Todd had to use every bit of courage he possessed to face Deek and give him back his pilfered wallet. Nervously he approached the huge man in his office and tried to manufacture an excuse. The excuse factory seemed to have closed without notice. It was one of those rare times in his life Todd found he couldn’t talk his way out of trouble. In fact that talent seemed to have disappeared altogether around these people. He just handed the wallet over and offered a lame apology.
Deek however had no such problems giving Todd a thorough bawling out. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Jared’s older brother just happened to stop by.
“Gentlemen.” Brian announced himself coolly. From the chilling look Todd was getting from the larger man, Brian had overheard and he was irate. Todd closed his eyes and made a silent prayer. *God just kill me now…. Please*
Deek turned his stern gaze from Todd and dryly faced Brian. “ Brian, Todd and I are just finishing up.”
“I heard. Deacon, if you’re done, I’d like a moment with Todd please?”
Todd’s heart froze mid-beat.
“We had a discussion already, Todd and I. It’s cool.”
“It’s not cool with me. So if you don’t mind.”
Brian opened the office door wider. Deek nodded and sent Todd a sympathetic look and left. Never handling tense situations well, Todd had a tight grip on his temper while Deek yelled at him but this was too much, he couldn’t control it any longer.
“This is between me and Deek. I ain’t gotta talk to you. I’m jettin.’“
Todd opened the door only to have a very large hand close it before it was opened no more than a few inches. Brian looked down at him with a glare. That same hand took him by the arm and led away from the door.
*Never mind. Someone else will do it for you,* Todd thought to himself. He shrugged off the arm, only because the walking wall allowed it. Most people who tried manhandling him found him to be more than they could handle. A keen, well-honed sense of self-preservation waged battle with the instinct to fight. That pesky little voice roared at him to watch himself, this was the man that turned the tank into a Tonka toy.
Brian sat himself comfortably on Deek’s desk leaving Todd standing nervously in the center of the room. Brian studied him closely. The last time he saw Todd he was on his back on Jared’s floor. The kid didn’t look anywhere near 18 let alone 17. Todd looked like someone froze time when he was 15 or 14. He hadn’t realized Todd was so small. Not as short as Mouse but a whole lot taller and still too skinny. Between his pretty face and size his age was really deceiving. The slouched cap and baggy clothes only added to his youthful appearance. Todd was clearly nervous and scared standing there, eyes glued to the rug. As far as the giant man was concerned, the kid should be nervous, he was in a little hot water.
“Jared know about this?”
The dark head jerked affirmative, never looking up.
“Son, look at me.”
“I’m not your son.”
It was spoken very quietly, but the heat was evident. So was a faint twang to Todd’s voice.
“No. You’re not. Lucky you.“
Todd understood the implication. He was getting awfully tired of threats to his ass.
“But you are a member of a family now.”
“Not by choice.”
Todd risked a quick glance up at Brian. The man still looked at him sternly but didn’t seem angered by what he said.
“That’s true. Choice or not you’re a part of this family now and I am the head of this family and will not tolerate stealing.”
Todd shifted nervously on his feet. He was feeling trapped, what was it to this guy, what business was it of his? Todd couldn’t stop it, his temper snapped.
“Why don’t we cut the bullshit. I don’t want to be here anymore than you want me here. Right now I’m your brother’s flavor of the month, as soon as he wises up to the fact that I’m no charity case, I’m gone. So why….”
Brian moved forward, Todd jumped like a cat and made a dash for the door.
“I wouldn’t do that, son.”
There was pure ice in that deep voice. Todd’s body froze even against his minds order to run. Hardening his resolve, Todd forced himself to turn and look Brian coldly right in the eye. Brian was not impressed. He knew bravado when faced with it.
Pointing to the chair in front of the desk. “Sit.”
Todd didn’t move. He was torn between fight and flight.
“Boy, I won’t tell you a third time. SIT NOW.”
Again an order his body refused to disobey. Strangely, he wondered if this was what split personality was like as his traitorous body found the chair.
Brian looked down on the kid. So much anger and attitude in this young man. He couldn’t do much about the anger, but that attitude, there was something he could work on.
“One, you will watch your mouth. Two, who said you’re not wanted here. You have been shown quite the opposite from the beginning. Three, you don’t know my brother very well if you think your just some whim or plaything to him. He genuinely cares about you, Todd, and has gone to great lengths to prove it.”
Todd was hit with an emotion he rarely felt. Guilt maybe. He seldom had reason to; only lately did it show up. Brian knew he hit on something when Todd’s eyes lost most of their hostility and he looked down.
“And four, you most certainly are a charity case.”
Brown eyes snapped up from the carpet. Brian tried to ease the bruised ego.
“It’s not a bad word, Todd, or something to be ashamed of. Someday, look it up. Now let’s get something straight between the two of us. I know you had to do certain things to get by on your own, to survive. Fine and understood. But those things will get you into more trouble than you can handle now. So I want an understanding or promise between us, a deal you could say. No more stealing, there is no longer any need to.”
His temper broke free again. ”Why you sweat’n me? I didn’t STEAL Deek’s wallet. Not….like…you know…like I stole it.”
“Perhaps not. But you did take it without his permission is my understanding. Call it anything you want but it’s still theft.”
That made a little too much sense. He was beginning to really worry here. These people took that stuff real serious, and this man was the most serious of the bunch.
“You bring this kind of trouble on yourself again, you’ll have to deal with me.”
Brian moved up close to Todd, who couldn’t hold eye contact and was clearly uncomfortable with the proximity to the large man.
“To make that very clear to you. I will put you over my own knee and I will whup your little tail raw. Clear enough?”
Todd’s eye’s looked up into green eyes so familiar to Jared’s… only more unyielding. His gaze slid to the large hand menacingly tapping a thick black belt. His mouth went dry, clear thought vaporized, along with his anger, leaving him feeling very vulnerable. It got hard to breath normal. All he could do was mumble like an idiot.
