “Here is my inspiration.”

  And right there in front of everyone, dancers and audience, musicians and stage crew, cops and civilians, gays and straights, Rafik and I embraced and kissed each other brazenly on the mouth, a lingering, loving kiss. Applause followed by all. Yes, even Lieutenant Branco.

  Nicole asked Rafik, “After this wonderful premier, what’s next?”

  Rafik answered, “Stani and I will go en vacances.”

  “How did you know?” I said.

  But before he could answer me, Madame Rubinskaya scowled at his remark. “What you are saying? You cannot take vacation. You are teaching class tomorrow morning.”

  I said, “But it wouldn’t be until summer.”

  “Oh,” replied Madame. Then she softened her face with a smile, as if to overrule her first hasty decree. “So maybe by then you will both deserve vacation.”

  But how had Rafik learned about the trip? I was planning to surprise him later that night with the tickets. Had La Duchessa already sent him a psychic message?

  “How did you know?” I asked him again.

  Rafik winked at me and whispered in my ear.

  “I always know how to fix a wounded hero.”

  About ReQueered Tales

  In the heady days of the late 1960s, when young people in many western countries were in the streets protesting for a new, more inclusive world, some of us were in libraries, coffee shops, communes, retreats, bedrooms and dens plotting something even more startling: literature—high brow and pulp—for an explicitly gay audience. Specifically, we were craving to see our gay lives—in the closet, in the open, in bars, in dire straits and in love—reflected in mystery stories, romance, paranormal and more. Hercule Poirot, that engaging effete Belgian creation of Agatha Christie might have been gay … Sherlock Holmes, to all intents and purposes, was one woman shy of gay ... but where were the genuine gay sleuths, where the reader need not read between the lines?

  Beginning with Victor J Banis's "Man from C.A.M.P." pulps in the mid-60s—riotous romps spoofing the craze for James Bond spies—readers were suddenly being offered George Baxt's Pharoah Love, a black gay New York City detective, and a real turning point in Joseph Hansen's gay California insurance investigator, Dave Brandstetter, whose world weary Raymond Chandleresque adventures sold strongly and have never been out of print.

  Over the next three decades, gay storytelling grew strongly in niche and mainstream publishing ventures. Even with the huge public crisis as AIDS descended on the gay community beginning in the early 1980s, gay fiction flourished. Stonewall Inn, Alyson Publishing, and others nurtured authors and readers … until mainstream success seemed to come to a halt. While Lambda Literary Foundation had started to recognize work in annual awards about 1990, mainstream publishers began to have cold feet. And then, with the rise of ebooks in the new millennium which enabled a new self-publishing industry … there was both an avalanche of new talent coming to market and burying of print authors who did not cross the divide.

  The result?

  Perhaps forty years of gay fiction—and notably gay and lesbian mystery, detective and suspense fiction—has been teetering on the brink of obscurity. Orphaned works, orphaned authors, many living and some having passed away—with no one to make the case for their creations to be returned to print (and e-print!).

  Until now. That is the mission of ReQueered Tales: to bring back to circulation this treasure trove of fantastic fiction which, for one reason or another, has fallen by the wayside. In an era of ebooks, everything of value ought to be accessible. For a new generation of readers, these mystery tales are full of insights into the gay world of the 1960s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. And for those of us who lived through the period, they are a delightful reminder of our youth and reflect some of our own struggles in growing up gay in those heady times.

  We are honoured, here at ReQueered Tales, to be custodians shepherding back into circulation some of the best gay and lesbian fiction writing and hope to bring many volumes to the public, in modestly priced, accessible editions, worldwide, over the coming months and years.

  So please join us on this adventure of discovery and rediscovery of the rich talent
s of writers of recent years as the PIs, cops and amateur sleuths battle forces of evil with fierceness, humor and sometimes a pinch of love.

  The ReQueered Tales Team

  Justene Adamec • Alexander Inglis • Matt Lubbers-Moore • Jon Michaelson

  More from ReQueered Tales

  Series Mystery

    A Body to Dye For by Grant Michaels

  A Stan Kraychik Mystery, Book 1 – Stan “Vannos” Kraychik isn’t your everyday Boston hairdresser. Co-owner of Snips Salon with best bud (and occasional nemesis) Nicole, thought this day was an ordinary one. A delivery van backed into the salon’s rear driveway and accidentally spilled gallons of conditioner, leaving Stan (and hunky Roger) embracing in a gooey mess trying to staunch the flow, with little success as they slid and slipped with Nicole watching on with rolling eyes. Later Roger is found murdered.

