You Can Run
but
 You Can’t Hide
 by: Miguel Sanchez

© 2007 by the author

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

We made a stop in the bathroom to empty our bladders then Hans led me over to the bed. I crawled in then Hans turned the light off I felt him get in then he pull me against his body as his arms wrapped around me. I felt him kiss me on the cheek and that’s the last thing I remembered until morning.

Chapter 22

The next morning I awoke alone in bed. I smelled a mixture of coffee, bacon and sausage coming up the stairs from the kitchen. I did my business then came downstairs to join the rest of my family. We had just finished eating when there was a knock on the door. I walked over and looked through the peephole and saw it was Gloria and Sonny. “Guys, we have company. Let’s get some shorts on.”

The boys ran upstairs and put on some shorts then Kevin tossed me a pair. “Here you go Dad.”

I put my shorts on then opened the door. “Hi Lee, I heard you were all in the middle of something. I hope we didn’t come at a bad time.

I let them come in and the boys quickly surrounded Sonny. Kevin came over and giggled. “Oh no ma’am, we just had to get something on.”

Now I know how that sounded and it did not come out like it was intended. “That didn’t come out right Gloria. Umm, the boys are little naturists and they like going around in the buff.”

Sonny heard that and his eyes got big. “Oh wow, that sounds cool. Mom, can I?”

I could see Gloria turning red. “Umm, the house has way too many windows son but if you want to go naked here and Lee and Hans don’t have a problem with it, it’s ok with me.”

The boys took off upstairs to get comfortable. “What brings you over Gloria? Would you like some coffee?”

Gloria followed us into the kitchen. I pulled a chair out for her while Hans set a cup of coffee in front of her. “I hope I’m not being forward here but Sonny needs a good male role model. Can I ask you two a personal question? If you don’t wish to answer, I fully understand.”

Hans and I looked at each other then we both nodded our heads. “Go ahead Gloria; we’ll answer your question.”

She sipped her coffee and I could tell she was having a hard time forming the words. “Umm well, I don’t see any women around here and you’re raising two boys. Ah, are you and Hans well, you know, a couple?”

Poor Hans was trying not to giggle. “Yes Gloria, we’re gay. Does this bother you?”

She shook her head then took another drink of her coffee. “Not at all guys. When I said I needed a good male role model for Sonny, it’s because umm well, I think he might be gay.”

Hans looked at her then finished his coffee. “Gloria, he’s only 14.”

“Oh I know Hans,” Gloria replied. “It’s just he’s never showed any interest in girls whatsoever.”

I shook my head. “Gloria, sometimes boys just don’t worry about girls until they’re older. Does Sonny make friends easy or is he a little shy?”

“He’s very shy,” she replied. “Add to that his Dad was so demanding with every aspect of his life. Any friend of Sonny’s had to meet his approval first.”

“Well that could be it then,” Hans interjected. “Maybe Sonny was afraid to bring a girl home because of what your ex would say or quite possibly do.”

Hans got serious. “Other than not talking about girls, is there anything else that makes you think he might be gay?”

Gloria finished her coffee. “Well, he left his computer on once and there were some pics I definitely thought would be illegal. He had a few pics of nude boys engaged in sex.”

I had no use for child porn in any way, shape or form. “Well, if he is gay, he will have loads of role models.”

Her eyes got big. “Really, you mean?”

Hans was nodding his head. “Yep, the boys are boyfriends. I think Sonny might know that with what happened yesterday.”

Just then 3 naked boys came down stairs. It was like the 3 stooges when they saw Gloria sitting in the kitchen. I saw Kevin trying to do an abrupt about face. “Come on in boys.”

Kevin slapped his hands down over his crotch and turned bright red. “Aww Dad.”

Gloria turned at looked at the boys. “Kevin, I have raised a son and changed his diapers so; I do know what a boy looks like.”

He slowly shuffled into the kitchen still hiding his bits and pieces. He came over by me and I quickly scooped him up into my arms. “Oh Daddy,” he squealed. “No fair, no fair.”

Jamie came over and spanked him a couple of times. “Ohhh Kevin, you jiggle.”

