The man drove a very nice BMW into the parking lot, one of the latest sports models. He parked the car next to the building, out of sight from the nearby highway. Getting out, he walked around to the passenger door, and opened it.

The legs of his passenger swung out onto the cracked asphalt surface. In the gathering gloom of evening, the sparse security lighting in the parking lot revealed a woman's shapely legs. Her feet were encased in expensive high heels, matching the designer outfit she wore. The woman gave him a smile and they walked towards the outside staircase to the second floor balcony.

Passing a half dozen rooms, the man produced a key and opened a door. The couple went inside and the door closed. To any prying eyes they could have been a married couple or even lovers looking for a little quiet time. The reality was ... they were anything but.

"You did that quite well," the man said.

"Christ, Jack ... you know I hate wearing heels unless I'm on stage."

Jack laughed. "Well now, you played the part quite well. Besides William, you get to keep the dress. I promised you that didn't I?"

Billy giggled, pulling the blonde wig from his head. "Yes, I suppose you did." He kicked off the shoes and shimmied out of the dress, leaving himself standing there in a T-shirt and shorts. Now Billy looked like the twenty something hot stripper that Jack had admired so much these past three months.

He felt that familiar stirring in his crotch when he saw the boy's legs; he had a fetish for shapely legs. He had become so familiar with that young body, possessing every inch of it during their passionate moments. The best part was that Billy still had the body of a sixteen year old, he was virtually hairless. The best of both worlds, a man in a boy's body.

Jack looked at the doorway to the adjoining room. Kevin would be over there. Dear sweet Kevin, my little fucking genius, Jack thought. Soon the boy would be legal and he would worry less.

Jack could still remember that night not too many years before. A small boy huddled on the sidewalk outside that gay cowboy bar on P Street in D.C. It was a cold night and the kid had looked up at him as he passed. And something in those eyes had brought Jack to a dead stop in mid-stride.

"Can you spare some change?" the boy had said.

"What are you doing here?" Jack had asked. Maybe he had been a little drunk but the kid seemed to pull him like a magnet.

"I ... I just need some food," the boy stammered, his lips almost blue from the cold.

Jack had looked around, but they were alone on the sidewalk since it was past midnight. He remembered dropping down beside the boy, taking off his leather jacket and wrapping it around the kid's shoulders.

"What are you doing here?" he repeated.

"I have no where else to go," the boy had said ... tears appearing in his eyes. Those big brown eyes. My God, he'd thought, the boy can't be over twelve years of age. He shouldn't be here.

"Can you buy me something to eat?" the boy asked.

Jack noticed the necklace hanging at the boy's throat. It was the little pink triangle that caught his eye. The boy saw him look and smiled.

"Yes ... I am," he said almost proudly.

Jack remembered laughing. "The best of us usually are," He'd said in return.

The retort caused the boy's face to light up, his mouth open in surprise. "You too?"

"Yes ... now let's get you out of the cold and we can talk about it later, OK?"

Jack had taken the boy home to the place he leased in Georgetown. His home was in Chicago ... or Los Angeles, New York, Montreal ... wherever business took him these days. But thankfully he had been in D.C. that night or the boy might have succumbed to the cold out there on the streets.

Jack fixed the kid some hot soup and a sandwich. He ate most of his meals out, always looking for new clients. But now this starving boy had just fallen in his lap. With a little warmth in his belly, Kevin had begun to tell his story. Kevin ... the name suited him so well.

Kevin, age thirteen, had come out to his parents with a sincere wish that they understand why he was behaving the way he did. Everything went to hell almost immediately. They tried to have him committed to an institution; their son could only be delusional thinking he was gay.

But the medical profession wouldn't cooperate; being gay was no longer considered a psychosis. So his parents had turned to friends looking for some religious organization that would change the boy. Feeling he was about to be brainwashed by some cult the boy had only one choice, he ran.

It meant leaving behind everything he had come to know in his young life, the greatest loss being his computer. Kevin had been in a Northern Virginia school for gifted kids. He had rated genius on an IQ test in fourth grade. But now he doubted his own wisdom for leaving, the street was no place for him to survive; he just didn't have the skills.

He'd been hungry and cold for three days ... and he smelled bad. Jack led the boy to the bathroom, gave him a towel and a robe ... then shut the door. He put Kevin to bed in his own bedroom and the boy was out in a matter of minutes.

Jack went to his desk and began answering his e-mail, the flow of orders and requests never stopped. Business was good but also exhausting since he didn't trust anyone else to make the decisions.

It was probably four in the morning when he felt the presence behind him. Kevin was standing at the door asking if he was ever gonna come to bed. Jack sat the boy on his lap and Kevin watched the flow of information cascading down the screen.

"You know what this is?" Jack had asked.

"Sure. You're running a business online," Kevin said. "You have a flow of orders coming in and you route them to ... uh, well six sources I see here. This is some kind of mail order business ... what do you sell??