  Stan’s client, Calvin Redding, who owns the apartment where Roger’s body was found, can’t explain why the body is dressed in little more than bowties. Enter Lieutenant Branco, dark, muscular, Italian, (straight) of Boston PD Homicide who immediately suspects everyone, especially Stan. In an attempt to clear his name, Stan travels to California, takes up mountain climbing, eavesdropping, spying, schmoozing, and a little bit of schtupping, all in an attempt to find the truth.

  Grant Michaels’ zany series of adventures starring Stan Kraychik garnered multiple Lambda Literary Awards including a 1991 nomination for Best Gay Mystery. For this 2019 edition, Carl Mesrobian reminisces about his brother Grant in an exclusive foreword, and Neil S. Plakcy provides an introduction of appreciation.

   Love You To Death by Grant Michaels

  A Stan Kraychik Mystery, Book 2 – Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and everyone has a sweetheart, except Stan Kraychik, Boston’s sassiest hairdresser. Ever hopeful of meeting Mr. Right, Stan attends a gala reception that culminates in a death by poisoning, and romantic problems take a back seat to murder. Then Boston police arrest Stan’s friend Laurett Cole, who leaves her four-year-old son in Stan’s care. In his quest to free Laurett from suspicion and himself from his ill-mannered ward, Stan finds himself exploring the secrets of a revered Boston institution, the Gladys Gardner Chocolate Company. There, along with the sweet edibles, he finds an assortment of not-so-delectable murder.

  A Lambda Literary Awards Finalist in 1993, this new edition includes a 2019 foreword by Frank W. Butterfield.

   Dead on Your Feet by Grant Michaels

  A Stan Kraychik Mystery, Book 3 – Spring is in the air and Stan has been with his boyfriend, ballet dancer and choreographer, Rafik, for a year. Alas, jealousy rears its ugly head and Stan storms out of a dinner party given by the director of the ballet company. After crying himself to sleep, he is woken in the morning by Rafik’s phone call. Stani, there is great trouble. Max Harkey is dead.

  Suspects abound. Two young ballet dancers, dating each other but both in love with a third unattainable person. The mistress of the company, whose niece was about to be the lead in Max’ next production before she fell and broke her hip. The houseboy who sends Stan’s sexual yearnings into a whole new direction. The financial backer who spends too much time at the ballet studio. Jason Sears the pianist, last seen near the original priceless music score. Toni di Natale, conductor who hangs all over Rafik whenever she is near him. And Stan’s lover, Rafik, who found the body.

  Even Stan’s nemesis, the gorgeous straight cop, Lieutenant Vito Branco, wants Stan to solve this mystery. Can he do it and stay alive?

  A Lambda Literary Awards Finalist in 1993, this new edition includes a 2019 foreword by Frank W. Butterfield.

   Let’s Get Criminal by Lev Raphael

  A Nick Hoffman / Academic Mystery, Book 1 – Nick Hoffman has everything he has ever wanted: a good teaching job, a nice house, and a solid relationship with his lover, Stefan Borowski, a brilliant novelist at the State University of Michigan. But when Perry Cross shows up, Nick’s peace of mind is shattered. Not only does he have to share his office with the nefarious Perry, who managed to weasel his way into a tenured position without the right qualifications, he also discovers that Perry played a destructive role in Stefan’s past. When Perry turns up dead, Nick wonders if Stefan might be involved, while the campus police force is wondering the same about Nick.

  Originally published in 1996, this first book in the Nick Hoffman Academic Mystery series is now back in print. This new edition contains a 2019 foreword by the author.

  Tartan Noir Suspense

   FreeForm by Jack Dickson

  A Jas Anderson Thriller, Book 1 – A tough gay thriller set in the criminal underworld of Glasgow, Scotland. In the derelict inner-city of Glasgow’s Dennistoun, FreeForm introduces a tough gay cop, Detective-Sergeant Jas Anderson. A violent anti-hero, suspended from duty for assault, Jas is the natural suspect when his lover is found brutally murdered. Now on the run and struggling to clear his name, Jas uncovers Leigh’s involvement in a blackmail ring, and even his lover’s identity becomes confused. Film-noir in inspiration, vividly characterised, and authentically exposing the raw nerves of Thatcherite Britain, FreeForm is pure suspense to it’s final pulse-pounding closing pages.

