by John Charles
Natalie put her hand on Aaron's shoulder and said, "You went through an ordeal that you were not prepared for. The results speak for you, though. Ethan was rescued as were six other victims, the kidnap ring was stopped. No one got hurt other than Kristoff, who is healing quite well considering the amount of damage his body sustained."
As Aaron looked at his co-worker, he could feel the water building in his eyes. He didn't want to cry, but the thoughts of what happened always brought out his emotions. His mouth felt dry and his throat felt as if a balloon was lodged in it.
"By the way, everyone thinks you are hiding behind that shy exterior. We saw you take charge in a critical situation while attempting to free Ethan. We've witnessed how you act at the clubs, so what gives? You can open up and be yourself ya know. We can handle it."
"You really think so? Have you seen how dominant and aggressive I can become, Natalie? Could you handle me telling you what to do?"
"Aaron, there are ways to tell people what needs to be done without dominating them. Think about how Hank directs people, how Akerheart never has a harsh word for anyone, yet everyone would bend over backwards to assist him in any way needed."
Aaron sat in thought, as Natalie looked at him. He felt as if he were coming out again and was afraid of the potential for hurt feelings, both his and others. "What if I fuck up? What if I say something that offends you or someone else? That would be horrible."
"Then you apologize, think about the situation, and start over again. Do you think any of us is perfect, Aaron? We're not and neither are you. We're a team Aaron. Hank has confided in me that he wants you in a more admin role around here. He thinks your genius brain is being wasted, stuck in this lab of yours. And frankly so does everyone else."
Aaron blushed at her words. He hid behind his intelligence most of his life. When he was younger, other kids taunted him for being a nerd. They made his life miserable so he learned how to hide. It became a habit and then a way of life. Being shy and quiet was far better than being hurt for who he was.
"I've never been part of a team, especially not like this one. You have no idea what it's like to be the smartest person in your school, yeah, your school, not just your class. Other people look at you as if you are weird, like you have a disease or something. Add being gay to that and you'll realize why teams have not been my thing, at least not until I arrived here last year."
"You're a special guy Aaron. And from the color of the envelope you so discretely placed in your desk, I imagine someone else thinks the same."
Aaron's demeanor changed to one of embarrassment. His blush said more than words. Not wanting to embarrass him further, Natalie said, "Hank wants us to check the security at Taylor's company. Akerheart and Robins will join us Monday morning."
She didn't give Aaron time for a reply before she stood and left his lab.
Aaron took the card from his desk, opened it, and noticed the number below Barry's name. With shaking hands, he made the call on his mobile. Barry answered on the second ring. He could hear the smile through the phone.
"I'm glad you called. I was hoping you would."
"Work has kept me busy since we last met. I presume the same for you."
"Yeah, the agency never sleeps and thus they keep us quite busy, but I do have some free time this week if you can arrange your schedule."
Making the first move, with a prospect, was something his friends taught him back in college. Get a grip on your balls, say hello, and capture the guy you want before someone else does. So he decided to use the same strategy. "That sounds good to me, too. I'm busy today and tomorrow, but could free up Monday night. Meet me at the pub at 6. If I'm late, wait at the bar."
Barry's response surprised Aaron. "Yes sir, I'll be there waiting."
They completed the call with few words and Aaron went back to work. He wanted to get the security system ready for the installers before he left for the day. It was Saturday and he wanted Justin in his arms again.
Chapter 4
The security system setup completed, Aaron decided he needed a hard workout. He wanted to relieve the stress of the day and get pumped for his planned outing to a leather club that night. He had texted Justin who agreed to meet him anticipating that he would spend the night with Aaron.
One of the benefits of working at Andrews Security was the fully equipped gym. As a rule, everyone kept their bodies as well as their minds in tiptop shape. The staff routinely participated in regular workout sessions. Aaron never needed the incentive to build a strong muscular body. From his teenage years, he learned how to use weights to build the body he wanted. His efforts were appreciated by most everyone who saw him, especially the guys in the clubs, who looked at Aaron as a walking god.
