* * * *
“That was an excruciating way to spend the afternoon.”
Aaron drove his Stutz Bearcat out of Preston’s driveway then turned and headed toward Lake Avenue and the highway that would take them back to the Hollywood area where they both lived. Saul stared out of the window, the exchange between him and Kenneth at the forefront of his mind.
“I want Kenneth out of there right now. I say we turn back, collect him then figure out the rest later.”
Saul regarded Aaron, who had his eyes directed steadfastly forward. After a brief pause where it seemed as if Aaron was carefully considering something, he finally spoke.
“I’ve certainly never seen you like this before. Although I will say, I’m glad for it.”
“
Glad
? Do you think Kenneth’s glad that he—”
“Now hold on, my good friend, that’s not at all what I meant. Of course I’m not happy about his situation. However, witnessing how he’s gotten under your skin is wonderful.” Taking one hand off the wheel, Aaron then reached over and squeezed Saul’s arm before putting it back. “We’ll get him out of there, but we stick to the plan. Let’s find out what we can from Linus, make sure he’s taken care of as well, then wait. Our fly is about to charge into our spider’s web where we can dispose of him for good.”
Saul didn’t answer his friend, allowing his mind to wander instead. He knew it was risky to think too far ahead, to go over various scenarios of what Kenneth might need or want once Saul and his compatriots got him away from his captor. It would be wiser not to contemplate the situation and what it might mean for Saul. Getting his heart crushed by Kenneth would be much too easy.
However, Saul was a meticulous, ordered man by nature. He hadn’t gotten where he had in life by allowing chance to take over. Every business move he’d made over the years had been calculated to the very last detail. Despite his considerable financial successes, orchestrating events to guarantee Kenneth’s happiness was the most important thing he’d ever done.
“Ah, this must be the charming establishment where Linus resides. We should be thankful that Francesco hasn’t the slightest idea of how to mind his own business, or we likely wouldn’t have ever found him. I’m sure he’s been frightened away for good after whatever it was that Preston did to the poor boy.”
Aaron parked the Bearcat on Gower Street, not very far from Global Studios.
“That’s another thing to add to the list.” Saul already had his notepad out and was scribbling in it.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, old sport, we should have a list of the submissive men’s addresses. We have it for the Dominants—why not them?”
Aaron chuckled. “Because we collect money from the Dominants.”
“Hmm. You see? My thinking hasn’t been clear on this. I should have been considering all angles.”
“
We
should have, Saul. You’re not the only member on the board. And since we don’t have anyone heading it up, keeping it equal the way you said the owner of Hampton Road demands, how could you possibly take on the responsibility for everything?”
Grumbling, Saul closed the notepad then put it away. “Well, I have been there the longest. I feel I’ve been remiss.”
“One thing at a time, remember?” Aaron opened the door on his side, then swung one of his long legs out of the car and onto the runner. He glanced over his shoulder. “Right now we have to convince a likely very scared young man to allow us to help him.”
“This is very kind of you, Aaron. Are you sure it won’t be an imposition? I can always make other arrangements for the men.”
Saul had already descended from the motorcar and waited for Aaron to straighten his jacket and cuffs.
“The guesthouse is empty and Sam can use the help in the nursery. He has more plants than he can keep up with, despite the help from his mother and sister. We were going to have to put up employment notices, so this is actually quite perfect.” Aaron adjusted his hat and gave Saul a mischievous look. “And Altadena isn’t very far from San Marino.”
Saul regarded him with a scowl. “I live in Los Angeles.”
“And spend most of your time at the club in San Marino.”
“Can we hurry this along? How can I get to the club if I’m in Hollywood yakking it up with you?”
Aaron let loose a hearty laugh. “Let’s go then.”
The ratty hotel gave the impression that it was too rundown to have ever seen a better day. Saul’s stomach twisted at the thought of the lovely boy Linus living there. He was filled with shame over how much he’d overlooked in regards to the lives the submissives led outside of the club. There were going to be some drastic changes and he planned to accept the full responsibility for making them happen.
