This Old Mansion

By: John Bowling
(© 2013-2014 by the author)

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

Chapter 7
"Visitors Present the Project" 

Dateline: Monday, July 1, 2013, 5:00 AM,
Manny narrating

Sun up, and I am just awaking, nothing like the recent excitement of car crashes, and we have chores to do. Also, I did not think we were fully prepared for the day's events.

I woke up before the alarm went off, and Cliff was pressed tight spooning against me. It felt nice to have my husband being so ready for me, even if it was just typical normal morning reactions. I turned my head and kissed him as he leaned over and around me.

"OK, you rambunctious big man, take me."

"Now you're asking for it. Take that, you over developed farm boy." As he shoved himself against and into me, gently at first, and then getting rougher and faster as he his orgasm built up. Soon it was all over, not just the deed, but the baby batter. I was filled inside, and my abs were covered with my release. So now we needed fresh sheets on the bed.

"'Bout time!" I said.

"Hun?"

"I do like it somewhat rough, on occasion! I've been waiting for it, patiently!"

"Then perhaps I should make it really rough …like the bulls do to the cows."

"Not that rough, you brute! Anyway, thanks for making sure I get my fair share of bottoming."

"You're welcome. Anytime, just say 'rough' and I'll accommodate. I was, after all, also raised as a farm boy, and I could whip the pants off the other guys in school, even the ones who were older and bigger. They never messed with me unless they wanted to take on getting me off."

"So my stud top was well used before I met him?"

"No, they never took me up on it, knowing they would lose the battle and their virginity."

"Braggart! It's good they didn't, so I’m getting fresh meat. Lucky for you that Jason has a partner. If he took you up on it, you’d have egg on your face, along with his cum, and everywhere else."

"Yep, he won't get the opportunity. Beyond what we've done together so far, that was me losing my 'top' virginity. Nice to lose it to a hot, top stud. Though Jason will be good competition for that title."

"Not only are we married, and he is just out of high school, but he is off limits. We have, you know, done lots of things in the last couple of Yeahrs."

"Yeah, and you took my 'bottom' virginity a few months back. Next time you can get a bit more rough to pay me back. Not too much, though. My fragile feminine mentality can't take too much, even if my well muscled ass loved it."

"Bull! If I took my 'rough' to the max, you'd be begging for more! And you are nothing like a female, anywhere — build, cuteness or thought wise."

"So you want to do it now?"

"We've got chores to do, and visitors at 10 AM. Do I gotta kick your over-developed, muscle-bound, bubble butt out of bed? Some early rising farm boy you are! We also have to make sure Jason and his partner get over to the depot early."

"Hey, I always rise to the challenge early, and with that cannon you're whipping around!"

"It's too whipped to tangle."

"Then let me whip it into shape. It needs a good workout!"

Just then, a knock, and JT walked in, dressed in his new jeans and a t-shirt we bought in the Ozarks for him. "Dads, quit playing with your over-inflated adult toys. Get up and get the chores done, while I make breakfast. And don't dawdle or dillydally, we have visitors to entertain. I got'sta go wake them boys up; they's city type folks and don't know us country folk ways. And I washed and dried their clothes so they could be presentable for the big meetin' even if it ain't Sunday."

"Looks like we have a new boss. We gotta finish training the big rascal on doing chores so we get to do the easy things."

"You start doing the easy things and you'll lose that hot body and I'll have to find another."

"Nah, I still have to work hard on George's farm, and there is all the new work of this new kid care and training place. Maybe we could put JT and the new boys to work there when they have nothing to do here?" Cliff got out of bed, holding a sheet over his front, and mooned me in his unique way. He flexed his ass cheeks showing me his hard definition. "So there!"

JT was laughing his ass off. "Adults are really crazy! I'm going to stay young and innocent." Posing with one hand on his hip and the other palm facing his cheek a few inches away, posing like some female glamour stars in old movies. And then he disappeared, tramping quickly down the stairs, laughing.

I yelled out, "No running on the stairs, you not-so-innocent kid."

"Oh, poo!" JT hollered back.

Just as the six of us 'men' were ready to sit down, an insistent door bell was ringing and then Cliff's mother, Mabel, walked in.

"Good, I got here soon enough. JT, does your only Grandmother have to make her own breakfast? Those 'Illi-noise' upstarts will soon be here."

"Mom, it's pronounced 'Illi-noy', not 'Illi-noise'! We don't want to teach the new guys bad habits." Cliff told his mother.