“I’m too….Jared wouldn’t..um….I’m Jared’s…”
Brian backed off and smiled patiently as Todd’s words sunk in. “Don’t even try to tell me you’re too old. I’ve been down that trail before more than a few times. Ask Jared. And you’re right; you are Jared’s and his responsibility……mostly. But this is an agreement between you and I. Jared won’t interfere with that. Todd you need to take this seriously.”
This was out of question. What was wrong with him, he didn’t belong to anyone. Todd realized what he had said. * I’m Jared’s* Wherever his temper had retreated to, it returned at a really bad time. Leaping out of his chair so fast it tipped backwards.
“Get this straight, asshole, I belong to no one. I live by my own rules and no one else’s so you and your brother can just go fuck yourselves!”
The walking wall moved towards him. He couldn’t move, Todd watched rooted to the floor as Brian unbuckled his belt, the sound it made as it whipped through the denim loops, sent a strange tingle up his spine and into his brain. His temper abandoned him again leaving him frozen with fear. He couldn’t help flinch when an iron hand grabbed him by the arm. Todd stood his ground or tried to make it appear that he was, meeting Brian’s furious countenance with his own stony glare, determined to face what was about to happen. Not easy to do when you’re about to piss your pants.
“I guess we’ll just have to take care………”
“Brian, that’s enough!”
Both men looked to find that Meg had entered the room.
“Not now, Meg!” The larger man barked.
The older woman puffed up her already ample self and bristled her Aunt Bea features hard and cold. “Brian Sherman, you don’t take that tone with me, boy. Or I’ll be using that belt myself.”
Todd watched confused as Brian froze and blushed red hot as Meg pushed all five foot four of herself between them and right up into the large man’s face. Brian was visibly flustered, but he backed down.
“Sorry, Meg. I’m just making….”
“Yes…an ass of yourself.”
Meg winked at the perplexed boy.
“Now, Meggy….I’m just trying.. you didn’t hear the filth….”
“Don’t you now Meggy me. I’ve heard. You have no doubt made your point quite clear. I’m sure his slip in language was a one-time mistake, just like the wallet. He knows he was wrong and is sorry and knows what will happen if it happens again. Isn’t that right, young man?”
Her voice was as sweet as honey but the there was hard steel under that sweetness.
“Yeah, I got it.”
Steely hazel eyes narrowed at him. “And?”
Todd couldn’t help swallowing a few times before he croaked out a low apology.
“Sorry.”
Meg smiled warmly at him and gave him a quick hug. His stomach tightened and his nostrils were touched with the faint scent of vanilla. This was all too much. If these people didn’t want to smack his ass they were constantly touching him in some way. It made him uncomfortable. He cast a nervous glance to the huge man blocking his escape route. Brian stood in front of the door. His face no longer had the fierce expression it had only seconds before.
“Do we have an understanding, Todd?”
Todd nodded, not looking at him.
“An understanding, which is?”
Was he for real? Judging from the looks of the two blocking the door Todd wouldn’t be getting out of here without an answer. Choking down his resentment, he forced himself to answer coolly. “No more stealing.”
“Wrong. If you steal, take or borrow without permission, also known as theft, you can expect a whuppin’ from me. Right?”
He looked to Meg, his new ally, but she seemed to have jumped back into Brian’s camp. *Figures.* He just mumbled a yes and promised himself to keep far away from this man.
Todd jumped when Brian walked over to him and thrust out a large hand towards him. The man’s face softened in a way that made Todd think of Jared.
“Relax boy. Here, let’s shake on our deal.”
Putting his hand in Brian’s Todd felt like a little kid with the size difference. He shook hands and mumbled an agreement. A big grin crossed Brian’s face as he opened the door. “Good. Now scoot on out of here and go tell Jared I’m here, please.”
Todd got a mighty smack on his butt as he walked out. It was not exactly playful. More like a warning. He spun around defensively and almost said something but Brian arched an eyebrow just like Jared’s. A warning look Todd knew to heed. Tripping over his own feet, in his rush to leave, he walked past the receptionist, red faced and pissed as he got in the elevator. He waited till the doors were shut to rub out the sting from his seat. A single swat from that man really stung.
Todd was sullen and quiet the rest of the afternoon. He fumed over the constant threats to his butt. First Jared, then Deek and Brian. What was it with these people? He was getting really sick of it. He was unsure why he was still here. No place was without a way out. Yet here he was…still trapped.
Jared gave him privacy when he stormed into the apartment and slammed his bedroom door. Todd yelled a short time later down the hall, something about his asshole brother waiting downstairs. Jared chose to let Todd cool off and left for his office.
Brian had a lot to say about it when Jared met him down in his main office. Brian made it clear that they had different ideas of how Todd should be handled. More clearly what he should be allowed to get away with. Jared was more inclined to give Todd a great deal more room and freedom than Brian agreed with but he wouldn’t interfere with that. With a few exceptions, Brian would not put up with or stand for any foul language from a 17-year-old boy no matter what his circumstances or how close he was to turning 18 or thirty as far as Brian was concerned. Brian told him about how close Todd came to a belting. Brian left out Meg’s part in saving Todd from that belting. Jared was amazed at Brian’s “arrangement” with Todd. Growing up he and Brian had made many such arrangements, what surprised Jared was that his brother would so quickly and seriously accept Todd as a member of their family. Todd no doubt felt less than honored over this. Jared knew Brian was serious and would make good on his side of the arrangement. He hoped for Todd’s sake that the kid knew that, too.
Returning home after doing a couple hours of catch up work in his office Jared found Todd still pissed. Todd snarled at the idea of food or company.
Jared let Todd pass on lunch against his better judgment. The kid had missed too many lunches, but Jared didn’t want to risk a blow up over it. Jared pretty much left him alone the rest of the day. Only checking on him from time to time.
