Friends and Family Series

Mac

By: Ron Robbins
(© 2010 by the author)
Editor: Frank Perry

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

Chapter 9

Paris, France

"Drew, I want to change my last name to Stevens. How do you feel about that?"

"I'm flattered that you would want to take my name, sweetheart. If there was any doubt in people's minds before about your commitment, changing your name to Stevens would dispel that doubt. You have given me more happiness in the short time I've know you than I have received in my whole life," Drew said. "You have given me your love, your devotion and your life. What more is there left to give? I'm delighted you are thriving in my way of life; it means a lot to me. I love you, Mac, always believe that."

"I have always known that, Drew. I've been so elated that I forgot to mention that I hired my chief of staff Thursday."

"Great! I'm glad you found someone to help you carry some of the heavy load."

"I realized I couldn't possibly serve two masters at once," Mac said. "My job with you comes first. At the same time, I can't allow our new corporation to sit idle. I needed a good administrator to keep on top of things. When you finally decide to come home to your farm boy, and stop playing diplomat for the President, I will have some projects to keep us busy. Chip will be overseeing a very promising project for us that could turn out to be one of the largest and most profitable divisions in the future. We are in the process of preparing a presentation for you that will be ready in a few months. If you like it and give your approval, we will be hiring quite a number of new people. However, this project will require my full attention until our executive staff can handle it on their own. As I mentioned, I'm not free to concentrate on that project until you return. The new man I hired is Peter Buchner. I'm also subcontracting all the R&D and office space to GW for now. We will continue to do so until we are ready to handle everything on our own. I think it is better to keep everything in our family for now. After the first three months of training and development, the company will be supporting itself. I feel confident we have enough money in the bank for the startup phase and to carry us for the first six months of operation. I'm going to need your help putting together a salary package for Chip. His resumé and salary history should be here by tomorrow afternoon."

"Did you say Chip Buchner?" Drew asked.

"Yes, do you know of him?"

"I sure do, I'm surprised he has agreed to work for MacDonald-Stevens," Drew said. "Did he agree to all your conditions?"

"Yes; we met on Thursday. I offered him the job and he accepted it on the spot. He'll be on the payroll as soon as the test results are back. I had him investigated and did my own brain scan on him and I was satisfied he would be loyal to the firm and me. He is bright and I found him to be sincere in his desire to be on my team. If you have any reservations about him, I won't hire him Drew."

Drew smiled, "Does he know that I'm the Stevens in the Corporation?"

"Yes, of course," Mac said. "I made it a point of telling him that you were my partner. Now that you mention it, he did ask if we were a division of GW. When I told him that we are a separate corporation and would not be in conflict GW, his only comment was, 'great'."

Drew smiled, "I have no objections to your hiring Chip. If anything, you hired a very competent man to do your bidding. It's ironic in a way. I tried to hire him as my executive assistant two years ago, but he turned me down. Now, my executive assistant hires him for his assistant, don't you find that amusing? I would like to sit in on one of your next interviews. I think you could teach me a few things; it's obvious you have a gift at hiring people."

"Thank God you approve of Chip! You had that funny look and I thought it meant bad news for Chip. In the future, I will run the names by you first to avoid any glitches. I'll be happy to have you sit in on my next hire. I'd be very surprised if you learned anything new from my interviewing skills. I learned them from you to begin with. I'm glad Chip turned you down, in fact I'm delighted. Not only did I get the job, but I ended up married to the boss."

Drew laughed, "Have you no shame at all?"

Mac laughed, "Hell no, not when it comes to you, baby.

"Now you have your assistant, for better or worse, and I have an assistant that we both feel is competent. It's funny how things can turn out. By the time I make the transition, you will be making changes in the structure of the GW Stevens Company. That will give you greater flexibility and more time with me."

"We will talk about that after you return from the wars. I'm preparing a detailed report for you on the restructuring of GW Stevens. It should be ready in a few months. It also happens to be my term paper for my masters. I would like you to review it before I submit it."

"That should be a very interesting paper to read," Drew said. "I'm anxious to see what you've come up with. It makes good sense to write about a company that you know."

"Oh it will be interesting alright, I'm curious to hear your comments. Now, do you hear my stomach begging for food," Mac said. "This is the second time in one day that I've had to remind you to 'feed the farm boy'."

"Is that what I've been hearing?" Drew said. "Silly me, here I thought it was your passion building for me."

Mac smiled, "It's a little of both and I hope you will take care of both real soon."

"We better make ourselves presentable so I can have Philippe lower the window. Do I look all right?"

"Delicious enough to eat, why don't you ask him to find a little café where the three of us can have lunch together?" Mac asked. "You don't mind if Philippe joins us do you? I'd like to brush up on my French."

"Not at all, it should be a fun lunch; I haven't eaten in a French country café in years."

