"Action," Alan yelled.

"Marker," The sound assistant said, and snapped the digital slate closed in front of the lens.

The green Buick rolled up the street with Rick behind the wheel, this time with no trailer or cameras attached. It was a real car once again. The dust from the desert still clung to the finish, gently assisted by a spray fixative the prop department had applied.

As the car passed by the number one camera position, the screen filled with Adam's face, his nose pressed against the glass, his eyes wide and alert as he drank in the view. For this was now his neighborhood and the few people on the street were now his neighbors ... they just didn't know it yet.

Rick pulled into the driveway and Adam popped the door open, jumped out and ran in circles around the car, looking at everything before falling to his knees on the grass of the front yard. The broad smile on Adam's face continued as Rick took the bags out of the trunk and approached the front door. Nora walked slowly down to the mailbox and removed several envelopes. It was such an everyday sweet domestic scene.

Rick inserted his key in the door, opened it, and was nearly bowled over by a large dog. This was Alan's personal pet, Sugar, a beautiful golden retriever. After the pilot they would have to get a thoroughly trained animal, but she would do for now.

Sugar ran around Rick and bounded out into the yard, and as they expected, she quickly spotted Adam at her level in the grass.

"Cut," Alan yelled.

Sugar ran over and sniffed Mark, her tail wagging like crazy. She wanted attention but Mark didn't touch her, it wasn't time. Alan walked over as the camera swung around on its boom to catch the right angle for the boy and dog confrontation.

Alan slipped a finger under her collar and walked her around to a spot about five feet in front of Mark.

"Sit, Sugar," Alan said, and she did just that. "Good girl ... Stay."

Then he walked over behind Mark and Sugar's head followed him. Alan reached in his pocket and pulled out something that looked like a blob of rubber, eliciting the curiosity of the crew. He had told them nothing except that the dog would perform as required. Now he had the secret in his hand.

It was on the previous Halloween when Alan discovered Sugar's reaction to people wearing scary masks: she immediately went on the defensive. Today was no different, only now he had a reason to use it.

"Roll cameras," Alan said. He turned his back on Sugar and slipped on the rubber mask.

"Rolling," Frank said quietly, and Alan turned around.

The hair on the back of Sugar's neck went up and she crouched, a deep, rumbling growl emanating from her throat, teeth bared. She certainly looked menacing, and then she started barking, her stance still low as if she was about to pounce.

Adam remained frozen in place. The look of terror in his eyes was captured by the camera hidden in the bushes beside the front door. Then Alan whipped off the mask, causing Sugar to relax. Just to make sure, Alan held the mask out and she growled again at the sight of it. Then Alan shoved the offending mask back in his pocket. Out of sight, out of mind, so Sugar calmed down.

"Sit, Sugar ... Cut," Alan said, as he walked over and gave her a good rub behind the ears. Sugar simply 'smiled' with joy; she had pleased her master.

Frank moved the cameras back to the start-up position and told Alan all was ready.

"Okay, roll cameras," Alan said. "Down, Sugar." And the dog lay down. "Action."

Adam slowly crawled towards the dog, and she raised her head to watch his approach. "Sit, Sugar," Alan commanded, and the dog sat up.

Adam was right there in front of her now, staring intently into her eyes.

"Shake, Sugar," Alan commanded, and she raised her right paw.

Adam reached out and took the paw in his hand and again it seemed as if the dog smiled. Then she leaned forward a bit and licked his face. Adam giggled and started laughing. Now this was a reaction that Sugar understood, so she licked even more and Adam rolled onto his side, his hands trying to fend off the dog as she went for him again. The laughter and the playing were captured by the cameras and Alan hated to call it off. They rolled around for another fifteen seconds before he yelled, "Cut."

Adam gave the dog a hug as she squirmed in his arms. "Thank you, Sugar," Mark said, "That was perfect."

Alan came over and got his dog by the collar and snapped on a leash. "That went very well," Alan said.

One of the makeup assistants came over and wiped Mark's face with a moist towel, then applied a bit of powder to restore the finish. There were lights inside the house so they had to keep the shine off his face.

The interior shots would all be made with a Steadicam, a technical marvel that allows a single cameraman to follow the action without the aid of a dolly or camera boom. The rig is strapped onto the cameraman, and the device that controls the camera's moves is held in front of him as he follows the actors, watching on a little monitor screen.

The Steadicam gives the image a whole new perspective, as if the camera is just another person in the room. The 'home movie' quality was something Alan had used to great acclaim in other series and that made it a good technique for this one. But having a cameraman in the room takes up space, and so the scenes had to be carefully choreographed.

The issue of the spacesuit was in the first interior shot. They had to get Adam out of it and into some acceptable kid's clothes. In this scene, Adam follows his mother down the hallway to his bedroom and she opens the door. Since Adam has never been here before, this was the guest room, which Mrs. Vernon now saw as the boy's room in her mind-controlled state.