“Keep it up Jamie, your time will come.”

Hans grabbed Jamie and held him like I had Kevin. Sonny couldn’t resist the target so he gave him a couple of light swats.”

“Eek,” Jamie shrieked. “I’ll get you Sonny.”

I set Kevin down then held onto him. “Easy boys, Sonny’s still black and blue.”

I turned Kevin loose then Sonny came running over. I knew what he was after so I scooped him up like I did Kevin. “Whee, this is fun.”

I saw his stomach wide open so I curled him up then brought my mouth down over top of his belly button then blew making a farting noise. This brought Sonny into a fit of giggles. “Hehehe Pop.”

As soon as he said it he got quiet. I turned him around and held him so he was facing me. “Don’t worry about it kiddo, you can call me and Hans what ever you feel comfortable with.”

I set him down then the boys were jumping up and down. “Can Sonny spend the night?”

I didn’t have a problem with it but we had my graduation to go to tonight. Sonny looked at his Mom. “Can I Mom?”

“Gee son, I don’t know. This is short notice.”

I held my hand up. “That’s fine Gloria but he will need to get some dress clothes. Tonight I’m graduating from the Police Academy and he’ll need to be in some nice clothes.”

“Graduating from the police Academy?” She asked with a confused look on her face. “You mean you didn’t have the right to arrest my ex?”

I was shaking my head. “No Gloria, it’s not like that. “I’m a sworn officer and a lieutenant. Going through the Academy was more a formality than anything.”

She relaxed when I explained things to her. “Oh ok, I just had visions of him getting turned loose and being back on the street again.”

I looked at Sonny. “Why don’t you go back to your house and get some clothes you can wear tonight.”

Just then Gloria interrupted. “I have to go grocery shopping. I can pack him some clothes and drop them off on my way to the store.”

“Cool,” Sonny said as the boys took off up back up the stairs.

Hans and I showed Gloria to the door then I went into the office and got busy on my report. I logged into the division’s computer and the sight was amazing. I had access to everything I needed plus I could get information from DPS. I did my report then uploaded the photos of Sonny. I looked them over then remembered there weren’t shots of his front. I walked to the staircase. “Sonny, can you come here son?”

He came downstairs. “Yes Pop?”

He was good about me taking photos of his back and butt but I wasn’t sure how he’d handle the fact I needed some of his front. “Sonny, when I took the photos of your back and butt yesterday, I didn’t know about what had happened to your penis and testicles.”

He looked and me and smiled. “If you need photos of that, it’s ok. If it will keep him in jail for a long time, I don’t care what you have to do.”

I got the camera and quickly took a few shots then sent him back upstairs. “Thanks kiddo.”

I took the photos off the camera and attached them to my report. I double checked everything, sent the report in then logged off. “Pop, can I ask you something?”

I closed the cover on the laptop then held my arms out to him. He ran over the hopped up on my lap. “Comfy son?”

He nodded his head as he looked up at me and smiled. “Yeah, I missed this with my Father. He said I was too big to be held and that only babies got held by their parents.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “You’re never too old or to big to be cuddled. Now, what’s on your mind?”

He turned around so he could face me. “Umm, I know this is very personal but umm, is it true what Hank was saying yesterday, about Jamie and Kevin? Are they umm, queers?”

I had to think about how to answer it. “The term queer isn’t used any more. Today the word gay is used. If it were true, would that make a difference to you?”

He stared shaking his head. “Oh no Pop, it’s just umm, I think I might be too.”

I could tell he was upset about telling me this information. I lifted his chin up. “First off, don’t be so fast to put a label on yourself. Now what makes you think you might be?”

I could see him relax. “Well, I like looking at boys.”

“You didn’t have an erection when you guys came down stairs.”

He was giggling at that. “It wasn’t because it didn’t want to. It took everything I could do to keep it down.”

“Have you told the boys?” I asked putting him at ease.

Just then there was a knock on the door. Jamie stuck his head inside. “Oh there you are.”

As soon as he came inside, Sonny got a major boner. He looked at me and then at the boys. “See Pop, I told ya.”