They entered the dark, musty interior of the men’s flop house and noted a man sucking on a cigarette and reading a newspaper behind a wooden counter. He lifted his mismatched eyes upon their entry. One bugged out and the other seemed to be frozen in a permanent squint. He was of an indeterminate age, but whatever youth he may have possessed had long since deserted him.
“Are you the fuzz?” He’d growled it out while still managing to balance his smoke between his lips.
Aaron stepped forward with an elegant stride. Saul marveled at how easily Aaron adapted to any situation they found themselves in. He wasn’t the same man Saul had met years back. There had always been a good heart within his friend, but for too long it had been stained by melancholy. Aaron’s little Sam had changed all of that.
“My good Lord, no. We’re looking for a dear friend of ours, but can’t seem to remember the room he said he was staying in. Perhaps you could help us out?”
At the end of Aaron’s statement, he slid a twenty dollar bill across the counter toward the hotel guardian. The man placed a hand with fingers discolored yellow by years of smoking right on top of the money, then slid it back toward him. It was a smooth, practiced move—one he’d no doubt had plenty of opportunity to use in the questionable establishment.
“Perhaps I could. Who did ya say you was lookin’ for?”
“Linus Sullivan. He has fair skin, but almost black hair. Small, only about—”
“Heh, heh. Yeah, I know the boy.” The repugnant man licked his lips. “Love to catch him alone some time.”
Saul clenched his fists. His awe over Aaron’s acting ability was renewed again as he merely laughed lightly at the remark.
“Ah yes. Of course, I’d be happy to mention your interest. What room did you say he’s residing in?”
“I didn’t, mister. But I ain’t got no reason to be mysterious. He’s on the second floor in two-eleven. Hasn’t come out since he came back last night kinda earlier than usual.” Their informer leaned forward. “I think he got roughed up by one-a the fellas he dates.”
“Oh?” Aaron raised his eyebrows as if he was greatly shocked by this revelation.
“Yeah. Just a hunch.”
“I see. Well, thank you kindly for your help. We must be on our way.”
“Sure thing, mac. You need to find any other lookers, ya let me know. I can matchmake with the best a them.”
Saul had heard enough. He needed to take care of things with Linus then get to work on the next step. As soon as he’d heard from Kenneth that he wanted to leave Preston, it was all Saul had been able to think about.
“I will surely keep that in mind. Good day to you.”
The man waved them off. “Likewise and all that.”
Fortunately they were only traveling up one floor, as the rickety place they were in had no elevators. They easily found the door they sought and Saul knocked with what had been perhaps too much force, judging by the frown Aaron gave him.
He stepped closer to Saul, whispering, “He’s already fearful. Let’s not make him faint away.”
“Sorry, old sport. I’m a bit anxious I suppose.”
They could hear some shuffling going on from within the room. Given the type of establishment it was, there could be many men sharing the one sleeping area. Aaron knocked again, much gentler than Saul had been.
“Who the feckin’ hell is bangin’ on our door at the feckin’ crack o’ dawn?”
Saul arched his eyebrows at Aaron, since it was well past noon. He cleared his throat. “We need to speak with Linus Sullivan. It’s very important. We’re here to help him.”
There was some mumbling between at least two people that Saul couldn’t discern, then the same voice from before yelled out. “Ah, sweet holy
Jesus
. Go see what they want, Linus! I needs me beauty rest for the Johnson brothers later. They don’t take so well to me not being extra frisky and I needs me doss paid for.”
Saul and Aaron exchanged glances. Saul could only imagine that Aaron was thinking the same thing. Once they got Linus and Kenneth situated, they would make sure that none of the Hampton Club boys resided in such conditions ever again.
The door cracked open in the slightest, and the sweet face of Linus peeked out. As soon as he saw them, he yelped and tried to shut them out. Aaron wedged his body in the frame, preventing Linus from closing the door.
“No! I won’t go back! I never want to see that awful place again!”
Saul’s heart broke at the young man’s terrified words. What had he done by allowing Preston Cornwall into the halls of Hampton Road?
Chapter Five
“Dear boy, we’re not here to harm you. We’re here to help you.”
As Linus was no match for Aaron in physical strength or size, he gave up. He didn’t move to allow them in or come out in the hall either.
“I don’t understand. Help me with what?”
