Troubled Waters

by Jerry Cole

  “And you say there is no legal action we can take against Thornton Enterprises for their interference?” a third member asked.

  “I’ve discussed this in detail with the attorney, and he assures us it would be a lost cause,” Melissa answered. “It would be better to move on now that we’ve addressed the problem.”

  “So how, exactly, do you propose to deal with Thornton Davis?” the first member asked. “What do you hope the outcome might be?”

  “I can’t say with any certainty, as it will be a discussion and not a demand, but I’m hoping we can get all of the water rights restored to the villages that lost them.”

  “Hmm, sounds reasonable,” a board member said. “I’ll cast my vote aye for you to represent Water Unlimited to Thornton Enterprises.”

  The rest of the board also cast aye votes.

  ***

  Some time later, Darren stood before Thornton in his New York office.

  “So, you found our little loop-hole, did you?” Thornton smiled.

  “We did, and we’ve rewritten the agreement so that you will no longer be able to steal the villages’ water rights.”

  “Oh, come now,” Thornton said, coming from behind his desk. “It was just a harmless little trick. It’s fun to play games, don’t you think?”

  “Not when it interferes with other people’s lives. Especially poor and vulnerable people, who, for you, are only pawns in your profits game.”

  “Ah, but you’ve put a wrench in our works. You’ve thwarted the mean and evil Thornton Empire. What a hero. What a victory. No?”

  Darren was becoming impatient with Thornton’s shenanigans. “Uncle, I respectfully request you release those few villages you’ve managed to swindle and give them back their water rights. I know there is nothing we can do legally to you, but out of common decency, please restore their water. These are simple people in need.”

  “Yes, and that need is what business is all about. People need oil, they pay for it. And the more they need it, the more they’ll pay for it. People need water, and the more we control it, the more people will pay for it too.”

  Darren just shook his head in disgust.

  Thornton came over and put his hand on Darren’s shoulder. “My boy, you know how the world works. I’m thinking there might be a way we could work together. You find the water—we’ll pay you for us to control it. You can go on and help the poor sods however you like. Teach them to farm. Teach them to weave—whatever strikes your fancy. But we’ll own the water.”

  Darren pulled away from Thornton and gazed at him in amazement.

  “You are beyond disgusting.”

  “I take that’s a no, then?”

  Darren stood firm. He was not going to be bullied by Thornton. “I’ll tell you what I’m prepared to do, Uncle. You value profit so much; here’s my proposal. I will pay you whatever it cost you to pay the villages for the water rights and I will double it to get their rights back. How does that sound?”

  Thornton laughed. “Double, eh? What a lark. Try one hundred times. You think I’m a fool?”

  “Fifty.”

  “No, son, one hundred. You are enough of a bleeding heart to pay that, and you’ve got the money to do it. That’s my offer. Now accept it, or go fuck yourself.”

  “You are completely right. I will pay it. Send the accounting to me personally. I don’t want Water Unlimited to have to pay your blood money.”

  Thornton smiled. “As you wish.”

  “But know that we are through as a family. I never want to see or hear from you again. And I can honestly say the same for my mother as well.”

  Thornton pushed out his lower lip, and said mockingly, “Aww, I am so sad.”

  “Thornton, one day I hope you will live to regret your actions.”

  “I doubt it.”

  Darren turned and left the office.

  ***

  Darren didn’t want to be distracted during the month that Ness would be visiting, so he decided to go to Philadelphia to tie up any loose ends with the company before he would become unavailable. When he arrived at his mother’s, he was surprised to find the rocking chair, still unfinished, in the middle of the library floor.

  “How long has this been here?” he asked.

  “I’ll get to it. I’ll get to it.” Loretta brushed him off. She looked over her glasses at him from the chair where she was reading. “I thought Ness would be here by now. Did he come with you?”

  “Next week.”

  Loretta asked, “How did the meeting go with Thornton? We expected a report from you by now.”

