by Inge Mayhem
“That . . . just sounds unbelievable. No one will believe that’s true,” Tyson replied.
“But it is the truth. It’s mostly the truth,” Victor corrected, “with a few detail changes. You must convince yourself of that.”
Victor spoke slowly and patiently, like he was teaching Tyson. “When you think about it, my version of the story isn’t that different to what actually happened. You were taken. But instead of developing amnesia, you remember everything—that’s true. And yes, you were restrained but you weren’t unhappy. You made some new friends. You met me. Together, we decided to build your new life. We agreed to that, didn’t we, Tyson?”
Tyson started to cry. “Yes, Victor. But I don’t know if I’m strong enough.”
“You are. Baby, we’re strong together. Dry those tears. We’re going to be ok.”
“Promise?”
“I promise. Don’t forget, there’s a madman out there with a gun. We both know what Drew is capable of—but I’m here now—I’ll protect you.”
Victor kissed him again, and Tyson felt more confused than ever. With only a few small lies, he might finally be on track to have everything he ever wanted. Victor had started with the keys to his handcuffs, but it was possible that Victor had actually wound up with the keys to his heart.
Chapter 7
Lost
Drew felt like nothing in his life was as it should be.
He was unemployed, effectively homeless, and his singular purpose—a vendetta against his father—was now completely compromised by the fact that he had witnessed Samuel commit murder.
Coming forward with the truth would put Drew at the mercy of the justice system and the criminal underworld. Involving his father in his fate like that—it simply was not an option.
Drew’s instincts told him to run. His father was dangerous. But leaving town also meant leaving Tyson. Drew felt responsible for his friend and whether he was dead or alive.
Drew needed to take charge of his life. He needed to make his father pay for his crimes. Luckily, Drew had one crazy idea about how he could finally resolve all the ways that Samuel Sanford seemed to ruin everything. There was one solution that had been rattling around Drew’s head for years, and it involved an old family friend, Amelia Wolf.
Part II
Chapter 8
Opportunity
Drew had always wondered if one day he would find himself working in one of Amelia Wolf’s strip clubs. It seemed like the sort of place that he would inevitably end up.
He felt desperate. He was down on his luck, and an involuntary thought buzzed around his head . . . maybe he could be convinced to take his clothes off for money. But more than that, Amelia might be able to offer him protection.
Drew was scared. Deep down, he wondered whether he was doomed to repeat his parents' mistakes. After being raised by a criminal father and a drug addict of a mother, Drew felt like there were very few lines that he was afraid to cross, if he was pushed.
Amelia Wolf was well-known across Long Harbor City, and she was a media darling. She was often characterized as a villain for her wild parties and risqué entrepreneurial businesses. Quite a few political sex scandals could be traced back to her network of friends and acquaintances. Amelia had also been a close friend to Drew’s mother.
When Drew found himself walking into Private Parlor—a burlesque bar and lounge, he wondered nervously if he was making the right move. Amelia had always been kind to him. At this stage in his life, Drew had few friends and few choices.
Unlike the garish neon-lit clubs on the south side of town, Amelia’s businesses tended to target the more discerning patron. Drew suspected that it was all a facade, and that Amelia could be just as sleazy as her competition. For the sake of the outside world, she seemed to choose historic looking houses and encourage a speakeasy vibe for her nightclubs, harping back to the prohibition era. It gave the entranceway of Private Parlor the feel of a theme park.
The ticket booth was lit up with lightbulbs like a Hollywood style mirror, and Drew peeked through the red-velvet curtain to see that the entire bar was deserted. Stepping through, he called out loudly, announcing his arrival.
“Hello?” Drew waited for a response. “Is anyone here?”
From somewhere in the back of the club, he heard someone moving and the sound of high heels on floorboards. Soon afterwards, an older woman appeared and adjusted her glasses as she appraised his arrival.
“Sorry, son, but we’re closed for a few more hours yet. We’re more of a late-night joint,” she called out.
“I’m sorry to bother you. I’m actually hoping you can help me. My name is Drew Sanford, and I’m looking for Amelia Wolf.”
“Oh yes,” the woman replied wearily. “Well, Amelia only takes meetings by appointment. But I can pass on a message.”
“Would you? That would be so helpful, thank you.”
“Wait here. Let me grab my notepad.”
Drew wondered what this lady was doing at a burlesque parlor in the middle of the afternoon and suspected that she was some sort of accountant. He felt unsure about leaving his real name and contact details with a complete stranger.
But Drew knew that he needed to take a risk. If his plan was to work, he would need allies. Amelia might make for a strange bedfellow, but if Drew wanted to take on the criminal underworld, he would need a guide.
Chapter 9
Confessions
Drew couldn’t quite believe it when Florence sent through a text saying that Tyson had turned up.
Hi Drew. I’m on my way over to Tyson’s now. He’s alive, thank God. He thinks he was abducted and that maybe he was in a coma. He says he has no memory of any of it. But he’s ok. Thought you would want to know.
Drew stared at his phone in disbelief. He was standing in the parking lot outside another strip club. This venue was called the Monkey Bar, and Drew had been pondering the sort of establishment he was about to enter.
