Brother's Mate

By: Rick Masters
(© 2017-2018 by the author)

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

Chapter 30

While they were eating their meal, it was arranged that the five boys would get together the next day to have a chance to talk amongst themselves about the tape recording. Apart from making that arrangement that particular topic was not talked about for the rest of the evening. Although there was still some tension in the air as they sat down to eat, the banter soon began to flow and lighten everyone's heart.

As a result, when they had finished eating and were leaving the carvery, Mary who was in front turned back and said, "You know something, I'm glad our boys are different. If they weren't we probably would not have got to know you others and I believe we are fast becoming good friends. Thank you for this evening and thank you for the support, love and friendship you have given to Ben and Dominic."

"I believe we are all thankful to have got to know each other. I know Rose and I are thankful that our sons have found such nice friends who have nice parents too, and I'm including David in this. It's just a shame he didn't get as nice parents as our children all got." John said.

"Yes, and despite the reason we all ended up having another meal together, I think we've all enjoyed ourselves. Let's try and keep this up and make sure we get together often." Angela suggested.

"I'd like that," Colin agreed with his wife. "Perhaps we could aim for getting together once a month and see how that goes?"

"Could we have something at our house next then?" Ben asked. "The others could sleepover too."

"We'll definitely think about it." George answered his son.

They all then parted company and went off to their separate homes.

The next day, as planned, the five boys got together at Bradley's house for a discussion on what they thought should happen with regards the tape recording Mr. Crowther had. But before they got down to talking about that they enjoyed some private time together; or at least in two groups. Alexander and Bradley performed a sixty-nine on each other while both Dominic and Ben got sucked by Callum, who then had the pleasure of Ben practicing his oral on him while Dominic caressed and titillated various erogenous zones around Callum's body. This was followed by a naked snack time to take care of the other physical needs of a growing teen boy. Sated in more ways than one, the boys got down to their discussion.

"If it means that Mrs. McAllister gets tried in court for whatever, then I'm okay with it." Ben said, "She's really nasty and needs to be punished."

"I'm more concerned about what might happen to David." Alexander said.

"What do you mean? Do you think he'll get punished if his parents are taken to court?" Ben asked.

"I don't know about that. But what if his parents are sent to prison. What then will happen to David?" Alexander said.

"I don't think they'd end up going to prison, but you're right. We must consider David in our thinking. Also this would no doubt out us too, if we're not already outed so we have to think about that as well." Bradley said.

"Yeah, I don't think you go to prison for libel, or defamation of character which is what I think the charges would be, but it might mean that our names are played to whoever is in the courtroom." Dominic said.

"There's this thing about having evidence given in what they call camera, which means that there are only a restricted number of people who're allowed to hear it. I think that if we do allow the head to use the recording, we could ask or maybe demand that it's done like that. I think that would reduce the number of people who can hear that we're all gay." Callum said.

"Okay, I think we need to make a few choices here. Firstly, are we willing to let Mr. Crowther take the tape to the solicitor. Secondly, if that does happen are we willing to let the solicitor use it how he needs to; or do we want to apply some conditions to the use, such as restricting who hears it. And thirdly, what are we going to do about it with regards to how it could affect David." Bradley summed up what they had been discussing for over an hour already.

"There's another factor in this. From what I understood, Mrs. McAllister also knocked the school in her going on at the head. I think we need to consider that too. The school cannot allow a parent, or former parent, to make false accusations how they please and get away with it." Callum said.

"I think we need to get some advice before we make a final decision. Let's each talk to our parents tonight and put to them what we have talked about today and see if we can maybe get some guidance from them or somebody else." Dominic said.

"You think dad and mum will talk to us about this?" Ben asked.

"Yes. They've said they want to try and develop a more open relationship with us. We need to do our bit in that too and this can be part of it. At least we're not discussing our sex life in detail with this." Dominic said.

"I think your mum and dad were quite surprised at how good our relationship with our mum and dad is and they want some of that too. I'm sure Dominic's right and sitting down with them and showing them that you've thought through more than just what might happen to you will help to show them that you're old enough to be involved in more adult discussions." Callum assured Ben.

