Birthday Dare

By: Rick Masters
(© 2014-2015 by the author)

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

Chapter 45

Mike and I had both turned to get a last glimpse of our guide as he closed the door and this was not lost on the man inside the office we had been shown into.

"Good evening gentlemen. Welcome, please come in and sit down and we can have a chat." He said as he stepped from behind the desk and came forward to shake hands with us. The man looked to be a little older than our dads but not that much and I immediately noticed that he had wedding band on his finger. "My name is Carl Hensworth. I am a lawyer with a practice in town and do some pro-bono work for the advice centre some evenings which is why you needed to make an appointment. I work here because that young man who showed you in is my son who suffered a lot growing up simply because he did not know his rights and was too scared to talk to his parents. When we eventually discovered what was happening to him we were horrified and did what we needed to do to help him. Back then this advice centre was not in existence and it was partly through Simon's case making the headlines that concerned gay citizens started it up. Simon works here full time during the day and basically runs the centre and ensures that when the professionals come in they have what they need to be able to help those in need. There is a telephone help line that is manned twenty four hours a day, seven days a week and when you leave here you will be leaving with that number. Okay, that is enough of the background so let's get down to why you are here., but before that, I have spoken with both of your fathers over the phone and know what they want so if you would rather talk to me without them present I am sure Simon will be able to rustle up a coffee for them in the waiting room." Carl explained.

"Oh no, we are fine with having our dads with us. After all I don't think there is much that they don't already know and so there shouldn't be any gasps of surprise." Mike said.

"But I could do with a glass of water if that is possible please?" I added.

"That can be arranged but is water alright or would you prefer something a little stronger like tea or coffee?" Carl asked.

"To be honest, two glasses of water would be great, I feel very thirsty and don't really want anything hot." I said.

"Right that's two waters for you and how about the rest of you? Tea, coffee, or water?" Carl looked at each of us and we all plumbed for water.

Carl moved around his desk again and leaning forward he pressed a button on his intercom and then without waiting for an answer he said, "Simon, we have some thirsty guests here, could you please bring us some glasses and a large jug of water, son."

"Sure dad," a not quite so tinny voice responded.

"While Simon is organising that, let me get sorted out who is who out of you four."

"Oh sorry, I am Dan and I am father of this one who is Mike and foster father of this one who is Steve." Dan said.

"And I am Dick and father of Steve and foster father of Mike. Ahh that is really presumptive foster father as there is nothing legally making us that. We just love both boys as if they both were our own sons." Dad explained.

"Good I am glad and you two boys should consider yourselves very fortunate to have fathers who care that much about both you and your friend. There are not many gay teens who enjoy that luxury. Believe me; I have seen many of them who would give almost any part of themselves to have half of what you have got." Carl told us.

"We know that and we do appreciate it. When I see what some of the others at school do to keep things hidden from their parents I am so glad that I don't have to do that. And I also like it that I don't have to keep anything hidden from my boyfriend's parents either. And our being here tonight is proof of that." I said.

A knock on the door interrupted the conversation and Carl called out for Simon to enter. Neither Mike nor I could keep our eyes off his body as he carried a tray over to the desk and put it down. Then he turned the glasses over and began to pour water into each one and pas them round. As he handed Mike and me our glasses he made sure to let his finger slide over our hand that was holding the glass as he pulled his hand away. This was not lost on his father who reprimanded him, "Simon, behave yourself."

"Simon turned to look at his father with a little grin on his face and then shook his head negatively and turning back to look at Mike and myself he said, "Nice to meet you." And then he wiggled his butt out of the office closing the door behind him once more.

"Sorry, Simon likes to play that game with me because he thinks I get embarrassed by it, but actually it shows me that he is healing and that makes me glad. So what I need now is to learn exactly what you know about this boy and his sister and as a separate bit what you have heard but have not witnessed for yourself. Steve, I would like you to begin and then Mike you can add anything else that you know that Steve has not already mentioned. Please use the real names of anyone that you talk about and don't be concerned about doing so because this will remain confidential." Carl got the ball rolling and at the same time refilled my glass with water because I had already drained it.

"I think it would be easier for me to tell you what I know from the beginning and you will be able to tell what is third hand and what is first hand knowledge, if that is okay?" I asked.

"Yes that will be fine. Just give me the chance to get behind my desk so that I can make some notes." Carl said.

"You mean you are not taping it?" Mike asked in astonishment.

"This centre runs on donations and a small contribution from the council. We cannot afford things like recorders and a person to transcribe the recordings. So we make hand written notes of interviews and then I take them back to my secretary at the office to transcribe." Carl explained.

