All Queers Must Die

by Gerald Lopez

  There was nothing to be said at that moment… so, neither man said anything. Mr. Orion wasn’t crying, just allowing himself to be held. After some time, they lay down next to one another and looked up at the glass ceiling.

  “Did you know you’d be saving so many people when you came here on your mission?” Mr. Orion said.

  “My mission here was to try and save people. The people in the hospital because of what the chupa cocktails did to them.”

  “Are there a lot of them?”

  “I don’t know,” Bart said. “Dr. Farrow and Tara won’t tell me the number because they don’t want me to stress about it. They need me to be able to focus on finding the ingredients of the cocktail, so they can save those people’s lives.”

  “I’ll try all I can to help you. I sincerely want to help you.”

  “I believe you,” Bart said. “But what I really need is to find out who is mixing the chupa stuff.”

  “No matter who the people in charge are,” Mr. Orion said. “The ones doing the mixing are amateurs. No professional would kill off their clientele, or send them to the hospital. At some point, action will be taken against those cocktail makers, and that’s when you need to act and move quickly.”

  “So, you think there’s someone above the people mixing the cocktails.”

  “Maybe,” Mr. Orion said. “Either way, someone will take them out, because they’re making too many big mistakes. It may surprise you to know that it is very difficult to take chupa out of my country. Almost impossible, as a matter of fact. That means, either it’s someone big behind things, or the people running the operation have people in my country helping them.”

  “Could they… whoever they may be, keep something like that from Gabriel’s father for long?”

  “No,” Mr. Orion said. “As soon as Roberto discovers what they’re doing, he’ll put an end to it—by putting an end to them. Chupa is a local specialty, and the people haven’t ever been interested in shipping it abroad. They prefer to keep it to themselves. It’s also used by military commanders to keep their soldiers and the local populace at peace.”

  “Is it really that popular in your country?”

  “It’s as popular as chewing gum is here,” Mr. Orion said. “Only most of the people will roll and stuff only one leaf of chupa in their mouth for a day. Of course, in my country they merely chew on the leaves by themselves, or grind them into teas or juice. The leaves have more of a numbing effect on their own. They produce a slight high or feeling of euphoria. If they’re consumed in large amounts, then the results can vary, drastically.”

  “So, we’re back to square one again, huh?” Bart said.

  “Gabriel will keep an eye on his father when he comes here. And Roberto will come. My godson will be looking closely at what his father does to see if he can find out anything. He and I are both determined to help you.”

  “Is there enough money to be made with the chupa in this situation to outweigh the risks to the parties involved?”

  “There could be, if the chupa is combined with more expensive ingredients. You probably know it can help extend the properties of the other ingredients. That means not as much of the other ingredients are needed.”

  “I thought of that already, and about the fact that Gabriel’s father has all that marijuana,” Bart said. “It’s a nice retirement business idea. But I feel like we’re missing something, like another angle to the whole thing.”

  “Haven’t you ever seen the movie Dune?” Mr. Orion said. “It’s all about ‘he who controls the spice’. Only in our case, it’s the chupa.”

  “Could someone wanting to usurp Gabriel’s father be behind this?” Bart said, stopping short of mentioning Gabriel’s uncle’s plan to take over after Roberto Reyes.

  “Easily,” Mr. Orion said. “I’m sorry I can’t be of more help. I’ve never been a quick thinker. The only time I was ever able to react fast enough to help anyone, was when I helped Marcus when we were being hunted down as children.”

  Mr. Orion was slipping out of it and into his old memories again. Bart wondered how much of it was due to his illness. He listened as Mr. Orion relived more of his past.

  “My soldier lost interest in me when I hit puberty,” Mr. Orion said. “He had to find other things to do with me to keep himself amused. When he saw that I had pubic hair, he decided it was time to train me to take over for him. I was to be groomed to be just like him in every way. The night it happened, I was nervous inside. I remember my stomach grumbling and my head aching. When I saw the soldiers come back to the house with a group of boys the same age I was when I was raped… I was terrified and couldn’t even move. All I could think was that I was being replaced, and would probably be taken out and shot, or tortured for the amusement of it all.”