"Okay, let's make a list of our questions and we can print off a copy for each of us to help us make sure we remember everything." Bradley said as he flipped the top up on his laptop.

"Just email the list to us and we can just have our pads or laptops on when we're talking. You know, save the planet." Alexander suggested.

"Okay, if I do it in Word we can all open that can't we?" Bradley asked. Getting the assent from the others he began to type and listed their four main points, with some sub points under each of them. The other four were looking over his shoulders as he did this and made their own suggestions as they went along so that by the time he had finished they all were happy and in agreement.

"There's just one thing more I think we can decide now. If we get the right answers to these questions are we then in agreement that we say Mr. Crowther can take the recording to his solicitor?" Dominic asked.

"I thought we'd already agreed that." Ben said.

"Well, we hadn't formally agreed it." Callum said, "So it's right that Dom should have had us clarify that."

As Bradley finished sending the document off by email to each of the other four's inboxes, he said, "That was quiet exhausting. But I'm glad we've got that done. Once you've talked with your parents, email all of us with what you've learnt and decided."

"Yeah, that was tiring, but I think I need to get some walking or other form of exercise in." Dominic said.

"Let's get dressed and go to the park for a bit of a walk around." Callum suggested because all five boys were still naked from their earlier pre-discussion fun.

As they were getting dressed Ben noticed that Alexander was going commando and asked, "I thought your forfeit was only for one week?"

"It was, but I like to hang loose and so I freeball more now than I wear boxers." Alexander explained.

"But don't forget, Al's also a bit of an exhibitionist and so isn't too worried if he walks around with a tent up or not." Callum teased.

"You're just jealous that you haven't got the courage I have." Alexander shot back.

"Is it courage or stupidity?" Callum asked.

"How can it be stupidity?" Alexander asked in return.

"Well it's inviting someone to take advantage of the situation and pants you to reveal all you've got. For one thing." Callum replied.

"But isn't that a bit of what Al likes anyway?" Bradley came to his boyfriend's rescue. "So maybe it's subtlety rather than stupidity."

"Yeah! Thanks Brad. Love you." Alexander said giving his boyfriend a hug.

"Duh! Who cares? Let's just go for this bloody walk." Dominic said which got all of them grinning.

That evening there were three rather open and frank conversations held in three different homes but with a remarkable similarity amongst them. The net result that the boys emailed to their friends was pretty much the same and there were three sets of parents who were very proud of the mature and thoughtful outcome from their sons' discussion on the subject.

The main outcome of the discussion John had, was firstly to phone the other two families and see if they had come up with the same idea and then knowing they were all agreed he telephoned Mr. Crowther the next day to set up a new meeting with him. To help make it easier, it was agreed that the meeting would not take place at the school but rather at the Ashbourne's home on the Friday evening. A few hours later Mr. Crowther telephoned John back and got his agreement to yet another person being present at the meeting.

It was a good thing the weather was holding up and it was still warm because there was quite a large gathering at the Ashbourne home that Friday evening. All five boys, their six parents, Mr. Crowther and his solicitor.

Mr. Crowther began the meeting. "Thank you all for agreeing to meet with me like this. Also I know John was not given the opportunity to discuss having Mr. Castleford present, but I thought it might make it easier as he can explain some of the legalities of the situation as we go along, and this might help to ease some concerns and make your decision making easier. However, Mr. Castleford has also agreed that if any of you are not happy with having him present then he will leave us. I also need to tell you that although he knows there is a recording, he has not heard it. I have relayed to him some of the things that he would hear on that recording, but clearly only those that directly concerned me and not you. Boys, John has told me of some of your concerns and I have to admit that I was a little surprised at the maturity you have shown in this but also want to say that I am very impressed with what you have agreed to so far."

"If I can just interrupt here for a moment, please." Mr. Castleford spoke up. "I think that it will help you to know that as I'm here in my capacity as a criminal lawyer, representing the school, I have all your interests at heart. Also what is said in this meeting must remain totally confidential. You must not speak about it with any others than us here. The law can be a tricky thing and there have been too many cases lost because the judge has had to throw out some good evidence through careless talking out of hand. Also, even if I was to hear that recording, which I hope you will let me have access to, I have to respect your wishes to confidentiality and would not be allowed to play it in a public court even with your permission because you boys are all minors in the eyes of the law. Therefore I can answer that question of yours now. If we do take this matter to court, I can demand that the recording be heard only by the judge, and the defence lawyer. Not even the jury will get to hear it."