Saul maintained eye contact with him, inwardly pleased that Linus was refusing to lower his gaze. It was likely the only way the scared young man could convey that he wasn’t going to be bullied.
“We heard from one of the other submissives that you were very upset when you left the club last night, that they thought you’d been crying. Is that true?”
Linus seemed to relax somewhat, but kept a wary expression. “I might have been a little upset. But why should you care?”
“Because Master Aaron and I are two of the men who head up Hampton Road and it’s very important to us that anyone who goes there is safe and happy. We’re worried that something might have happened to you that goes against our standards for the club.”
Linus chewed on the side of his bottom lip. “I…I can’t talk about what happened. You seem like nice men, but I think its best that I just don’t go back.”
Saul couldn’t stand it any longer. “Did Preston Cornwall hurt you?”
Linus gasped and that was enough to give Saul his answer.
“Please accept our sincerest apologies for ever allowing that horrid man into the club. Whatever he did to you, we want to guarantee that it never happens to anyone else again.”
Tears spilled from Linus’ eyes. “Then you have to help Kenneth. The first couple times I was summoned by Master Preston, I couldn’t tell if Kenneth liked what was being done to him, but after last night…I’m sure he doesn’t. He sounded so scared when he stopped Preston from raping me.”
“
What?”
Aaron cried out as Saul’s blood ran cold through his veins.
“Linus. Gather your things. We’re taking you someplace safe, someplace clean. We’ll make sure to get Kenneth too, but you have to tell us everything so we can help him. Agreed?”
Linus glanced back and forth between Saul and Aaron. “You promise to help Kenneth? I owe him for getting Master Preston away from me.” Linus dipped his chin in what appeared to be shame. “I don’t know what he had to do after I left. I was just… I couldn’t…”
More tears dropped onto the young man’s chest. Saul tentatively reached out and patted Linus lightly on his shoulder.
“There, there. Kenneth did what he thought was necessary. You can help him by coming with us. He’ll need a friend when we get him away from that bastard.”
“Okay, thank you.” Linus’ voice was very small.
More than ever, Saul wanted to wreak a horrible vengeance on Preston Cornwall. But first he needed to investigate the situation with Kenneth’s aunt. Once that obstacle was removed, there would be nothing to stop him from getting Kenneth away from his brutal keeper.
Hold on, dear Kenneth. I’ll come for you very soon.
* * * *
After the meeting with Master Saul and Master Aaron, Preston had become unusually decent. His normal day-to-day surliness had been replaced by smugness that was even more out of proportion to reality than normal. He’d even been humming as he’d polished and oiled his precious collection of dungeon gear. That was the one task Kenneth was never allowed to do. No one touched Preston’s presumably priceless treasures except for him.
Preston’s behavior didn’t extend to going easy on Kenneth’s workload. Nor did it include allowing Kenneth to sleep in the bedroom. He was back in the shed—but after almost being choked to death the last time he’d slept in Preston’s room, it was worth any other discomfort he might endure. And he’d had privacy.
Every night after he’d been chained in the shed, Kenneth had waited until the lights had gone out in the house. He’d managed to sneak a rag in with him that he’d hidden in the blanket he’d taken from the clothesline. Ever since he’d been so close to Master Saul, since the older man had briefly touched him, it was all he could think about. He was hard almost all the time.
The last thing he could be caught with around Preston was an erection. He didn’t dare contemplate what reaction that might inspire. Since Preston had made sure to let Kenneth know in a rather harsh way that he didn’t believe any of Kenneth’s words of devotion, it would be dangerous if he were to catch him in a state of arousal. It had been reinforced to Kenneth so many times over the years that Preston would always know when Kenneth was hiding something from him, that Kenneth had the bizarre feeling that Preston knew Saul had been in the kitchen. He couldn’t shake the fear that Preston was aware Saul had touched him, had been nice to him—and that Preston was merely biding his time and plotting his revenge.
Yet there was an even more insidious reaction Preston might have to Kenneth’s hardness. In a moment of misplaced hubris, he might conclude that Kenneth desired him after all. Kenneth shuddered in revulsion at the thought of Preston pawing at him, kissing him—entering him.