Pleased at one point to catch Todd in a nap. It was close to dinner time and there would be no missing this meal, Jared put away his reports. Finding Todd awake and lying on his bed examining a model dirt bike, still in a sour mood. Jared was hit with an idea to perk the boy up.
“Hey.”
Todd didn’t look at him, but he just continued his study of the model.
“Feeling cooped up, are ya, Todd?”
“Don’t’ most prisoners?”
Not taking the bait. Jared ignored that. “Feel like taking a tour?”
Cynical brown eyes locked on to him. “I took the tour. It sucked.”
Jared leaned his large frame in the doorway and grinned lazily. “Hmm…that bad?”
Still studying the model Todd gave a smug grin. “Uh hu. Suck, swallow, spit it up, suck it again. Dude it…”
“Let me guess, it sucked?”
“Yeah. I’m thinking of demanding a refund.”
“Hum. I can’t have that. Bad for business ya know.”
Todd just rolled his eyes at him. “That matters to me how?”
“Tell you what. How’ bout I show you around myself?”
“Ooooh more offices and geek shit?! Let me think….uh…NO. I’ll take a refund instead, dude.”
“Even if the tour includes….oh, I don’t know…say the garage?”
Jared laughed out loud as Todd unexpectedly bolted off the bed and out the door. Jared found him waiting in the elevator holding the doors open most impatiently. He looked down at ten pink toes poking from under jeans. Motioning Todd out of the elevator, Jared pointed down.
“Whoa, cowboy. Shoes first, then garage.”
Grumbling under his breath about bossy tanks, Todd never the less put on his shoes, minus the socks or lacing. Jared patiently remained in a light mood ignoring Todd’s colorful adjectives.
Todd was thunderstruck when the elevator doors opened again. The garage was the most impressive thing Todd had seen, better than Jared’s game room or the gym. It was massive. Lots of crates and cartons cluttered a large area, clearly storage of some sort, but aside from that. There were several cars and trucks belonging to employees and security. Jared pointed out Deek’s baby, a Harley Davidson motorcycle. All shiny black and dripping with fringed chrome and buckled leather. Todd could easily see the large man on it. The image fit. Then rounding a small partition, Jared revealed his toys.
A late 90’s Hummer, the Ford truck Todd remembered from the cabin, a wave runner, snowmobiles, two ATV’s. One wall was decorated with nearly every kind of outdoor equipment. Water and snow ski’s, mountain bikes etcetera. In the corner by a cloth cover car was Todd’s bike. Todd hurried over to it. He ran his hands over it with uncharacteristic tenderness.
It was not as bad as Todd envisioned but it was in sorry shape. The left side was a real mess. The gas tank was badly scratched, the peg was ripped off and the left handle bar was all but gone. Only cables and mangled metal hung where the grip should be.
“Hey baby...did ya miss me?”
Todd was surprised to find his key in the ignition. He looked up at Jared who just shrugged at him. He swung a leg over and felt that familiar tingle run through him. All the tension he’d been feeling melted away. He tried coaxing the bike to life.
“C’mon...talk to me.... C’mon baby”
Deek quirked an amused eyebrow at Todd’s sweet-talking. The bike fired and sputtered and died. Todd tried a few more times, its misery echoed off the concrete walls. Stepping off, Todd soothed it.
“Poor baby. I’ll fix it…I’ll make it right…I promise.”
A brief thrill ran through Jared at the soft, honeyed tones Todd spoke with, his slight drawl a little more twangy than usual. The kid was oozing with tenderness and affection. An ability he’d always known was under that cold shell. Jared watched with great amusement and surprise at this exposed tender side, for a dammed machine, he felt a small twinge of jealousy. It was obvious it was more than just a machine to the kid, so he respected that and kept his amusement to himself.
To see the kid thawed out was a treat. That face of his, softened from it’s frozen expression, impossible as it may be, was even more beautiful. Todd came alive and warm as he fussed anxiously over his precious bike. Standing there quietly watching Todd with his bike, it suddenly didn’t seem so funny or odd, Todd’s affection for it. The world turned it’s back on him, rather that’s how Todd saw it anyway. So in return Todd turned his back on the world and gave his love to the one thing he considered safe. Todd had seemed to have instantly forgotten that Jared, big as he is, was still there. He started when the man spoke.
“Is it terminal?”
Jared instantly regretted speaking. Todd’s animated self was again replaced with that cool veneer. *shit*.
“No. Just gonna take some tweekin’.”
Todd looked around the bike. “Where’s my tools man? Dude! You didn’t leave it..”
Cutting off Todd before the little rebel blew a gasket, Jared pointed to the small bundle on a workbench. Then he called Todd’s attention to the row of tall mechanical tool chests and drawers lined neatly against the wall.
“There isn’t a mechanical tool made that’s not in this garage. You’re welcome to use anything you need.”
Reverently Todd opened a drawer and was amazed at the selection under his hands. He felt like a kid given the key to a toy store. His expressions reflected this, too. Jared was eating this up. Savoring each glimpse of the boy beneath the ice. Hating to end Todd’s only enjoyment so far here, but it was getting late.
“Just not now. It’s late and I know you won’t finish till the bike is perfect. I’d like you a little more rested and healed before you start pulling any all nighters.”
“Healed? I’m fine now, not sore at all.”
“Still, it’s late. Tomorrow, but not tonight.”
Todd tried to change Jared’s mind right up to when he recognized Jared’s limits. He escaped one brother today, he didn’t want to push his luck. He quickly changed the subject.
“What’s under the tarp?”
Jared smiled and walked over to beige canvas covering a car. “My favorite toy.”
Pulling the tarp off the most perfect classic Camero Todd had ever seen. In real life anyway.
“Is it a ’68?”
Surprised that Todd would know anything about cars, let alone ones older than both of them. Todd walked around the car.
“Wait, it’s a ’69 SS! So like you have a time machine or something. Dude where did you get it?”
Todd was fairly drooling over the car with its shiny navy blue body with the classic white rally stripes.
