The boys sat around the living room, watching television and playfully chatting. Thirty minutes earlier they had ordered pizzas, and they were hungrily waiting for them to arrive. They heard a knock on the door.
“I’ll get it.” Jeremy pushed Franklin off his lap and onto the floor.
“Bastard!” Franklin grabbed him by the ankle, causing him to loose his balance and fall down. He then jumped over Jeremy and ran to the door, unlocking it without looking into the peephole first.
“Franklin!” Joe shouted. “Look and make sure it’s...” It was too late. Franklin had already thrown open the door and Cobra rushed inside, throwing the small boy to the ground. He was carrying a large handgun and pointing it wildly at the boys.
“Everyone on this side of the room!” he screamed as he slammed the door and locked the deadbolt. He grabbed Franklin off the floor and threw him into Matt. Matt caught him and wrapped his arms securely around him. Joe reached out and pulled Jeremy behind him. Franklin was screaming hysterically while Matt tried to quiet him.
“Shut that fucking pansy up, or I’ll shoot him!” Cobra yelled. Matt held Franklin tightly and put his hand over his mouth in an attempt to stop him from screaming.
“I don’t want to die! Please don’t kill me!” he cried.
“Shut the fuck up!” Cobra approached Franklin and slapped him across the face. It only made Franklin cry even louder.
“Don’t you hit him, you son of a bitch.” Matt yelled as he approached Cobra.
“Don’t Matt!” Joe reached out and grabbed his arm.
“You better listen to your boyfriend, Blondie,” warned Cobra as he backhanded Matt with the gun. Matt winced in pain at the assault. Joe tightened his grip on him, trying to stop him from trying to do anything that would put him in further danger.
Cobra opened a plastic grocery bag and took out a roll of duct tape. “Go in the kitchen and bring out the four chairs around the table. If you do anything stupid, I won’t hesitate to kill you,” he warned. Joe did as he said.
“Now line them up,” he ordered. “First tape the hands of that little fag.” He pointed to Franklin and handed Joe the tape. “Behind his back.” Joe did as he was instructed. He taped Franklin’s hands behind his back as Cobra carefully watched. Then he sat him gently in the first seat. Franklin sat shaking uncontrollably.
“Now that fag.” He pointed to Jeremy. Joe taped his hands behind his back, and then sat him in the second seat.
“Now pretty boy.” He pointed to Matt. “Only you don’t look so pretty now.” He began to laugh as he reached over and slapped Matt on the side of his face where a bruise was quickly forming. He winced in pain. Joe duct taped Matt’s hand, noticing that he had his hands slightly apart. When done, he sat Matt in the third chair.
“Turn around.” He pushed Jeremy up against the wall and began to tape his hands tightly. When he was done, he pushed him into the fourth chair. He stepped back and looked over his captive prey and began to laugh menacingly.
“Well, well, well. Look at what I have here.” He continued his sadistic laughter. “You boys don’t look too pretty right now.” He walked over and spit in Matt’s face. He continued to pace back and forth, eyeing each boy individually. He finally stopped in front of Matt.
“I’m going to kill you last, Pretty Boy. You’re the reason Wellston’s in jail. I want you to watch the others die before I blow your pretty face off.” Matt’s skin crawled when he heard his threatening words. He wasn’t thinking of himself. He couldn’t bear to see Joe and the others suffer at Cobra’s hand. He kept looking at the door, hoping Nichols would come rushing in at any minute.
“So help me, God...” Matt threatened, but he received a hard slap across the face.
“What?” Cobra laughed. “What the fuck are you going to do to me? Look’s like you’re in no condition to make threats.” He hit him harshly again. Matt almost passed out from the intense pain.
“You’ve caused so much damn trouble, Boy. Wellston wanted you dead last year, but he wanted things to die down. Now he wants me to finish the job.” He lifted Matt’s head with his beefy paw. He dropped it and began pacing again.