Entering the gym locker room, Aaron saw Akerheart changing into his workout clothes. "I see we had the same idea. I need this workout really bad." Aaron started to change as Akerheart finished.
"So, you looking to get pumped for an outing later?" asked Akerheart waiting for Aaron to finish changing. "I watched when you were undercover at the clubs. The guys drool over your hot body. I'd love to be a fly on the wall and watch more of the action." He knew how to get Aaron to blush and now saw the results of his words.
Aaron looked from Akerheart to his locker, then back again. "I like what exercise does for my body. I guess you could say I have become addicted to the feeling I get when I workout."
"Yeah, I feel the same way. But I'd still like to be a fly on the wall and watch how the guys fall at your feet."
Aaron's blush deepened, knowing that Akerheart loved to tease him about being shy. "You couldn't handle it. You're just jealous that I have all those hot guys at my feet begging me to take them home," said Aaron as he closed his locker and walked toward the gym door. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Akerheart's broad smile.
They worked out for two hours, spotting and encouraging the other to do more. Both Aaron and Akerheart enjoyed pushing each other and did it in a competitive way that made them work harder.
Aaron was pumped and his body felt good. As he walked by the front desk, he noticed Maya, the dispatcher, working on her computer. He leaned over and touched her on the shoulder causing her to jump from the sudden interruption.
Realizing who was at her side, she smiled, smacked his hand, and said, "I'm a married woman. Go find your own partner to touch." She knew how to get to his hot button.
Aaron blushed at her comment but kept his hand on her shoulder. "What if I want more than just one partner?" he questioned. "Haven't you heard that it's fun to have two or even three at the same time?"
The blush was now found on Maya's face. She pulled Aaron's hand away, looked him in the eye, and said, "Are you going clubbing tonight or are you meeting up with the boy you had to leave this morning?"
"It's Saturday and I have lots to do before I go clubbing. Laundry is on the top of that list. Other than these clothes I've got nothing clean to wear."
"Doing your laundry in your jockey shorts would be an interesting sight to watch." The zings flew back and forth until Maya had to answer a call. She smiled at Aaron and mouthed, "Have a great time tonight" then continued with the caller.
Aaron walked the five miles to his bedsit. The afternoon was cool and overcast. He always enjoyed the walk and today was no different. On the way, he stopped at a small grocer and bought a few things for dinner. His quiet walk was interrupted by a text. Checking his mobile, he saw it was from Barry. Looking forward to seeing you on Monday, Sir.
Aaron read the message and wondered what this was all about. He liked Barry and thought becoming friends would be interesting. But Barry made it clear, when they talked, the he wanted more. And what was with him calling Aaron sir? Aaron felt something stir inside and simultaneously felt a tinge of fear.
He responded to Barry's text saying he too looked forward to Monday, put the phone back in his pocket and continued his walk. However, now his mind was stuck on one word - Why.
He and Justin
were trying out a new club. They had chatted earlier about wanting something different. One of Justin's friends suggested this new club. It was in the same district as several others, but was claiming to have the best DJs in London.
Aaron, dressed in leathers, and Justin in similar garb entered the main floor around ten thirty. The place had a good crowd, but was not packed. Aaron smiled at Justin and said, "This place seems nice. Glad you suggested it." They made their way to the bar and ordered.
The bartender wore skimpy shorts and sandals. He and the other bartenders were there for display as well as tending bar. When he approached Aaron and Justin, he smiled wider, revealing dimples on his cheeks. Aaron could feel his lust swelling as the man approached.
"Damn, I know they card at the door, but your little buddy here looks too young to be in this place." He looked from Aaron to Justin then back to Aaron. "What can I get you guys?"