“It was my dad’s, he gave it to me. I thought all you knew about was bikes.”
Todd shrugged and gave him one of those near smiles of his. “I liked cars right up till I found you had to be 16 to drive one. That sucks dude. You can ride a cycle as soon as you walk dude.”
Jared had to laugh. He could see Todd’s point. He helped Jared put the cover back on the Camero.
“We’ll take her out sometime. I’ll even let you drive.”
Todd just looked…well Jared couldn’t read the expression but he didn’t look to thrilled about it. “Naw man, I do bikes now.”
Before Jared could ask any questions something grabbed Todd’s attention along the back wall. A spoked wheel was hidden under a blanket. He walked over to it and yanked the blanket off of it. Revealing a badly banged up and neglected dirt bike.
“Dude! Man who’s is this.?”
“Mine.”
Running his hands over it Todd began to check it out. It was in really bad shape.
“You ride?”
“Don’t look so surprised. Yes I ride but as you can see....not for a long time.”
Looking up with a frown for the larger man. “Yeah no shit. How could you do this man...just let it rot like this. It’s...its..just wrong?”
Deeply amused at the little brat’s scolding, Jared held up his hands in surrender.
“You’re right...I had almost forgotten about it. I used to ride all the time. Not in your league, kiddo, but I do all right. Just bigger things got in the way.”
Todd covered the battered metal back up gently. “Mind if I work on it?” Todd asked shyly. Jared had to turn away or Todd would see the huge grin.
“Knock yourself out, just not tonight.”
Sounded like Todd planned on hanging around. Jared did a mental touch down dance. * Score! Home run! Goal! * Can’t work on something if you’re not here. Jared turned off the shop lights signaling that they were leaving. Todd looked longingly at his bike. A large hand cupped him behind the neck.
“Let’s go cowboy.”
Todd was in a pretty good mood throughout dinner. Todd was not a big conversationalist by nature but Jared did get more than one word sentences. After dinner Todd’s mood changed. He began to grow more withdrawn and seemed very far away. Jared left Todd alone he didn’t want to pressure him. It had been a rotten day for the kid. He felt so unsure of himself now with the kid.
He’d had so much pain in his short life Jared was afraid of adding more, he was worried about when to push or not, when to be firm or lenient. As the evening wore on, Todd’s mood grew worse. Not long after dinner Todd had left the counter they had been eating at. Jared assumed he’d gone to the game room.
Sometime later Jared went to check on him, not finding him there he checked the bedroom and bathroom. Todd wasn’t there…anywhere. Before he panicked and called out the dogs, Jared checked one more possible place….the roof.
Stairs just left of the elevator led down 10 flights or 11 if you counted the basement garage and rose up one more level to the roof. He opened the door to the stairwell and was hit with the night breeze from the open door at the top of the stairs and relief ran all through him. He found Todd sitting on one of the huge ventilator units, looking out over the city.
“Let me guess. You were afraid I’d do a swan dive. Sorry to disappoint you.”
It was eerie the way Todd could know someone was there with his back to them. There was a bitter tone to the mild accent.
“No…okay it did cross my mind for a second, but only a second.”
He got nothing from the stoned faced kid.
“I’m not going to ask if you want to talk about whatever is eating you. I know that answer.”
Walking around the unit to look up at Todd. He placed a gentle hand on a knee, only to have it drawn up to a chin and away from his touch.
“But I’d really would like to know what’s wrong, Todd.”
Something flittered across dark eyes but vanished with a blink. Todd shook his head no and picked at the worn rubber of his shoes evasively. Jared made a quick mental note to buy Todd some new shoes.
“Please?”
Todd tried his best to ignore the pull that word had….or was it the soft tone of the voice, maybe the soft green eyes.... Regardless it was powerful. It also frightened him the way it made him want to give in.
“Okay, Todd, okay. Come back downstairs in 15 minutes okay?”
Jared didn’t wait for Todd to respond, it was a rhetorical question, he turned to leave. “I can’t fix my bike, all right?”
Quietly said but the bitterness was sharp and clear. “Why?”
Todd angrily tossed a chunk of sole from his shoe. “ I got no parts, no fuck’n money and no way to get money.”
Casting Jared a look of pure accusation.
“Oh I don’t know about that.”
Jumping down from his perch Todd glared up at Jared.
“Yeah? So what you gonna give me a job, too? You gonna put me in a cage like rat boy. No thanks. Oh wait…that’s right, I’m already in a fuck’n cage!”
Jared watched Todd storm away from him. Todd went straight to bed after leaving the roof. A short while later he found Jared standing in his doorway with a glass of water and no doubt a pill in his hand. Glaring hotly at the tank he braced for battle.
“How about I pay you in parts for fixing up my old bike? Maybe a little extra.”
That was unexpected…took him by surprise so much he swallowed the pill without thinking about it. Jared was very pleased with himself. Todd looked dumbstruck.
“Sound good?”
“I…I don’t know.”
A tender smile lit Jared’s face and all of a sudden it sounded real good. Todd could only allow himself to nod silently, afraid his voice would give him away.
“Then we have a deal. Get some sleep.”
*Hello! What just happened* Jared left him standing confused, by his bed. Todd had no clue what he was doing. Why did he ask to fix up that bike…he had no plans on hanging around…right? He was still fighting with himself when sleep claimed him.
The next few days came and went without much friction. Todd got up early, for a night owl like himself 10 a.m. was the crack of dawn. Jared noticed a huge change in the boy’s attitude…there was none. Todd wasn’t exactly a chatterbox but the stone-faced mute was absent, he had thawed out quite a bit. Todd woke up each morning with an appetite and energy, almost a surplus of the stuff. All due to Jared allowing him to work in the garage. Todd was unknowingly allowing Jared a glimpse of the real Todd Ansley or at least another side to the real Todd.