  Originally published in 1998, this new edition includes a 2019 foreword by Clive King.

   Banged Up by Jack Dickson

  A Jas Anderson Thriller, Book 2 – Detective Sergeant Jas Anderson is imprisoned and fighting for his life. Anderson was the violent anti-hero of FreeForm, and ended up in that story, being expelled from the Glasgow police force. Banged Up starts with Jas being framed by his ex-colleagues. He is remanded to Barlinnie prison, and is forced to share a cell with Steve McStay, sentenced for aggravated assault on two gay men. In this all-male environment, inmates don’t divide into gay and straight, but rather into who dominates … and who doesn’t. Resilient as ever, Jas forms an unlikely partnership with Steve in his fight for survival.

  Originally published in 1999, this new edition includes a 2019 foreword by Matt Lubbers-Moore.

  Sophisticated Urban Mystery

   The Black Marble Pool by Stan Leventhal

  When you first notice it, something seems a bit unusual. Then it occurs to you that most, if not all, of the pools you’ve ever seen before were painted blue or white. The Captain’s House pool is black. Not painted black. But constructed of black marble and black tile. The marble has streaks of white that look like lightning bolts in a black sky. There is a sexiness to this pool; a personality. It looks and feels like a warm, wet blanket, surrounding and protecting you like a dark, quiet womb.

  There’s a dead body at the bottom of a pool in the backyard of a guest house in Key West. Who is he? And what caused his untimely demise? Maybe it’s suicide. Or an accident. But more likely – murder! And who’s responsible? One of the guests, the people who run the guest house or one of those mysterious women in town?

  A Lambda Literary Awards Finalist in 1991, this new edition includes a 2019 foreword by renowned LGBTQ publicist and friend of Stan Leventhal, Michele Karlsberg.

   Sunday’s Child by Edward O. Phillips

  A Geoffry Chadwick Misadventure, Book 1 – Lawyer Geoffry Chadwick is 50, Canadian, single, gay and, after a brief struggle with a hustler who tries to shake him down, a murderer. Herein lies the device for this macabre, funny, first novel. Although Geoffry must dispose of the body – which he does by dropping off sections of it around town at night – the trauma of the murder affords him the opportunity to reminisce and ruminate: on the recent termination of his affair with a history teacher; on the not-so-recent deaths of his wife and daughter; on the alcoholism of his mother; on growing old; on being gay. The visit of a nephew and the New Year’s festivities only serve to intensify his thoughts. Although Chadwick is abrasively disdainful early on, he is fascinating when he loosens up. Phillips keeps the reader hopping with throwaway quotations from Donne and scatological references and puns.

  First published in 1981, and a Books in Canada First Novel nominee, thi
s new edition contains a 2019 foreword by Alexander Inglis.

   Buried on Sunday by Edward O. Phillips

  A Geoffry Chadwick Misadventure, Book 2 – “One of the problems with weekends in the country” says Geoffry Chadwick’s genial host in Buried on Sunday, “is that people feel free to drop in unannounced.” And drop in they do. No sooner has our lovable lawyer hero, a partner in the prestigious law firm of Lyall, Pierce, Chadwick and Dawson – who just happens to be gay – settled in with a spicy Bloody Mary, than hardened criminals on the lam burst in and take Chadwick and his hosts hostage in their own beautiful home.

  A tale of mystery and suspense brims with human drama, both poignant and comic: It turns out that one of the other hostages, now married, had once been Chadwick’s lover. As the hours of their forced confinement turn into days, a flood of bittersweet memories engulf Chadwick, of an affair whose painful end he could never forget, of a lover who had changed the course of his life. As the weekend moves toward its powerful denouement, Chadwick comes to terms with the road he has taken – and the quite different path, of marriage and convention, chosen by his early love.

  First published in 1986, it won the coveted Arthur Ellis Best Novel Award from the Crime Writers of Canada. This 2019 edition contains a contemporary interview with Phillips on reception of his work and a reminiscence of Edward Phillips’ 80th birthday celebration by Toronto author Nancy Wigston.