The question begged an answer so Jack gave him one. "I sell sweetness and love, Kevin."

Kevin grinned, "You sell porn, huh? Cool."

It had been the beginning of a long and profitable relationship, four years and counting. Jack didn't expect a bump in the road like what had just happened would derail what they had going. Kevin knew the business better than he did and he completely trusted the boy.

Jack went and knocked on the adjoining door to let Kevin know he was here. If any of the brats was in that room Kevin would clear them out before opening the door. Jack liked anonymity, he was Mr. G to any of the hundred or so boys scattered across the country. To Kevin he was Jack or even sometimes ... Daddy.

From day one they had never consummated their relationship with any sexual activity. It was hard, Kevin being the honest, pleading adolescent who would have done anything for the man that had literally taken him off the street and given him a life. And the boy had worked his wiles those first few months, but to no avail.

Jack was quite attracted to the boy, but he saw so much more than sex between them. Kevin was like a son and incest wasn't on the menu. It had worked out for the best, they both finally agreed. Jack would have his legal boyfriends and Kevin could chose to sleep with any of the boys Golden Hand possessed. But until now Kevin had remained celibate.

He had mentioned this boy Austin as someone special in a few emails. Jack knew the face from the site but was curious to see the boy in person. If Kevin vouched for this one then it seemed like an acceptable risk. He just hoped this boy wasn't some gawky adolescent pain in the ass.

Kevin finally opened the door and threw his arms around Jack. There had always been real affection between them, but this time Jack detected a bit of insecurity.

"Damn I've missed you," Jack said. "You all OK here? I know things have been a bit unsettled for you guys the past few days."

"Yeah, it's been ... .weird," Kevin replied. "Have you seen Bucky? I haven't heard a word from him at all."

"I told him to lay low after you called me, but he didn't listen. He got himself arrested yesterday for assault on some old man." Jack could hear the shower running in the bathroom. "Who's in there?"

"Austin," Kevin said, and then he grinned. "You know, I told you about us."

"The runaway from Oklahoma? Yeah, I remember him," Jack said.

"He's been a real help with the kids. I needed the time to get things going again."

"Yeah, been working on a new place for you guys," Jack said. "You remember Billy?"

"Yeah ... Hey Billy," Kevin said. Billy gave him a wave back in reply. "You get us a new place yet, Jack?"

"Yes, that's what I came to tell you. Look sweetie, I know none of this mess is your fault so don't take this the wrong way. We're going to partner you guys up with someone who can mind the store while you run the business."

Kevin looked surprised. Jack had never let someone else get close, and the very definition of partner was an insider.

"Is it going to change the way we do business?" Kevin asked.

"A little ... I'm ditching Bucky."

"Good ... for a lot of reasons. Austin has been telling me about some of the games Bucky was playing," Kevin said. "I'm sorry, I was so tied down I didn't know he was breaking in the new boys like that."

Jack smiled. "You're such a good boy. You work too hard and maybe this will alleviate some of that pressure. No more downtown apartments, you guys are going to live like kings from now on ... " He stopped in mid-sentence.

It was the moment Austin chose to exit the bathroom ... .sans towel or any form of cover. Jack gazed at the boy's naked body and Austin smiled back. Kevin giggled, knowing full well that the boy had no shame about his body whatsoever.

"Austin ... this is my ... Daddy," Kevin said.

"Uh ... sorry," Austin said, and now he was blushing.

"It's ok, kid, go get some clothes on," Jack said.

It was amusing and yet Jack felt a surge of lust at the same time. Kevin was a lucky boy to have this one in his bed. He'd met so many of his boys over the years, and to some degree felt physically attracted to them. But most of them were kiddie trade, while Austin looked like a developing young man. Yeah, Kevin was very lucky.

He sat the boys down for a talk while Billy remained in the room next door. It was a testament to Kevin's good judgment that he allowed Austin to stay.

"I've known this man for a while now, his name is John Alderman. He used to be a lawyer with a large firm, but he's retired now. I'm sure you know the name Kevin, he's been a client on and off for years." Kevin nodded in reply.

"Well," Jack continued, "I've decided to do away with the nest concept and bring all you boys together in one house ... and it's a very large house at that. It's very private and there's a pool with room for a basketball court if you want. But above all it's secure and safe for you boys. I worry about that you know."

"Without Bucky how are we going to conduct business?" Kevin asked.

"John will see that the boys get rides, he owns a fleet of limousines. Pretty classy, huh?"

"Wow ... but it sounds expensive," Kevin said.

"Prices are going up I'm afraid, but most of the clients won't care," Jack said. He turned to look at Austin and smiled. "Wouldn't you rather ride in a limo?"

Austin stared back. "Depends ... does the ride come out of my share?"

Jack was a little startled at the reply. "Um, no it won't. John will cover that. What ... you feel like you aren't making enough?"