Aaron usually settled for local ale, but he wanted to try something different so he ordered a scotch on the rocks, as suggested by Akerheart after their workout. He remembered what the man told him and laughed it off at the time, but now the phrase took hold. Akerheart said, "Order a scotch, you'll enjoy the flavor, the aroma, and the feel as it slides down your throat. And those near you will see a man, a man who knows what he wants."
Justin loved being close to Aaron and made sure to let him know throughout the night. He pushed himself into Aaron as they danced, sat close when not on the dance floor, touched when he could, and left Aaron with no doubt that he wanted to be taken again.
They were in Aaron's bedsit by one thirty. Both were hot and sweaty from the night of heavy drinking and hard dancing. Aaron's shower was small, but the two young men managed to clean the sweat off their bodies while playing as they did. Justin pushed Aaron against the wall, fell to his knees and engulfed Aaron to the root. He worked him until Aaron couldn't hold back. Justin was rewarded with the results he sought all evening. He wanted more, a lot more.
Justin got out first, held a large towel open and wrapped it around Aaron as he stepped from the shower. He toweled Aaron dry, then did himself, knelt down and said, "Can we continue where we left off this morning? I've been hard all day just waiting for you to take me again."
Aaron picked Justin up, carried him to his bed and pulled him down as he fell back. Justin was hard and leaking, but his man came first. He would be rewarded for his actions if he pleased Aaron as he had done before. He slid down Aaron's solid, broad chest, licking the striations of Aarons ripped stomach, and found what he sought. Aaron was hard again and pushed Justin toward the target. Taking control Aaron made sure that Justin served him well.
Chapter 5
"I have a weird feeling about this place," said Natalie as she and Aaron walked into the lobby of Taylor Pharmacon. "I'm getting really bad vibes."
Aaron had learned to respect Natalie's feelings. She was a profiler for most of her professional life and that carried over into her position at Andrews Security. "Are we in any danger right now?"
Before Natalie could answer that question, they were greeted by a smiling woman at the courtesy desk. Aaron told her they had an appointment with Tanni Basari. Her smile never waned as she placed a call announcing Aaron and Natalie to the person on the phone. With that painted on smile, she asked them to have a seat. "Mr. Basari will be down shortly."
Natalie continued to scan the lobby as she and Aaron waited for Tanni. "Everyone here seems too happy. Her smile is as phony as they come," she said looking at the woman at the courtesy desk. "Something's not right."
Tanni was a dark complected, smallish man, carrying too much weight on his short legs. He had the look of a man who ate too much rich food and sat at a desk for too long. His smile was different from the others around him. His was suspicious. It was obvious that he didn't trust his visitors and didn't want them in his domain. Taking Natalie's hand, he made a slight bow and said, "Good morning." Tanni shook Aaron's hand with a soft feminine grip that made Aaron wonder.
Aaron and Natalie were given a basic tour of the facilities ending in the security complex on the fifth floor. There, several people were positioned in front of monitors that showed many of the locations in their tour. Tanni made a sweeping motion with his stubby hand, as they stood at the rear of the room, as if to say 'we have it all under control.'
Aaron asked about security protocols, access to restricted locations, computer security, and similar questions, to which Tanni had obviously prepared, rehearsed answers. Aaron was not happy, yet could not get Tanni to open up.
"Well that was a waste of time," said Natalie as they left the building. "What are they hiding? And why?"
"Forced smiles or not, I don't like Tanni," said Aaron. "And I would have enjoyed a more in-depth discussion about security protocols. Every time I brought it up, he avoided it or changed the subject without an answer."
After walking several feet from the building, Aaron and Natalie met up with Akerheart and Robins who were given a tour of the loading dock, mailroom, and mechanical rooms. Akerheart was not pleased with the reception he and Robins received. "You would have thought we were the enemy trying to pick their brains. Every time we asked a question, we were stonewalled. Why would they try to prevent us from helping them?"