Drew picked up the phone and told Philippe of their plans.

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

"Feel free to remove your cap and jacket and make yourself comfortable Philippe," Drew said. "And please use our first names, I'm Drew, and my partner is Mac."

"Let's speak in French from now on," Mac said. "I need the practice. My father used to reminisce about the little cafés and the many enjoyable hours he spent in the company of the local villagers. Dad always wanted to make it back here after the war, but never had the time."

Twenty minutes later Philippe found a charming little restaurant. They had a long leisurely and wholesome lunch.

"Philippe, do you know this area well?" Mac asked.

"Yes, my farm is only about ten minutes from here, I own a small dairy farm," Philippe said. "Why do you ask?"

"You were in intelligence before this job, why did you leave?"

"You're very observant, Mac," Philippe answered. He then began telling them of his background.

"I was in military intelligence for years until it became too political for my liking. I supposedly compromised my position when I fell in love with a suspect. It made no difference to my superiors that the suspect was innocent of the charges. My superiors were acting on erroneous information supplied to them by a double agent. I begged them not to listen to this source because I was convinced the agent was a mole. At that point I'd had as much as I could take, and quit. I felt they were completely out of control."

"I was thirty-two years old and a long way from retirement. Why waste my time in the company of fools. The service gave me the best training, so I put that experience to good use and started my own agency. I'd saved a nice little nest egg in the service, enough to finance my company. Now, I can afford to choose the jobs I want to handle. Even the service calls me in now and again for special assignments. Would you like to see my farm? It's on the way."

"Drew would you mind if I took a look? It would be interesting to see how a French farm is run."

"That sounds like an interesting side trip," Drew said. "Lead on Philippe, I want to see if your cows understand English."

"If you can get them to speak in any language I would be rich man," Philippe said. "Cows are pretty dumb in any language, but not as dumb as chickens; they are the most stupid creatures on the farm. I can't stand them. Let me make a call first, I'll only be a minute."

"Everything is set," Philippe said. "I just wanted to make sure the beds have clean linen in case you wanted to take a nap after a big lunch — it's very European."

Ten minutes later, they pulled onto a private road that led to a picturesque farmhouse. It was typical of the older French farmhouse with a thatched roof in mint condition.

Philippe opened the front door and led them into the foyer. The interior was tastefully furnished and felt warm and inviting. "Welcome to my home," Philippe said. "We have completely restored this house and most of the buildings on this farm. The old folks who sold us the place let it go to pot. It was a working farm years ago and took some doing to get it back into shape."

"You've done an excellent job," Mac said. "This room is very charming and tastefully decorated."

They heard the back door close and a tall strapping young man walked into the room. He was well over six feet tall, with broad shoulders and a well-developed muscular body. He had a dark tan and black curly hair. He looked like he belonged on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Only this outdoorsman had the fine features of an aristocrat. He had finely chiseled features, a long straight nose, full lips, and perfect white teeth with a friendly open smile and a firm handshake. His movements were smooth and deliberate, yet he was surprisingly agile for a man of his size.

"Karl, I would like you to meet Drew Stevens and Duncan MacDonald, my clients for today. Drew, Mac, I would like you to meet Karl Landsdorf, my spouse."

"I'm happy to meet you," Karl said. He spoke perfect English. "This is a pleasant surprise, Philippe usually never brings his clients home. Where do you hail from?"

"We are both from the United States," Mac said. "We are over here on business. I'm a farm boy from Kentucky struggling to make a living as a lawyer and Drew is my employer."

Drew added, "We were anxious to see a little of the French country side and Philippe kindly offered to show us his farm."

Karl smiled, "Great, I'll be anxious to learn your evaluation of our method of farming as compared to your farm in Kentucky. We will be happy to give you the grand tour. Then if you would like a little lie down after the tour, we have an extra bedroom you can use."

"That sounds wonderful," Drew said. "Why don't you lead on?"

Karl and Philippe were very proud of their farm, and it showed in their enthusiasm as they pointed out the changes they had made, the new farming equipment, as well as the up-to-date farming methods.

"I'm impressed with your modern operations," Mac said. "I must confess it has been over two years since I've been on a farm, but you sure have some fine equipment. Much better than what we had back in Kentucky. We raised thoroughbred horses and ran a herd of milking cows. The dairy business was our bread and butter income. You have a very efficient and well run operation, Karl. You have done a first rate job of refurbishing everything, including the farmhouse. Did you do everything yourself?"

Karl laughed, "Lord, no, I wish we had the time. We both have other businesses to run. This farm is our get-a-way where we can relax and be ourselves. We live most of the time in Paris. I'm a financial analyst and computer consultant. I spend most of my time looking at figures and computer screens. Philippe owns his own agency and he spends a lot of his time running around to his different offices throughout Europe."

"Who runs the farm when you're away?" Mac asked.