Todd needed to work with bikes like a junky needed a fix. The kid was more relaxed if you could call a driven workaholic, relaxed. Jared was very impressed and a little concerned by Todd’s work ethic…it was non-stop, up early and straight till dinner. Coming as no great surprise, Todd was a perfectionist; it fit with his control issues. Todd had spent two whole days just clearing a work area that would be all his. For hours he worked on building a worktable with what he could nail or weld together. There was some real talent to the design and with so little to work with. The only real friction between the men came anytime Jared tried to pry Todd from the garage before Todd was ready to drop what he was working on. It was like pulling a bone from a dog.
A couple threats of loss to garage privileges did the trick and Todd complied however ungraciously. Jared allowed Todd his privacy there, he only intruded to bring lunch or to bring him back home for dinner. He could have used the phone but he enjoyed watching this kid in his element. Once or twice he’d get a peek of Todd unfettered by the bonds that kept his emotions locked tight.
Once he even caught Todd dancing, completely unaware of his presence. Music from the disc player he gave him blared loudly; Todd was lost in his own world as he worked on his bike and started on Jared’s. Occasionally he’d get up and dance over to a tool or just get up to dance, so caught up in the beat. The kid could move. Jared swore it was unnatural for body parts to move so independently of each other like that. Todd was in his mechanic’s coveralls, sleeved portion hanging loose at his waist like the tails of a Tux, a tank and bare arms covered in grime and sweat gyrated to the music. Goggles perched on Todd’s forehead pushing up his long bangs into sweaty spikes. He was sexier than hell. Days like this made this living arrangement a royal pain.
For Todd the days weren’t half bad. He could lose himself in the garage. Tools that he’d only seen in dreams, just a touch away. Jared had been pretty cool about him staying down here all day. Nights were different. Jared made him shut down shop at no later than 7 p.m. After that was a quick workout in the gym. Todd secretly really enjoyed that. Then it was just the two of them. There was the problem, the more time spent with the Jared, the more Todd felt himself slide into this weird dreamlike life. That was dangerous and it had to stop. The voice in the back of his mind grew louder, that this is where he wanted to be, how it should be. It scared him, this pull Jared had on him and his life. He needed to gain back control. * control over what? *he shoved that pesky little voice back into the darkness.
Jared was a tough guy to figure out. Easy on the eyes but damn hard on the brain and nerves. And all these restrictions…can’t leave, have to be here by this time, and this early bedtime crap was a real pain. Todd still couldn’t stay in bed the whole night, even with taking those pills, another pain in the ass. Each night he’d wake up somewhere between 2 and 4 in the a.m. Sometimes he’d wake up to find himself inside his closet on the floor. He was infinitely grateful that Jared hadn’t found him in there. He hated that he did that, it was embarrassing and freaked him out sometimes. When he woke up at night he’d leave his room and soon there was Jared, all smiles with some lame idea of getting him to talk…to open up…to share. Lame or not they worked. Todd found himself talking to Jared, more and more, about things he’d told no one, he couldn’t help it. Like his dream of owning his own bike shop someday. Life here began to smooth out a little. Things didn’t stay smooth for long.
One morning Jared told him over breakfast they were going to see a dentist and it just snowballed downhill from there. It was Todd’s first time out of the building since Jared brought him here nearly two weeks ago. This part of Denver he hadn’t seen too much of. Looking out the Hummer’s window at the passing building and shops he was amazed at the picture of normalcy here. Lots of people going about their business. No gangs, no dumpy buildings, no junk cars anywhere, nothing was on fire. It was in pretty good shape. Todd felt like a stray looking in at a pampered pet. Alone.
“Give it time Todd.”
Was this guy a mind reader or what? Todd just rolled his eyes at Jared and tried to look bored and uninterested. Once at the dentist, things got interesting. Too interesting for Todd’s taste. He played it cool right up until the dentist put him in the chair. No amount of coaxing or threats stopped him from putting up a fight. Resisting only got him gassed, the dentist was as big as Jared and between the two giants and one assistant, his 135lb frame didn’t stand a chance. A good cleaning and two cavities later he was taken home.
Once there and put to bed, he was warned against getting out of it before dinner. Also that any more resistance and he could expect real trouble. He lay in bed happily, his head was fuzzy still and his teeth hurt. Jared didn’t need to go into detail on “real trouble,” Todd knew what he meant.
The next couple of days made him wish he never got out of bed, they just weren’t worth getting up for. Things just started to go bad for Todd or that’s how he saw it.
Next day Jared took him to the eye doctor. Todd was pretty cool about it, he maintained his temper, up to the last test anyway. The unexpected puff of air hitting his eyeball freaked him out, his temper got away with him.
“What the fuck was that! Shit! What are you trying to do…fuck!”
Jared barged in the door and Todd leapt to his feet knowing that his ass was on the line.
“Hey! Back off, Jared! No one said my eyes would get a fucking PSI test. Shit!”
“PSI test?”
At Jared’s confused expression the doctor explained. “The glaucoma test.”
“He’s a bit young for that isn’t he?”
“Yes, I though it best to be thorough in his case. Lack of proper diet and what not. Sorry, son, it does startle people sometimes.”
“No shit!”
Jared leveled a glare at Todd. “Todd, that’s enough. Sit down.”
“Fuck you! And fuck that.”
The optometrist waited quietly as they squared off. Jared didn’t get upset. He knew Todd well enough to know that attitude was hiding fear, but if it continued then there would be problems and costly damages. Todd looked ready to take on the whole of Denver. In a firm but low tone he spoke to Todd.
“Todd, look at me. I know it startled you okay, but did it hurt?”
Todd shook his head.
“Are you sure?” Again Todd nodded.
“Good. Please sit back down.”
When Todd only glared at him, challenge clear in those brown eyes, Jared grew more stern, he pointed to the chair. Todd fidgeted a moment or two gauging Jared’s expression. The tank was calm but his eyes were narrowed and his jaw was set. Battle mode. Most of the fight left Todd and he slowly sat back down. It took some talking into but he got through the test. Once finished, Todd stormed out of the office. Jared followed just behind enough to make sure Todd didn’t go too far. He let loose a tired sigh as he watched Todd get in the Hummer and sulk.