  Bart felt Mr. Orion begin to tremble beside him. Oh God, what else could have happened, Bart thought. I’ve got to be strong just a little while longer. Remember what the judge said. This isn’t the time for emotions or fear. He had to almost command his body to relax and not give into the stress of the situation. Bracing himself mentally, he put an arm around Mr. Orion and prepared to hear what else needed to be said.

  “The boy looked like me at that age,” Mr. Orion said. “He was the same age I was that time. My soldier had picked him out on purpose, because he looked like me when we’d first met. I was so terrified I had to remind myself to breathe. I’ll never forget the boy’s face… so young and so innocent. And I remember trembling and my soldier laughing, saying that it was my turn to be him.” He stopped, and tears ran down his face. “I… I told him I couldn’t do it. I begged him not to make me do it! Then he took his gun out… and … and.”

  “And what?” Bart said.

  “I peed myself,” Mr. Orion said, and laughed. “And you wonder why I couldn’t ever really help anyone. There’s your answer. All I could do was stand there and piss my pants. My soldier laughed that day too. He laughed and said he’d make a soldier out of me yet, then he turned the gun on the boy and held it to his temple.”

  Bart held his breath.

  “My soldier told me to do it for him, in order to show him how much I loved him. Then he said the situation could go one of two ways: either I get the job done, or he’d blow the boy’s brains out and serve them to me for dinner.”

  “Oh, God,” Bart said.

  “I didn’t know what else to do, I swear,” Mr. Orion said, then began sobbing. “Oh God, I’ll never forget his screams… never.”

  In his life, Bart had never heard anyone cry from such a deep place of inner turmoil. It was frightening, and he knew he’d never forget it. After what felt like ten minutes to Bart, Mr. Orion spoke again. “I’ve never enjoyed what I did. I hated what I did for that soldier.”

  “But then, why did you continue doing it, even after he was gone?” Bart said.

  “They were never again as young as the first one, thank God,” Mr. Orion said. “But they were still too young. It’s all about power in my world. Having power over another human being. And I think in my warped mind, it was about keeping my soldier alive by becoming him. But I suppose, even blaming what I did on a ‘warped mind’ is merely making an excuse. And the time for me to make excuses is fast coming to an end, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, it is,” Bart said. “It really was all about having power over people, though, wasn’t it? You could also say the same thing about chupa or any drug. The people making the chupa cocktail here have all the power. And just like your soldier, they too have the power over life and death.

  Chapter 52

  Pure Exhaustion

  BY THE TIME they left the chapel, it was one in the morning, and both Bart and Mr. Orion were exhausted. After walking Mr. Orion to his room and helping him into bed, Bart returned to his apartment. He stumbled inside after unlocking his door and was about to fall on the floor, when a strong arm took hold of him and helped him into the kitchen. After leaning Bart against the wall, Frank got a bottled water and handed Bart two p
ills.

  “Jenna says to take both of those, they’ll help you sleep,” Frank said. “Just swallow them. Then let’s go get you in the shower, bud. You don’t exactly smell like a rose.” He put his arm around Bart and guided him to the master bath.

  “Mr.… ” Bart yawned… he’d never felt so tired in his life. “Mr. Orion threw up a couple of times, and he was really sweaty too.”

  “I know… I saw that,” Frank said, stripping out of his T-shirt and shorts. As soon as he was naked, and had kicked his flip-flops into a corner, he helped Bart out of his clothes.

  “Are you putting the moves on me… finally after all these years?” Bart said, then laughed.

  “It wasn’t me, you were after all those years,” Frank said, turning on the water in the shower.

  “No, but I wouldn’t have said no to you… damn, you still have a great body, Frank.”

  “Down boy,” Frank said. “And did you forget we all jacked off together when we went camping that time when we were kids?” He checked the water temperature, then helped Bart, who was swaying on his feet, into the shower.