The five boys looked at each other and smiled, then nodded their heads in agreement. They didn't need to voice their thoughts as they all knew what they were thinking and now agreed to.

"Sir, we think then that you should be allowed to listen to the recording, but we must have some assurance that David will be protected through this." Callum said.

"I'm sorry, who is David?" Castleford asked.

"He is the McAllister's son." John answered for them.

"Right, yes, there are a lot of things to consider concerning this young man and I might need to get some more information regarding that matter before proceeding with anything. A lot will depend on what is on that tape."

"I have brought it with me. If the parents' consent maybe we could play it tonight." Mr. Crowther said. "But I must warn you that there are some, what I would describe as, very unpleasant and unsavoury things said about the boys and you their parents. You may not want your sons to hear those things."

"I can't speak for our friends, but I can speak for our family and I think it would be wrong to prevent the boys from hearing what's been said about them. These things might not have been kept just to your office and they may have been repeated to others which could mean that some of their peers know what's been said." John said.

"Okay, does anyone have an objection to allowing the young men here to listen to the recording as well?" Mr. Crowther asked. There was no objection from either of the other two sets of parents and Mary Carter said that they would do what they needed to do to comfort their children if it became necessary. Mr. Crowther pulled a small micro-recorder out of his pocket and put it down on the table. "I'm afraid the sound quality will not be too good on this machine but it can be improved if this goes any further. Oh, and it is quite lengthy, she did tend go on and repeat herself a bit too."

He pressed the 'Play' button and everyone sat quietly as they heard the door open. "Mr. and Mrs. McAllister, please come in and take a seat. Can I get you something? Tea or coffee perhaps?" Mr. Crowther's voice was clear but faded a little bit as he must have been moving around his desk to greet David's parents.

"I don't think so. It might have some poison in it." Mrs. McAllister's voice sounded harsh even though muffled by the distance she was from the mini-recorder.

"Oh dear! I was told you had a complaint, but clearly it is more serious than I had anticipated. Perhaps we had better get straight down to business then." Mr. Crowther suggested.

"It's quite simple really. We are taking our son out of this useless school before he gets totally corrupted. You and your inadequate staff who can't control the faggots you have here. We cannot allow our child to mix with such perverted people as those you allow to attend this school."

"Mrs. McAllister! I must really object to such strong language and these uncalled for accusations. I believe we run a good school here and teach with high standards and demand high standards of our pupils and staff alike."

"So high you can't get out of the gutter. You accept pupils who are allowed to have sex with other pupils in this school. Homosexual sex. Whose parents condone it and even encourage it because they have lost control over their children, probably while they were still in nappies." Susan McAllister could be heard quiet well on the tape because her voice had risen as she spoke.

"Mrs. McAllister, we do not condone nor encourage any form of sexual activity amongst our pupils at all. However, we cannot control what happens outside of the school as I'm sure you would understand. After all we couldn't have an observer following every child and being with them in their own homes, now, could we?" Mr. Crowther said.

"If they're doing it one place they're doing it in your school too and you should be putting a stop to it; not turning a blind eye to it."

There followed a fair bit more along the same lines of this discussion. Then in a higher pitch of voice that was dripping with what can only be described as mania Susan McAllister said, "The Ashbourne boys, Callum and Alexander, are having depraved sex with each other as well as with the Carter boys and that Wright boy who is a total pervert and even admits to being one. Yes, Callum, Alexander, Bradley, Ben and Dominic are all perverted homosexuals and they were trying very hard to get my sweet David to do some of that disgusting stuff with them. They should all be neutered like the animals they are. And their parents are not only allowing it, they are encouraging it by letting them sleep in each other's beds and parade around the house naked; and you are just as bad for allowing them all to change together after their sports. Who knows how many other perverts you are allowing to rule this school and twist the minds of the innocent."