"Dad …" Mike began and looked at his father as he said it only to see his father shaking his head and putting a finger over his lips to indicate his son should keep quiet.

"Let Steve tell the story." Dan said.

I began by explaining the setup between us and the girls and how I had ended up as the only one of the three of us at Carrie's sleepover where the girls talked the first time about Jay. Then I went on to explain in as much detail as I could remember what had gone on at our house while my parents were in Paris including my private chats with Jay and in addition I also mentioned how I had offered to let Jay talk to me some more if he wanted but was very concerned about how I would control my urges if he presented the opportunity.

"Mike, that sounded very comprehensive to me, is there anything more you want to add?" Carl asked.

"Only that I am in the same boat as Steve and very worried how I might react to any advances Jay might offer. But as to the rest I can't add a single thing except to say that I think Jay needs to be relieved of this situation and be allowed to be an innocent ten year old." Mike said.

"Well I think we are all agreed about that. Now let me explain how each of you stand from a legal point." Carl began and then explained how the law worked and how doing nothing is not always the correct option as it could be construed as aiding and abetting a criminal act. "However, by coming to see me tonight you have covered that one off. The solution to the main problem, though, is not that easy. Firstly can you confirm that all of these girls whom you know to be involved are under the age of eighteen?" Carl asked.

I looked at Mike and we both nodded, "I know that all those names we have mentioned are definitely either just a few months past their seventeenth birthday or younger. What I cannot confirm is if there are any other people involved who might be older." Mike said and I agreed with him.

"Good that gives me a little leeway. This is now what I am going to propose. I will use my own law firm's stationery in this case so that it is not linked directly with this gay advice centre and therefore the two gay boys that this group of girls know. I will write a letter to the parents of Judith and Jay and advise them that allegations have been made that Judith is molesting Jay and also allowing other girls to do the same with him. In that letter I will also tell them that as Judith is still legally a minor she can escape being handed over to the police if the parents can give me definite assurance that they have taken some form action to ensure that Jay is never in a situation where he can be taken advantage of by either Judith or any of her friends. I will further advise the parents that in failing to provide that assurance within the next three months I will be forced to give the authorities all the information I have and leave it for them to take whatever action they deem appropriate and that the said action would definitely involve interviews under caution and then criminal proceedings possibly even in adult court rather than juvenile. And my final point will be to offer advice to them as to what form the assurances should take to satisfy me so that I do not take it further." Carl told us, "So now it is out of your hands. Now let me offer you two boys some advice: if Jay comes to you to take you up on your offer to let him talk to you, do not let yourself get in a situation where you are alone with him in a private place. Take him to the mall and sit in a coffee shop or something like that where you can still talk privately but there is no chance that you can do anything illegal with him. It is possible that Jay might need to know he has someone he can talk to who will not be either condemning him or accusing him of lies or worse, hating him. He might just need a friend he knows he can trust. And it would be good for you to explain to him that you are taking him to these public places for both his and your safety."

"Wow! Thank you. I certainly did not expect it go like this." I said and felt Mike squeeze my hand as I said it indicating to me that I had once more mirrored his feelings. "And thank you for the advice of how to handle the situation with talking with Jay because I really did not want to let him down." I added.

"There is more though." Carl interrupted us, "There is the possibility that the parents might choose to seek advice from their own lawyer and I might be forced to release to that lawyer the identity of my source. In that eventuality the two of you might be asked to attend at that lawyers practice to be interviewed. You cannot be forced to attend such an interview, but it would be in both yours and Jay's best interests if you do. However, if that happens you are to get in touch with me first and I will accompany you to make sure you are properly protected and not tricked. Also as you are both minors, your fathers will also be allowed to be present and I would recommend that very strongly."

"Would that still be pro-bono or would there be some solicitor's fees involved as it is a matter of our choice?" Dad asked. "I mean we would certainly pay the fees but just so that we can get prepared for it if that should happen."

"No, I started this as a pro-bono case because it involves gay minors who were simply seeking advice for themselves and it will continue as such. Also I am extremely opposed to the way Jay is being treated and would give up my house if it meant that he could be released from this. Remember I told you my son suffered and was persecuted terribly just because some people thought he was gay. They did not even know for sure that he was gay. What I have learnt from him and the evidence I have seen as the case unfolded leaves me sick to the stomach and I will do all that is in my power to stop anything like that or like the molesting this young boy is receiving from happening to any young person. Whether it be from that person's peers, friends or family makes no difference. I cannot tell you just how strongly I feel about this and how sorry I am that it took something happening to my own son for me to see it for what it really is and start to take action. However, if you would like to, this place would not be ungrateful to receive any donation you might choose to make, but you are not being forced to make any donation at all." Carl explained.

