Peter weaved his way through the crowd. He knew the house was huge but he'd never seen so many people gathered in one place unless one counted the nights he'd spent at Babylon. Although generally shy, the atmosphere and occasion inspired him to socialize. He'd met several of the employees for Kinnetik and was looking forward to beginning the internship program on Monday morning. He wanted to find John and introduce him around since he'd be beginning there as well. He found him at the back of the room staring into the blanket of melting snow which adorned the grounds leading down to the lake. He noted that John's cell phone was in his hand and a fine sheen of sweat graced his brother's forehead.

"What is it?" Peter asked foregoing all preliminaries, his body on full alert after seeing the tell-tale signs of John's sudden nervousness.

"I-It's nothing." John replied calmly although he bit his top lip immediately following the statement.

"Bullshit, John. What's happened?" Peter fixed his older brother with a penetrating gaze. Alarm bells rang in his mind at John's continued silence and his unwillingness to meet his eyes dead on. Before John had a chance to react, Peter snatched the cell phone and began scrolling the open messages.

"Give that back, Peter. Please," John asked almost desperately, not wanting to cause a scene with his younger brother.

Ivan: The boss said not to make him come get you. He wants to see you NOW! You have an hour.

Looking at the time the message came in and noting the current reading on the clock, Peter looked at John. There was a half hour left before John was supposed to make his appearance before whomever the ‘boss' was.

"You're not going, John."

"What other choice do I have, Peter? You don't know these people. They're dangerous. They're fucking sociopaths."

"Then why the fuck did you get involved with them?" Peter couldn't help the venom pouring from him.

They stood in silence for a few minutes, each absorbed in his own thoughts about the situation they were in. Peter didn't plan on leaving John alone in the trouble; he had saved his life. Peter in turn was trying to save his brother's.

"There are a few things you don't understand about this group, Petey. The first thing is once in, always in. The only way I get out is in a coffin. The second thing is that once you become a target, they don't rest until they get you." John looked directly at his brother allowing the implication of his words to sink in.

Peter regarded John, heart beating fast but still remaining outwardly calm. "Then it is time to involve the others, John." John began to speak but Peter held up his hand. "They are as much in danger as we are. It's only fair to let them know what's going on. Maybe Uncle Brian would be willing to relocate Mom and Grandmother as well as sheltering us. It isn't right that you sit on the information and not give them a chance to defend themselves."

"It's kind of late for that."

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" Peter was angry and confused by John's words.

"I saw one of the men from the meetings here."

"Holy shit! Did he see you? Did he recognize you?"

"I don't know and that's what's worrying me the most, Peter. If I don't go and word got back to the boss why haven't shown up, it would lead him here to Britin and Uncles Brian and Justin."

"We have to tell them."

"Not today, Peter. After everything that happened last night, they need today to be peaceful. I'm just going to go and get the meeting over with. Maybe I can talk them out of using my family as targets."

Peter looked at him incredulously. "Do you really believe that shit you're talking? You said yourself that they won't give up. Fuck are you trying to get yourself killed?"

"If that's what it takes to protect you and the others but there's more, Peter."

"What the fuck else could there be, John?" He watched as his brother swallowed hard.

"Our father."

"What about that loser?"

"Petey, there's so much you don't know and I don't have time to explain it all right now but Dad didn't just leave us like Mom led us to believe. It's not even her fault really but the problem lies with Grandmother."

"Bullshit. Claire has been more than vocal about his abandonment of his wife and kids."

"It wasn't like that exactly. Remember Petey, I'm older than you so my memory of him being there is a bit different than yours. Either way, I don't have time to give you the full history but he's involved in this too. They're blackmailing him into it."

"John seriously? Have you been hitting Uncle Brian's weed? This shit sounds like the gay version of the Untouchables. Gangs and blackmail and secrets and lies/ What the hell is next? You'll tell me that they've threatened Jesus-jumping Joan and Catholic-crusader Claire as well."