Kevin giggled. “Having a boner around here is nothing special. We all get them.”

Sonny walked climbed down off my lap then reached his hands out to the boys. “I have something to tell you guys. I know I said I’m sorry yesterday but I’m really ashamed of myself.”

Jamie looked at Sonny. “It’s no big deal Sonny. Are you in the closet?”

Sonny looked confused. “In the closet? No, I’m standing right here with you.”

I walked over and rubbed Sonny’s hair. “That means you’re keeping being gay a secret.”

Sonny’s eyes dropped to the floor. “Yeah, I am. My dad would have really beat the hell out of me.”

The boys wrapped their arms around him and Kevin kissed his cheek. “That’s in the past man. Dad’s not gonna let anyone ever lay a finger on you again.”

Jamie lifted his chin up. “That’s right bro. Is there someone you like at school?”

Sonny smiled and giggled. “Yeah but he’s so straight it’s not funny.”

The boys looked at each other. “Hank?”

“Sonny, you never know when the right person will come along. Just be yourself.”

Hans came into the room in his all together and Sonny whistled. “Oh man Hans, you look hot.”

Jamie walked over and kissed him then smiled. “That’s my Dad.”

Sonny had reached down and was playing with himself without even realizing he was doing it. “How do you keep yourself so smooth?”

“I have a friend who waxes me. I’ve always looked young and well.”

Sonny looked and saw the bulge in my shorts. “It turns Lee on big time.”

The boys laughed at that and Sonny was giving his tool a good workout. “Ah Sonny, if you keep that up there is going to be a big mess here.”

Sonny looked down at his hand as the boys giggled. Kevin took him by the hand and led him out of the room. “Don’t worry Dad, we won’t let him make a mess.”

The boys left the room and Hans looked at me and smiled. “It looks like the boys have someone to share their love with.”

I nodded my head just as the phone rang. “Hello.”

“Lee, it’s Capt. Blair. I read the report you sent in on Sonny Bates. I’ve seen a lot in my career but this has to just about the worst thing I’ve seen. How’s the boy?”

“All things considered, he’s doing pretty good.” I said as I sat back in the desk chair. “He’s upstairs with our boys now.”

“Sounds pretty good then Lee,” Capt Blair said. “By the way, your Hummer is all ready to go. You can pick it up anytime you’re ready. You’re sharing my office with me and your desk is all set up. Your keys are in the middle drawer.”

“Will you be at the graduation tonight?”

“I wouldn’t miss it Lee. I’ll see you then and I’d like to meet your family too.”

I wasn’t sure how he’d take to this but what the hell. “Sounds good Captain, I’ll see you tonight.

The graduation ceremony started at 7:30 so Hans and I had dinner ready at 6. Sonny bopped around the house naked like the others and fit right in. His mother had dropped his clothes off and thanked me for letting him spend time with our boys. Gloria told me this was the first time in as long as she can remember him being able to enjoy himself away from school.

I put on my uniform and came downstairs. “Wow Dad, you look sharp.”

I gave each of the boys a hug then kissed Hans passionately. “It’s not complete yet guys,” I said taking the gold bars out of my pocket. “These will be put on my collars then my badge will be pinned on over my heart.”

We left the house for the Academy. On the way, I stopped at the office and got the keys to the Hummer. I went back downstairs the pulled into the secured parking lot. “Come on guys, our vehicle is over there. I went into the trunk and got my rifle out then closed the trunk back. I made sure the car was locked then walked to where the Hummer was parked. Sonny’s eyes got big again. “Wow this is cool.”

The boys were used to it by now. I pushed the unlock button on the remote then the boys climbed inside. I put my rifle in its place the got inside. “Everyone got their seatbelts on?”

It took about 10 minutes to get over to the Academy. I found a place to park then we all walked in together. The first person I saw was Lt. Ambrose. “Good evening Lt. Ambrose.”

“Hi Lee, I’ll need your weapon. That will be presented to you when I pin your shield on you after the Chief pins your bars on. Also, let me have your hat. It has a black band on it.”

