The light tapping at the door awoke CJ. Regretfully, he unwrapped himself from the sheets and donned his robe. Opening the door a crack, he saw Matt standing there, fully dressed in the morning sunlight.

"What time is it?" CJ asked.

"Early still, about nine o'clock."

CJ opened the door a bit more with a backward glance at the sleeping boy. He stuck his head out and saw no one was near so he stepped outside and started to shut the door, but Matt stopped him.

"Ok, partner, what are you hiding in there?"

Matt pushed his head under CJ's restraining arm and peeked in, taking in the sight of a boy, naked from the waist up and the billow of blonde hair scattered across the pillows. He backed out and gave CJ an astonished look.

"Excuse me, didn't know you had company. Let me guess, the blonde from the van?"

"Yeah, well, it was a last minute thing. Shit, we were supposed to go into town this morning to the post office. I'm sorry," CJ said.

"For what? You go take care of your friend, Miguel and I will hit town. Will we be seeing you two later?"

"I certainly hope so, but it's a long story. And before you ask, he slept alone last night. Love and kisses, now get lost."

CJ closed the door behind him and Matt stood there a moment shaking his head, what a man...how does he do it?

CJ turned to find Thomas rolling over and slowly prying his eyes open. He stretched and the nipples on his chest stood out hard in the cool of the air conditioning. CJ walked back over to the bed and sat himself down as Thomas groaned and pulled the sheets over his head. CJ playfully grasped his torso, feeling those slender hips under the cotton. Thomas pushed the sheet away from his face and smiled.

"Thanks, CJ. I slept like a rock last night."

"What a nice thing to say, you're most welcome."

Sitting up, the boy yawned and brushed long strands of hair out of his face with his fingertips.

"Do we have to get out of here? What time is it?" he asked.

"It's about nine, when do you have to meet your friends?"

Thomas sagged back in the bed. "Too late now, they were going into town early this morning, so I just missed them. Good deal. We're not supposed to leave town until we're all together again. I guess they think I'm off on my own, that's not unusual."

"Now it's my turn. I'm sorry, I know I made you feel uncomfortable last night. Are we still friends?"

"Let's see. A total stranger buys me a drink, tells me I'm handsome, admires my naked body... Hmm, nope, don't see anything wrong with that."

"What a wondrous young man, are there more of you at home?" CJ asked.

"You'll just die over this, my mom is a Protestant minister and my stepfather cheats on her. My older sister is a beauty queen, at least in Vermont. My younger sister is ten, a really delightful child, just like me. My younger brother is fourteen, a real jock, going through puberty in the worst way. As for me, I was a jerk off artist at twelve, and disillusioned with sex at fifteen. This is not my best time of life experience, CJ...well, except now I've made friends with you."

"Me? What have I done that was so special?"

"You were honest with me and you...you didn't laugh at me either. I felt like you really cared. Do you care, CJ?"

"I care. And to prove it, come to San Carlos with us tomorrow. I'll arrange to get us a Jeep or a Rover and we'll hit the coastal roads north and find your native villages. I imagine there are some stunning beaches up there without a soul on them."

"Really? I'd love that, outstanding." Thomas said.

"But first, we have to solve the Rudy problem, and I have a thought. It's devious, but then I think you'll like it."

They took a cab into the city and across town to the base of Cerro de la Campana, the mountain of stone that towered over the city and the source of material for many of the beautiful buildings in town. The Universidad of Sonora and its Natural History Museum were located here and in the parking lot sat the school van.

"Shit, they beat me here. I'm worried that they'll be up to no good, CJ."

"Start of the plan, Thomas, I'm Doctor James, eminent scientist and all around nice guy.

You and I met at the library this morning where you were doing research, ok? I am taking you on a dig up to Bahia Kino, only room for one, sorry boys, you can't come. Thomas one, Rudy nothing. Like it so far?"

"Cool, this will make him jealous. Uh, oh…we need permission to dig," Thomas said.

"I have a secret document that will help us get permission, just leave that to me."

They entered the building and CJ immediately engaged himself in conversation with the receptionist, who after a few minutes of explanation called up to the Director's office. Soon the man came down the hall to greet them in person. Doctor Diaz was a large man, brimming with good cheer and he seemed terribly excited. It seemed that recent earthquakes had opened a treasure trove of artifacts in the Yaquis territories he told them.

He welcomed CJ and the young archeology student. CJ asked about the Seri settlements north of Bahia Kino and Diaz was most helpful, taking them into his office and showing them detailed maps of the area. They made notes on some of the good doctor's suggestions about how to travel and places to look for artifacts. Dr. Diaz studied CJ's letter from Inspector Juarez and was more than a little impressed.