"Look, boy, I can still spank my little man if I need to, even if you are taller and heavier! And these three new boys! Jeremy, now that that poor, footloose brother of yours is back to normal, I'll have to make sure he keeps you in line." Mabel continued.

"I 'spect they will check his new foot when they arrive. But we've got to put up with the rest of you now that he can walk decent on crutches, even if he isn't dancing footloose yet. Now that Darren is here, I'm putting up with all you adults and him, too."

"Mom, how did you know about the meeting? And would you help select some books for Darren so he can read until he's fully healed up?" Cliff asked.

"They interviewed me as part of their finding the heir, and I'm very happy you married Manny. It's not the money, it's all those kids, like these two upstarts, for whom I will be the most wonderful mother, just like I was for you, and will be for these four. I'm going to move in and make sure they are all healthy and happy. So there, little man! Let's go pick out those books."

"Yes, Mother, and there were times ...! Still, we would love to have you. Maybe you can make JT behave." She just raised her hands above her tilted back head, and rolled her eyes.

"Hey, I'm not that bad! Yes, Grandma, please stay and make my two new dad's and these other wounded wascally wabbits treat me nice."

"Don't you dare spoil the little brat or the upstarts any more than we have! I may have to cancel the order for his Wizard train."

"Noo..o, Pleee..se. I've wanted one for so....o long."

"OK, provided your grandmother promises to make you behave. And you share with the new guys."

We managed breakfast in the short time left after showers and Mom Mabel's intrusion. JT does fairly well cooking, so long as it's scrambled eggs. Some of the toast was a bit dark. Mom Mabel took Darren and Jeremy in to the hospital for his check up while we got our second cup of coffee, just before the arrivals began. It was a caravan from the depot, with new cars and two SUVs, all arranged to be delivered yesterday. Luxury cars, like those they would use in Chicago, would not work well here, going off road and through the woods. JT made a fresh pot of coffee. Helen and Dot, of course, with all the Chicago people, rode out with the Pullman cars, and joined Jason, Grant, and Joe at the depot in one of the SUVs to go to the short distance to our home.

There were several other cars arriving, containing the people from Cadillac and Traverse City. It was quite crowded when they all arrived.

"Let me introduce the new boys: Lucent Lavine and his twin brothers Jeremy and Darren, who just went back to the hospital for a checkup of Darren's stump. The three of them are staying here for a while. They were in the car crash a few weeks ago. The other family in that accident is OK, and they've gone back to their home. The three boys lost both parents due to malfunctioning airbags. Apparently, it was a deer running across the road that resulted in the crash," Manny announced.

We welcomed the older woman who was still in great shape for her age, ready to affect the new purpose for the hotel, even if she was still affected by the result of her accident, Ms. Helen Incarbo-Vermillion. She said: "I wish the poor boy a comfortable recovery, and the company that made this wheel chair for me, Masterful Works, with a motto of 'Live a Full Life', has custom made a wheelchair and a foot for Darren, to adjust for whatever he needs to have an excellent life. The technician brought his new, top of the line, foot recently. And … Manny and Cliff — since you two now own the company, along with a lot more, I expect you will provide it to him at no cost."

"How, Aunt Helen, that chair and foot must be worth at least $100,000?" Manny asked.

"That's the purpose the company was created for. When there is insurance or government benefits to cover some of the cost, they will be billed. Otherwise, there is a trust that covers it for whomever you choose. And with the help for the handicapped you will be providing, that is very useful."

"If there is none now, I will be setting up a Board to manage who gets help. And yes, for Darren at any cost over insurance. All four of the boys should now start getting SSI until they are 18. We will start trusts for them, so they have something to start out their adult lives with, supplementing the SSI with an allowance beyond their pocket change. And we need to check on JT. Cliff told us."

Dot informed us: "Let me introduce our youngest and latest foster boy to those who don't know him yet. This young hunk of a man is Jason Crowns. He just graduated from high school, and wants to go to college as a gymnast. And he is infatuated with Grant, who works with Joe."

Lucent immediately looked over at Jason, his eyes traveling the whole of Jason's developed body, grinning, almost as big as a Cheshire cat. Noticing, Jason did a quick tensing of his arms, and winked at Lucent, then shook his head, no, thinking of Grant, and that Lucent was still too young. Lucent was disappointed but understood, even though he wanted to check out his body. Grant moved so he was between them, and smiled at Lucent as he motioned for him to give it up.

"Why do the good ones always get taken? It's not fair to us late comers."

