The Long Road chapter 21

A couple of days later, a police officer rang the doorbell. “Officer Peters. What can I do for you?” Kyle remembered the officer from his previous visit when he had been raped.

“I need to speak to you for a couple of minutes. May I come in?”

“Sure. Come on in.” He stepped aside to allow the officer to enter his living room. Always the thoughtful host, he asked “Can I get you anything to drink, water, coffee, iced tea?”

“I’d love some tea, thank you. Nice place you have here.”

Kyle froze momentarily when he heard that phrase, remembering the last time he heard those words from a stranger in his living room. He nervously handed the officer a glass of iced tea.

Noting Kyle’s nervousness, the officer reassured him. “Relax, Mr. Matthews. I just need to talk with you about the incident that happened two days ago at the hospital.”

“Sorry. The day I was raped the guy said the same thing you did about my house. It just brought back a painful memory.”

Officer Peters placed a hand on Kyle’s arm. “I’m so sorry. The last thing I want to do is cause you any discomfort.” There was no doubting the sincerity in his voice.

Kyle’s gut told him that there was something else behind those words, but he didn’t give voice to it. Embarrassment warred with curiosity for dominance as he remembered that this was the same officer who saw him naked and handcuffed to his bed that horrible day. “So what did you want to talk to me about?”

“The man you got into an altercation with is attempting to file assault charges against you. According to him, you kicked him in the groin several times.”

“I kicked him twice, but that was after he grabbed me from behind, stuck his tongue in my ear and sucker-punched me in the stomach.”

“The security guard from the hospital said that he attacked you and you responded to protect yourself so he has no grounds to file assault charges against you. What I need to find out from you is whether or not you want to file assault charges against him.”

“Are there any charges against him now?”

“Yes. The hospital filed disorderly conduct charges against him.”

“What would happen to him if I don’t press charges?”

“He’ll probably get probation, a small fine and community service. Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor.”

“If I filed assault charges against him, what would happen?”

“There would be a trial, at which you and the hospital security guard would be key witnesses for the prosecution. If he were to be convicted, he’d face a maximum of up to five years in prison, and a five-hundred dollar fine.”

“To the best of my knowledge, he’s never been in trouble with the law, so he’d want revenge. He’s definitely the type that would come after me after he gets out. What if, instead of filing charges against him, I asked for an order of protection?”

“It would most likely be granted, but he’d be free to go after someone else.”

“That’s unlikely. The only reason he came after me is he was my first boyfriend, and since he took my virginity, he felt like I was his property. I seriously doubt he’d go after anyone else.” Kyle said, watching the young officer’s face for any signs of discomfort or a negative reaction to his statement, which didn’t happen.

“Okay, well, the choice is yours. Think it over and call the precinct when you’ve made a decision.” He stood up, glancing at the clock. “Listen, I’m off duty as of two minutes ago. Want to go out and grab a beer?” He asked, hopefully.

Okay, he’s making his move. “I’m sorry, but I don’t drink. Besides, I’m not into hookups and I already have a boyfriend.”

“You misunderstand. I just want to be friends. I just moved here a few weeks ago and I don’t have anybody that I can hang out with and just be myself.”

“You don’t have any friends on the force?”

“Not that I can be myself with.”

“Why’s that?” Kyle asked, pretty sure of what the answer would be.

“Because I’m gay, and my precinct commander is a homophobic prick. I’m not out at work.”

Hmm…that has a familiar ring to it. “And that’s all you want, is to be friends?”

“Come on, look at me. There’s no way in hell a guy as hot as you could possibly be interested in someone like me.”

“Don’t put yourself down like that. You’re very attractive and you appear to have a nice body. While I don’t know you, you seem like a good guy. Surely there’s a boyfriend somewhere.”

“I never had one. If I was able to be out like you and your friend, I might be able to find one, but not the way things are now. I constantly have to look over my shoulder whenever I go anywhere. My captain probably had me followed here and is wondering why I’m still here when my shift is already over.”

“Believe me, I understand. My boyfriend is in the exact same situation only his is worse because he’s with the FBI. It’s hard on both of us. He wants to be out, but if he did come out, his supervisor would revoke his security clearance and fire him. Nine years of hard work down the drain. Have you thought about transferring to another precinct?”