"This will give you a pretty free hand in your travels along the coast, Dr. James. I will certainly write out the permission you need as well. Please, you may dig but would you return any finds back to the museum. There are so many thefts of precious artifacts these days. I'm afraid our ancient culture is being stolen right from under our noses and some day, well, it will vanish completely."

"Dr. Diaz," CJ replied, "Be assured that we will inform you of anything we find that might be of interest. My associate and I have only the best interests of your country at heart."

As they were leaving the doctor's office they bumped into Rudy and the other three boys, Thomas introduced them. CJ smiled but quickly ignoring Rudy and his lesser idiot sidekicks, turned and spoke to the doctor and Thomas.

"Thank you, Doctor, we'll be sure and drop off any specimens of interest on the way back. Good luck on your Yaquis dig."

"Thank you, Doctor, it was a pleasure meeting you," Thomas added.

"Have a safe trip, my friends," Diaz said, "Here is the letter of permission I have signed, and it was so nice to meet you both."

Rudy's group followed them out to the lobby where Thomas had the distinct pleasure of telling them to buzz off.

"Sorry guys, guess this is where I leave you. Dr. James is taking me to a dig along the coast. Maybe I'll catch up with you in San Carlos, I understand the windsurfing there is the best in the country."

"Windsurfing, awesome," Rudy stammered," uh, nice to meet you sir."

"Yes. I'm sure," CJ replied, "enjoy your surfing…boys."

Rudy and the others left the museum and after they had been gone several minutes, Thomas remembered that he didn't even have a change of clothes. His bag was still in the van.

"So I'll take you shopping, I think you need some better hot weather clothes anyway and I think we'd better buy us both a bathing suit for the beach," CJ said.

"Oh, don't waste your money on me, I'll be ok," Thomas said.

"Look me in the eye, Thomas. I'm going say this but once. I will spend my money on you and anyone else I please...that's final. Can't a millionaire have any fun around here?"

Thomas' eyebrows went up at the millionaire crack. CJ knew the poor kid was wondering just what he had latched on to here? Good, best to keep him guessing. Especially when he's not gay or maybe even sure what that means.

"Look, kiddo, I'm unfortunately rich. I love it and don't feel guilty about it. I just spend it…ok? It's only a tool that allows us to do the things we need and want to do. Trust me, I won't ever hold it against you, even if your last name is Rockefeller and you have more money than me. Who cares?"

"Yes, sir, your wish is my command."

CJ laughed. They did the whole museum, all the exhibits and galleries by four o'clock. CJ was greatly impressed by the boy's knowledge of the native cultures. He even discussed how specimens were taken and preserved. They stopped in at the office on the way out and Dr. Diaz gave them a box of old digging tools and a bag of specimen containers. He walked them to the door and waved goodbye.

The hot day caught up with them on the cab ride back into town so they stopped at the market plaza for a little refreshment and some shopping. When it came to clothes, CJ imagined that Thomas would look good in rags but outstanding in tropical wear. He enjoyed watching as Thomas tried on various outfits, including a deliciously small bathing suit. I could get this kid a million dollar contract as a centerfold except for that one little flaw, he thought. Their arms loaded down with clothing, they hailed a cab back to the motel.

CJ was impressed with the way this boy had become so comfortable with their relationship in less than twenty-four hours. That reminded him again of Blake and while Thomas showered he called up to the reservation.

Blake's sister answered the phone in the store with bad news. Blake's aunt had died from her long illness the day before. Blake and his uncle were preparing the burial and they would be busy for several days. CJ left his message of condolence and told the girl he would call back the following day from San Carlos with the number where Blake could reach him. CJ had spoken with the girl a few times and now she told him something he didn't want to hear.

"Blake misses you, Mr. James. My room is next to his upstairs and I have heard him crying in the night. I hope you can return soon, my brother needs you, Mr. James. I will give him your message."

Thomas came out of the shower to find CJ with tears on his cheeks, sitting helplessly and staring at the phone on the bedside table. He didn't know what to do so he sat down and gave CJ a hug.

"I'm sorry, Thomas, just some bad news from up north. A friend of the family died and it just got to me. I'll have to tell you about it later, ok?"

"Sure, CJ. I'm here for you."

"Thank you, dear boy, I'm beginning to understand just how much I can count on you."

He called a room service attendant to have their new clothing washed and ironed before they packed up that evening. And then Thomas started modeling his new bathing suit in the bathroom mirror and said he was dying for a swim. CJ hustled him off towards the pool and went looking for Matt to talk about what he had learned about Blake's family.

He found them both in the bar celebrating their triumph, they had found Miguel's father. Well, at least they knew who he was and where he lived.

"Hey buddy, called your room about an hour ago but the phone was busy. I'll let Miguel tell you about our day."

"Looks like you found what you were after, am I right?" CJ asked.