Aaron's mobile rang so everyone stopped talking to allow him to answer the call.
"That was Hank. He was called out of town on something having to do with his elderly mother. Apparently she fell at the senior home and is in hospital. He asked that I work as the focal point for this case," said Aaron nervously looking at his coworkers. "I've never done this before and I'm not sure what to do," he said in a quiet shy voice.
Akerheart put his hand on Aaron's shoulder and squeezed hard. When Aaron said "Ouch," and pushed his had away, Akerheart said, "That's what you do. You take charge and make sure everything is going the way it should."
Aaron looked at him as if he were crazy. "I think there is a bit more to it than that."
Natalie and Robins laughed at the antics in front of them. "Don't worry so much. Just use that genius brain of yours and help us find out what is going on here," said Natalie pointing to the building behind them. "And if you mess it up, we'll put you back on track."
Aaron never felt so unsure of himself in his life. He had done some very dangerous things when trying to find Ethan, but he always had Hank there to guide him. Now he was on his own and wasn't sure what to do.
Seeing the fear and uncertainty on Aaron's face, Natalie jumped in and said, "They are hiding something and Tanni is definitely part of the deception."
"From the reception we received or should I say we didn't receive, I think they are covering up something and don't want us in their world at all," said Robins. "They only showed us around because we insisted they do. This guy can be quite intimidating," he said looking at Akerheart.
"I want you to dig into this Natalie. Find out what that company is hiding and why," said Aaron as the group continued to walk to the company van.
"I'm going to try to break into their system. If I can, then others can too. I won't be malicious; I'll just try to infiltrate their firewall."
Turning to Akerheart, he said, "Meet up with the local authorities. They are supposedly researching the bombing. Find out what they know."
"Not a problem Aaron." Akerheart smiled at him, nodded and continued to walk to the van.
Natalie hit a wall at every turn. Everything on record about Taylor Pharmacon was based on company-released information. Few, if any of her searches, had revealed negative or scandalous facts. Taking a break from the frustrating process, she walked to Aaron's lab. "What are you up to?"
"I've been researching the CCTV feeds. That car can't simply disappear into thin air," he said as he continued his work.
Natalie looked at the workbench in the middle of the lab, noticing several half-completed client systems. "Are these all for new clients?"
"Yeah, we've had so many requests for high level security since we
broke the kidnapping ring that I can't keep up with it all." Aaron sighed as he stood and walked to the workbench. "This one is for some diplomat who fears for his three young kids. He told Hank that money was no issue when it came to his family." Moving to another system he said, "This one is for the CEO of Gentech, that new mobile phone startup. Apparently they are battling the big guys and are afraid of repercussions." He looked at Natalie and said, "We need more help in here especially if Hank wants me to work with the investigations."
"Any luck breaking into Taylor?" she asked standing at the bench. Natalie knew enough about computers to do her job. She could hack into simple sites, if necessary, but not the way Aaron could. He made it into a game, a game he seemed to relish.
"Yeah, I did. Their system has a relatively secure firewall, but not so secure that a good hacker couldn't defeat. I was able to scan emails, look at security cameras, and even monitor conversations that emanated from several microphones." He leaned back in his chair and looked at the woman standing near his desk. Natalie was good looking. Her years at the agency helped keep her mind sharp. Her dedication to exercise kept her body fit. He wondered why she was still single.
"Did you listen in to any conversations?"
"No, I looked around, found their security holes and left. Now that I got in, I want to create a strategy to explore without leaving a trail for Tanni or anyone else to find."
When Aaron's mobile signaled a text, Natalie said she was leaving and would see him in the morning. The text on Aaron's mobile was from Barry confirming their meet-up that evening.
Aaron looked at the video footage of the bombing again. He didn't know what he was looking for, but he knew he missed something. Remembering the method Declan used, he put the video into slow motion and allowed his mind to wander as the video progressed. Nothing jumped out at him even after watching it several times.