The new arrivals were Mr. Claude Megan, Mr. Juan Montriva, and Mr. Thomas Kline, all lawyers, and Dr. Chip Mandrake, a medical doctor who was Thomas' husband. Also, there were Mrs. Lucille Smith and Mrs. Marie Longfield, MDHS agents. Mr. Daniel Ostenstein would be doing the building inspections, with Ty Wolf, Tim Curtis, and Ace along with him taking pictures for making the model. And Heloise, who wanted to sit in to gather more gossip for the neighborhood.

We had invited them all in and offered coffee or tea. They turned breakfast down, most having stopped at a country style diner on the way from their hotel. We then introduced JT and Mrs. Mabel Thorpe to them. Ms. Helen Incarbo-Vermillion hugged JT. Manny had made placards on the computer for every one and placed them on the dining room table.

"JT and kids like him, including your new boys, are why I want to do this home for them. Please, guys, listen in, and comment if you want to." Helen waited for them to set up card tables for the additional people. Those who had gone in to the hospital have returned.

"Please have a seat, and re-arrange the placards how you would like. Yes, JT, there is a place for you and the new boys. I'm sure we all value your input about a group home for kids. For those who have not heard, there was a car crash recently, right on the road near our driveway. Our new people, Lucent, Jeremy, and Darren may become our foster boys along with JT. The other family of three chose to head for their home, with one broken arm in a cast."

Manny quickly placed the placards and moved Jason's card to the card table next to Grant's, and Lucent managed to slip in on the other side of Jason.

“Look, you guys, I know some of you have interests that are beyond the scope of this meeting, so I'm going to give you a test afterward to see how well you listened. And we want your opinions about the project. For everyone, I am declaring that all of you are now working for the project and getting paid. Your jobs will all be determined over the next few weeks, and none of them will be things you cannot handle.”

They proceeded to fill the new people in on the purpose of the meeting.

"Manny and Cliff, it is the way you two take on helping people who made you the top choice for this, and being a long distance relative keeps it at home and in the family. Even though I know I don't expect to live long enough to complete the new home, I can make sure it gets started properly, and live in the Grand's home with Dot.

"And let me say that if Michigan's Department of Human Services can't cooperate so that unwanted kids have to go to bad homes or live on the street, there will be problems for the state. That would show up more of the status quo that has afflicted them for Yeahrs, and we plan on effecting changes for better care of the young people and the elderly. This home, and the companies that could be moved here, will employ a lot of people, to make sure those otherwise unwanted kids are raised in a safe and loving environment, to become very useful citizens. If any state needs more employment, Michigan is it. I have an alternative potential location in another state, if this cannot be approved, or the political environment is uncooperative. Even though officials with the state, including MDHS, could take that as a threat, it is a promise, and I will make sure the voters know what their politicians are doing. I also assure you that what objections you could have are all rubbish and based on prejudices and, in some cases, hate, not on reality. Those qualities are what brings out the worst in people, and create war and genocide. There will be none of that around this home!" Helen continued.

"Well! I know what can happen when fags are around kids!" Mrs. Marie Longfield commented.

"Yes, I'm sure you had that clearly false notion drummed into you as a child and going to school. Just like the song from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "South Pacific", "You've Got to Be Carefully Taught" - to hate. The things that people believe are often strange, to say the least. And beliefs are something that you let control you with absolutely no basis in reality. They cannot have any reality or they would not require belief. As reality, they are absolutely based in scientifically proven facts. If that is your feeling, have your boss assign another agent who is looking out for the best interest of the kids. The reality is that kids are abused much more by relatives, many of the opposite sex, an overwhelming majority of the time, so your belief is misplaced, and invalid. And rest assured that if there are warning signs of any bad behavior by anyone, and I do mean anyone who works or resides in the care complex, they will be removed immediately and, if appropriate, handed over to law enforcement.

"Also, recently, we heard of a preacher who raped boys and girls to 'cure' them of homosexuality (search for "Pastor Brent Girouex"). Is that what you would promote?"

"Well... if it works. My view reflects my boss' concept also."

"It doesn't! You also know that your concept violates at least two places in the US constitution, and many of the precepts of your department. Also, the way your outdated philosophy is practiced could be written up as a sequel to the "Myth Adventure" series by the late Robert Lynn Asprin. As a farce, though not funny in any way, would result in lots of kids being damaged mentally if not physically."