John stood silent and still, willing Peter to see the truth of his words. He watched as realization dawned clear in his clear blue eyes before he spoke again. "They intend to wipe out our entire family an anyone associated with it."

"But...but that's absurd. A bunch of innocent people just to destroy two men?"

"Yes. They're that ruthless. Dad and his new wife just had a baby. I can't let them do this, Peter."

"Look. Let's get a drink and figure this out. There's no way you're going to make the deadline with the icy roads anyway but we do need to figure out how to protect us and those we are beginning to love. I can't fucking lose you, Big Brother."

John nodded much to Peter's relief although he was looking distractedly across the room into the crowd. Peter tried to follow the direction of John's gaze but the crowd had thickened considerably so he couldn't see what John saw. Shrugging his shoulders, he decided that today, only hard liquor would calm his very frayed nerves. He knew that in spite of every promise he had made John during their talk earlier in the day, he had to betray his brother's trust. He prayed that John would either tell the story himself or that John could forgive him because he was tired of being a scared gay man instead of a proud one.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Look I've already told you my terms, Ms. Kelly," Chris said defiantly. "I will not speak unless Taylor and unfortunately his boyfriend get their asses in here today. I really don't have time to waste with this shit."

"Watch your mouth young man. In case you've forgotten your upbringing, I have not and need I remind you that I've known you since you were in short pants." Aurora blew out a harsh breath and softened her tone. "What you're asking is impossible, Chris. They aren't even inside the city."

"Well then you'd better find a way to get them in here then because if I know my father, he's on his way here to speak to Townsend here."

Brandon sat still listening as long as he could before interjecting. "I'm well aware of the reasons why Brian and Justin may not be able to come in today. I've known them for some time and although they are relatively private about their lives, news travels fast on Liberty Avenue. The problem is that once Chris gives you all of the information and we subsequently handle the business with his personal and business accounts, he needs to skip town...fast."

"Is it really necessary that you leave?" Quinn asked. He was having trouble morally putting Chris Hobbs in the same room with his one-time victim, Justin Taylor. It was bound to get ugly especially if Brian accompanied Justin which was a must not only for Justin's peace of mind but because of the compromised accounts.

"Ordinarily, I could probably work around my father and grandfather but there are others involved with friends in high places and the lowest of the low places as well. I have to protect myself for no other reason than that. Not only that but just like they've done to Townsend, they will threaten my kids and my partner. I can't take the chance. They're even more depraved than I was considered within the gay community and they will stop at nothing to achieve what their goal is. Sadly, they are not above using women and children to do it." Chris began to shift in his seat and wring his hands giving credence to the truth of his words.

"Listen Chris, don't worry about your father seeing you here. This office holds a safe place. I doubt that when he doesn't find Mark in his office, he'll want to pursue the matter with me."

"What makes you so sure?" Brandon asked. All of this business reminded him of all the reasons he left Chicago after his father was killed in a mob war. Money and power bred strange bedfellows and bore even deadlier enemies.

Daniel shook his head and chuckled a bit at Brandon's question. "Unlike Mark and Chris, Mr. Miles, I have nothing to lose except my reputation for being an honest financial planner. There is nothing they could offer me that would ever make me bow to them. I haven't in over thirty years with this bank and I won't now."

Brandon, Chris and even Mark nodded their heads. Mark envied Quinn for being able to stand his ground and not be harassed because of it. Chris was also aware of Mr. Quinn's reputation from friends whose families did business with him. If he was going to be able to stick around, he may have been a new client but there was just no way he could, especially with Joshua in town. He just simply couldn't take the chance.

Aurora broke the brief silence within the confines of the office. "Daniel dear, everyone on their end should at least be in Brian's home office by now. Myrna told you that she was going to round them all up. Chris, I can't promise you anything but hopefully we can get this all taken care of for you today."

He nodded again. "I really hope so, Ms. Kelly. I haven't always done the right thing where Taylor was concerned but... well let's just say I understand him a whole lot better now and it has very little to do with who I'm doing. I just need this resolved quickly."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Ready?"