The walls are blank, making the bedroom look sterile, but Adam smiles. She opens the closet door and sees nothing but empty hangers, and the dialogue picks up there:

"Oh, sweetie, all your clothes must be in the laundry! Well, I never thought it would come to this. Oh, I know. I bet some of Jerry's clothing will fit you. Maybe not the pants, but boys all wear shorts these days anyway."

The camera follows them down the stairs and onwards down into the basement. The laundry does indeed look piled up on the washer, but she leads Adam over to a stack of boxes and a large suitcase in the corner.

"I'm sure my brother won't mind if you wear some of his things. The Navy will probably keep him in a uniform for another three years. Let's see what he has in here," she says.

The first box reveals a bunch of photos, which Vera sets aside as she turns to another box. Adam picks up a large photo and it shows a skinny, trim looking blond guy in a Hawaiian shirt and board shorts. He has a surfboard under his arm.

"Cowabunga, dude," Adam says with a grin.

Mrs. Vernon pulls some of the same loose fitting Hawaiian shirts out of another box and Adam smiles as she adds shorts and flip-flops to the pile.

"Well it's only for a little while until your things are clean, will this be all right?"

"Hang ten ... surf's up," Adam replies, and he takes the pile of clothing.

They walk back upstairs and she reaches over to rub a smudge of dirt off Adam's face. "You need a bath, Mister. Sort out your clothes and I'll go run you a tub."

Adam stands before the mirror on the wall and holds a shirt up in front of him.

"Cool breeze ... gnarly, dude," Adam says with a grin.

"That's a cut," Alan calls from the doorway. "Okay, kiddo, bath time, and then we break for lunch ... how are you doing?"

"Doing fine," Mark replied.

He stepped out of the way to let Frank walk out with the Steadicam and Julie, the costume girl, stepped in holding what could only be described as a flesh colored thong.

"Lord, that doesn't hide much does it?" Mark laughed.

"Depends upon how much you have to hide, sweetie," Julie replied. "I've seen it all before."

Mark tossed the shirt down on the bed and turned around so Julie could undo the Velcro closure on the suit. She undid the collar and slid the suit down Mark's body. He stepped out of it and pulled off his t-shirt.

Julie handed Mark the thong. "Need any help with that?" she asked.

"I have underwear smaller than this," Mark replied.

"Oh, naughty boy ... I'll be outside when you're done," Julie laughed.

Julie walked out the door, leaving room for Brian to walk in. "She's right, naughty boy," Brian said.

Mark dropped his shorts and boxers, holding the thong up. "I ought to get me some of these." He slid the thong up in place and adjusted his parts to fit in the tiny pouch.

"Doesn't leave much to the imagination," Brian said.

Mark grinned. "I bet I know what you're thinking."

Brian laughed. "It's not fit for television, that's for sure."

The bathtub was half full, and of course there were bubbles. The camera caught Adam's expression of glee and then he was sitting in the tub, fluffing the bubbles with his fingers and laughing.

Alan stood out in the hallway with a grin on his face as Frank backed into the far corner of the bathroom with his camera. Alan unsnapped the leash and let Sugar go, and then stood back to admire the scene.

Sugar was a total water dog, and she leapt in the tub with Adam, the scene from there on was priceless as the boy and dog splashed around, bubbles flying and tons of laughter. The scene was designed to make Adam look human, and it worked very well.

"Cut," Alan finally said, and Frank cleared out of the room.

Oh, the mess, but Mark was still being a kid and the dog just loved it. The prop crew moved in with towels and mops and the dog was led outside for a rinse-off. At least she was done for the day.

"God, that was fun," Mark laughed as he accepted a towel. "Sugar really liked that."

Alan smiled. "We have a hell of a time keeping her out of the pool and my filter is always full of dog hair. Okay, go get dressed and we'll pick up from there."

The next scene opens with Adam bounding down the stairs, very much the young surfer in his new clothes. He looks at the television and sits down in the middle of the couch. He picks up the remote and studies it, then shaking his head puts it back down. He raises a hand and snaps his fingers ... the television pops on.

It's Sunday afternoon in Adam's world and the television displays an old movie. The couple on screen kisses and Adam pantomimes the hugging and kissing, ending with a sour look on his face, another snap of the fingers and the channel changes.

The MTV channel blares out heavy rock music. The band on the screen is swinging their long hair and jumping around, so of course Adam mimics them. Then Rick walks into the scene, shakes his head, and picks up the remote to change the channel.

"You know you're not supposed to watch that stuff," Rick says. He looks at the remote. "I thought I set the parental controls on this." He shrugs and walks out of the scene.