"We have an overseer who manages the farm," Karl said. "This is one of several farms we own in the area. This one is small in comparison to the others. This is the one we call home."

"We have reservations for dinner at a restaurant near-by," Drew said. "If they can squeeze two more people in would you and Philippe be our guests for dinner tonight?"

"That would be pleasant," Karl said. "It will be enjoyable to be with some fellow Americans again, it will be a refreshing change. Philippe, why don't you call the restaurant and have them give us a larger table?"

"You have selected an excellent restaurant," Philippe said. "You must know someone to get a reservation at that restaurant. They are usually booked for a year in advance. I'll take care of the reservation."

"You both look as if you could take a little nap," Karl said. "The lunch and the walk through the fields have made you tired. You enjoy your nap; we have five hours before dinner."

"I will bring your clothes in from the car so you can shower and change later," Philippe said.

"Thanks, Philippe," Mac said. "I'm still not fully recovered from my jet lag. A long nap sounds inviting. How about you, Drew?"

"Fine with me," Drew said. "We accept you generous offer, Karl."

They took their dinner clothes and followed Karl to their room. It was a large bedroom with a king-size bed and was furnished with expensive antique furniture. It had a modern bath and dressing room.

"This is a beautiful room, Karl," Drew said. "Those antiques fit in well with the style and period of the room. Everything is perfect."

"Thank you. Most people don't appreciate the beauty of fine antique furniture and paintings," Karl said. "It is always nice to have guests who appreciate the finer things in life. Please make yourselves at home and feel free to browse around, you won't disturb us at all. This house is completely soundproofed. Now enjoy your nap."

"You seem preoccupied about something, Mac. Care to share your thoughts?"

"You're right; my mind is miles away. Why don't we go into the dressing room and undress for bed and I'll tell you what's on my mind."

"I thought it was a nice gesture inviting the lovers to join us for dinner," Mac said. "I enjoyed our tour of the farm, and Karl and Philippe are a delightful couple. I think we should consider cultivating them as friends. They appear to be well educated and industrious. You can bet one, or both, come from money; my money is on Karl. There's something in my memory banks that I can't bring to the surface about Karl. It will come to me eventually; I need the connection to bring it to the surface."

Drew was naked and came up behind Mac as he was removing his clothes, and ran his fingers up and down either side of Mac's back bone. "Oh, that feels good, don't stop! Mac rolled his head to loosen up the stiff muscles in his back."

When Drew finished, he turned Mac around and kissed him. "I see junior is awake again and ready to be stroked. Let's go to bed, sweetheart."

After they were in bed, Drew said, "Lie on your back. I want to explore every inch of you in broad daylight." Drew started at Mac's head and kissed every inch of his beautiful muscled body, then concentrated on the groin area. He sucked and kissed his penis and testicles until Mac started to slither and moan. Finally every muscle contracted and Drew knew Mac was moments away from a climax. He took his penis into his mouth and could feel Mac's semen flow down his throat.

Mac relaxed and pulled Drew up over his body and kissed him, "That was wonderful, Baby." Mac kept rubbing Drew's back as he could feel his stiff penis waiting to be satisfied. He turned Drew on his back and concentrated on his groin area. He had Drew so turned on that he would let go in seconds. Mac was just beginning to enjoy himself when Drew pushed Mac's mouth down on his penis as he climaxed. They snuggled close to each other.

"That was great," Drew said. "What a turn-on you are."

They awoke well rested from their three-hour nap, showered, and dressed for dinner. They went down to the living room, but their hosts were nowhere in sight.

Mac spotted the concert grand piano, crossed the room and sat down to try the action. "This is an excellent piano. What would you like me to play for you, sweetheart?"

"Play something romantic and upbeat."

Mac played a mixture of different American show tunes as Drew stood at the side of the piano smiling at him.

"That's it? All I get is a smile for all my hard work?" Mac asked.

Drew walked over and sat next to him on the bench, put his arms around him and kissed him tenderly. They did not break away but let the embrace last a long time.

Karl walked into the room at that moment and said, "You lovebirds make me jealous just watching you. You make an attractive couple."

Drew blushed and felt embarrassed.

"Thanks for the kind words," Mac said. "We are usually always very discreet. Please excuse our indiscretion this time. Drew is so embarrassed; he may never speak for the rest of the evening."

"We farm boys have thicker skins. Anyway, there's not much I can do about it now. We promise to behave from now on."

Karl let out a hearty laugh, "I should have made some noise. I'm sorry I barged in and embarrassed you, Drew, please forgive me. I heard this great music and I couldn't resist."

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Karl," Drew said. "I just forgot my manners. Mac and I have been separated for over two weeks and we're about to be separated again in a few days. I'm sure you know the feeling."

"I sure do, Philippe and I have been lovers for almost six years, and we have only been separated a few times."