“I hate pretty boys like you,” he said angrily. “You can have anything you want. All my life I’ve been laughed at by the likes of you. I hear the cruel comments when you pass me on the street. Just because you have the looks, you think the world owes you. I can’t even buy a piece of pussy. Who would want an ugly fuck like me?” The more he surveyed the boys, the more rage appeared in his eyes.
As he spoke, Matt kept trying to loosen the tape around his wrists. Joe had noticed that he held his hands slightly apart, and he had taped them loosely. It was just enough that he could twist his wrists back and forth, feeling it begin to tear slightly. He had to be very careful, though, to keep Cobra from noticing. He knew Cobra wouldn’t hesitate to shoot him if he observed him trying to break free.
“I’m going to have a little fun before I kill you. I’m going to fuck you in your pretty mouths before I shoot you.” He grabbed Franklin’s mouth and began caressing it.
“Such a pretty mouth. I’m going to start with you.” Franklin let out a loud cry. His eyes widened when he noticed Cobra begin to unbuckle his belt.
“No! Oh God, No!” he screamed. Cobra backhanded him across the face.
“Shut up, Boy! I’m not good enough for you?” he shouted. “I’ve watched you suck countless guys off at Wellston’s mansion. I was forbidden to touch you. Today, I’m going to make up for that.”
Franklin continued to cry as Cobra removed his belt and unzipped his pants.
“Leave him alone!” Jeremy screamed. He couldn’t stand to watch as Cobra threatened Franklin. Cobra walked over and slapped him across the face, sending his head flying backwards and crashing onto the back of the chair. Jeremy appeared to pass out briefly.
Cobra pulled his pants down to his ankles. All four boys watched in horror as Cobra pulled out a thick cock. It wasn’t particularly long, but it was as thick as a beer can. A horrible stench filled the room as he began to stroke his cock. He walked over to Franklin and stuck it in his face. The small boy began to gag as the acrid smell filled his nose. Joe tried to divert Cobra’s attention from Franklin.
“Fuck you, Cobra. Why don’t you bring that thing over here and let a real man suck it?” The thought of the man’s cock in his mouth almost made him vomit, but he didn’t want to see Franklin hurt.
“All in good time, Pretty Boy,” he smirked. “I’m going to let all of you have a piece of this fat cock before I kill you.”
He tried to stuff his cock in Franklin’s small mouth, but he kept turning his head. Cobra grabbed the sides of his face and held it straight as he brought his cock closer. He pinched Franklin’s nose shut, waiting until he gasped for air. Then he was going to cram his cock into the boy’s mouth.
“If you bite me, Boy, I’ll slit your fucking throat,” he threatened.
Suddenly, Matt felt the duct tape give way. He had managed to work his wrists free without being noticed by Cobra. Timing was critical. He had to make his move at just the right time or they would all be dead.
When Franklin gasped for air and opened his mouth, Cobra began to shove his hard thick cock into his mouth. Matt jumped and pushed the mammoth man to the ground. He fought with him as Cobra tried to pull his gun from its holster. Cobra threw a fist into Matt’s face, knocking him back. Matt saw stars. When he refocused, he saw Cobra bringing the gun around towards him.
“Matt, No!” Joe screamed from his seat, watching helpless as Matt fought on the ground with the larger man.
Matt grabbed his hand and began struggling for control. He couldn’t believe the strength of the huge man. They wrestled for the gun, when suddenly it discharged.
“BANG!”
Everything seemed to go in slow motion as Matt fell on top of Cobra. He lifted himself and saw blood all over his clothing. Cobra reached out and shoved him off. He lifted the gun again. This time Matt grabbed it, pointed it once again at Cobra’s chest and fired. Dark red blood splattered onto his face. He rolled over and lay on his back as he looked over at Cobra and watched him take his final breath. His chest rose, and then he let out a gurgling sound before becoming motionless.