Adam stares at the screen, now showing a quiet nature program about flowering gardens. Adam puts a hand in front of his face and groans. He peeks through his fingers towards the door, but Rick is gone. Adam snaps his fingers and the rock music returns. He is just getting into the music when the doorbell rings. Another finger snap and the television goes off as Adam heads for the front door.

"Cut," Alan yelled.

Stevie had been sitting in the corner through this past scene watching his idol at work. Brian couldn't blame him as this was like on-the-job training for the kid. Although they were only a year apart in age, Mark was quite different in temperament and maturity. Despite their earlier issues, the two boys had become friends, something that Stevie desperately needed.

Now it was time for their first scene together and Mark huddled with the boy to set the tempo. Alan allowed Mark a great deal of leeway in setting the mood of the scenes because he trusted the boy's instincts.

Getting Stevie in the mood to do it well was worth the few minutes of time they took, and then they were ready. Mark smiled confidently and then slipped into his Adam mode. The doorbell rang again and he ran up the hall to open it.

"Hello," Stevie says, "I'm selling raffle tickets for the Brighton High Booster's Club ... can I interest you in buying some?"

"Raffle tickets?" Adam says, looking over his shoulder as if he wants his mother to intervene.

"Do you go to Brighton? I haven't seen you around here before ... I didn't know the Vernon's had any children," Stevie says.

"Oh, I'm Adam, don't you remember me?"

"No. I live in the next block and I've never seen ... ."

That's all Stevie got out as Adam placed a hand on his shoulder. Brian watched the change come over his face, and thought the kid was playing it very well. Stevie blinked several times and shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Adam; I don't know what came over me. I bet you have your own tickets to sell, sorry," Stevie says.

"That's okay. My Mom usually takes care of that. Did you sell a lot today?" Adam asks.

"Nope, only three, and my Mom bought two of them. That neighbor of yours shut the door in my face. Why does Mr. Barnes have to be such a jerk?"

"I don't know ... why don't we go ask him?" Adam suggests.

"No way, he'll bite my head off if I go back there," Stevie says.

"Really? I think your head is too big to fit in his mouth," Adam says. "Come on, I'll talk to him."

Stevie follows Adam out the door and the camera is right behind them.

"This is crazy ... " Stevie says.

"Aw, this will work out ... you'll see," Adam says.

Adam steps up on the front porch and rings the doorbell. On the count of five, Casey opens the door and gives them his best Martin Barnes glare.

"Who are you?" Barnes asks.

"I'm Adam," and he held out his hand for a shake. Barnes looked down over his reading glasses and stuck out his hand. Once again Adam works his magic and two blinks later Barnes is back with a smile.

"Hello, Adam ... what can I do for you?"

"I need you to buy a few raffle tickets from Stevie, can you do that?" Adam asks.

"Why sure, I always support the school," Barnes says, reaching for his wallet and handing over a five-dollar bill. Stevie counts out five tickets and hands them over.

"Hold on to those, they're going to post the winning numbers in the community paper this Friday. Thank you, Mr. Barnes."

"Any time boys, thanks for coming by," Barnes replies, and then slowly closes the door.

"Wow, five tickets ... how did you do that?" Stevie asks.

Adam smiles. "You did it, Stevie. Everyone's a winner when you play the California Lottery."

Stevie cracks up laughing. "Cut," Alan yells. "Your lines were perfect." And Stevie all but blushed at the praise.

Casey opened the door and smiled. "I always love it when a scene works that well. Good going boys."

"Thanks, Casey," Mark said. "Loved the reaction."

Mark walked back down the steps with Casey's hand on his shoulder. "You know I was worried this whole mind control thing wouldn't work, but I'm beginning to believe. It's just a part of the scene, nothing special, no particular emphasis on it ... it just happens."

"Yeah, I think the audience will take it like that too, at least I hope so," Mark said.

Casey smiled. "I believe you could sell Coke to a Pepsi salesman, it's all your doing."

Stevie laughed as well, the relief of his first-ever scene going well was written all over his face. Mark smiled at the reaction and put his arm around Stevie's shoulder, and a look of bliss filled the younger boy's face.

Brian stood back amidst the assembled crew and smiled. Mark knew how to keep the cast loyal to their mission, his attentions to Stevie proved that. They would break for lunch and then reassemble for the final shoot of the day.

Beverly Cooper, the young African-American actress, was due on the set this afternoon. Alan had greeted Mark's suggestion that she take the place of Mary Jane with a smile.

"You think that will work? No, you're right; we need to open up the diversity of the cast."

The girl was to become the focus of some love interest towards Adam, something no boy that age was ever prepared to understand. The initial thought was that Stevie was going to have a crush on her, but that she would only have eyes for Adam.