"You look handsome all dressed in your Sunday best, Karl," Mac said. "You know I have this nagging feeling that I've heard of, or seen you before. Have you ever been in the media? I know your face from somewhere, but I can't for the life of me make the connection, and it bothers me. Perhaps you can help make the connection, if there is anything to connect?"

"My name was plastered in all the newspapers six years ago," Karl said. "I was kidnapped by one of the Red Guard groups, and held for a very large ransom. I'm an American, and the heir apparent to an old Austrian family that was very powerful in Germany. My great grandparents immigrated to the States before the Second World War, when they realized that Hitler and the National Socialist Party were going to take control of Germany. They secretly liquidated their assets in Germany and Austria. They invested the bulk of those assets in the United States and divided the rest in South America, United Kingdom, and Africa. They kept some property and factories in Germany for appearances sake, and leased the vacant plants to Hitler to protect their land holdings.

"Those members of the family who believed and supported Hitler lost everything. My grandparents, and my father, left Germany and became U.S. citizens. After the war, they reclaimed all their confiscated lands and invested large sums to help in the rebuilding of Austria and Germany. My grandparents had no desire to return to Europe after the war. They said they were content to remain in their adopted country. They turned over all their holdings to their children.

"My mother is an American and I was born and raised in the USA. My dad wanted me to attend college in Germany and learn about his native country since I would be inheriting the businesses in Germany one day. I'm still all American in my thinking and my allegiance. My father, although he was born and raised in Germany, adopted the USA as his country of choice. He still spends a lot of his time overseeing the family holdings in Germany. I did as my dad asked, and went to Germany to study and graduated with a degree in Finance from Heidelberg University. Then I returned to New York and received my masters in Computer Science at the Polytechnic University in New York. Now I earn my living by keeping an eye on our vast holdings in Europe and the States. I also sit on the board of several of our divisions. In addition to those activities, I run my own firm, an investment and consulting business, but I try to restrict the number of clients. It's comforting to know I don't have to worry where my next meal is coming from.

"One good thing that came out of that kidnapping was meeting my Philippe. We have been together ever since. He is a better story teller and loves to tell our story whenever he has a chance.

"Well, gentlemen, I think we should be leaving soon, so if you have any last minute things to take care of, now is the time to do them. Why don't you two get ready and I'll open a bottle of wine to celebrate our good fortune in meeting you."

When Drew and Mac returned to the living room, Philippe and Karl were drinking a glass of wine.

"I understand from Karl that you two are still on your honeymoon," Philippe said as he handed them a glass of wine. "A toast to our new American friends, I hope you have a long and happy life together."

"Drew and I appreciate your sincere good wishes," Mac said. "We were hoping to meet a gay couple who we could befriend and who was at our social level. I can only say that we have been fortunate to have met you and I hope we can become friends."

"Well, gentlemen, if you are ready, let's take our glasses and continue to enjoy this fine wine on the way to the restaurant," Philippe said. "One of my trusted drivers will be guarding us tonight, so let's relax and enjoy the evening"

The restaurant owner personally greeted them as they entered. He fussed over them and seated them at a choice table overlooking the garden.

"Drew, who are you anyway?" Philippe asked. "They find a table for you and the owner meets us at the door and gives us the best table in the house."

"Philippe, mind your manners," Mac said. "You are in the august presence of Duncan MacDonald, farm boy extraordinaire. That is why we are afforded this attention. I don't understand what you're all snickering about. It's obvious that you are not aware of my fame. All right, if you must know, I will tell you another story. Wild horses couldn't drag it out of Drew. He is the President's Representative on this round of the European Monetary talks. Drew is a very private person and doesn't like to take credit for being the public-spirited citizen he is."

"Well, that explains everything," Philippe said. "Now I know why they hired me to guard you. I wondered why the French government wanted me to handle this personally."

The headwaiter arrived to take their order. Drew explained to the waiter that he wanted a simple entrée without the usual rich white sauce and he would be satisfied with whatever culinary specialty the chef recommended. When the wine steward arrived, he explained that each of his guests was ordering something different. Drew asked the steward to use his judgment in selecting the best wine that would complement their dinner.

"Philippe, how did a good looking Frenchman like you get involved with the sordid characters that reside in the secret service?" Mac asked.

"It was quite by accident really," Philippe said. "I was recruited in college by the service. As a patriotic Frenchman, I felt I should serve my country to root out its subversive elements. The people running the service, as well as my case supervisors, were dedicated and loyal people. Yet, like all government agencies, there were those few bad apples in the lot. After I completed training, my assignment was to infiltrate one of the most destructive subversive groups at the time. They were a spin-off of the German Red Guard organization. It took years to work my way into their organization, and to be accepted into their inner circle. Finally, I was promoted and sent to Germany as a trusted follower and given some serious training. Unfortunately, I was seriously injured and I was put out to pasture for six months. By that time, I decided that life was not for me. I had proved my loyalty to my country and it was time to move on. So I left the service and started my own business in industrial security."