  “It was fine, Mother. All the villages that lost their water rights will have them restored.” Darren had decided not to report the whole truth. It was enough that Thornton was a blatant bastard—why advertise it? And for him, it was a private matter that he’d paid Thornton’s ransom. No need to let the company and the board know about his private donation.

  “I believe Tyler is just back from science camp. Have you spoken to him?” Loretta asked.

  “I’ve had him install video conferencing software so he can chat with either of us from home or from school on his laptop. How about we give it a try?”

  “Oh, that’s a splendid idea. I like your thinking. Shall we call now?”

  “Why not.”

  They went to her office. Loretta turned on the computer and called the number Darren gave her.

  Tyler must have been at his computer because he responded immediately.

  “Oh hey, this really works,” he squealed.

  “It does, old buddy. Your grandmother’s here too. How was science camp?”

  “Absolutely useless.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that, darling,” Loretta commiserated.

  “What was the problem?” Darren asked.

  “It was science camp for babies. They had no one who could teach me anything.”

  “Now, Tyler, be careful of arrogance. It doesn’t become you.”

  “Sorry, but it was such a waste of time.”

  “And what about the other camp activities? Did you swim, canoe, play baseball? There must have been something else that interested you, no?”

  “Actually, they had sailing, and I rather enjoyed that.”

  “Did you meet any nice boys?” Loretta asked.

  “There was one. Califa Brighton. He was pretty cool.”

  “Is that even a real name?” Loretta asked again.

  “It is. He’s from Israel. His dad’s a physicist, but he wants to be a hotel manager, if you can believe that.”

  Darren asked, “Then what was he doing at a science camp?”

  “I don’t believe they have hotel manager camps, and his father wants him to be a physicist like him. So, go figure.”

  “Well, I’m glad you had a good time,” Darren stated.

  “When do you leave for school?” Loretta asked.

  “Not till mid-September.”

  “Do you want to visit Ness and me in New York before you go?”

  “Maybe. But Mom wants to spend some time with me too, since I was gone all summer.”

  “I’ll talk to her,” Darren said.

  “I’d better go. Mom’s calling lunch.”

  “Okay, kiddo. Be good.”

  They logged off. Loretta stood up from her desk. “Think I’m going to do a little gardening. I’ve neglected pruning the begonia bed by the gazebo. It’s gone all leggy. Don’t suppose you’d want to come help?”

  “There is nothing I’d rather do, Momma dear, but I’d better go call Melissa. Need to update her on my meeting with Thornton so she can let the board know.”

  “Of course. I’ll be outside if you need me. Let me know when you want some lunch.” Loretta left her office.

  Darren went back to the library, where he stood over the unfinished rocking chair and considered whether he should help complete it. But instead, he dialed Melissa’s number. “Hello, Melissa, I’m at Mom’s.”

  “Oh good, was hoping to ch
at. How did the meeting with Thornton go?”

  “It was rough, but we got the water rights restored to the villagers.”

  “Excellent.”

  “What’s the word on the next rotation?” Darren asked.

  “I’ve talked to all the team members and they’ve decided to go with the original schedule. So that means the next rotation will be in late October. You thinking of going this time as well?” she asked.

  Darren went to the window and watched his mother working on the begonia bed. “Not sure. It sort of depends on how things go with Ness. We have a lot to talk about, and I want to have my options open till then.”

  “I understand.”

  “And I’m not sure I want to go back to Africa this time. I was originally thinking it would be just a one-off experience so I would know how everything works. I feel, ultimately, I can be more effective back here at the organizational level.”

  “Then we’ll need to start looking for a replacement. I really think we need a basic crew boss. Look how valuable it was having you there to catch that problem before it got out of hand.”

  “Let me know if I can help in any way, then.”

  “When is Ness arriving?”

  “Next week.”

  “I’ll bet you’re excited.”

  “Delirious.”

  “Then I don’t expect we’ll be seeing you for some time.”

  “Wouldn’t count on it.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Knowing that Friday afternoon traffic would be horrific, Darren hired a private car to take him to the airport to pick up Ness and bring them back to the penthouse.