After a few shocked moments, he responded to Florence.
How awful. I’m glad he’s ok. Please tell him that I’m thinking of him.
His words felt so shallow. Disingenuous somehow. After all, Drew was probably the reason that Tyson wound up in trouble.
Tyson’s disappearance was tied to Drew’s father. He could feel it. Drew also knew that by meeting Amelia Wolf, he might be able to get to the bottom of the mystery.
But Florence’s text made Drew question his plan. Part of him wondered if he should turn around and leave. If Tyson was ok, then perhaps, he didn’t need Amelia’s help after all.
As he weighed up his options, Drew decided that he was past the point of returning to his old life. His next chapter had to be one that he authored.
When he entered Amelia’s second club, Drew was immediately met by a bouncer. Drew gave his name and was frisked before being escorted past a long catwalk, which opened up to a podium. A cleaner was busily wiping down a stripper pole, while another vacuumed. A bartender was polishing glasses. None of the staff paid him any attention, as he followed the burly security guard to an area of private lounges.
Drew recognized Amelia immediately. She sat in front of an open laptop.
“Well, look who it is!” Amelia shouted, jumping to her feet and rushing to give Drew a hug.
“Hi,” he replied almost shyly.
After squeezing him tight, Amelia stood back to admire him. “Now, let me see you. My gosh, you’re so tall and so broad shouldered. What happened to the little Drew Sanford who used to give me such a hard time?” she asked, smiling fondly.
“He’s still in here somewhere,” Drew replied. “Thanks for meeting with me, Amelia. I know you’re busy.”
“Shush, don’t be ridiculous. We’re practically family.”
“Well, thanks,” Drew said. He felt conflicted. Family wasn’t a word that he associated with happy memories, and he felt guilty accepting Amelia’s affection.
Drew had allowed Amelia to fade from his life, as he had sunk dee
per into his own regrets. Now, he wondered if that had been a mistake.
“Sit, please. Can I get you anything? A drink perhaps?”
“Sure, that would be lovely,” Drew accepted gracefully.
“Lenny, do me a favor please and rustle us up some drinks, would you?” Amelia asked sweetly, and the bouncer nodded before leaving them together.
“So, what brings you to town, my dear?”
Drew gave a nervous laugh. He knew Amelia well enough to recognize the subtext to her question. What she really wanted to know was why he was sitting in her club. “Oh gosh, where do I begin?” Drew said with a sigh. “I told myself when I first arrived that I was here to find my father.”
Amelia gave him a knowing smile. “Oh yes, how is Samuel?”
“Have you seen him lately?”
“No,” Amelia replied. “I have made it very clear to Samuel and my security team that I won’t tolerate his presence or his business within my establishments.” There was a strength and hardness in her voice.
Drew continued. “Well, I managed to find him, because he frequents The Hammer and Wrench in Harbor South.”
“I know the place, but I can’t say I care for it. Thank you, Lenny,” Amelia said, momentarily distracted, as the bouncer placed two tumblers in front of them with what looked like whiskey or bourbon and a singular cube of ice in each glass.
Amelia ignored the drinks and stared intently into Drew’s face, studying his every expression.
“I . . . I told him about mom passing.”
“Oh Drew, I’m so sorry.” Amelia reached her hand out and patted his leg.
“Thanks.” Drew swallowed what felt like a lump in his throat. “Anyway, I wanted him to know that he ruined her life, but that he didn’t ruin mine.”
“Attaboy. He has always been a selfish, evil man. Please excuse my frankness, but it’s the truth.”
Drew laughed and wiped away a small tear that had formed in the corner of his eye. “Yeah, well . . .”
“Well . . . I am happy to see that you are nothing like him,” Amelia finished for him.
“Thank you. Truly.”
“Your mom was a good woman. But she made some troublesome choices, especially when it came to men. I think that’s why we became such good friends. Believe it or not, men and their problems are my specialty. They’re also my business.” Amelia spoke slowly and deliberately. “You haven’t even admired my new club, Drew.” Amelia waved her hand around as she spoke, gesturing to the lounges around them.
Drew laughed again. “It’s lovely. You’ve always run the best parties in town, from what I hear.”
“You weren’t old enough to see me in my prime!” Amelia raised a toast, and Drew clinked glasses with her. The alcohol tasted like smoke and honey, and it fortified his resolve.
“I’ve heard the stories though, Aunt Amelia.”
“Oh gosh, no one has called me that in years. Once upon a time, they called me a madam. Now, they call me infamous.” Amelia paused. “Is that why you’re here? To check out my new business and see if there are any opportunities available?” The question wasn’t suspicious or even abrasive. Amelia almost proffered it as a favor.
“A job?” Drew asked, temporarily taken aback. “No. I didn’t come here for that,” he said. As he spoke, it became obvious that he was considering the option.
Amelia gave him a knowing glance. “Well in case you haven’t guessed, the Monkey Bar is perhaps my favorite amongst my many clubs. The men, oh the men. They’re gorgeous and a lot of fun. I could find a spot for you here on my team. Just say the word, Drew.”