The first display of those feelings was to take place in the school bus scene this afternoon. She only had one line to perform and the rest was acted out through her expressions. Mark was sure she would leap at the chance to become a co-star.

One of the first things the writers had agreed to accept was Mark's idea of character names. The adults like Rick, Vera and Casey had names for their characters, the kids would not. There would be a lot of dialogue to remember so Mark thought it would be easier on everyone, including the fans, if they could use their real names. The character of Adam was the only exception, but then he was the alien.

The cops opened the end of the street they had blocked off that morning and a few of the neighbors drove in. Tina went over to each of them and explained that afternoon's shooting schedule, by four they would be done and everything would go back to normal-until next week.

The scenes they had shot so far were in the studio being cleaned up, timed and everything necessary for Alan's final touches to be applied. He planned to work all weekend if necessary. On Monday morning he wanted a final product to show Triton and the sponsors.

The pilot would be shown to a target audience that had been selected at random to view their very first effort. Triton would be there, and so would Walco's representatives. All together, one hundred and twenty people would sit in a theater and view the pilot, while their reactions were carefully noted.

The theater was fully rigged. Recording devices would monitor reactions, keeping them timed and noted. As laughter was the objective, it would be measured and then evaluated. The feedback would be going directly to Alan and his staff, and, of course, Triton.

The demographics of the audience were based upon Neilson statistics of the American viewing public at the planned time and channel placement the show would occupy. Nothing was left to chance; there was too much money at stake.

Mark and Brian both accepted a tray of food from the caterer and sat at a table in the shade of the umbrellas provided. Halfway through his lunch, Mark saw Beverly and her mother walk up the street. He jumped up and brought them to the table.

"Beverly ... Mrs. Cooper, this is Brian, one of Alan's assistants," Mark said.

Brian stood and shook hands before sitting back down.

"Did it go well this morning?" were the first words Beverly spoke. It seemed she was already involved in the details of the show.

"Yes, it went really well," Brian said. "At least Mark got a bath."

"Alan's dog stole the scenes from me," Mark laughed. "So, ready for your big scene?"

Beverly smiled. "Not so big, but I've been studying the script for next week."

And they were off on a discussion of their lines for the first episode. Brian smiled at Beverly's mother.

"Well, Mrs. Cooper, I think the kids have taken over this show," he said.

"Call me Bonnie, please. You folks seem to have things well under control. How was the filming in Nevada?"

"Intense and wonderful. Are you coming to the showing on Monday?" Brian asked.

Bonnie smiled. "Have to ... my baby wouldn't miss it for the world. She's very excited about this role."

"Good! Mark said she would be outstanding for the part, and I see what he means."

"Mark? Mark chose her?"

"Absolutely. She did a fine screen test, and he has an eye for talent. He worked with the writers on this show for almost two months, so there's a lot of his thinking in everything we do."

"Oh, my! What an amazing boy," Bonnie said.

"This show will succeed because of him, and the whole cast knows that. It's a lot of pressure," Brian said. "I'm also his minder; his aunt doesn't know that much about the business except to manage him."

"So you have two roles to play, busy man," Bonnie said.

Brian smiled. "Keeps me more than busy."

The afternoon set up was complete. The school bus was in place and everyone was ready to move on command. Adam stood behind the front door of the house with his school backpack over one shoulder. Vera stood there with him as Frank and his Steadicam occupied the other end of the hall.

"Ready?" Alan asked into this radio.

"All set," came Tina's reply.

"Rolling in three ... two ... one ... .Action!" Alan said.

Vera smiles and leans down, kissing Adam on the cheek. "Have a great day in school, dear," she says.

"Thanks, Mom," Adam says, and he opens the door.

Outside the neighborhood is bustling. Cars backing out of driveways, women standing in doorways waving good-bye to their husbands, the mailman making his rounds. Kids are walking down the street towards the corner bus stop, and Adam steps out into the morning.

He walks to the corner and stands with Stevie and Beverly, awaiting the school bus which is slowly making its way down the street. It pulls up and the door opens. Stevie is the first one to board. Adam slips his Regalian earpieces on and nods his head to the beat.

He starts to step forward and then stops, nodding to Beverly who smiles back, the first close up shot of her face, as she looks back at Adam. The audience would not mistake the look of adoration in her eyes, and then she climbs on the bus.

Adam looks up the steps at the driver, a middle aged man with pleasant smile, who waves him forward. The cast had dubbed him Mr. Moody, and for good reason.

"Come on, we haven't got all day," Moody says. And as Adam passes him the man says his big line: "You aren't supposed to be wearing earplugs on the bus, it isn't safe ... what are you listening to?"

Adam smiles and pulls the earpieces out. "Cut," Alan yells.