I looked at it and I never paid any attention to it. I took my weapon out of the holster, removed the magazine then cleared it. “Here you go Dan.”

“Thanks Lee. Is this your family?”

I nodded my head then stepped back. “This is Hans and before you say anything, he’s almost 20.”

Lt. Ambrose shook his hand. “I’m glad you said something because he doesn’t look 19. It’s nice to meet you Hans. Now who are these young men?”

I stood behind Kevin. “This is Kevin Pruitt, he’s my foster son and this is Jamie Fisher, Hans is his foster father.”

Dan shook each of their hands then Sonny stepped up. “I’m Sonny Bates. Pop saved me from my father who liked to beat me with his belt.”

Dan’s eyes got big. “Son, I’m sorry your Dad did that to you.”

Sonny politely interrupted him. “He’s not my Dad sir. A Dad would never do that to his son. He’s my Father only because he got my Mom pregnant. Lee has been more of a Dad to me in the past 24 hours than my biological father has in 14 years.”

Dan shook Sonny’s hand. “You’re right Sonny, no Dad would do that to their child. Are you living with Lee and Hans?”

Sonny shook his head. “No sir, I’m spending the weekend with them. I’m living with my Mom.”

Sonny backed up against me then looked at Kevin and leaned to his ear. “Kevin, are you mad that I call Lee Pop?”

Jamie heard Sonny’s question then pulled him into a hug. “Lee’s a good man Sonny. We don’t mind at all. We think of you as a brother so welcome to our family.”

Dan had to get things in order so I watched him leave to the auditorium. I took Hans and the boys to their seats then came back out to talk with Frank. “Hey Frank, how you doing?”

Frank came up and we shook hands. “You look good in the uniform. Where’s your weapon?”

“Lt. Ambrose will present it to me once my bars and shield have been pinned on.”

Frank was about to speak when his cousin walked up. “Excuse me Lt. Jennings.”

I glared at him. “What do you want David?”

He looked at the floor then back up to me. “I owe you an apology for my actions outside and in the locker room. I blamed you for everything when I should have been blaming myself.”

That was a start but his comments about me being gay had yet to be addressed. “I’m glad you realized that David.”

I was about to go on. “Lee, I also owe you an even bigger apology for my comments about your personal life. I had no right to say that at all. The department has been gracious enough to let me go through the academy again.”

“This time concentrate on your studies. You have the brains to be a good officer but last time you let your mouth overload your ass. If you flunk this time, I don’t think they will give you a third.”

David nodded his head. “You’re right sir. I will not let Frank or the staff down this time.”

Frank took David inside then I joined the other graduates. I saw the boys waving at me and I just smiled. We were called to attention then the Chaplin said a prayer. The band played the National Anthem then Lt. Ambrose came to the podium. “Good evening ladies, gentlemen and distinguished guests. This evening the San Antonio Police Department adds 15 new officers to its ranks. It is my pleasure to introduce the Chief of the San Antonio Police Department, Chief Charles Wall.”

Everyone stood and applauded as the chief made his way to the podium. “Good evening everyone. It’s my honor to be here tonight and watch 15 new recruits become San Antonio Police Officers. But first, we have a special presentation. Will Lee Jennings step up?”

Now I thought I was going to be last but I guess things had changed. I stepped up and stood at attention as Lt. Ambrose stood beside me and started to speak. “Mr. Jennings is our top graduate. To be more precise Mr. Lee Jennings is Lt. Lee Jennings. He joined our department 2 months ago after a long career in the US Army. He retired as an E-8 with 20 years of service.”

Just then Chief Wall stepped up. “As a civilian, Lt. Jennings saved the life of 14 year old Jamie Fisher after his father James Fisher and Carl Pruitt was brutally murdered. Lt. Jennings distinguished himself with his actions and with his military career, he was offered a position with our department.”

Lt. Ambrose and Chief Wall then pinned my gold bars on my collar. Sgt Grainger came up next and pinned my shield on my uniform. Chief Wall took my pistol from Lt. Ambrose and handed it to me then I put it in the holster. “Congratulations Lt. Jennings.”