"Gentlemen, our dinner has arrived," Philippe announced. "Let me continue this story later."

They were having their coffee when Drew said, "I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm anxious to hear the rest of Philippe's story."

Philippe didn't need too much prodding to continue his story. "The incident is still so vivid in my memory that I feel like it happened yesterday. My new company was doing well and grew to the point where I had twenty agents working for me. One morning I received an unannounced visit from my former boss with the agency. I had not seen him since he was promoted. He wanted me to handle a special assignment that had the agency's blessing. However, I would not be working for the agency. The assignment, he told me, could be worth a million dollars to me if I pulled it off. After I was briefed on the assignment I had second thoughts about getting involved. The assignment was to rescue a hostage from the Red Guard. The German Government was in a difficult situation. They didn't have enough information on this group. As you may have guessed, I was connected in the past with this same group. I knew these people and their little secrets. I also knew from the beginning, that no matter what they agreed to, the hostage would be killed. When I saw the photographs of Karl I went bonkers. He was a handsome young man in his early twenties. I knew I had to rescue him, I couldn't let him die. I agreed to take on the assignment if they agreed to my conditions. That no one was to know I was on the case, with the exception of the bureau chief and his bureau liaison man. I wanted immunity if the kidnappers were killed during the operation and finally, I would not take the case unless I spoke directly to Karl's father.

"Naturally, they countered with their own list of demands. They wanted me to take photographs and videos of everything, the kidnappers, the victim, and the hideout location. If successful, I would turn over the film and the video to their agents. I was to find the location where they were holding Karl and wait until the service people were in place before making a move. I was to bow out and let the service take credit for the rescue.

"They arranged the meeting with Mr. Landsdorf. They went through the whole deal once again. We all agreed to cooperate and departed. Later that evening I called Mr. Landsdorf and met with him again. I could see where Karl got his good looks. Karl's father was a handsome man, just an older version of his son. He was distraught by what his son must be enduring at their hands. Karl was twenty-one then, in his senior year at the university. Mr. Landsdorf felt guilty for insisting that Karl attend school in Germany. He told me that the million dollars meant nothing to him. He would pay anything to have his son back alive and would pay me a million dollars in advance if I would get Karl alive.

"I told Mr. Landsdorf I would rescue Karl only if he agreed to my terms in advance. I hated to be so rough on the man, but I knew what I was up against and also the condition Karl would be in if he were still alive. My plan called for a decisive and lightning strike against the gang. I also knew from experience that the game plan the agency came up with wouldn't fly. It would end up getting Karl killed. My plan was to play along with the agency up until I found out where they were hiding Karl. From that point on, it was going to be my operation. The agency and their people were not going to be privy to this part of the operation.

"The tricky part was getting Karl out of Germany. The escape route was the real problem. I needed alternate routes and backup people, aircraft, medical personnel and a secure villa in Switzerland. The villa had to be isolated and large enough to house my security people and my medical staff.

"Once Karl was safe, his father could not communicate with us until Karl was fit to travel. I told Mr. Landsdorf that Karl was going to need to be isolated and under the care of the best doctors available. If the authorities get their hands on him, his recovery will take much longer. I told his father that I knew how these animals liked to torture their victims just for their own amusement. I went on to explain the mental and physical abuse his son was being exposed to, and I did not intend to risk my life only to have Karl killed.

"Mr. Landsdorf agreed to all my terms and would pay any expenses I needed. The price for rescuing Karl was two million dollars, plus an additional million dollars for expenses. I warned him again that if he revealed my plans to the authorities he would be responsible for both our lives. He was to transfer two-million dollars in cash to my Swiss account. Upon receipt of the funds in my account, I would begin the assignment. The final million dollars would be deposited when Karl was returned home.

"We would communicate via E-mail and cell phone. I agreed to send him weekly updates on Karl's condition.

"Mr. Landsdorf was true to his word. Within two hours after our meeting, the two million dollars was deposited into my bank account. The real work began that day. I had a lot of planning to do and time was not on my side. I recruited the best field people I knew and divided them into three groups. Each was unaware of the other's existence. Two of the groups were to develop a foolproof escape plan. While the third group was the one I selected to carry out the operation. These men were all seasoned field agents, men with whom I had worked in the past and trusted with my life. Everything had to be coordinated and planned in less than four days. It's funny how money makes the wheels turn. I had my escape plan, the doctors, security personnel, villas, planes, everything in place in two days.