The next scene required a bit of special effects and they worked just fine. A dozen burley crew members stood on the other side of the bus and moved on cue. The four others inside the bus lying on the floor activated their devices, and the cameras captured it all perfectly from about forty feet away. "Action."

The bus starts shaking and dust flies out the windows. The screams of the kids can be heard as the Deodato tune blares loudly within the bus. The cameras inside catch Adam dancing up the aisle and the expressions on Stevie's and Beverly's faces.

"Awesome," they both yell in unison.

And then, as if from far away, "Turn that darn thing off," Moody yells. The final camera shot shows the grin on Adam's face and the scene ends.

"Cut," Alan yelled and the crew cheered, the pilot was over. The kids on the bus laughed and jumped around, everyone wanted to touch Mark for good luck. But they were past the point of needing it now-the show was 'in the can' as they say in the trades.

The crew began dismantling their equipment and the cast assembled to hear a few words from Alan.

"Fine job, the proof will be in the work I do this weekend. But you've given me everything I asked for and so you've made the editing easier. So, one o'clock Monday for the showing. I hope to see you all there." And that was it.

Alan was tired, and the cast was as well. The tension of the past week-and-a-half was oozing out of every pore, and they needed a weekend off. Monday they would view the audience's reactions to their efforts, and that would bring on more hard work.

A career in acting wasn't easy, but it was easier when the project was worthwhile. If they could get four seasons out of this show their careers would be made. Actors who were in a hit series never had to beg for work, and on the plus side they could be selective about their future projects.

Brian walked Mark down the street towards the police barricades, and there sat the white limo.

"Wow, whose car is that?" Mark asked.

Brian could only smile. This was the fun part. "It's here for you."

"Me? Why would ... oh, what have you done?"

The driver got out of the car and another man exited from the rear. This man was tall and distinguished looking. The jacket and tie he wore said he was all business. Brian walked over, shook his hand, and then they hugged.

"Mark Harrison ... this is Tim Real, the head of your security team," Brian said.

Mark smiled and Tim shook his hand. "Okay, I sure wasn't expecting this," Mark said.

"Your aunt and I signed a contract this morning. Why don't we get in out of the sun and I'll tell you about it," Tim said.

The interior of the limo was dark and cool, the windows tinted to fend off the curious. The driver started up and they moved away from the barricades, which would be coming down shortly.

"Tim is an old friend," Brian explained. "I almost went to work for him before my union gig. I think you understand where this show will be taking you, Mark. You're an asset to Triton and the whole company, so you have to be protected." Brian reached over and took Mark's hand, kissing his fingers. "You're very valuable to a lot of people."

Mark looked down at his hand and then glanced up at Tim's happy expression.

"Isn't love grand?" Tim said.

Mark looked over at Brian. "He knows?"

"Yes, sweetie, Tim knows everything. His whole company is composed of gay men. I just figured that if we needed to have security it would interfere with our private lives and so I brought Tim into the picture.

"He understands what we share, but to be honest, I think Tim feels you're a little young to be in a relationship with me. I asked him to come meet you today so he could see for himself why I love you."

"I won't give him up," Mark said defiantly.

"Whoa, tiger ... I see what Brian means. You are definitely in control of your own destiny. We are not the cops, and in fact, we can be very useful in dealing with them if need be. They know us quite well, and respect us." Tim said.

"You guys carry guns?" Mark asked.

"No, this isn't about dealing with terrorists, just overly excited fans, so we don't need arms. All of us are fully qualified to deal with most situations, and diplomacy comes before action."

"Oh ... do you guys do martial arts? I bet you have a black belt," Mark said.

Tim smiled. "In several disciplines, but violence is the last thing we want to happen anywhere around you, we're here for protection. As for your relationship with Brian, that's not the issue. Every employee I hire is gay, not all of them will approve of what you guys share, but no one will say anything. Our observations are confidential and personal opinions do not exist."

"Thank you, Tim," Brian said. "So, it's been a long day for you guys, let's take you home," Tim said. He toggled the intercom. "Home, James," he said.

The car started to move and Mark laughed. "That's a line from a movie."

Tim smiled. "His name really is James and we are taking you home. Looks like you had a full day."

"Yes, but they accomplished something grand," Brian said.

"When does your show go on the air?" Tim asked.

"With approval, probably early next month, but the publicity will start later next week. Most of the work will be back there in the neighborhood setting or at the school we selected. We've rented the old McKinley school site," Brian said.

Tim laughed. "Mark wouldn't now about that place, would he?"

"The school site, what about it?" Mark asked.

"The old McKinley is just a little run down, but they have a new school now. They closed it in the first place because of the shootings and the drugs. Then the DEA and the cops cleared out that drug-infested neighborhood across the street. Don't worry, its safe now."

"Tim won't allow us to be in an unsafe environment," Brian said.