"Yes, we asked at the post office and the guy kept saying, no the post card wasn't from Hermosillo and I kept showing him the post mark stamp. It said Hermosillo and he kept saying no. Well that got frustrating so Matt just asked him, if it says Hermosillo why isn't it Hermosillo? The postal guy laughed and said, because it's San Carlos, like this made perfect sense to him."

"Seems that all the mail in San Carlos is passed through the post office here and the mail is stamped Hermosillo but they know its San Carlos," Matt explained. "We were just asking the wrong question."

"So your father lives in San Carlos?" CJ said.

"Well yes, but more than that, he's the District Commissioner, sort of police chief and mayor all in one," Miguel said.

"Yeah, Miguel is a little concerned that dad might find out about us. Just what every cop wants, a gay son," Matt said.

"This definitely calls for caution, guys," CJ said, "Miguel, I'm glad that you found your father, it's why you came all this way. I wouldn't look for trouble just yet; he may be quite a guy. I don't think I'd even mention the gay thing unless you decide to stay."

"Stay...I'm not sure about that. I guess I better do some thinking," Miguel said.

"Why don't you put on your suit and go to the pool, Matt and I have some things to discuss, ok?"

After the boy left, CJ told Matt about Thomas and the planned excursion to Baiha Kino. Then he told his friend about the call to the store and about Blake.

"From what I gather, you haven't been doing so well either. Leaving that boy behind was probably as hard on you, buddy. Well at least until this new distraction came along," Matt suggested.

"I don't know what I feel for Thomas yet. He's a great kid and all but maybe I just feel sorry for him and his circumstances, something I'll have to tell you about it when we have the time," CJ said. "But I love Blake. I love that boy so much I hate what my being away is doing to him."

"I have faith in you, my friend," Matt said, "You'll find a way to fix this somehow, something will happen to keep your promise to Blake."

"God, I hope you're right," CJ said.

"Meanwhile, you mean you're going to leave me alone in San Carlos with daddy the cop while you and Thomas go traveling up country?"

"I wouldn't make too much of this cop thing, Miguel will handle him. I think his daddy will be full of guilt for abandoning him and I don't think he wants to stay in Mexico either. He's in a relationship now, that'll be a decisive factor in his mind. Having his majority in the US makes the difference too; he can leave when he wants."

"But where will he go? Home with me?"

"Give it some time, my friend. I think he'll stay with you," CJ said.

"I'll try, but I sometimes think he would be better off with someone his own age."

And that is what Miguel was trying to do down at the pool. He had no idea where the blonde boy had come from, but there he was striding across the deck in all his beauty. He looked familiar but Miguel couldn't remember right away and then it hit him, the van boy. Matt had mentioned that CJ had a friend in his room the night before but had left out the description so there was no association with Thomas.

Miguel was aroused by the skimpy bathing suit on that muscular body and all that blonde hair. For his part, Thomas was enjoying the evening and talking to two college girls at the far end of the pool with whom he had been sharing his archeological knowledge. He had also been buying them drinks and putting it on CJ's room tab, he was sure it wouldn't be a problem.

Miguel looked around for a place to lay and watch blondie as he strutted for the silly girls. He chose a deck chair by the deep end of the pool and donned his sun glasses to watch. The blonde spoke with the girls for a while and then took off for the diving board. With a running start, the boy did a flip off the board and made a huge splash as he landed which soaked Miguel. The boy climbed out of the pool and came to apologize.

"Sorry man, didn't expect to make such a big splash."

"It's only water, I'll dry out," Miguel responded.

"Want to join me and the girls?" Thomas said.

"Uh, no thanks, I'm waiting for someone."

Thomas returned to the girls and they talked with him for a while before gathering their belongings and waving good bye. Miguel decided to make his move and walked around the pool and sat at the table with Thomas.

"Were they friends of yours?" he asked.

"Naw, just met them down here, kinda nice though," Thomas said.

"Hmm, I might say the same about you."

"What?" Thomas said.

"I said, I think you're nice too, and very cute."

"Oh, look man, I'm not into that. But you know it's funny, you're the second guy to tell me that today."

"I love your hair, a natural blonde?" Miguel said suggestively.

"Can we cut the crap, I'm not gay. No offense, but I ..."

It was at this point that CJ and Matt arrived poolside and walked up to the two boys.

"Miguel, I see you've met Thomas," CJ said.

"Thomas, glad to meet you, I'm Matt."

"Oh shit, I'm Miguel, sorry."

"Well, what a group," Thomas said," I was just telling Miguel here all the reasons I could think of just why he can't get in my pants."

CJ's eyebrows went up and he smiled at Miguel.

"Been at it again, have we?"

"If you persist in coming on to every cute guy you meet Miguel, there won't be room for us," Matt said.

"Oh, I think he was just flirting. I didn't mind actually, he told me I was cute. Seems like I've been getting a lot of that lately," Thomas said.