“Thank you, Amelia. I didn’t come here with that in mind. But to be honest, I could really use some help right now.”
“Oh yes,” Amelia replied, looking over the rim of her glass.
“I’m trying to build a new life for myself. One that doesn’t involve Samuel. But no matter how hard I try, he seems to infect everything I do with his poison.”
“Fathers can have that effect.”
“You know him. You know who he associates with, and I guess . . . I guess I came here to ask for information.” Drew held back what he was truly thinking. He wanted to confess everything, to tell Amelia about witnessing a murder and to ask for protection from his dad. But instead, he found his mind taking him back to Tyson.
“Does the name Tyson Hutchinson mean anything to you?” Drew asked.
Amelia mused for a moment. “Why do you ask?”
“Well, he went missing recently. I think he was kidnapped. He’s safe now, I think. But I wondered if you might have heard anything about who might have done it.”
“We’re getting into dangerous territory now, young Drew. I try to steer clear of implicating myself in anything illegal.” As she spoke, Amelia winked, suggesting the exact opposite to what she said.
“To tell you the truth . . . I think I’m in trouble.”
“Why is that?”
“I think . . . well . . . I think that whoever kidnapped Tyson is also involved in a murder. I think that I could be caught up in something much bigger, and I don’t want to be.”
Amelia let out a disappointed sigh. “Kidnap and murder. What have you got yourself into, Drew?”
“It all comes back to Samuel,” he said, and it felt like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
“And you’ve come to me because you think I can help you?”
Drew heard in Amelia’s tone that there was hesitation and slight condescension. Drew needed her, but he had gone about asking Amelia for help in the entirely wrong way.
“I’m sorry, Amelia, I should have just come out and said it.” Drew finished his drink in one swift gulp. “I have information that could incriminate my father. But I know how this town works. So, I’ve come to you. I know this puts you in an awkward position, and again, I’m sorry. But I’ll do whatever you want. Please take me in, if you can. Please protect me.”
“Drew, it’s ok,” Amelia said reassuringly. “You’re obviously mixed up in something messy. But like I said—problems are my specialty.”
Drew couldn’t quite put his finger on why, but he felt a mixture of relief and uncertainty. To save himself from Samuel, he wondered if he was making a deal with the devil.
Chapter 10
Alone
“What if Drew walks in?” Michael asked Brad. He sounded fearful of being caught.
“So what? Let Drew walk in. This is my house isn’t it?”
“Yes,” Michael replied nervously.
“Well, in my house I make the rules.”
Brad pushed up against Michael, who backed up against a wall. Brad’s hands moved to the inside of Michael’s thighs.
“Besides, Doctor Michael O’Neill, isn’t this something you want?” As he spoke, Brad reached down the front of Michael’s gray sweatpants and grabbed his cock in one hand.
Michael let out a deep moan, and he felt the blood rush to his dick. He was instantly hard, and he kissed Brad deeply.
Brad pulled his mouth away. “I take that to be a yes?”
“Yes,” Michael replied. He kissed Brad again.
“So, are you going to do exactly as I say?”
Michael laughed as Brad fondled him. “No!”
“Your body says otherwise,” Brad joked. He stared down at Michael’s crotch.
In an instant, Michael changed his mind and relented to Brad’s desires. “Take your clothes off,” Michael commanded.
“Yes, sir,” Brad said. The two men were standing in the living room, but Brad’s gaze wandered to the balcony. “On the condition that I get to decide our next move.”
“Ok, deal,” Michael said as he pulled at Brad’s clothing.
Within seconds, Brad removed his t-shirt and basketball shorts. Michael ran one hand over his muscles, reaching down to find Brad’s erection.
“I love how horny you get whenever we have a spare moment alone,” Michael said.
“Well, I love that you’re about to do exactly as
I say.”
Michael felt completely exposed. “Shouldn’t we check to see if the front door is deadbolted?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Brad replied.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, you shouldn’t be worried about anyone seeing you.”
“Why not?”
“Because we’re about to move onto my balcony, and you’re about to get down on your knees and suck my cock.”
“What?” Michael squealed. “Brad, no. The sun hasn’t gone all the way down yet. What if someone sees us?”
“So what? I don’t care if someone sees us,” Brad replied, mimicking Michael’s words. “We have this beautiful harbor view, and our nearest neighbors are miles away.”
Michael scoffed. “Maybe meters.”
“Miles, meters, who cares? I have a gorgeous, sexy man in front of me, and I want him on his knees. I want to cum in your mouth, and I don’t care if the whole world wants to watch.”
Michael paused. This was exactly the sort of thing that attracted him to Brad, but it terrified him too.
“Come with me,” Brad said, pulling Michael by the penis.
Chapter 11
Begin Again
“Tyson!” Florence shouted, as she stepped through his doorway and gave him a hug. Tears streamed down both of their faces immediately.
“Frankie, you’re here,” Tyson said, looking past his friend and seeing his older brother. After more hugs and tears, all three of them moved into Tyson’s apartment, which felt strangely empty and cold.