Mark smiled. "So even my minder has a minder, that's cool."

"Brian will be of great help if we have a problem. He studied Tae-kwan-do and martial arts in high school and college," Tim said.

Brian laughed. "That was a few years ago, but Tim still kicked my ass."

"Wow, so you're high school buddies?" Mark asked.

Brian shook his head, "No, Tim was my teacher; he has a few years on me."

"No way, he looks so young," Mark said.

It was Tim's turn to laugh. "I really like this young man! I'm thirty-six."

Mark shook his head. "You guys are amazing."

"You ought to know something, Mark. I wanted a relationship with this man of yours back then, but it didn't work out. He is still just as handsome as he was then. I envy what you have."

"In my opinion, Brian should have gone for it," Mark said, and then he gave Brian a mock punch. "You let this guy get away? What a fool."

"Yes, I was," Brian said as he looked Tim in the eye. "Tim was from a different world, and I guess it scared me. I didn't know anything about wealth and privilege and we traveled in very different circles. Being gay was all new to me, too, and I wasn't ready for what he offered."

Tim nodded. "Well, finally! Thank you for that; I've wondered. I never wanted my social position to come between us, but I suppose it had to. The family curse."

"Then I would have never met you," Mark said. "That's unthinkable."

"I just want you to know what a fine man you have here, Mark. He's a lot like you," Tim said as they pulled up to the house. "And now, let's move beyond that. Can I take you out to dinner?"

"What about Rosie?" Mark asked.

"We'll call it a business meeting and see what she says," Tim said.

It was fine with her as she wanted a night out with her bridge group. "You just take him home with you tonight, Brian. I might get home late because we do tend to gossip a little too much at these affairs. Besides, I now have bragging rights over Mark's accomplishments."

"That's fine, Rosie, I'll let him sleep late in the morning, and then we'll run," Brian said.

"Well, that's a plus. Have a good night, Aunt Rosie," Mark said.

"You boys have fun," Rosie said, heading out the door on her own way to dinner.

"Well, that was easy," Tim said.

"She allows Mark to have his way most times. I'm the trusty sidekick," Brian said.

"So, dinner, shall we eat casual or formal?" Tim asked.

"Let's get Mark dressed up. He looks good when he's all cleaned up," Brian laughed.

"Hey, I just need a shower after a hard day's work, that's all. Besides, where's your suit?" Mark asked.

"I have one hanging in the guest room as I recall," Brian said. "I seem to live here half the time anyway."

"So you can shower with me ... if Tim doesn't mind?"

Tim held up his hands. "You two go do your thing. I have some calls to make. How would you feel about going to Outrageous, will that be okay for you guys?"

"Can we get him in there?" Brian asked.

"I know we can, I own it now," Tim said.

"That figures. Okay, let's blow his young mind," Brian said. "Come on kiddo, shower time."

Mark followed Brian back to the bedrooms and they undressed, tossing their clothes on Mark's bed. "What's Outrageous mean?"

Brian dragged Mark into the bathroom, and turned on the shower. "It's a gay club, a nightclub, and I'm sure sixteen year old boys aren't allowed inside. But Tim obviously owns it now, and they do have wonderful food and a private dining room, I'm sure that's what he intends."

"Wow, a gay club ... that's so exciting," Mark said, as Brian pulled him into the shower stall and closed the door.

"I'm not sure you'll get to see much of it, it's a dance club ... and sometimes they have, um ... 'performers' as well."

"Strippers, you mean strippers, right?" Mark asked.

"God, I hope not tonight, you don't need to see that," Brian said. "Look, you can't ever tell anyone you've been there; I'd go to jail for sure. I don't think Tim is trying to corrupt you, so this is a dinner out, and nothing more. Tim's proud of his accomplishments. That was one of the reasons we didn't click, he was too much for me to handle."

"Rich, huh?"

"Mega-rich, his family owns ... well they own a lot. But Tim has done his own hard work and made his own way. He had the martial arts studio first, and the security business came out of that. Now the club, and God only knows what else he's into. I just want him to remain a valued friend," Brian said.

Mark lathered up and tried to get sexy with Brian. His attempts were resisted. "We have all night for that, sweetie. Tim is waiting."

"Isn't it a bit early for clubbing?" Mark asked.

Brian laughed. "Yes, and what do you know about that?"

"'Before nine and you aren't divine,' I heard that somewhere," Mark said.

Brian smiled. "You know entirely too much for your age, but that's why I love you."

So they hugged, kissed and washed, saving the inevitable sex for later. They dried off and dressed, Brian admiring the way Mark looked as he helped the boy tie his tie. "You look good all dressed up. Tim will be impressed," Brian said.

"I only care what you think," Mark said.