  “You’re always there… always,” Bart said. “I’m sorry, Frank.” Bart said as Frank was washing his hair.

  “What’re you sorry for?”

  “I don’t know… for being a rude bastard just now talking about your body.”

  “Dude, you’re not even coherent right now, don’t worry about it.”

  “You don’t know, man,” Bart said. “The things that guy said tonight… the things that happened to him… and the things he did were so horrible. I never ever thought I’d know someone like that in my life.”

  “Turn around, so I can rinse your hair,” Frank said. “Jenna and I watched everything on camera tonight.” He put soap on the washcloth and used it on Bart. “We always had your back. And you’re right, everything Mr. Orion told you was horrible, but… and this is huge: Jenna thinks you made a difference in that man’s life. You led a lost man back to God… we only ever talked about that kind of stuff in Sunday school.”

  “I’m just glad all that stuff we learned stuck with me. I couldn’t remember all those prayers about love and forgiveness, so I just did the best I could.” He jumped and squealed when Frank washed under his balls. “Are you trying to get a rise out of me?”

  “I don’t think anyone could get a rise out of you right now.”

  Frank and Bart looked at one another and laughed.

  “We shouldn’t be laughing, but if this isn’t the damndest situation here and now, I don’t know what is,” Frank said. “If it helps you feel better, I think Mr. Orion really gave his life to God tonight, and repented for what he did. Even Jenna said his reactions were genuine, and the fact he took responsibility for what he’d done was nothing short of a miracle.”

  After they’d both rinsed their bodies, Frank turned the water off and helped a very unsteady Bart out of the shower. They toweled themselves dry, and put on the clean boxers Frank had laid out for them.

  “Frank, I don’t think I can make it to the bed… I just can’t do it, Frank.”

  “That’s the medicine Jenna left for you kicking in,” Frank said. “Lean on me, and you’ll be fine.”

  Bart leaned on Frank, then Frank put an arm around his waist and walked him to the bed. After tucking Bart into his side of the bed, Frank got in on the other side.

  “Hey! What’s going on,” Bart said, unsure of what was happening at that moment.

  “I’m sleeping next to you, in case you need anything,” Frank said. “But don’t get used to sharing a bed with me… and watch your hands.”

  Bart laughed, then giggled, and suddenly he was out cold.

  THERE WAS a warm body next to him when Bart awoke later that morning. He turned and wrapped his arms around the person’s waist, while barely opening his eyes enough to squint.

  “J… J… Jer… is that you?” Bart said.

  “No, go back to sleep,” Frank said, without opening his eyes.

  “Oh, OK, Reese,” Bart said, half mumbling.

  “Try again,” Frank said.

  “Gabriel? What would James say?”

  Frank held Bart’s hands and gave them a gentle squeeze. “Go back to sleep.”

  “OK,” Bart said. “Whatever you say.”

  A few hours later, Bart opened his eyes and turned to look at the clock. He reared up when he saw that it was one thirty in the afternoon. Then he looked at the guy next to him. What a hunk! With those wide shoulders and beefy chest… nipples just begging to be chewed on, and… Bart carefully lifted the sheet on top of Frank—y’up morning, or rather, afternoon wood too. Frank started to stir.

  “Jenna,” Frank mumbled, before looking into Bart’s eyes and grabbing his wrist. “Don’t go trying to take advantage of me, boy. I will whoop your ass.”

  “I don’t understand,” Bart said. “Was that a threat or a come-on?”

  Frank sat up. “You probably would enjoy that, wouldn’t you?’

  “Coming from you, I probably would,” Bart said.

  The two men looked at one another and laughed loudly, before lying back down again.

  “Frank, it’s freakin’ one thirty in the afternoon. How in the hell did we sleep so late?”

  “Jenna made me promise to take some of the same pills she left for you… once I’d gotten you down for the night. No offense, Jer, buddy, but I hope my days giving you a shower are at an end once this is over.”

  “And here I thought you were starting to enjoy it,” Bart said. “I guess I just don’t compare to Jenna.”