Jared was told Todd’s eyes were fine, 20/20 but the optometrist said he displayed classical signs of dyslexia. Jared wasn’t taken by surprise. It would explain some of Todd’s trouble with reading. One more item to be placed on the back burner for now. After paying the bill Jared climbed in the Hummer. Todd just ignored him. Nothing brought Todd out of the black mood he was in. Not lunch, shoe shopping or even getting parts for his bike. Once back home Todd just locked himself away…both physically in the garage and emotionally.
He tried to work on his bike, it soothed him…normally. Not this time. Nothing went right, he had the wrong part, he tried to modify his table but slag from welding dribbled down his shirt burning his chest painfully, and he smashed his fingers. Instead of comfort right now, all he got was more frustration. He tossed a wrench across the room and walked around in a circle. Todd was about to pop. So much was bubbling up he was having trouble controlling it. Calling it quits before he did more damage than good Todd headed upstairs.
He announced his entrance to the penthouse by slamming his bedroom door. Filthy from welding work on his bike he decided to take a long hot shower. Ripping off his shirt he hissed as the fabric brushed against the burn that the molten bead of slag left between his peck’s. It felt like it was still burning. It was red and really hurt. Maybe Jared had something for burns. Pushing away from the dresser he walked out of the bedroom in just his coveralls peeled down and unbuttoned, just hanging on his waist. Todd headed for the kitchen where Jared normally was this time of day.
“Jared, do you have any…”
Todd brought himself up short at finding a room full of people. Jared, Brian, some lady and a little kid. Here he was half naked, grimy from head to his bare toes.
“Ah…shit!” He made quick about face but didn’t get to far.
“Todd! What the hell did you do to yourself?” Before he could answer, three adults advanced on him. Panic like he had not felt in a long time flooded his already tense body making him lash out.
“Back off! Leave me the fuck alone!”
Three pairs of eyes trained on him. All reflecting shock. Brian’s eyes spoke a clear message of threat. You could have heard a fly fart, the room was so choked with silence.
Jamie, Jared’s little nephew looked at them all then began to howl. Todd was tempted to do the same. Before he or anyone else could do or say anything the lady rushed between him and the two doomsday brothers.
“Let’s get you into the bathroom and get that looked at. Brian! Would you please pick up your son. Jared there is a bottle in the fridge, he can have it. Now! Boys.”
Todd was turned around and a gentle shove sent him in the opposite direction. Leaving behind two stunned men blindly obeying her instructions, Todd let himself be led into the bathroom before he spoke.
“I…don’t need…”
“Shush. It’s all right. I just needed to get you out of there before Brian and Jared lost their temper, they don’t like that kind of talk. I’m Jan. I’m Brain’s wife. We met the other day, but you and Jared were kind of preoccupied,” she explained as she wetted a washcloth and turned back to a nervous boy. He was as beautiful as Jared said…and as lost.
“Yeah?…oh right…at the office?”
Jan gave him a warm smile. “Yes. I was playing receptionist for Jared while his was on vacation. Here let’s have…” She moved towards Todd with the cloth. Todd stepped back.
“I can do it myself…thanks.”
Smiling she handed him the cloth. “It’s Todd, right? How did that happen?”
Wincing as he cleaned the grime from the burn. “Welding.”
“May I have a look at it now. I won’t touch I promise.”
Todd hesitated, he didn’t really want her to but she’d probably make a big deal over it and get Jared involved, so he just nodded. He watched closely as she bent her head to take a look at him. Her light brown hair slid off her back and hung down in a long curtain.
“It’s a nasty burn. Does it hurt?” Jan looked up into emotionless eyes as Todd just shrugged his shoulders. Opening the medicine cabinet she found a small blue jar and handed it to Todd. “Here. You plan on showering right?”
A teasing smile lit up her pretty face. Todd felt himself blush.
“Put that on after you’ve dried off.”
“What is it?”
“Silvadine ointment. It’s great for burns. Okay I’ll go now.”
Jan turned to the door, Todd felt the awkward need to speak. “Thanks, I’m sorry…if I made the kid cry.”
Flashing him a warm smile she shook her head. “It’s all right. That’s what babies do. I’m sorry we crowded you. We’re just… concerned.”
Todd showered and put the ointment on. It was cold and soon the burning stopped. Back in his room he tucked the little jar in his backpack, just in case he’d need it later down the road. He looked at himself in the mirror. He was dressed in clean clothes. Rolling his eyes at himself, dreading having to go out and make nice, he just wasn’t in the mood. He found the penthouse empty when he left his room. Fine with him, so he headed for the game room. Maybe a little pool would relax him. That was ruined by the arrival of Mouse.
“Hey braw, is Jared here?”
“Do you see him?” Todd was in one of his moods and knew he was being an ass. Wanting to avoid what would probably become a fight he decided to just leave.
“I’m outta here.” He just laid down his stick and headed out of the room. Mouse grabbed his arm.
“Dude, what is your damage?”
Eye’s hard as coal traveled from the hand on his arm to Mouse’s face. “Let….go.” Todd jerked his arm free and passed by.
“You’ve got a real problem, Todd, you know that? All anyone has done here is…”
“Dude! Just shut your fuckin’ cocksucker and leave me the fuck…” Todd read surprise in Mouse’s eyes and the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. He quickly turned to face Brian…the human wall. A large hand clamped Todd around the back of the neck with near painful pressure, before he could react he was nearly dragged to the bathroom, it was a good thing too because Todd was ready to soil his pants.
Brian shut the door closing off the only way out. Not given time enough to panic Todd was grabbed again and shoved up against the sink and held there with one arm. Brian looked furious, Todd caught a glimpse of himself and he looked as scared as he felt. Schooling his features to hide his fear, he faced what was coming. Finally a situation he at least was familiar with, brutality. He braced himself for the pain those fists were about to bring. He began to feel that buzzing numbness and felt himself drift into it.