Matt closed his eyes and let out a large shout. It was not a shout of pain, but rather of victory. David had slain Goliath. He began to cry as he got up and rushed over to Joe. He took him in his bloody arms and held him.
“It’s all right, Joe. It’s over,” he cried.
Suddenly the door burst open, and Sergeant Nichols and a Swat team came rushing in. They quickly assessed the scene and saw Cobra lying dead on the floor with his pants around his ankles. Matt was clutching Joe and crying. Franklin and Jeremy were screaming hysterically. In all his years as a police officer, he had never seen such a pitiful sight.
Within minutes, the other boys were freed and emergency personnel were attending to them. It was determined that all four should be taken to the hospital and treated for their minor injuries.
* * * * * * * *
Matt opened his eyes to a bright, white room. He looked around and realized he was in a hospital room. He stirred slightly and then saw a figure jump from a nearby chair and rush over to his bed.
“Matt!” Jessica reached over and kissed him on the cheek. “Are you all right?”
“Joe!” He screamed, looking around frantically for his friend. “Where’s Joe?” Jessica smiled and walked over and drew back the cloth partition. Matt looked over to see Joe smiling at him.
“Hey, you!” he said. “You saved our lives!” Suddenly, the events at the apartment overwhelmed him and he began to sob hysterically. Jessica sat on the side of the bed and held him. She pulled his head into her shoulder and tried to comfort him.
When Joe got out of his hospital bed and he approached, Jessica released Matt and let Joe take her place. “We’re safe now. No one’s ever going to hurt you again. I promise.” Matt looked into Joe’s reassuring face and kissed him.
“Ahem!” Jessica cleared her throat. When they looked over, she was smiling broadly. “You two need to get a room.”
“We have one,” Matt laughed. “Don’t you like what we’ve done with it?” He waved his hand around. She walked over and embraced Matt and Joe and held them tightly.
“I can’t imagine what you guys have been through,” Jessica said with tears flowing down her cheeks. “When Nichols called me, I was so frightened.” She gently touched the bruises on Matt’s face where Cobra had struck him.
“Where are Jeremy and Franklin?” Joe asked.
“They’re down the hall,” she informed them. “There’s been a parade of therapists going in and out of their room all day. I guess they’re finally going to get the help they should have gotten last year.”
“I’m glad,” Matt smiled. “Do you think they’ll let us see them?”
“Ask Nichols when he comes in,” she suggested. “I’m sure he can arrange it.”
As if on cue, the door opened and in walked Nichols. “Hey, guys. How are you feeling?” He examined the bruises on Matt’s face.
Matt responded, “We’re doing all right, considering every thing we‘ve been through.”
“You’ll feel a lot better when I tell you what I have to say.”
“Good news?” Matt was getting into his reporter’s mode again.
“Yes,” he said. “We went to the DA this morning and told him about Wellston and the prostitution ring he conducted last year. We also told him about hiring Cobra to kill you guys. He’s going tomorrow before the grand jury and charge him with conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated assault, prostitution, child endangering and rape, to name just a few. We have filed over fourteen new charges against him. It should be easy to get them to hand down an indictment. He’s looking at over one hundred and twenty years added onto his sentence.”
Matt felt relieved. “That is good news. Hopefully, he’ll never come out of that prison.”
“I don’t think we have to worry about Wellston ever again. His entire organization is ruined. When we get through, he won’t have anything left. We’re seizing his home and all assets as evidence.”
“What then?” Jessica asked.
“After the trial, his money will go to the state, and his home will be auctioned off. He won’t be left with a penny.”
“Good. That son of a bitch deserves it. What he did to those boys was a shame,” Matt stated angrily.
Joe asked, “What happens to Jeremy and Franklin?”
“They’ve agreed to testify at trial against Wellston,” he replied. “Franklin’s parents have been very cooperative. They’ve agreed to let Jeremy stay with them so that he can get the support he needs. Right now they didn’t think it was a good idea to separate the two.”