  This time, Darren was actually able to meet Ness at Terminal H. The tour had ended in San Francisco, and Ness was to be dropped off on the way back to London. Darren made sure to arrive early, and he stood looking out a terminal window when the tour’s plane landed. Only Ness came off the plane. He looked somewhat lost as he walked across the tarmac with his luggage and guitar, looking great, but also tired and thinner.

  Ness dropped his luggage and threw himself into Darren’s arms.

  “At last,” he sighed into Darren’s ear.

  Darren knew he couldn’t reply or he’d break into sobbing. He just held Ness tightly to him and kissed his neck.

  “Oh, let’s get out of here,” Ness finally said. “I’ve had all I want of terminals and travel for the rest of my life.”

  Darren nudged him. “Hey, don’t forget our island trip.”

  “Oh, yeah, that’s an exception.”

  Ness nestled in close to Darren as they crossed the terminal and headed for the car.

  “So was it a good tour?” Darren asked.

  “As hard as it was, it was sensational. The audiences were great, and we made so much money I could just about buy Crete.”

  “Good, then you can take care of me in the manner to which I’ve become accustomed.”

  Ness laughed. “We didn’t make that much money.”

  The traffic was terrible, so Darren and Ness settled back, holding hands and staring out the windows. Ness was exhausted and soon closed his eyes and laid his head on Darren’s shoulder.

  The sun had set behind the Manhattan skyline by the time they reached Darren’s building overlooking Central Park. They got out of the car and went up to the penthouse.

  Once inside, Darren accompanied Ness to the bedroom where he could leave his luggage, and they went to the kitchen. “I’ve prepared us some supper. Didn’t think you’d want to go out for dinner this evening. I’m sure you must be exhausted.”

  Ness nodded. “Wouldn’t mind some wine to start.”

  “Already opened. I’ve been letting it breathe.” He picked up a bottle of a classic Italian Sangiovese and poured two glasses.

  Ness took a sip. “My, this is good.”

  “It’s one of my favorites.”

  Ness looked longingly at Darren. He was leaning against the refrigerator. He walked over to Darren and whispered. “What would you say if we skipped supper for the moment. I have a better idea.”

  “Oh? And what would that be?”

  “Remember what we were going to do by the fire at your house?”

  Darren’s eyes lit up. “I do remember. But do you think this is the right time” Aren’t you beat up after the tour? We could wait.”

  Ness shook his head. “Not a minute longer.”

  “Okay. Ready if you are. Shall we take the wine?”

  “No. Let’s leave it till after. The only thing I want to drink is you,” Ness said, grabbing hold of Darren’s hand and dragging him toward the bedroom.

  Standing beside the bed, after Darren had tossed back the covers, they embraced and engaged in a torrid kiss. Both were so hungry they practically devoured each other, digging deeply in the other’s mouth with their tongues.

  Even while still kissing, Ness began to take off his shirt. Darren followed and he then undid Ness’ belt and pants and slid them down. Ness’ cock, restrained by his briefs, tugged to be let free—which Darren gladly did. Kneeling before Ness, he pulled down the underwear and took Ness’ cock in his mouth. Ness moaned and rested his hands on the top of Darren’s head.

  Darren whipped off his glasses and tossed them aside. He reached out and put his hands on Ness’ ass and pulled him even closer, taking the cock as deeply into his mouth and throat as he possibly could.

  Ness threw back his head and moaned. “Oh, babe…” he cried out. “I can’t tell you how much I’ve wanted to be with you again.”

  Darren couldn’t answer but grunted out his reply of approval. Then he disengaged and stood, tossing off the rest of his clothing, and then threw Ness onto the bed, stepping over and kneeling on top of him, breathing hoarsely and looking deep into his eyes.

  Ness looked up at him and said, “Darren, I love you so much, and I’ve waited so long. I want you inside me.”

  “Are you sure you’re ready?”

  “Oh, so sure and so very ready.” But he sat up and reached forward to take Darren’s dick in his hand. “But first I want to make you good and hard.”