Brian began to yap at Todd over his foul mouth. Todd barely heard a word that was said as he drifted off mentally. He tried to push away so he could better protect himself but Brian just shoved him back each time. The big guy even was careful not to push on his burn…that really pissed him off that he had that kind of control, that much strength over Todd.
“Fuck off man…get offame.”
Brian just looked at him like he was waiting for something…no longer angry just cold, almost bored. Todd was pushed back to the wall each time with such ease no mater how hard Todd shoved him he ended back up against the corner. Other than that, Brian didn’t lift a hand to Todd. The numbing defense Todd had for dealing with pain began to recede and his temper returned with its frustrating knowledge. It was clear that he was on the loosing end of this and it ate at him that he could do nothing about it and Brian showed no sign of getting tired.
As if the man had read his mind Brian’s deep voice cut through Todd’s frustration. “Boy, I can keep this up all day if need be.”
Todd was once again shoved back to the wall only with more force. He stopped fighting and looked up into the stern face. “Okay, you’ve proved your point…you can shove around a guy my size…okay, color me impressed. Can I go now?”
Pinned to the wall Todd couldn’t help panic a little as Brian leaned into his face. “Nope. You’re going nowhere until we deal with this little problem of yours. I’m just waiting for you to understand that you’re going nowhere so we can get this over with.”
Todd’s brows puckered at him as he struggled to get free. “Get what over with?”
Brian reached for a toothbrush and pumped some hand soap on the bristles. Holding Todd pinned between his large mass and the sink he worked with one hand efficiently. “Cleaning up that mouth of yours.”
Once he had the toothbrush loaded with soap he tried to shove it into the kid’s mouth. This was new. Todd fought him more violently. His mind told him that if this guy could tame Jared, what made him think he stood a chance, but angry pride however demanded a fight and easily overpowered his mind.
“It’ll take more…than you, big man…<grunt>… to get me to eat that shit.”
Looking down into brown eyes that flashed pure challenge. “Boy...you’re really pushing. Now you better open that foul mouth of yours.”
Todd had his teeth clamped down and his lips smashed shut. He shook his head.
“Fine. We can do this two ways, son. But either way it’s getting done.”
So this is where Jared learned his reasoning tactics. Todd just glared at Brian.
Still no surrender from the young man. Brian put down the toothbrush and picked up a bath brush from the counter. “Okay. We’ll do it the hard way.”
Shifting the lighter frame with practiced ease he delivered four very hard blows to the baggy jean-clad butt. The sting snapped Todd cool and fueled his temper and his mouth. “Shit!…Knockitoff!…fucker!…quitit asshole!”
“See, that’s just what I’m talk’n about. That mouth of yours, little boy.”
Bringing Todd back upright he swapped brushes and once again ordered Todd to open his mouth. Anger lit the brown eyes glaring up at him and Todd still refused. Brian was not surprised and he’d done this many times before...never had he lost this battle and this young man would be no different. Todd tried to break free. He fought hard and his mouth only earned him more swats for his trouble.
Brian once more swapped brushes and tattooing that stubborn bottom with four stinging licks of the bath brush. Todd never cried or yelped, * tough little runt* but Brian did get a few grunts and some frantic attempts to move the target from under the brush.
Todd was losing this battle and he knew it. The brush stung, it made his eyes water from the pain. Fear was getting a good hold on him now. The fear that he’d burst into tears soon bothered him the most. Cry in front of this man…hell, no.
Once again he was lifted upright. Brian put his face right into Todd’s and spoke with chilling calm. “Either you open that mouth, young man, or the jeans come down and we try this on bare skin to see if that will change your stubborn mind.”
That idea was beyond debate. There was no way Todd could take that brush on a bare ass. He gave up the battle and hated himself for it.
Brian seeing the capitulation in the boy, picked up the tooth brush and held it up against the tightly pressed lips. Todd’s eyes glittered up at him with pure hatred but he slightly relaxed his lips, it was enough and Brian eased the tooth brush in. As soon as Todd got a taste of the bitter soap he reacted violently, but it was too late. The walking wall had him shoved up against the bath room sink and had a hold of his head and was scrubbing his teeth and tongue with the brush with gentle but firm pressure and he was very thorough.
Todd’s stomach rolled as soap began to lather all over his mouth, it burned and the taste was beyond any description, it made him gag and choke. His nose ran and his eyes watered, panic grabbed his mind again. No amount of fighting set him free of the scrubbing.
Brian felt no enjoyment from the small choking sounds coming from Todd. But he didn’t feel sorry for the kid nor did he stop until he was satisfied there was sufficient lather built up. Stepping back he warned Todd from removing the tooth brush just yet.
“No, you’ll keep that in your mouth until I say so.”
Teary brown eyes glared, but Todd offered no more resistance. Brian couldn’t help feeling bad about this, while Todd was no picture of remorse, standing there not quite defeated, glowering from under bangs. Eyes tried to hide their anger and fear. The soap drooling out of his mouth and the near pout ruined the image of the tough guy he was sure Todd thought himself to be. Brian felt strong compassion for this street rat. There was just something about him. Well compassion or not he needed this lesson and in all honesty much more. Leaving that to his brother, he’d just school Todd on profanity…for now.
“I warned you, kid...”
“Um noc a kisth!”
Todd spat around the brush, and frowned at the jibberish that came out. Brian understood him clearly enough.
“Like hell you’re not. Tone down that attitude and listen up. I better not ever hear the kind of language I just heard come out of you again. I don’t care how old you are. I don’t put up with it from anyone. Not from Mouse, Jared or even Deek. And I sure as hell won’t from a child your age. My son comes to visit his uncle often and if you ever speak to Jamie or around him like what I just heard come out of your foul mouth I will whup your white ass purple.”