"For a blow job, sure. Now if I could just convince you to come back upstairs with me and ditch this shindig, all would be right in the world."

Justin laughed. "Ever the romantic, lover. I promise if you behave, you'll have that blow job and much, much more later."

"As if there was any doubt." Brian shook his head regretfully. "Let's just get this over with. "

Brian's first inclination when he looked at the crowd gathered was to immediately make a bee line for his office. The open floor plan was filled with people he knew and some whom he didn't but were Justin's acquaintances. Although Brian was used to crowds thanks to his many years as the notorious Stud of Liberty Avenue, it did not mean he was always comfortable in them. Being drunk and drugged always helped but he didn't have the luxury of being either within his own home. He felt the touch of his partner's hand on his shoulder and knew Justin was experiencing much of the same apprehension. Since the bashing several years ago, Justin also had trouble in large crowds. Gripping the strong hand, Brian was determined both he and Justin would in one piece emotionally by the end of the long day.

Spotting Emmett and Daphne by the bar, which was in actuality their kitchen island, Brian and Justin each marveled at the solid friendship displayed amongst the tall queen and smart-mouthed hetero. Emmett held his usual Cosmo while Daphne held her white spritzer and was laughing at something on her cell phone. Peeking over their shoulder Brian was as stunned as Justin was at the pictures of various Disney characters in full out BDSM get up.

Justin recovered first. "I feel like my childhood has officially been ruined."

"Aw I don't know, Sunshine. We've been known to do our own variations on these pictures. Especially the spanking. We just replace the Ben-WA balls with the anal wand. I imagine it has the same effect," Brian said much to the chagrin of both Emmett and Daphne.

"I think we have all been privy to your sex lives... too much in fact," Daphne said indignantly, retrieving her phone from Brian who had snatched it out of her hand to take a closer look.

"You know you loved it," he responded. "Who is trying to warp your young mind with these salacious photographs? Don't tell me Dr. Bradley isn't as squeaking clean as he purports to be." Brian used his mock falsetto placing his hand to his chest in a shocked gesture.

"Shut up, asshole," Daphne said laughing and blushing at Brian's antics.

"So when are you going to put that man out of his misery?" Emmett asked. "The way he looks at you is hotter than the hell we are all trying to avoid."

"Brian told her that if she doesn't jump him soon, he's going to do it himself," Justin said smiling at Daphne's discomfort.

"You can't. You're married now," Emmett said looking pointedly at Brian who studiously ignored him.

"Since when have words like commitment dictated monogamy, Em?" Justin asked. "Just because we haven't gone outside for right now, doesn't mean the option isn't there."

Daphne and Emmett looked at Brian who schooled his features to remain blank under their scrutiny. He knew he and Justin were heading toward the dreaded ‘m' word but they hadn't talked about it again since the morning Brian told him he wanted them to be monogamous. As he thought back to that moment which seemed an eternity ago, he wondered if it was fair to ask such a thing of Justin who was only thirty-three years old. Brian was fucking everything that wasn't nailed down including Justin at that age. Mentally shrugging away the confused feelings, he decided it was a conversation that could wait and pulled Justin back against the front of his body, immediately feeling the temporary tension ease from him. Luckily he was saved from any further discussion of marriage and monogamy by Jennifer.

"Hello, Darlings." She placed a kiss on Justin's cheek first and stood on tiptoe to do the same to Brian.

"Jennifer, may I say you look rather stunning in that color." She was dressed in a cerulean pants suit which complimented her complexion perfectly.

She smiled in response and said, "No need for flattery, Brian. I've already given you my son to have and to hold. I won't take him back."

They all laughed in response. Jennifer Taylor was a revelation to them all over the years. She was still reserved and a product of the WASP nest but she was also a very loving, smart woman with a sometimes wicked sense of humor. She was also outspoken although she picked her time to do so. Although Justin initially had his reservations about her choice of husband, Tucker had given his mother the freedom to be the woman she'd kept hidden when married to Craig Taylor.