Brian took the boy in his arms. He couldn't tell Mark the truth about Tim and why their relationship was doomed from the start. His experience with Brad had killed so many years when he could have ... but that was past. What Tim had wanted was just emotionally impossible. He would leave it at that.

"Let's go," Brian said, "I want to show you off before the world gets to see you."

Mark looked up into his face and smiled. "It's going to get harder once the show is out, isn't it? Will it change what we have?"

"I don't want it to. I like what we have now, and knowing guys like Tim will help. We'll have our times, you'll see."

"We better. I need you," Mark said.

"I need you too," Brian said, and then they walked back out to the living room.

"We have a reservation for nine-thirty," Tim said.

Mark smiled. "See, I told you."

"What was that all about?" Tim asked, as they walked out to the car.

"Our little expert on clubbing says we aren't supposed to appear before nine," Brian said. "I have no idea where he gets these things."

Tim laughed. "He's hardly a little kid, and he's right."

"Oh, God! Not you too," Brian groaned.

"Hey, I'm here you know. I have ears," Mark said.

"And nice ones, too. Tell you what: since we have the time would you like to see my new house? I have the best view in the valley," Tim said.

"Cool," Mark said.

"I guess that's your answer. Lead on," Brian said.

Tim toggled the intercom in the limo. "Home, James," he said once again, and Mark broke up laughing.

The limo sped them across town on the 101 Freeway, north on La Cienega and finally Mountcrest towards the hills. Talk was light as Mark spent his time looking out the tinted windows.

"So how did you find this place?" Brian asked.

"The guys who sold me the club used to own it. Kept it available for the, uh ... talent they had working. They went back to New York and I moved in."

"So you don't have the talent anymore?"

"Not all the time. We have different acts now ... comedy, music, a little higher class," Tim said.

"You mean no strippers, huh?" Mark said.

"No, that was pretty crass. We do have some exotic dancers now, just no pole dancing boys."

"Damn, I miss all the good stuff," Mark said.

"I'll bet you like Gina," Tim said, "she's performing tonight and she's hilarious."

The limo made several turns and it was obvious they were climbing the hills above the valley. The view was cut off by high walls surrounding estates that were built side-by-side, and then finally the car slowed and carefully pulled in through an open gate.

"Mi casa es su casa," Tim said, "You're welcome any time."

Brian chuckled. "Like we could ever find it, these roads make me dizzy."

"Then you'll enjoy the view on my patio," Tim said.

The house was built into the mountainside using natural stone, huge timbers, and lots of glass. As they walked through the front door, Brian could see the dark sky out through the wall of glass along one side, the one with the view. Mark went and pressed his face to the window.

"Jeez ... will you look at that," he said, so Brian walked over and joined him.

Hollywood ... all the way into downtown Los Angles spread out before them in lights. It was magnificent.

"We get smog of course, but it's still prettier at night," Tim said. "I took one look at that and knew I had to have this place."

"I don't blame you," Brian said. The clock on the mantel said it was just before eight. They had time to kill.

"Can I get you something to drink?" Tim asked.

"Anything alcoholic," Mark laughed.

Tim smiled. "You've come to the wrong place for that. Brian knows."

"He doesn't drink other than an occasional glass of wine, but his herbal drinks are renowned. Still making those?" Brian asked.

"Absolutely. Something light before a meal, I think." Tim said as he walked over towards the kitchen, which was all in the same open room. He stopped by the wall and threw some switches. "Mark, go out and look at the pool if you want, the door is over there."

"Come with me," Mark said, and Brian followed him through the glass doors. The pool area was all lit up now, and the gardens as well. Tim had outdone himself with this place. The shimmering waters of the pool gleamed like a blue gem in the night with the lights of the city just beyond.

"Awesome ... how romantic," Mark said. "Does he have a boyfriend?"

"I don't know about now, but there have been several guys in the past," Brian said.

"And you were almost one of them. What stopped you?"

Brian sighed. "The money of course. A guy who can buy his way into anything he wants is pretty scary. And I wasn't ready, for him or anyone else back then. The discipline of the dojo brought us together and kept us friends. He was just starting the security company and he asked me to join.

"But I had committed myself to work by then and was following in my Dad's footsteps with the union. My summer job became full-time. Beacon's World sucked me in, and so I stayed on. I don't know, Mark, like you I'm glad I chose that path ... it led me to you."

Mark leaned against him as the lights glittered in the distance. "I've never been anyplace but here," Mark said. "I want to go places with you, new places. I want to share it all with you because then I'll really understand how lucky I am. We're special together. I can't imagine my life any other way."

Mark turned and slid his arms around Brian's waist and squeezed. That's how Tim found them, embracing, sharing their love. He walked over with a tray of drinks and just stood quietly looking out at the view. Brian looked over at him and caught the smile as their eyes shared a knowing glance.