Austin shrugged. "I dunno. I let Kevin hold my money."

Jack smiled, "That sounds like a wise move, and he'll keep it safe. One of these days you'll need that money to start building your life. I suppose you know you're one of the older boys in this business."

"Yeah, I do," Austin replied. "But I also know that my body is worth more now."

Jack grinned, looking over at Kevin. "You put him up to this?"

"Nope ... Austin speaks for himself. Maybe I'm to blame, but he does like to take charge."

"Good, because I have a suggestion for Austin. If he wants I'll take him out of the lineup for dates and let him run the kiddie farm."

"Wow ... really?" Kevin said.

"Yeah, well you need more time together I bet and at John's house there'll be the entire team in one location." He looked straight at Austin. "That means you might have to control a dozen boys ... are you up to it?"

Austin grinned. "You got your man, Mr. G."

"Jack ... you may call me Jack since you're almost one of the family now. Maybe Kevin will even teach you some of the business end."

Austin smiled and Kevin grabbed him in a hug. Jack watched the boys' antics and then cleared his throat. Austin looked up. "And I think we can assure you of a raise in salary, will that suit you?"

"Yes, Jack ... thanks," Austin said.

"Well you get Kevin to make a few investments for you, he'll put your money in all the right places, won't you sweetie?"

"Yes ... Daddy," Kevin grinned.

"Now Austin, why don't you go next door and get the kids packed up. The van will be here in about an hour," Jack said. "Make sure they don't leave anything behind."

"Sure thing," Austin replied.

He unlocked the access door and slipped through. Kevin looked over at Jack, the smiles gone, the tension had returned.

"What happens to Bucky?" Kevin asked. "He knows too much."

"That's being taken care of, he won't be a liability for much longer. Does that bother you?"

"Um ... not really, he was never nice to me or the boys."

"He had his uses and he blew it ... we move on," Jack said.

"Thanks for being so good to Austin," Kevin said. "I think he was about to make a move."

"Really? Then you have to keep an eye on him, sweetie. He seems pretty content with your relationship."

"I think I'm the only reason he stays. I'll watch him ... I don't want anything bad to happen to him," Kevin said. "So did you spring for the new equipment?"

"Yeah, the crate arrived from New York yesterday; it's already at the house."

"So where is this new place, still in the city?" Kevin asked.

"Lincoln Park, the place is really huge. I wish we had done this before; it makes a lot more sense. I don't see any reason that the new boys can't mix with the experienced ones, especially with Austin minding them."

"I guess that means he'll have to break any new ones in for us. At least he won't abuse them like Bucky did." Kevin grinned, "I just hope they don't wear him out, I gotta get mine you know."

Jack laughed. "Somehow I know you'll always get yours. Come on, you have to pack up too."

Kevin packed up the meager amount of computer equipment and tossed his clothes in a bag. The idea of living in a real secure house was appealing. He wasn't sure what John would be like, but Jack trusted him so that was enough. Now all he had to do was worry about Austin.

Something was different; he had sensed it the minute the boy returned to the apartments. Maybe that cop had gotten through to him, all cops played head games. What could he offer Austin? Dodging the law was part of their game and they knew how to do it quite well by now.

The added responsibility would be good for the boy, make him feel more a part of the organization. Either way, Austin wouldn't be on the street anymore. Kevin really loved the boy, he didn't want Austin to become a liability and then disappear.

Kevin shuddered; he knew what happened to liabilities. Jack had people for that, he had people for everything. Sometimes his Daddy could be a scary man. Anyone that became a threat to the business was taken care of, even if they were boys. Nothing would stop the Golden Hand.

He had seen the photo online, the one of the dead boy. Jody had only been fourteen when he vanished. His body was found four months later, the case unsolved. Kevin knew the answers, but he couldn't tell anyone.

A client had broken the rules and the boy had been badly hurt. Jack had sent some guys to talk with the client and he paid for the damages. Jody had just begun to recover when he decided to run, got caught in the act and taken away by Bucky.

Even Jack knew Bucky wasn't the right man for the job, but there it was. The article said the boy had been raped and strangled ... well, the article didn't say exactly what happened, but Kevin knew. God but he hated that pervert. Now he would get his just desserts.

Kevin followed the other boys out to the van. It was late, the parking lot quiet. But he knew there were eyes on them out there in the darkness, Jack was always cautious. Maybe he could relax in this new place of theirs, he needed to rest. It had been almost four years of constant pressure.

Austin took the backpack and laid it gently on the floor at their feet before grasping his hand. Kevin smiled. Yes, this was love, and this one beautiful creature made it all worth while.


On to Chapter Six

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"On the Wire" Copyright © 16 November 2008 by Chris James. All rights reserved.
    This work may not be duplicated in any form (physical, electronic, audio, or otherwise) without the author's written permission. All applicable copyright laws apply. All individuals depicted are fictional with any resemblance to real persons being purely coincidental.

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