"I knew from my past association, some of the gang's safe houses. I also had several meetings with the secret service to work out plans for releasing Karl, even though I did not intend to use any plan we had worked out together. Yet it was essential to make them believe I was working diligently with them to free him. I also found it prudent to use their labor to pinpoint the exact location where the kidnappers were holding Karl. Once the suspects were under twenty-four hour surveillance, it would not take long to establish their pattern. Karl had been in their hands for over a week and Landsdorf had one week left to pay the ransom. I knew I had at least five more days to rescue Karl. We got lucky; one of the suspects broke the pattern and that was his fatal mistake. I didn't let the agency in on my discovery. It took me another two days to study the location and observe their routine. Once I had that down pat, I decided to hit them at 3AM on the following morning. For obvious reasons I had to go in alone. My photographer and backup men would follow me after I secured the site. I had no intention of leaving any witnesses behind. Furthermore, these guys would put a bullet in Karl first. A dead witness cannot testify against you. My team determined that there were at least two guards at the site at all times, sometimes three.

"By two o'clock everything was ready. My special team was in place, and I moved in at two-thirty. They were not expecting any trouble when I nailed all three and secured the place within two minutes. When I found Karl, I almost lost it. He was a mess; he had been brutally beaten, tortured, and sexually molested. He was chained to the floor on a filthy urine-soaked mattress laying in his own feces and blood. My photographer took video and flash photos of the scene and of Karl's condition. He left to make several copies to be distributed to the agency and to Mr. Landsdorf.

"We quickly unchained Karl and loaded him into a thermal body bag then quickly carried him to our waiting van. We drove to a remote area where our helicopter was waiting along with our medical team. They quickly transferred Karl from the van to the copter. My backup men took off in the van as we started lifting off. The doctor examined Karl and started an IV. He pumped him full of antibiotics and painkillers, and they cleaned him as best they could. After treating his wounds, they wrapped him in sterile medicated sheets and placed him into a clean thermal body bag. Our aircraft descended to a lower altitude as we reached the mountains. We spotted the second helicopter in a large field and landed. Once on the ground, the second team from the other chopper boarded our craft to remove Karl. We then boarded the second chopper. The chopper we arrived in took off immediately and headed for Switzerland.

"We took off a little later and headed to a private airfield where we transferred Karl to a private jet. We took off once again and flew to a private estate in the Mediterranean.

"There, another medical staff was on hand to give Karl a detailed examination. The doctor gave me the report on Karl's condition and instructed the male nurses on the patient care plan.

"Doctor Benito said that Karl had been abused and tortured and would need to be treated by a psychologist. The psychologist would be by the following day to examine him. They kept him heavily sedated and on a liquid diet for several days. Karl's burns ranged from minor to very serious. Doctor Benito said that Karl would require plastic surgery as soon as he was physically able. In any event, the plastic surgeon was due to fly in the following morning. The doctor told me that Karl was repeatedly burned with cigarettes. They had concentrated around the genital area, chest and groin area. The plastic surgeon would determine the extent of damage to the scrotum and groin area. His guess was that they saturated the area with lighter fluid and set him on fire. The pain must have been excruciating because his throat was still swollen from his screaming. Karl had been repeatedly raped and whipped with a rope or electric cord. The doctor assured me that the welts would disappear in time. His physical pain would lessen and should be bearable in three to four days. They thought the mental condition might take a long time. Tender care and a long rest is what he needed. He would not be able to talk for several days due to the strained vocal cords.

"Karl was out of it for over four days. The doctor allowed him to begin eating baby food. He then graduated to chopped food after a week. The nurses helped him up to walk every few hours. His wounds were not allowed to scar over. He could not wear any clothes in the beginning and had to lie on specially medicated sheets. He acted and looked like a person in a trance. After the fifth day, he was weaned off the heavy sedation. He didn't speak for long periods, and would stare out at the calm waters of the Mediterranean. The psychologist said he was still in shock and would gradually come around. After a month, the around-the-clock nurses weren't needed. Only one came in, once a day, to treat his scars, and left. He was eating normally again and became a little more aware of his surroundings. I would help him dress and we would take short walks around the villa. He started to speak more and we watched the world news. We would sit and chat for hours. I would read the paper to him and we would discuss world affairs.

"After two months of rest, he looked great. The plastic surgery was successful and his scars had healed. But my problems were just beginning; I was falling in love with Karl. He was a handsome young man and a pleasant person to be with. One night, I was awakened by hollering and screaming coming from Karl's room. I ran down to him only to discover he was sitting up in bed soaking wet from perspiration and trembling. I went over and sat next to him. I took him in my arms and rocked him like a baby until he calmed down. I helped him change his bed linens and gave him a fresh, dry nightgown. He lay back down but was afraid and asked me to stay with him until he fell asleep. I lay down next to him, took him in my arms, turned out the lights and we fell asleep. Two hours later, he started all over again. I turned on the light again and went through the same process only this time I left all the lights turned on. I took him in my arms again and he fell asleep again. I could not resist the urge to kiss him, and I did. We stayed that way the rest of the night. The next morning the sun was shining into the room and Karl was still in my arms, awake and staring at me.