Todd’s face flushed deep red and lowered his eyes. He was careful of kids when around them…even in a temper, but he doubted Brian would believe him.
“Clear?”
Todd jerked a nod.
“Now rinse.”
Todd dove for the sink, he was allowed to rinse as much as he wanted or felt needed. Brian handed him a towel to wipe his face with when he stood up and ran his sleeve across his face. Brian took in the subdued figure. Todd was clearly angry and he didn’t fool himself thinking Todd would see this as anything other than being bullied. Again something squeezed his heart and his conscience a little.
“You may be Jared’s charge primarily but you are now part of his family like I said before. I demand absolute respect and from a young man like you....respectful obedience. Do you understand me, Todd?”
“Yes Sir!
Todd’s voice was dripping with sarcasm.
“Didn’t know you knew that word,” Brain returned dryly.
“Fuck you…Sir,” Todd quipped with slow deliberation. Like his temper would from time to time, Todd’s mouth got away from him and the two combined was never helpful. The look Brian gave him, extinguished his hostile look and his temper hid behind fear’s skirt. A small movement from Brian had Todd flinching hard. That response in Todd stole Brian’s anger…most of it anyway. Taking a hold of the still somewhat belligerent boy, Brian lifted him up against the wall.
“Not real smart, son. Listen up Todd. As head of this family it’s my job to see that all are taken care of and safe…even from themselves. An attitude like yours can get you into a jam you won’t be able to handle. We can’t have that. You don’t want that and none of us want that for you. We want you safe. You’ll learn that…over a knee if that’s what it will take, as often as it takes. We’ll call this lesson over and done, I know that you don’t have much trust in us and that’s fine…you will in time. Well trust this for now. You are cared for, loved and liked Todd Ansley. You are part of this family…better get used to it. Now am I going to hear that kind of filth again?”
Todd was let go of and he stood eye’s glued to the tile floor waiting for his heart to start again. He thought for sure Brian would smack him a good one.
“No.”
Brian took a gentle grip on the chin that was set like stone. Tender, as the touch was, he flinched from it. “Todd, I know none of this has been easy for you. We all do. Especially, Jared. But it’s done and you need to accept it. I know too that you and Mouse have some kind of friction with each other. Fine. That’s between you boys. Regardless of whatever it is, he didn’t deserve that disgusting remark. No one needs to be spoken to like that. You’re a young man angry at the universe...”
Then is a softer tone. “But you’re turning your anger on the wrong folks. It’s undeserved and not to be tolerated. Everyone here is trying, Todd. Everyone but you, son.”
Todd’s butt burned, his mouth burned but the scolding he was receiving was burning the most. He was confused by his own reaction to it. Since when did he take this shit from anyone. Looking at the mass of human wall before him he knew he’d be taking it from this man and little he could do about it. He couldn’t help himself. Jerking out of the tender grip he snapped hotly between clenched teeth.
“I told you, I-am-not-your-son.”
The young man in front of him looked like he could burst into flames any moment.
“Todd, it’s not an insult or meant to take anything from you. It’s just an endearment. That’s all. We’re done here. Get angry at me if you want, I can take it but just know that I am serious, I will paddle that behind of yours raw, if I even hear of your using that kind of profanity again. Get me?”
Todd gave a sullen “Yes sir” and was allowed to leave. He rushed past Jared and headed straight up to the roof.
“I take it I missed something.”
Brian glared at his younger brother.
“Jared you’re letting him get a way with murder. He’s running this show…not you.”
Bristling at this unwelcome scolding. “Back off, Brian. I’m dealing with it, okay?”
Brian fixed his younger brother with a stern look. “That’s a crock. What you’re doing is letting those reports and damn photos color your judgment. I know you, little bro. That boy would be sitting permanently on pillows for his behavior around here. But you see those pictures each time you’re tempted to tan his ass, don’t you?”
Jared snapped back at him hotly. “Look. Don’t worry about it. We just need time…both of us.”
Brian brushed off Jared’s explanation with a curt wave of his hand. “Get a grip, Jared. He needs you strong and stable and in charge. You have to follow through or there is no point in any of this. You know that. I see those stinking photos too when I look at that pretty boy face of his. But I tell you what, I still smacked his disrespectful tail, got his attention too. Regardless of them. Even got a couple sirs out of that foul mouth of his.”
Jared turned and stared at his brother hotly. “You hit him?”
Brian looked at his brother as if he’d like to hit him. “Don’t get your panties in a twist. He just got a few smacks on the butt and a mouth full of soap. He needs a lot more than that, Jared. I’m telling you like I told him. I better not hear him talk to anyone like he was spewing at Mouse.”
Jared listened to what Brian had to say on that subject…along time. He was not real happy about it himself or the tension between the two boys. Or Brian taking it upon himself to handle Todd.
“Hey, I’m working on it okay. I am. Look, what do you expect from a kid who has lived alone on the street for the last three plus years. And yeah…I’m having trouble getting past the abuse okay? I know a smack on the ass isn’t abuse but dose he know that?”
At the pained expression on Jared’s face Brian took pity on his brother, he placed a hand on Jared’s shoulder. “That’s your job now, Jared. To show him there is a difference. You’re not doing him any favors, Jared…in fact just the opposite.”
Jared blew a hard breath out his cheeks. “All right! All right! I know okay? I know that. Back off, Brian, he’s mine.”
Jared surprised both Brian and himself at the fierce possessiveness that colored his tone. Heat flashed hot in his face.
“I….mean he’s my responsibility…my ward.”
Brian smiled warmly. “No, I think you had it right the first time. Fine by me. I’m glad you understand that…time to act like it or I will.”
Jared leveled his green eyes at Brian’s matching ones. “No, big bro…you won’t.”
Leaving Brian standing in the hall, Jared left to go find Todd. He didn’t see the sly grin appear on his older brother’s face or the nod of approval. Brian turned and whistled a jaunty tune as went in search of his family.
On to Part Fifteen of Y2K12 