"So get used to it," CJ said, "And guys, Thomas is not gay so lay off the pressure. He's going to travel with us for a while so let's not play any head games. Agreed?"

"Yes, sir," Miguel said.

They had their swim and Thomas seemed relaxed in the company of his new gay friends. CJ watched as the two boys played around in the pool. After a cocktail, they returned to their rooms to dress for dinner. Thomas looked handsome in the newly washed and ironed clothes. CJ was proud of him and told him so.

"Thanks, CJ. I owe you a lot, for the clothes, the dig, how can I pay you back?"

"Just relax, kiddo. I know the gay scene can be intimidating to straight boys, but you should feel comfortable with us, no one is threatening you. As you said this morning, it's all about choice and you're in control of that."

"I guess. You're the first guy that ever let me make my own choices, ya know."

"Oh, I doubt that, you're too independent not to have taken the lead in your own life by now," CJ said.

Thomas smiled and put out his arms," I want a hug."

In the grip of this young man, CJ felt a tremendous relief, all his fears for Blake seemed to fade. The loss of that horrible feeling gave him renewed hope that things would turn out well for all of them.

CJ laughed at the boy and swatted his buns as they went out the door. The taxi took them down the road towards town and they chose a restaurant for the evening meal. Thomas was particularly quiet during dinner as the courses came one after the other. CJ could tell that he was watching the exchanges between Matt and Miguel, their easy going banter and mildly flirting ways. Did he envy the closeness of that relationship? Why was he always so defensive about the gay issue? CJ sat next to Thomas and about halfway through dinner he felt the pressure of the boy's knee against his own, it had to be on purpose.

After the meal they walked the strip of highway, past the noisy bars and closed shops towards town. Matt and Miguel walked ahead while Thomas lingered and CJ was pretty sure why.

"Can I ask you something?" Thomas said.

"Sure, anytime."

"Are they happy, as a couple? I mean, they argue a lot, but always seem to settle down and get back together."

"Did your parents fight a lot?" CJ asked.

"All the time, it's what they did best together. I think mom felt real guilty when dad died, I was only seven."

"I'm so sorry to hear that. So you've never really seen a happy family in operation? You know, if parents fight it isn't because they don't love their children. You can't feel responsible Thomas, that's putting too much pressure on yourself."

"I suppose. Can a gay couple really be happy? I know that just being gay is a real hard thing, considering the way some people treat you," Thomas said.

"Sometimes it's hard, that's why we hang out together. But consider this; did you know I was gay when you met me?"

"No, not a clue."

"See, then I can choose to open my world to you or not. I have to judge if you can handle it before I open my mouth. In your case, I'm sorry I was so clumsy and stupid. I suppose it was hard to get past your good looks."

"Yeah, it's always the sex, but there has to be more to a relationship."

"Oh, yes, you've got that right," CJ said. "Sometimes one will have to sacrifice a little to meet the needs of the other, relationships are always give and take."

"For love?" Thomas said.

"I'm glad you see it that way, yes, I want to be loved...don't you?"

"Yeah, but not just for my looks, I have a brain too," Thomas replied.

"Then you have everything you need for a successful relationship."

"But I have a handicap, and I'm not sure anyone will overlook that."

They strolled along for a while, digesting both the dinner and the conversation. Matt and Miguel turned back at the corner.

"How about we hail a cab, road trip tomorrow and I want to finish packing," Matt said.

"Bet you do," CJ said, "ok, a taxi it is."

During the ride back to the motel, CJ pondered Thomas' comments. So he wants to understand the give and take. The straight world seems to reject him for his lack of a penis, a shame, the joke is on them. He's the brightest kid...but wouldn't the gay world reject him for the same reasons? Sure, but I won't and he knows it. I'd rather have love than a big cock any day. Can you imagine the impact all this must have on his young psyche?

They separated in the lobby after setting an early rendezvous for breakfast. CJ hoped to arrive in San Carlos by noon to help Miguel and to make it easier to arrange for some kind of overland vehicle to take Thomas north along the coast.

Once in their room, Thomas went about the normal activities in preparation for bed, but all his moves were slow and thoughtful, then he started laughing for no reason at all.

"Oh, shit," Thomas said, "I finally got it. Ha, ha."

"Got what?"

"The line you said to Matt when he said he wanted to finish packing, you meant Miguel's butt. I'll bet you do, ha, ha. Am I right?"

"Oh Lord, you straight boys drive me crazy. But thanks for a great day, kiddo, I really enjoy your company you know."

"Yeah, me too, CJ. Could I…"

He stopped talking and leaning forward, planting a kiss on CJ's lips. He blushed immediately afterwards.

"What was that for?" CJ asked.

"Just because ... tell me about this person that you love."

CJ thought a moment. "All right, but I have to start at the beginning or you won't understand how important Blake is to my life."


On to Chapter Twelve

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