"He thanked me for helping him through the night. He said he didn't want to wake me because he felt safe. We got up and he never mentioned the incident again. The following evening he woke up twice again, but this time it was not as bad. The next day he talked about it and said he was afraid to go to sleep. He said he kept dreaming he was back in that filthy room again. He asked me if he could sleep with me until the nightmares stopped.

"I agreed, provided he slept in my king-sized bed. His room still had a double bed. Finally, after two weeks he slept the entire night without waking. When I awoke one morning at daybreak, he was wide-awake staring at me. I reached over, pulled him close to me, and kissed him. I was so much in love with him; I was not about to waste this moment. We made love together that day, and have never stopped loving each other since that wonderful morning. We have a wonderful life together so far and are very happy. I watch over him like a hawk to make sure he is safe. He travels with me on my out-of-town trips, or I don't leave. My firm also guards Karl, Senior, and his family.

"I think I have monopolized this conversation enough," Philippe said.

"That is the most horrendous, yet beautiful story I have ever heard," Drew said. "I cannot fathom this happening to anyone I know. Thank God you were there to rescue Karl and to eliminate those animals that violated him that way."

Drew and Philippe excused themselves to find the owner.

"I would like to hear your side of the story someday," Mac said. "Somehow I have the feeling you were falling in love with Philippe long before that morning."

Karl smiled, "You're right. How did you figure that out?"

"Because that's how it happened between Drew and me," Mac said. "Drew was my white knight in shining armor. Do you like to ride horses?"

"Yes, I do," Karl said. "Philippe doesn't share the same enthusiasm; he is a good horseman, but only rides to humor me. Would you like to go riding tomorrow morning before you leave?"

"I was not aware we were staying the night," Mac said.

"But of course," Karl said. "Did you think we're going to let you trek back to Paris tonight? We can all get up early and ride before breakfast. You can still be back in town at a decent time tomorrow morning."

"I'm game. I love to watch the sun come up over the fields in the morning," Mac said. "I'm sure Drew won't mind staying over, but I know as sure as God made little green apples, he will not get out of a warm bed at five o'clock to ride a horse. But, he may surprise me. Now if you were talking sailing, he would have you up at four on a freezing cold morning to catch the tide. That was fun though. We sat behind the wheel snuggled up to one another and made out. Drew is a great sailor and good company."

"That's settled then!" Karl said. "We will see if we can get our spouses out of the sack at five and all go riding."

"I admire your courage. Here they come now," Mac said. "We have been invited to stay the night, Drew. What do you say?"

"Whatever you want to do is fine with me," Drew said. "Why do I have this funny feeling that you two have planned something that I'm not going to like?"

"Drew you know I would never plan anything behind your back," Mac said. "We farm boys are like an open book, pure and simple."

Drew chuckled, "Now I know you're up to something. If it's getting up at four in the morning to milk the cows, we're leaving."

"It's nothing as exciting and educational as that Drew," Karl said. "Mac and I thought you two would like to go horseback riding tomorrow morning and watch the sunrise. Then we can all come back and have a hearty breakfast."

"Now, team, doesn't that sound exciting?" Mac said.

"As much as I enjoy your company, I feel that I can observe the sunrise from a nice warm comfortable bed," Philippe said. "So I am going to decline your inviting offer; maybe some other time."

"What do you say, Drew?" Karl said. "Wouldn't you care to romp with us in the early morning air and watch the sunrise?"

"Thank you for your kind offer, but I enjoy sleeping in late when it's not a school day," Drew said. "You two enjoy yourselves and tell us what we missed when you return."

"I told Karl that I could entice you to stay overnight," Mac said. "But, I didn't think we would be successful in getting you to go horseback riding at five o'clock in the morning."

"Well, Mac, it looks like we will just have to brave the countryside alone," Karl said. "I hope you two will have breakfast ready when we return."

"Well, if you gentlemen are about ready, why don't we head back to the farm?" Philippe said.

After they returned, everyone removed their jackets and ties and went into the living room for after dinner drinks.

"One small problem, Karl, I don't have any riding clothes, do you have a spare pair of jeans and a work shirt I can borrow?"

"Yes, but it will cost you," Karl said. "I would like you play the piano for us."

"It's a deal. As long as you don't care what I play for my first selection. I have been working on a special Rachmaninoff piece for Drew and I would like to play it for him. Understand that I've had a little wine, so if I miss a few keys you will understand."

Mac sat down, played a few scales to loosen up, and then began the Concerto. The piano had a marvelous action and the tone and the brightness of the room was perfect. Mac had been working on this piece for over a month and he had it down perfect. As he continued, he became lost in the beautiful music and he felt he was part of the piano. This was the first time he had played the piece from beginning to end. Usually, he would work on a section until it was perfect, then on to the next. When he finished they all clapped.