“I would totally love that, but I have no grounds to request a transfer. I can’t claim hostile working environment. That would be like putting a nail in my coffin, so to speak.”

“I think I know of a way to help you out, if you’re interested.”

“What could you do?”

“I could make a phone call to someone who would love to help you out, discretely, of course.”

“That would be awesome! I don’t know what to say.”

“Let me give him a call right now.” Kyle got out his phone. “What’s your first name?”

“Greg. Greg Peters.”

“I’m pleased to meet you, Greg. I’m Kyle. What precinct are you assigned to?”

“The tenth.”

He dialed a number. “Hi, this is Kyle Matthews calling for Dave Barton, please.”

Greg’s eyebrows were raised to the ceiling. “You know the Deputy Mayor?”

Kyle nodded. “Hi, Dave, I’m doing fine, thanks for asking. And thanks for all your help when I was raped. I really appreciate it. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. That’s what family is for. Listen. I need a favor. Do you remember that prick cop’s partner, Officer Peters? Well as it turns out, he’s having a rough time over at the tenth precinct and wants to transfer out, but he doesn’t have any grounds to request the transfer.” Kyle listened for a moment. “Actually, he’s right here. Let me put him on.”

He handed the phone to Greg, who became very nervous. “Hello?”

“Officer Peters? This is Dave Barton. How are you doing?”

He shot to his feet. “D-d-d-d-deputy Mayor, I’m fine, sir. How are you?”

“I’m good, thanks for asking. I understand you’re having problems at your precinct?”

“Nothing I can’t handle, sir.”

“I have a feeling that you’re not being completely honest with me.”

“I’m being as honest as I can be.”

“Where are you right now? Are you on duty?”

“No sir. I’m at Kyle Matthews’ house.”

“I’ll be there in ten minutes. I want to discuss this further with you.”

“Thank you sir, but I’ve already taken up more of your valuable time than I have a right to.”

“Officer Peters. You will remain where you are. That is not a request. I will be there in ten minutes and we will discuss this situation further.” Dave said, sternly.

“Yes sir.” He replied meekly as he hung up and handed the phone to Kyle. “Some help. I’m in a world of shit with the Deputy Mayor. I’ll probably lose my job now.” He said bitterly, turning an accusing eye to Kyle.

“I seriously doubt that.”

“How do you know? You can’t possibly know that.”

“Ah, but I do, because I know Dave Barton quite well. Our illustrious Deputy Mayor is openly gay, and the Police Commissioner had a gay son. The Mayor himself is very much against discrimination in any form. You have no fear of being fired for being gay. Neither of them will allow open homophobia within the ranks of the police or fire departments. If they find out about it, it’s dealt with immediately and severely.”

Soon there was a knock on the door. Kyle opened the door to admit Dave, who gave him a bear hug. “I’m glad you’re doing okay.”

“Thanks, Dave. Dave, this is Greg Peters. Greg, Deputy Mayor Dave Barton.”

Dave smacked Kyle on the shoulder playfully. “Since when have you ever introduced me as Deputy Mayor, especially in your house?”

“Since you got elected Deputy Mayor” Kyle retorted, cheekily.

“Bitch!”

“That’s right, and its spelled Beautiful, Intelligent, Thoughtful, Courteous and Helpful, thank you very much.”

“Helpful? Don’t you mean horny?”

“Now who’s being the bitch?”

Greg took in their playful banter in awe. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Deputy Mayor.” He said respectfully as they shook hands.

“My name is Dave. I only use my title when I’m required to, and this is not one of those times. Now, what kind of problems are you experiencing at your precinct, and how can I help?”

“It’s nothing more than the usual bullshit for the new guy.”

“Why do I think there’s something you’re not telling me?”

Greg shot Kyle a frightened look as he was passing out glasses of iced tea.

“Greg, would you feel more comfortable if I left the room and allowed you two to talk in private.”

“I can’t ask you to leave your own living room.”

“You’re not. I’m offering.”

“Please don’t.” He gave Kyle a look of pure terror, a look that was not lost on Dave.

