Page 27 of Ride the Whirlwind

“However, something must have happened, something that made Mister MacGowan think about retiring and appointing Camlann as his successor. Do you happen to know what it was? I apologize for my insistence and indiscretion, but we have to...” Fabian spoke in a calmer voice, but a gesture of Douglas' hand cut him short.

“No need to apologize. I understand, but, as I said before, Graeme is a very private guy. He tells me a lot, but not everything. However, I'm inclined to believe the whole succession thing was more like a test for his associates. He wanted to know where their loyalty stands, and most of them failed it.”

“Did Mister MacGowan's associates actually oppose him appointing his only son as successor?” Fabian cast Doctor Douglas an incredulous look. “What were the arguments they invoked?”

“The most important was Camlann's total lack of experience in running the organization, to which Graeme replied by offering to guide him from the shadow for five years. They would have accepted his offer if it wasn't for the other issue: the prospective leader didn't possess good communication skills.”

“Is Keith perceived the same way by those people? Because if not, Mister MacGowan could appoint him as his successor.” Alasdair's emerald eyes had a mischievous shine when he said the last part.

“He brought that into discussion, too, but people opposed saying they won't accept some stray from unknown origin as their leader.” Douglas sighed heavily.

What are the most notable differences between Keith and Camlann? There is a reason why I'm asking you this,” Fabian spoke again. “I'm trying to determine if it's safe to take him back to San Francisco or if it’s better to leave him here. He'll be well guarded, of course.”

“As a child, Camlann was very quiet and shy, flinched at the faintest noise, was clumsy, and apologized a lot. Keith is polite, somewhat cold, reserved, protective but also in need of protection, possesses excellent combat skills, and is good at wielding weapons. He is also very...manly, while Camlann would be...softer, if you know what I mean. Unfortunately, these are just speculations as he was replaced by Keith since early childhood.”

Fabian shook his head, smiling. “I think you are very wrong, my friend. In fact, the two boys coexisted since that bastard started to mistreat Camlann. Keith is his strong, brave, protective side who took the brunt of the abuser's anger. When his other half couldn't take the pain and fear the nightmares made him experience, he stepped in, sheltering Camlann, just like Everly did to Fergus.”

“I... I never thought about this, but you may be right,” the doctor stuttered. “Who are these men you mentioned?”

“Fergus is Ardan's twin, Camlann's cousin,” Fabian answered in a soft, affectionate voice. “As for Everly, his story is a long one, but, since your son and the other two boys are still sleeping, you could very well listen to it.”

***********

Ron Dawson was waiting outside the administrative building for the big, bad boss to see him. “Finally,” the police officer said to himself, “I'm going to expose all the bloody masquerade Ardan-fucking-MacNamara's minions staged. If they think I can be fooled so easily, they better think again. I saw the fucker's face up close. I know what he looked like.”

Looking around, Dawson muttered a curse under his breath, wishing he was already out of that goddamn place that swarmed with fags of all races and ages. The mere sight of teen boys and mature men holding hands and expressing their affection publicly made him sick to his stomach. Even the mountain of a man who showed him the way, tall and packed with muscles, stopped a skinnier guy who moaned like a whore when the chimp shoved his tongue down his throat.

“The boss can see you now.” The gorilla's voice pulled Dawson out of his thoughts. “This way.” The massive guard gestured with his head to the inside of the building.

“He took his sweet time, that's for sure,” the cop muttered under his breath. “Putting on all the makeup that helps him look like the original must be very time consuming.” He turned to the mountain of muscles accompanying him.

“I don't understand what the hell are you babbling about,” the guard growled. “The boss is a very busy man. You’re lucky he found time for you.”

“We'll see how lucky he is”—Dawson grinned evilly—“when shit hits the fan and all your bloody lies will be exposed.”

The guard offered the cop a mockingly sympathetic look, shook his head, then cracked a door open. “Boss, the cop is here. I'll be around if you need me.”

“Thank you, Wheeler,” a pleasant, masculine voice answered behind the computer screen, sending chills down the visitor's spine.

“Sit down, Mister Dawson. It will only take a minute, then we can talk. Someone is hellbent on closing down The Base, and they sent Social Services here twice in less than a month. Of course, they didn't find anything wrong, but they left a list of requirements and recommendations, and now I go through it to...sorry, you are obviously not interested in these things.” The man raised his head, making the cop gasp in shock.

“This can't be...you are not real.” Dawson shook his head, staring at the man before him. “I saw you there, laying on the ground, all your bones broken. This is not happening. It's a nightmare.” He covered his eyes with both hands.

“Oh, I see now...you’re talking about that incident in jail.” The man behind the desk smiled, amused by Dawson's reaction. “Thank you for worrying about me, but it was nothing serious. Some bruises here and there, a few scratches...I'm alright now.”

“No.” The cop shook his head again, more vehemently this time. “This is not real.” He left the chair, darted to the door, and ran out, bumping into Wheeler. “This place is cursed,” he shouted to the other man. “Run while you can.”

“Problems, boss? That poor loser seemed really scared like he’d seen a ghost.” The guard stepped into Ardan's office, letting out a loud, wild laugh.

“You can say that again.” Everly grinned. “The minion will now report to his master, who will freak out and will start to make mistakes. Payback time, motherfucker,” he said in an ice-cold voice. “You messed with Ardan's life; I mess with yours.”

CHAPTER 21

“Let me help you with that,” Matthew Danvers said, seeing through the cracked door of a guest room how Lance was trying to put a giant mattress on a bed by himself. “That goddamn thing is huge,” he added, stepping inside.

“Thank you, but I can handle it,” the other man said, adjusting the mattress. “See? It fits like a glove.” He rubbed his hands together, turning to his former trainee. “Please, watch your language. Don't use bad words unless it's absolutely necessary,” he continued in a stern voice.”

Wow, the guy turned the mighty, roaring lion into a lap kitty.” Matthew ironically applauded. “He's good at...whatever he did to make you act so prudish. You used to cuss a lot, and now...but of course, it's your life,” he shrugged.

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