I saluted him then after he returned it, I then took my seat. I watched as the other officers were given their badges and weapons then we were all sworn in. We stood there while a photograph of the class was taken then I want over to my family. The boys ran up and all wanted hugs. I saw Hans standing behind them and I motioned him to come over. “Should we love?”

I hugged him as tightly as I did the others. “You bet your ass we should. And when we get home I’m going to make sweet love to it.”

I must have said that a little too loudly because Sonny looked up and started giggling. “Pop and Hans are gonna have fun tonight.”

Jamie looked at Sonny and winked. “Well, you had fun this afternoon.”

I put my hand over my mouth as Sonny turned red. “Hey, tell the world why don’t ya?”

We were all laughing at that. I saw Sgt. Grainger heading over. “Lt. Jennings, congratulations and you have a nice looking family here.”

“Thanks Sarge,” I replied.

“Are you coming to the reception?”

I didn’t know anything about this. We followed Sgt. Grainger out of the auditorium and across the hall. The boys made a beeline for the food while Hans and I chatted with everyone. I was talking with Hans when I felt someone hug me from behind. I turned around and there were Bryce and Oliver with big grins on their face. “You better get yourselves over to the house.”

“How does tomorrow sound,” Oliver asked. “We’re off.”

Jamie and Kevin saw Bryce and Oliver and came walking over really fast. “When are we going to see you again?”

Oliver looked at Jamie. “How’s tomorrow sound?”

Sonny finally made it over with his hands full. “Sonny, are you going to eat all that?”

I took a plate out of his hand then we went over to a table where the boys started eating. I looked at Bryce and Oliver. “Those boys miss you. You’ve made quite an impression on them.”

Sonny came over and saw the two officers talking with me. “Excuse me sirs,” Sonny said very politely.

Bryce knelt down and shook Sonny’s hand. “Yes young man, what might I do for you?”

“Well sir, Pop here helped me get away from my Dad and now he’s in jail. He also said for me to be me. Uh, I was wondering if you two might be boyfriends?”

I almost choked on my tea when I heard Sonny ask Bryce if he and Oliver were boyfriends. “Sonny you don’t ask people that son. What made you think they were?”

He shook his head. “I dunno Pop, it was just a feeling I got when I saw them together.”

Oliver giggled as he knelt down. “Sonny, might you be gay too?”

He nodded his head. “Yes sir I am.”

He ruffled Sonny’s hair and smiled. “Well Lee, it looks like Sonny’s gaydar is working.”

Sonny got a confused look on his face. “Gaydar, what’s that?”

“Well, it something we gays have. It’s like a 6^th sense. We sometimes can tell when a person is gay but it doesn’t always work so I’d be careful of who I asked. If you’re wrong, it could be very embarrassing for the person you asked and he could get angry too.”

“Oh,” Sonny said turning red and looking at the floor. “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you.”

Bryce hugged the boy. “No harm done Sonny.”

We enjoyed ourselves then I saw Capt. Blair heading over. “Congratulations Lee. You have a very nice looking family here.”

“Thank you sir,” I replied motioning Hans to come over. “This is Hans. He’s Jamie’s foster Dad.”

“It’s nice to meet you Hans,” Capt Blair said shaking his hand as Kevin came up and leaned back into me. “And who might this young man be?”

“I’m Kevin Pruitt sir,” Kevin giggled with a huge grin on his face. “This is my new Dad.”

Capt. Blair ruffled his hair. “I heard how he saved Jamie’s life. I’m sorry about your Dad son.”

Kevin and Capt. Blair talked for another few minutes then the Captain had other people to see. I talked with a few others then the boys started getting restless so we called it a night and headed home.

We got the boys settled down in bed then after hugs and kisses all around, Hans and I went into our room. After making beautiful love to Hans and him to me, we drifted off to sleep. Sometime the next morning I was awakened by my cell phone going off. I looked at the number and it was work. I guess being second in command meant I really didn’t have a day off. “Lt. Jennings here.”

“Sorry to bother you sir,” the voice said on the other end. “You’re needed at 223 Alamo Drive.”

To be continued...

Posted: 05/30/08