Mabel spoke up: "These kids will not be without a mother, with myself and others, And there is no 'myth' to that. I am going to be living here with both of my sons and my new grandsons until the big home is ready, and then I'll be a house-mother to all the kids. And I have several friends who will do it, also. And, yes, you can investigate all you want. I just happen to have a list of those who have expressed an interest." Mabel inserted, and passed a two-sided sheet of names, addresses, and contact methods. "And Helen can put you into contact with the company that investigated everyone here except for the new people, which I have been assured they will. Or, better yet, Cliff … make copies of this sheet for the agents and let Helen take it when she goes back to Chicago."

"Mom, how did you know about this before we did?"

"We mothers have our ways. And Heloise helped."

"How did she know?"

"Mother's secrets, and Helen was also instrumental."

"Ah, so: 'The Mother's Network'. Faster and more secure and accurate than any Internet."

"So there you have it, Mrs. Longfield. And you also, Mrs. Smith, if you and your office feel the same. Enough real live mothers we can all trust who want to care for kids in a healthy environment, as they did with their own kids and the ones they took care of on occasion. As a final word on this … it has been proven countless times that 'what you resist, persists', and the resistance of yourselves, your bosses, and the State makes it continue. I say this will happen, with or without you, here or elsewhere. Ultimately, we are all on the same side, providing young people with the loving, caring, homes they deserve, when the biological parents can't or won't do that. And add to that, care for the elderly whose family can't or won't take care of them. They will provide the care of grandparents."

"My feelings have changed dramatically, and Mr. Klein has proven two gay men can raise four foster brothers and have them become assets to society." Mrs. Smith said. "I am one hundred percent for this new facility, even if it is to be run by gay men. It will solve many of our difficult placements."

"And I guarantee it! And bravo to the Mothers. We are embarking on a new, better, reality for kids unwanted by good, so-called Christians," came from Helen.

"OK, I can take a hint. You may proceed." Mrs. Longfield conceded.

"Good, and thank you. We intend for this to be your crowning achievement. We are all working for your success as Child Care Agents, and for the MDHS to be an excellent example to the world."

"And while we are visiting the old place I would like the younger men to all stick close together, Jason, Lucent, JT, Jeremy and Darren, and no searching alone! I expect that there may be some places that are not safe. Jason and Grant, you two have to watch out for the younger ones, if you can take your eyes and hands off each other."

"Awwww... May we at least talk to each other?" Lucent asked.

"Yeah, us younger guys know what you two want," JT quipped.

"Euuuu..."

"You little guys will want to do things when you get old enough."

"Yeah, but with..."

"Guys, that's enough of that. We may have to have an adult chaperone around you."

As a group, we got into the SUVs to go to the site of the old hotel/mansion. I rather expected an old, large, tumbledown building that was off the highway a few miles. We went south on 29 Mile road from the corner of M115 about two miles, and then turned west onto an overgrown and rutted two track. If this was supposed to be the proper entrance into what was a luxury, remote Hotel, I would have expected a paved road. We than noticed that a new, paved road had been put in. Given that this place started as a private sanctuary for several people with money who wanted to take their R&R away from it all, and be reclusive, it was expected they would discourage visitors. Jason insisted that we stop briefly at the depot, so JT could take another look at it.

The old forest road.

After about half a mile of winding, narrow road, we came upon a clearing. There was an old wrought iron gate, about ten feet in height across the entry road. From what we could see, the old wrought iron fence, well rusted, continued around the clearing, which was at least a quarter mile square. To the left another road, also recently paved, led off to the depot. When JT spied it, he was almost jumping up and down wanting to get out and check it out.

"Tell you what, you exuberant youngster, when we get ready to head back to Chicago, we'll let you tour the depot and the Pullman. And then you can watch the freight train arrive, pick up the WLS, and head South to Chicago."

"The WLS? Can I ride in a train? I got'sta!"

"The WLS is Woodward Lake Special. It's sitting at the depot, and will be available for sightseeing trips to Cadillac and back and to Mesick, scheduled when there is no freight train going through, and we are complete with our examination of the old hotel. We will schedule a future trip where you can go to Chicago with us and return a few days later."

An extremely excited JT was hyper for a while, calming somewhat when we got closer to the hotel. On the way we passed an area where new construction was being done, and a dozen buildings were in various stages. Some were small, and obviously storage and work places, while others could be dorms, dining hall, or other types. That area had a new, modern fence around it.

Helen spoke up and said that one of the dorm buildings was complete and ready for people to move in, and suggested that we tour it when we had finished with the hotel.