Mr. Crowther objected quite strongly to those words to which Mrs. McAllister replied. "There you go, siding with the perverts instead of standing for what's right. I can tell you that our son will not be returning to this den of iniquity in the new term. And the authorities will be hearing about this lair of Satan's if you're not careful."

Again, there were objections raised by Mr. Crowther who suggested that perhaps Mrs. McAllister should wait until she was not so upset before making a final decision to remove her son from the school.

"We have already made a final decision. We will not allow our son to mingle with the wicked pupils of this school or be taught by the brood of paedophiles who call themselves teachers and their leader who must be a gay paedophile himself." Mrs. McAllister spat out. This was followed by some movement noises and then the door slammed.

Mr. Crowther leaned forward and pressed the 'Stop' button. "She did not even have the decency to say she was leaving. She just pulled on her husband's arm and stormed out slamming the door before her husband could get out of the room. You may have noticed he didn't utter a single word."

"This woman needs to be stopped and I strongly recommend that you allow the school to bring charges against her and also allow Amos, here to bring some personal charges against her. But one thing I do need to know and must ask that you all be entirely honest with me: is there any truth in any of the things she says?" Mr. Castleford asked.

"There is some truth." Alexander spoke up. "We are gay or at least trying it out and have had some sexual activity with each other, including with David."

"And we have given our children permission to move about inside our home naked provided only we are at home. Any visitors, including any of these boys here, and they must be dressed anywhere in the house except in their own rooms and the bathroom." John said. "And while we don't condone it, we have told our boys that we are not going to ban them from having intimate relations with their friends because if that's what they want to do, they'll do it with or without our knowledge and we don't want to encourage our boys to do anything behind our backs or be ashamed of who they are."

"Thank you for being so honest with me. I believe there is also a case you folk can bring against this woman, but I would suggest that as this was uttered in the confines of the head teacher's office it would be better to allow the school and Amos to bring their claims first. If it is found that your children have been maligned in a similar matter during another incidence then that would give you additional grounds to bring a case against her. I would further suggest that you all bring a joint case but make the charges separate. Five different charges to be heard at the same time would force the judge to pass a much harsher sentence." Mr. Castleford advised.

John turned to his two sons and asked, "You have heard the tape now and know what it is that could end up in some way getting out. How do you feel about the school and Mr. Crowther being allowed to use the tape to charge this woman and hopefully get her to see some light?"

"I think we're likely to be outed to our classmates fairly soon, if they've not already guessed it. So I'm okay with it being used, but would ask that it be kept as private as possible." Callum said.

"I don't mind for me too. But I'm worried for David. If she's taken to court it'll get reported in the papers and even at his new school he'll be known as the kid whose mum is a criminal." Alexander said.

"I think if she's already saying these things she's not going to stop with just us. There will be someone else somewhere and poor David will cop it one way or the other. He already is the real victim of his mother's ways. To save him she needs to be stopped." Dominic suggested.

"Like Al, I'm torn two ways. I want David protected but I also want her stopped. I think this tape is the only way she can be stopped and I think we have to trust it to the lawyers and judges to keep it as private as possible." Bradley said.

"I don't really know what I think. I'm just confused over the whole thing. I was not a nice person until someone showed me how wrong I was being. Maybe she needs to be shown how wrong she is." Ben said.

"Perhaps I can put your minds at rest a little bit on this. While I can't promise it I can ask the judge for a private hearing and also a gagging order on publishing this case in the papers because there are at least six minors who could be harmed in a way by this. This would mean that the case is heard in private and only if she appeals against any conviction will it then be heard in front of a jury. That means that the judge will make the decision based on the arguments put forward by the prosecution and defence counsels. Even her husband will not be allowed to be present in the courtroom as he will be classed as a potential witness. Witnesses will only be allowed in to give their testimony and they will not hear what the other witnesses say. If we need to use any of you minors you will attend by a video link so that you don't even have to look at her. David will have that same privilege too." Mr. Castleford told them.

"Boys, it's your decision as far as this goes at this time. I personally would like to see that vile woman put behind bars, but I will back you up and support you in whatever decision you make." Mr. Crowther said.