"I know it is none of our business, but could we know what happened to Simon, and if there were any indications that we could look out for in others who might be suffering something similar?" Mike asked.

"I cannot tell you what happened to Simon. But if you come and visit here some more, he might tell you himself but he also might not tell you so don't be upset if that happens. As to signs it is very difficult, but if you see a change in someone's demeanour or character then you can be reasonably sure that there is some underlying problem that needs some attention. It does not mean that the person is being persecuted or anything it might just be something as simple as he or she thinks they might be gay and are worried about finding out that they are, or something totally different like their parents are fighting or splitting up or one parent is an alcoholic. The best thing you can do for such people is to be a friend to them and let them share what they want with you when they want. But there are other counsellors who come here who can help in those sorts of cases more than a lawyer can." Carl explained some more.

"Well, I think we have taken up more of your time than we expected to and just want to thank you for being so helpful and encouraging. We are proud of our boys and were really concerned for them in this matter. Is there a chance you could let us know if you have received the assurances you need so that we can let Steve and Mike know that it has all been settled?" Dan asked.

"I cannot tell you what those assurances are, but I will let you know with a phone call if it all gets sorted or if it has to go to the authorities. And of course if it has to be taken further then you two boys will be questioned again and I will be willing to represent you again because I am proud of you for taking the stand you have even when you feel tempted yourselves." Carl told us and then spoke into the intercom, "Simon, please can you bring some information packs for these folk here and then they will probably be leaving, thank you."

"Thank you again. We really do appreciate your seeing us and advising us, but also for taking this on and forward." Dad said.

"Well like I said, I have a vested interest in this and here he is now." Carl said as Simon knocked on the door and then entered.

He had two packs in his hands and gave one each to Mike and me. "If ever you want to have a chat just pop in. I am in the office from nine o'clock every morning Monday to Friday and then at times over the weekend also. If you want more than just a chat give me a call and I will see that you are put with the right person to help you. So don't be strangers please." Simon offered.

"Thank you, I think we might just pop in for a chat or two but it would probably have to be during the school holidays." I said.

"Yeah that is a bummer having to go to school when you could be out chatting with a nice guy like me." Simon said grinning and giving us a wink.

"Now don't tempt them to cut school for a chat." Carl told his son.

"No seriously, I would love to see you two guys some more but in those packs there is a little card you could carry with you in your phone case or wallets or wherever that has a number on it. You can call that number free from any phone including mobile phones twenty four - seven and someone will answer it within thirty seconds. If you are in danger they will get help on their way to you immediately. It is not a 999 number but it is the next best thing to it and we are always discreet. You will see the card is non-descript so if your friends see it they will not know it is a gay advice centre that mans the call room. Not that you have to be gay to call that number. It could be for anything from a problem with a drunken parent to being battered by your big brother, or being bullied at school." Simon said.

We heard a buzzing sound and Simon moved to the intercom on his father's desk saying, "This could by your next appointment dad." Then he pressed a button on the machine and asked who was there. A tinny reply told him that his presumption was correct. "I am sorry but we try not to let clients see each other just in case one recognises the other and it could cause some embarrassment so if I could ask you to follow me and wait in the waiting room, I will then show the others into dad's office and then let you out."

"Of course we understand that need. Lead on. Thank you both for all your help." Dad said as we all stood and shook hands and then Simon led us to the waiting room and assured us he would be back soon.

Simon was true to his word and only a minute or two later he was back. "Can I offer you something more to drink or do you want to get on your way?" he asked.

Before anyone else could answer I said, "I would like another glass of water please."

"And then we will get on our way, but I promise you these two will come back and visit you. I can see it in their eyes." Dan said and chuckled knowing that he had caused both Mike and me a little embarrassment.

Simon checked if any of the others wanted some water and then went off to get mine. He brought it back and I downed about half of it without stopping for a breath. "Thank you, I don't know why I am so thirsty today." I thanked Simon and then finished the glass.

Dad stepped forward and held out his hand to shake Simon's, "Thank you, young man, we do appreciate all that you have done for us and your father too."

Dan was next with the handshake and thanks and then I stepped forward and pulled Simon into a hug and gave him a quick peck on the cheek and said my thank you before I gave him another peck on the lips. Mike followed my pattern and Simon beamed.

"Now I definitely want you to come back for a visit. How about tomorrow?" Simon laughed, and we laughed with him and he led us down the passage back to the front door and pressing a button near the door he opened it and stood to the side holding it open so that we could pass out. As I walked past him he slid his hand over my butt and mmmed. Mike, likewise got a repeat of it and we smiled at him as stepped out into the cool night air.

To be continued...
 

Posted: 05/22/15