  “You sure as hell don’t,” Frank said.

  They both laughed again.

  “How does she not see and appreciate you?” Bart said. “You’re like freakin’ Superman.”

  “Well, I think Lois Lane’s eyes have opened up a bit,” Frank said. “We had a friendly walk on the beach after she treated me to dinner that night.”

  “What?” Bart said. “How friendly?”

  “I don’t like to kiss and tell,” Frank said. “But once this is over, she’s agreed to go to the mountains with me for a week.”

  “Yes!” Bart said. “Don’t screw it up, Frank. Hang on a second, you said you don’t kiss and tell, which means you must’ve gotten kis—”

  “That’s the end of this discussion,” Frank said.

  “OK, buddy,” Bart said. “I love you, big guy… and I love Jenna too.” He saw Frank give him a look. “Platonically… I can do platonic love, you know.”

  “Yeah, I know,” Frank said. “And Jenna and I both love you too.”

  “I’m hungry, man,” Bart said.

  “So am I,” Frank said. “I’ve been told to take you out to lunch, then to the stores, or other places where people can see us, so we have alibis for the entire day.”

  “What about cameras and any other setup work we need to deal with?” Bart said.

  “It’s all handled,” Frank said. “The cameras are installed all around Mr. Orion’s place, including out on his patio, where the action will happen. And the cameras in this area have been removed.”

  “Why were they removed?”

  “We didn’t want any evidence showing what may take place in Rachel’s rooms, or what might not take place in yours.”

  “Huh?” Bart said.

  “I don’t think you’re completely awake yet,” Frank said. “We don’t want any cameras in this area to show you and Jenna going to Rachel’s rooms. And we don’t want a camera in your apartment showing that Reese will be in bed here alone, and not with you for the entire night.

  “Oh, yeah,” Bart said. “I am still half-asleep, but I get it now.”

  “I need to get you back here by six thirty with take-out dinner for you and Reese to eat,” Frank said.

  “How can we be sure Reese will come over?” Bart said. “He may have other plans.”

  “Getting him over here is completely in your hands, tiger,” Frank said, pulling back the sheet. He didn’t notice tha
t his erect cock had slipped out the front of his boxers and was standing at attention.

  Bart looked at Frank’s exposed cock, and growled like a tiger. Frank looked down and quickly put his cock back into his boxers.

  “Down, tiger,” Frank said to Bart.

  “Are you talking to me, or your dick?” Bart said. “I’d be happy to help you get that bad boy down. He saw Frank look at him strangely.

  “Now, that’s a thought,” Frank said, putting his hand over his cock. “We did jack off together all those years ago… and Jenna and I thought you were looking like a pro doing your thing here—we’ve seen you on film, remember. You’re a star, baby. I wonder what it’s like to get blown by a star?

  “Whoa,” Bart said. “D… d… dude, the three of us jacking off together that time is one thing, but….”

  Frank turned and got really close to Bart. “Go and take a shower… fool.” He laughed and gently slapped the side of Bart’s face. “That was just too damn easy.” He continued laughing.

  After a minute, Bart stood, looked down at Frank, and chuckled. “You son of a bitch! No fair… what if I would’ve said yes, or made a move on you.”

  “Number one, my momma’s not a bitch… well, not most of the time anyway,” Frank said. “Number two… you would’ve never said yes for a whole lotta reasons. One of those reasons being that you looked ready to soil your shorts when you thought there was even a possibility you might get some of this good stuff,” Frank patted his crotch. “And number three, I’m bigger than you, and stronger… had you made a move, you would’ve been on the floor begging for mercy.”

  “I see your point on all counts,” Bart said, then chuckled, bent down and gave Frank a hug. He was hugged back strongly. “You’ve always been like a brother to me, bud. Like a very cool brother.”

  “Same here,” Frank said. “Now go get ready, bitch.”

  “Don’t go calling me your bitch,” Bart said, getting up from the bed.

  “You could’ve been my bitch just now, dude,” Frank said, then smiled.