"It's good to be loved," Tim said. "I know where the door is, I just haven't found the right key."

"Maybe if you slowed down a bit. Life around you seems to swirl and make people dizzy," Brian said.

Tim nodded. "Makes me dizzy as well. I see the joy you two share; it almost makes me feel paternal. I must be getting old."

Brian smiled. "I should only age as gracefully. The race isn't over."

"No, but then you always could outrun me. I might try your approach. Any more of them kicking around?"

"Like Mark? No, he's unique," Brian said.

"Yes ... yes he is," Tim said.

Mark looked up at him and reached out a hand, placing it on Tim's arm. "I'll work on it," he said.

Brian chuckled. "If that's a promise you better expect results. Mark seems to have a way of making things happen."

Tim smiled down at the boy. "I hope so. Drink?"

They tasted the smoothie and found it delicious. As Tim showed them around the house, Brian watched the interaction between the two. Maybe Tim could accept a young lover. He certainly had the means to make it attractive. It would have to be someone strong, someone exceptional. The only person he knew who fit that description was Mark.

The time passed quickly and then they were back in the car and headed down towards the strip in the valley below. Outrageous was buried on a side street amidst a row of warehouses. The club was private, limited to only a few thousand customers, but on weekends it was always full. The hidden location had a certain appeal, especially since naughty things used to happen there.

Tim had brought Brian here years ago, back when he was trying to court the younger man, trying in vain. The secret nature of the place had great appeal to Brian's senses. It helped that the young dancers on stage looked, and might have been, underage. By then Brian had strong feelings for boys, and sixteen-year-old looking dancers were enticing.

The outside of the club looked the same, except that the heavy steel door had been replaced by one of shining brass. The speakeasy nature of the place was reinforced by the small spy hole in the door, but that was for show. Now there was a doorman.

The limo dropped them off on the quiet sidewalk and the uniformed man smiled.

"Good evening, Mr. Real."

"Evening, Teddy. These are my personal friends, Brian and Mark," Tim said.

"Good evening, gentlemen. Have you been here before, sirs?" It was his standard question.

"It's been a while for me," Brian said. "Mark hasn't."

"Step this way, if you please." Teddy led them to the door and Brian saw a small glass panel and keypad set into the wall. This was something new. "If you would, sir," Teddy asked Tim.

Tim placed a hand on the glass and a blue light dimly flashed. He punched in a code on the keypad and turned to Brian. "Place your hand on the glass if you would." Brian did so and the light flashed red and then quickly turned blue. "Mark, your turn." The same results.

"Thank-you, gentlemen," Teddy said with a smile. "Always glad to meet new members." With that he opened the door and they walked inside.

"What was that?" Mark asked.

"Bio-scan. Your hand will now open that door any time you come here," Tim said. "It took your fingerprints and the parameters of your hand. Just low level security, simple but efficient. I thought optical scanning might be a bit too much for the clients. I do have Teddy out there, and we are currently surrounded by armor plate while several cameras are checking us out."

Mark looked at the nondescript walls but saw nothing, and then a seamless door slid opened and another man welcomed them in.

"Tim, glad you could make it," the man said.

"Brian ... Mark, this is Tony, our manager," Tim said.

Brian shook hands with the man and so did Mark. If Tony was at all surprised by Mark's age he didn't show it. Tim was the boss. "Your suite is ready," Tony said, "Allow me to show you the way."

They stepped through the door and it quietly closed behind them with a hum, Brian felt like he'd stepped into a bank vault. Tony pushed a button on the wall and the quiet elevator took them down a level and the wall once again slid open. The last time Brian had been here he had to walk down several flights of stairs, this was much nicer.

The door opened on a quiet hallway and Tony led them down a short distance to a double door. "Enjoy your evening, gentlemen."

"Thank-you, Tony," Tim said, and they walked through the door.

The room beyond was all of sixteen feet deep and long, maybe a hundred feet, but they had entered in the middle of the space and faced a wall covered with drapes. They now could hear the thump of music behind the drapes, not too loud, just enough to let Brian know the club was behind those curtains.

A short but elegant table was set in the middle of the room with three place settings and candles; a romantic feeling pervaded. There were several groupings of comfortable furniture, couches, tables and chairs. It looked like a good place to spend time.

"Where's the club?" Mark asked.

Tim smiled. "You want to see it?"

"Yes, please." Mark said.

Tim picked up a small remote off the coffee table and handed it to Mark "Just push the red button if you will."

Mark did just that and the curtains began to part, revealing a glass wall, and beyond it ... beyond it was something Brian could only describe as ... Outrageous.


On to Chapter Six

Back to Chapter Four

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"Adam Conquers Earth" Copyright © 2011 Chris James. All rights reserved.
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