“That’s great news. Can we see them now?” Matt asked anxiously.
“All right, but just for a minute. They’ve been through a lot, as you well know. I think it would be good for them to see that you two are safe as well.”
He led them down the hall past several rooms. Matt was nervously awaiting the encounter. They had been through so much together.
Nichols opened the door and they saw the two younger boys sitting on a bed playing a card game. When they looked up, their eyes widened when they saw Matt and Joe standing in the doorway. Cards scattered all over the floor as they flew off the bed and into the older boys’ arms.
There was not a dry eye in the room as they embraced one another. Franklin was kissing Matt and holding him tightly. He let go and flew into Joe’s arms. Jeremy left Joe’s arms and embraced Matt tightly.
“Thanks,” he whispered in Matt’s ear. Matt tightened his embrace, never wanting to let go.
“Are you guys going to be all right?” Matt asked tearfully.
“Yes,” Jeremy assured him. “We’re going to be together. Isn’t that cool? Franklin’s parents said I could stay with him. My mother even agreed.” He was beaming from ear to ear as he reached over and pulled the smaller Franklin into him.
“Nichols said you’re going to testify against Wellston.” Matt waited to see the boy’s reaction.
“I’ll be happy to do it. I should have had that bastard put away last year,” Jeremy responded angrily.
“You know that Joe and I will be there to give you support.” Jeremy walked over to Matt and embraced him again.
“You better be,” he responded.
Nichols suggested that it was time to go. After another round of hugs and kisses, everyone tearfully left the room. They headed back to Matt and Joe’s room.
“The DA wants to talk to both of you this afternoon at two. I’ll come back around one and prepare you for her questions. She wants to know what happened at the apartment and what Cobra said about Wellston hiring him to kill you.”
“You have to promise me one thing, though,” Matt stated firmly. “You share your information with me. I almost died getting this story. I deserve it.”
“You got it, Kid.” Nichols walked over and hugged Matt. He then turned and shook hands with Joe.
“I’m glad you guys graduate in a few months,” he laughed. “I’d hate to think what would happen if you stayed around any longer. This small town isn’t ready for you two.” He opened the door and left.
Matt and Joe filled Jessica in on what had happened at her apartment. The police had refused to let her enter when she had gone over in the morning. The entire apartment complex had been cordoned off with yellow police tape.
She groaned when they told her about Cobra’s blood splattering everywhere when he was shot by Matt. Matt again was overcome with emotion, and Joe took him over to the bed and held him while he cried. Later, they were permitted to walk down to the hospital cafeteria for dinner.
* * * * * * * *
Matt finished his news article and proudly handed it to Joe.
WELLSTON INDICTED ON 14 NEW CHARGES
FACING 120 YEARS IN PRISON
By Matt Adams and Joe Monroe
Once again Matt was gaining national attention. He had already been interviewed by local and state media, and he had talked to CNN about doing an interview. Joe looked admiringly at his star reporter.
Joe shouted at the noisy newsroom, “May I have everyone’s attention?” Since their return, the room had been buzzing with activity as they tried to put together the lead story. The room slowly quieted as Joe stood patiently before them.
“I have some great news to tell you.” He looked over at Matt and smiled. Matt gave him a questioning look. If Joe had some news, he had not been privy to it.
“Dr. Olsen called me to his office about an hour ago. He had received a call from the Washington Post. When Matt and I graduate in June, they want us to come and work for them. They’ve offered Matt a job as a reporter, and they want me to be an assistant editor.”
The room erupted in applause. Matt stood stunned. Everyone surrounded them, giving them hugs and handshakes.
“Looks like Matt will still be writing for me,” he laughed. “That is, if he wants to.” Matt looked into his eyes and nodded his head.
“I also have another piece of news.” He walked over to Matt and kissed him while the astonished news staff looked on.
THE END
Writing for Joe is completed. Did you enjoy the story? I would love to hear from you.
Send comments to: ronyx@themustardjar.com