"Thank you, Mac, that was truly from the heart and I appreciate your taking the time to learn that for me," Drew said. "It was beautiful."

Mac played the romantic show tune set that Drew liked so much, and then reverted to jazz.

"Who is the artist that plays this wonderful piano," Mac asked as he closed the piano.

"I play when I can," Karl said. "My father gave me this piano when I was in high school. Then with my outside activities, I stopped playing entirely. I play now and then but not enough. When I hear the way you play, I become envious and think I should learn to play again."

"You owe it to yourself to continue," Mac said. "It's a shame to neglect this wonderful instrument. I find it very relaxing to play a half hour or so every evening, it helps me to unwind."

"Mac and I would like you two to be our guests the next time you are in New York," Drew said. "If you don't have any business there we want to extend an open invitation to you to visit us any time. Just give us a little advance notice so we can plan to take the time off. Also, don't plan anything special. Mac and I will enjoy planning for your visit. You will be our first guests since we married. It should be fun. We just purchased a home on Paradise Island, maybe we'll spend a few days there as well. Mac, why don't you and Karl work something out? Philippe and I will go along with whatever you decide, right Philippe?"

"Absolutely, wherever Karl goes, I follow. We could both do with a two-week vacation in the United States. Karl and I visit his folks in Manhattan several times a year. We can extend the vacation and spent a week with you."

"That would be great," Karl said. "My folks have an estate near Croton, NY and we should invite you up to meet my family. My father has a sailboat, maybe we can all have a chance to sail if the weather is good. We even have Philippe interested in sailing now."

"That's great," Mac said. "I'll work that into our vacation. Drew loves to sail and has a beautiful yacht, but we've not had any time to enjoy it lately. The weather doesn't always want to cooperate with us either. Well, men, I hate to be a party pooper, but five o'clock comes early and the birds have been asleep for hours."

"That goes for me as well," Karl said. "Let me give you those riding clothes, Mac."

"Philippe, don't keep Drew up half the night," Karl said. "He looks like he is ready for bed now. Good night, we expect you to have our breakfast ready when we return in the morning."

Karl found the riding clothes and riding boots. They discovered they were the same size. "Make sure you wear this warm sweater under the windbreaker," Karl said, "there's a chill in the morning air. I'll meet you in the kitchen around five. If I'm not down just push the on-button on the coffee maker, it's ready to go. Help yourself to anything you want in the fridge. There are several kinds of juice, see you in the morning."

"Thank you, Karl," Mac said. "See you in the morning."

Mac laid out his riding clothes in their dressing room. Karl thought of everything included underwear. Mac undressed and hopped into bed. Drew woke him when he climbed into bed. He was lying on top, nibbling his ear. Mac opened his eyes and smiled, "What a wonderful way to wake up," Mac said. "What do you want, sweetheart?"

"You," Drew said. "I could not get to sleep thinking about what Philippe said earlier about never letting Karl sleep alone. It made me feel guilty. He is right you know. We must plan our future accordingly. I wonder if Karl will really ever get over that experience."

"Look, baby, I would be more annoyed if you didn't wake me. This is the nice part of married life, and I want you to come to me; it makes me feel needed. Above everything else, I love you, and anything that bothers you concerns me.

"I think they are a delightful couple and I hope we become good friends. What amazes me is we had to travel half way around the globe to meet them, and quite by accident. I think it's great that you invited them to visit us in New York. There's so much I have to discuss with you and so little time. I think we should plan to leave after breakfast in the morning.

"I have my reasons for being alone with Karl tomorrow," Mac said. "I want to find out if he knows Eric Rothacher and his associates. If he is a director of several corporations as he mentioned, he must be a veritable gold mine of information. After all, I have to think about our corporation. I want you to make love to me, baby."

"I thought that would be a good idea since you are about to rearrange my groin with junior," Drew said. "It feels delightful. If you don't mind, I'd like you to be on top of me, or are you too dry?"

"No baby, I never need a lubricant." Mac whispered, "My love, if I'm hurting you let me know. I don't want to hurt you, baby."

Drew began to moan and whispered, "You're turning me on, don't stop." He kissed Mac passionately.

Mac forced his tongue deep into Drew's mouth and wrapped his arms tightly around Drew. Now Mac was starting to moan as Drew squeezed his buns and forced him deeper into him.

"Baby, I'm ready." Mac was receiving Drew's brain waves and could feel his muscle contractions, then the warm moist semen between their stomachs. After they calmed down, Mac pulled Drew out of bed and led him into the shower. Mac dried himself, then Drew, and led him back to bed. They wrapped their arms around one another and fell asleep.

To be continued...

Posted: 03/02/12