“Ah, I see. Let me guess. You’re gay, and because of your precinct commander, you’re in the closet, but you don’t want to be in the closet. You want to be out, so you can feel free to meet other gay men and perhaps find a boyfriend. Am I right?”

Greg hung his head. “Yes,” he whispered.

Dave moved to sit on the couch next to him. He put his arms around him and pulled him close. “There’s no reason to hang your head. It implies that you are ashamed to be gay. Are you?” Greg shook his head as his arms slowly encircled Dave. All of his fears, frustrations and loneliness spilled forth in a flood of tears that could no longer be denied. Kyle quietly slipped from the room and started making dinner for the three of them. After a few moments, Dave gently lifted Greg’s head and brushed the tears away. He tilted his head down and planted a tender kiss on Greg’s lips. He released him and sat back on the couch, keeping one arm around him as he got out his cell phone. “Fred, Dave Barton. Listen, I need your help. It’s come to my attention that there is a young gay officer in the tenth precinct who is having a hard time over there and is being forced to remain in the closet. Yes, the tenth. Okay, I’ll tell him. Thanks, Fred.” He hung up and looked Greg in the eyes. “Tomorrow morning at eight am you are to report to the Police Commissioner for reassignment to the fifteenth precinct.”

“The fifteenth? Where’s that?”

“They patrol the area around the LGBT Center.”

He looked at Dave with relief, love and appreciation shining in his eyes. “I don’t know what to say.”

“How about saying yes to going out with me to celebrate?”

Greg threw himself on Dave. “Yes. Oh, yes.” He kissed him soundly just as Kyle came back into the room.

“The guest room is that way, guys.” He pointed towards the stairs. “Make it a quickie because dinner is ready. I hope you like spaghetti, Greg.”

“If you don’t now, you will. Kyle makes a killer spaghetti sauce.” Dave stood, and taking Greg by the hand, led him into the dining room where they enjoyed a wonderful meal, although if Greg were to be asked later about it, he wouldn’t be able to tell you what he ate or where he ate. He had fallen hopelessly in love with Dave, feelings that were most definitely returned.

After the dining room and kitchen were cleaned up, Dave and Greg left for the club. Kyle declined the invitation as he was worn out from the emotions of the last couple of days. He called Tommy, who answered on the first ring.

“What’s up, Kyle?”

“Not me, at least not at the moment.”

“Asshole, I should have known I’d get a smart-assed comment.”

“Seriously though, I have some good news. Do you remember the cool cop that showed up when you called nine-one-one after I was raped?”

“The partner of the ass-wipe who threatened you and attacked me?”

“Yep, he came by earlier to ask me if I wanted to press assault charged against Corey and…”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait a minute.” Tommy interrupted. “What’s this about you pressing assault charges against Corey?”

“Sorry. I thought I told you guys about that. Two days ago when I was visiting Jay in the hospital I went to get something to eat in the cafeteria. Apparently Pam was in the hospital having a baby and he was also in the cafeteria. He tried to get me to go home with him because, according to him, since he popped my cherry, I belonged to him. When I refused, he punched me in the stomach. Caught me totally off-guard which, given the nature of our past relationship, shouldn’t have happened. I should have expected it.”

“That…that…that…” Tommy sputtered, too pissed to speak.

“Oh, he got his.” Kyle snickered evilly. “I did something I wanted to do to him for years. I kicked him right in the nuts. Not once, but twice. A hospital security guard saw the whole thing and had him arrested. Anyway, as it turns out, Greg Peters, the officer who was at the house the day I was raped, is gay, and if I’m not mistaken soon will be, if he isn’t already, sharing Dave Barton’s bed.”

“You’re shitting me.”

“Nope, I called Dave because Greg was having a rough time at his precinct and I thought he could help. He came over to talk with him directly and they ended up staying for dinner. They couldn’t keep their eyes off of each other.”

“Awesome.”

“That’s not all I saved the best part of last. Jay and I are getting back together. We made love in the bathroom of his hospital room.”

‘Kyle, that’s way beyond awesome. I’m so happy you didn’t give up on him.” He replied through the tears. “We need to go out and celebrate.”

“Cool. I’ll pick you guys up in an hour. Later!”

Previous chapter | Chapter index | Next chapter