The boys were all excited, and we wanted their opinions and their ideas. As we drove nearer, around a grove of trees, we all saw the large, older building. The front wall was composed of large rocks and made to look like a giant, well-weathered, log cabin. Around the entrance was carved granite with intricate designs. It looked intact but rather weather-worn where there was wood, and uncared for. It hadn't seen paint for several decades, and several torn shingles were on the ground. The windows in upper stories were dark with dirt. Joe and Grant told us that they had only kept the trash picked up inside, and only recently washed the first floor windows, otherwise leaving it looking decrepit outside. It was done that way to protect it from vandals, even though that enhanced the idea of it being haunted.

The Old Mansion, cleaned up outside.

As we looked at it, Helen said that it was constructed originally in 1865 by a railroad tycoon. We walked around it, and it was at least a hundred and fifty feet on all sides, with two stories. Daniel, along with Jess Mercer's Model Builders, Ty, Tim, and Ace, proceeded to take hundreds of pictures with high quality cameras. They were using laser devices to measure walls. We then went inside, with Daniel preceding, tapping the floor with a stick to check for potential rotten wood.

"OK, everyone," said Daniel, "we have to make sure we are spaced enough not to put too much stress on potentially rotten timbers. Each of you carry a flashlight and those with mobile phones with push-to-talk. Keep them ready and tell us about anything unexpected. This walk-through is a preliminary. We will have to do some sonic testing which shows depths, potentially empty or hidden spaces, and give a general indication of the solidity of the building. Today, we should not go upstairs until they have been tested. There may be more weather damage in the upper floors from rain leaking in or snow weight stressing joists. We can see the roof has leaked a lot. Those upper floors will be checked, in the next few days, by trained teams of just two, separate so they don't overstress the floors or supports."

It was almost like the videos on YouTube showing deserted houses. The reception area was as expected for an old hotel. A desk with a real bronze bell to call bellhops over to carry luggage. Several of what used to be comfortable chairs and lounges, though they had become very ratty. And, yes, there was evidence of rats and other vermin. The coffee and end tables were still in decent shape, with a few very old and yellowed magazines on them, and there were lots of gas lamps. No electric lamps were present, and no electrical outlets. There was an old crank telephone that was not original, installed after wired POTS (plain old telephone service) phones came into use, and was the only one in the building. It had been disconnected years ago, and then recently reconnected to the depot along with new dry cell batteries.

Manny spoke up: "There appears to be some very genuine antiques here, probably worth a lot. I suspect most could easily be museum pieces, so make sure that if you touch them, you are wearing clean gloves so your skin oils do not stay on them. Better yet, do not touch, and make sure you do not break anything. Even if they are not sold as antiques, we want to be sure a museum gets the best quality items. It seems unlikely, but some may be the only genuine article left in existence."

"This old hotel should be a museum!" JT told everyone, and there were a lot of murmuring 'yes'. There were lots of pictures and posted instructions for visitors on the walls. One was an oil painting of the tycoon who built the place, and others were of various old trains.

They continued on to the dining room, which had a long, wide table that could easily seat thirty. It was very heavy, made of solid oak, and ornately carved. The chairs were matching, with cushions that needed replacement. They were spaced at twenty-six inches apart. The top was very dusty, but there was a design in the top. In front of each chair was a carved area that was lower than the top by an inch, and two feet across. Beginning at the edge of the table, it was eighteen inches into the center of the table top. It was puzzling until JT wiped the dust from the surface with a hankie he had with him. With the dust wiped aside, the lowered area was still puzzling. As he wiped towards the center of the table top, there were two lines that paralleled the long length of the table and ending about two feet from the end of the table.

"What are the lines for? I think you could set a tray in this lowered area, like the trays hospitals use for meals, but ... oh, I know. Wow, this is awesome!" He walked to the end of the table away from the entry door and pointed at a wood plank that was carved much like the table, and vertical against the wall. Reaching up, he found and released a catch, and the plank pivoted gently down, but with a loud squeak from the rusting hinge, and mated up with the table. It had the same two lines, that matched perfectly.

"Anyone wants to guess?" JT asked, "And no fair for Helen or Dot to say anything." They both had a huge grins plastered on there faces but did not say anything.

The group made several guesses, all wrong, and then Manny knew what it implied, and why JT was so happy with it.

To be continued...

Author's note: A big "Thank You" to Gerry Young for his excellent editing. He eliminates a lot of hiccups my addled mind and misguided fingers smudge onto the page.