  He scooted Darren back and urged him to rise onto his knees so his cock was at Ness’ mouth level. Then Ness leaned forward and took Darren’s luscious cock into his mouth. As he began working him slowly and effectively, Darren became even harder. Ness continued working him until he was just about to cum, then he pulled back and took the cock in his hand and just held it, sensing its nascent pulse.

  “Are you ready?” Ness asked.

  Darren was breathing heavily. “I am if you are,” he said.

  Ness lay back down and invited Darren to follow him. Darren leaned forward and began kissing Ness again. As he did so, he gently raised Ness’ legs up until they rested on his shoulders. Then Darren reached down and slowly began to work Ness’ hole, circling with his finger. When he began to feel Ness relaxing, he inserted one finger in slowly, working it in circles and enlarging and further relaxing it.

  Ness began to moan. Then Darren reached over and took a bottle of lube out of his bedside table drawer and slathered his fingers with lube. He again inserted one finger and, when he felt Ness was comfortable, he inserted the second. Now, Ness was beginning to cry out. “Oh yes, Darren, that feels so good. I want more.”

  Darren pushed up Ness’ legs, raising him higher and he lent forward and began rimming Ness with his tongue. This sent Ness into a frenzy of writhing.

  “You like that?” Darren asked.

  “Love it. More. Please.”

  Darren worked him again, and eventually, he was able to insert his tongue into the hole. Ness clutched at the bed sheets and raised his hips higher to give Darren greater access.

  Finally, after Ness was nice and loose, Darren released his pelvis and lowered him back onto the bed, but kept his legs over his shoulders. Darren had kept working his own cock so he remained sufficiently hard. He lubed it up and, scooting forward, pressed the tip of his cock against Ness’ hole. Then he began working his cock carefull
y inside—ever so slowly as Ness adjusted to being entered, but then more forcefully as Ness relaxed more.

  Darren, once he was fully inside, remained still for a moment. He was so close to cumming, and he didn’t want that yet. “You okay?” he asked.

  Ness was taking deep breaths. “Yes. Yes.”

  “I love you,” Darren said again as he began to pump, moving his cock slowly out and then back in. It was so velvety smooth, warm, and fully encompassing. It had been so long since Darren had fucked anyone—he couldn’t remember the last time. Darren was beginning to lose himself in the action and the feeling of fullness as he pounded Ness longer and harder.

  Ness was working his own cock, but Darren reached down and moved Ness’ hand aside to take his cock in his own hand. He added more lube and worked Ness’ cock slowly and in synch with his penetrations.

  “Is this good for you?” Ness asked.

  “Fantastic.”

  Darren increased his rhythm. He breathed so that each breath lasted the length of a stroke of his dick. It felt so good, and he could feel the energy rising through his whole body. He was getting so close, so he relaxed the pace and took deeper breaths to calm himself down.

  “Do you want to cum yet?” Darren asked.

  “Not yet. Kiss me,” Ness pleaded.

  Darren leaned forward again and connected with Ness’ mouth, their tongues circling and probing. Darren kept his hand on Ness’ cock and continued to work it. He wanted them to cum at the same time. He could feel his cock working Ness’ prostrate and he began to circle with his dick inside to stimulate it even more. Ness was so turned on that he was actively crying out.

  Ness could barely open his eyes, but he forced them open and gazed deep into Darren. “I’m ready now,” he said. “Are you?”

  “Yes,” Darren whispered. “Let’s go to the moon.”

  Darren increased the rhythm of his pumping and also increased the speed of his hand on Ness. But he increased the rhythm gradually so that the excitement was slowly elevated. Ness was panting. Darren was moaning, closing his eyes and feeling his balls contracting ready to shoot. Ness tightened his grip on the sheets. Darren made a final plunge and, feeling Ness’ balls beginning to contract, he worked his hand over the backside of Ness’ cock head. They both exploded, uttering deep, guttural, animal cries and moans. Darren shot wave after wave of cum into Ness and Ness shot three long streams of cum up over his abdomen, chest and even on the pillow next to his face.