"I think we have to say yes. But please do whatever you can for David." Alexander said.

The other four boys all agreed as well and Mr. Crowther thanked them. Mr. Castleford assured the group that he would keep them posted on what was happening and asked permission to contact them if he felt he needed more information. John gave him his business card and said he could be contacted on that number and that either he or Rose had to be present if Callum or Alexander were to be asked any questions. Mr. Castleford assured him that he too would require at least one parent to be present when a minor was being questioned whatever the circumstances. After a little more light conversation both Crowther and Castleford left together leaving the three families to carry on with their discussion.

They chatted for a while and then George said, "I know we suggested we try to get together for a meal once a month, but I think maybe we could order in some takeaways and have a bit more time getting to know each other some more."

The five boys in unison imitated pulling the whistle chain on an old steam train and said, "yeah," in a chorus. Their parents seeing this chuckled and found it easier to agree to George's suggestion than go against their sons. Rose went into the house and brought out a take-away menu for the local Chinese and John got his pen out to write down what each person asked for.

As John pulled his phone out his pocket to call the restaurant, George put his hand on his arm and said, "I'm getting this one. It was my suggestion and I want to do this as a thank you to all of you for helping our boys and us to begin to walk down a different road that I think will make us a better family." George phoned through the order and used his credit card to pay for it. Then he turned to the teens and suggested they take off upstairs to one of the bedrooms so that they can have some private time to talk about the evening's events.

"Yes, go on boys, you need some time out. We'll call you when the food arrives." John said and the five got up and moved inside.

Once they were out of earshot, George said, "Those five guys make me very proud. I think they've got their heads screwed on straight and their hearts in the right place. That concern they had for David, was just beautiful to see."

"I think the other two were impressed and surprised at what came out this evening. But my estimation of Amos Crowther has gone up a notch or two. The poor man must be seething with what Susan said to him, but he was willing to consider our boys first. I like that." Colin said.

"Yes. I think I'm going to have to get more involved in that school. After all Ben's got at least another four years to go there." George agreed.

"I'm thinking of offering to stand for the board of governors and this has helped to push me closer to making a decision on that." John said.

"Are there any vacancies on the board?" Colin asked.

"I really don't know but I will find out. I'm sure a call to Amos can get me that information." John said.

"You'll have our support." Angela told him. "I can bake a cake or too for fundraising."

"Oh dear, we're beginning to sound like the W.I. already and we don't even know if there's a vacancy, let alone if John will get elected." Mary said which caused some laughter.

"Speaking of the W.I. would anyone like a drink? Beer or a cuppa?" Rose offered.

Upstairs the five teens sat in a circle on the floor of Callum's room. For once there wasn't even the suggestion of taking their clothes off. Instead they entered into a serious discussion of how they might already be outed and not know it yet.

"Well if we have been outed, or do get outed, I'm not going to try and deny it. I hate this living two different lives depending on where I am and who I'm with." Bradley said.

"I'm with you on that." Dominic agreed. "But how do you younger ones feel? After all it will be harder for you, I think."

"I'd like to be out and be able to show off that I've got the best boyfriend in the school." Alexander said.

"I don't know. I'm so mixed up at the moment, I don't know what I want let alone what I think." Ben said. "But we'll be together and hold each other up; hey Al?"

"Of course, and if you don't want to come out and say you're gay yet then don't. We'll still be with each other for whatever comes up." Alexander said.

"We'll all help and support each other just like we've been doing already." Callum agreed.

"You know old Crowther wasn't too bad tonight either. David's mum said some really bad things to him and yet he wanted our permission to use that tape. Another head would have just used it and us be damned." Dominic said.

"Yeah, he was kind of cool and I liked that lawyer guy too." Alexander said.

"I liked the way he explained how he could use us being minors to keep the case from going in front of a jury." Bradley said.

When they joined together with their parents when the food arrived the conversation became more jovial and light hearted with a good bit of banter and laughter, before the others went home and John and Rose told their two sons how proud they were of them.

Ten days later, just before school was about to start again there was an unexpected knock on the Ashbourne's door. Alexander went to answer it and as he opened the door he got a huge shock.

To be continued...
 

Posted: 03/30/18