"Where is everyone else?" Justin asked his mother. However before she had a chance to answer, they were interrupted by a beaming Gus.

"Dad, Justin, Grand-mom Jen, Aunt Daph and Auntie Em, I'd like you all to meet Carmela Kelly." He smiled that smile so like his father's and brought her forward before he continued. "This is her mom, Janice and her father Morris. Also they brought along her soon to be stepfather- "

Justin stood in shock before speaking. "Kevin Dixon."

"Hello Taylor," he said barely masking his sneer.

Remembering his manners in reference to Mr. and the former Mrs. Kelly as well as Carmela, he greeted them pointedly trying to ignore the object of his disgust. "Kelly? Are you by chance related to Aurora Kelly?"

Morris smiled gently. "Yes I am. She's my sister- half-sister to be exact but you would never know it. We're as close as any full-blood relatives."

Justin returned the smile as did Brian, "We've met her. She's a very special lady."

"So Taylor, it looks like you still haven't overcome your little problem," Kevin said, a ghost of a smirk on his well-defined features. Although grossly unfair, the years had been kind to the arrogant homophobic prick.

Letting the comment slide for a moment, Justin calmly said, "Gus. Son, why don't you give Carmela a tour of the house. I don't know how full the game room or media room are right now."

He smiled but all who knew Justin noticed that the smile didn't reach his eyes, including Gus. He was tempted to stay in case Justin needed help in another fight. He'd never liked Mr. Dixon and now he was beginning to understand why. No one ever told him the whole situation regarding Justin, only that a student who didn't agree with the way his dad and his partner lived their lives. Whereas his father suffered emotional trauma from that time, Justin had suffered both physically and mentally from the attack and had almost given up painting. That fact alone made Gus angry on Justin's behalf. The fact that he was attacked made him even angrier. He would love to get his hands around the guys neck who had hurt both of the men he considered his dads.

Crossing over to his dad, he gave Brian a brief hug before responding. "Sure, Papa. That sounds like a good idea while you adults talk." Gus embraced Justin as he had Brian but whispered for his ears alone, "If you decide to hit the jerk call me first. I'd like to get in on the action or at least place a bet and win some cash."

Justin chuckled and promised Gus. He leaned over to tell Brian what he said while everyone watched the teenagers move through the crowd. Justin then turned back to Kevin. "Now, exactly which problem were you referring to, Kevin?" He got a small pleasure out of watching the man bristle at being called by his birth name. Well tough shit, this is my house. With that thought in mind, Justin continued. "The only little problems I seem to recall from that time so long ago was having a homophobic asshole of a teacher who allowed me to be bullied by another prick of a student resulting in my being bashed over the head at prom after I danced with my absolutely stunning partner who is also the owner of a multi-million dollar corporation. If you take a good look at the artwork on the walls and at this house, I'd say I recovered rather well from knowing you and others like you."

"So you still take it up the ass, huh?" Kevin's crude reply caused the others within hearing distance to gasp, including Carmela's parents. "Ms. Chanders, I would have thought you'd have stopped hanging with fudge-packing losers by now."

Daphne laughed. "You mean you haven't come out of the closet yet? I always thought you walked and talked like you had an unpleasant stick up your ass. Perhaps if you adjust it a bit..." She shrugged and smiled while Emmett snickered at her response. He really liked her.

Brian felt the tense posture of Justin and moved immediately to grasp his left fist which was already balled up. Jennifer following suit held onto his right hand, massaging it gently. She finally understood what Justin had gone through everyday at school. It appalled her that Kevin Dixon, who had called himself an educator, allowed that type of bigotry and hatred- attitudes which he evidently still held.

Justin finally managed to calm his voice to answer without the anger bubbling on the inside of him. "Unless I'm fucking you, it's none of your business." Turning to Brian who was angry but managed to wink at him he said, "Now you understand completely why I call him Dickhead Dixon. The next time it happens, don't scold me anymore. Deal?"

Brian nodded and smiled warmly at Justin before he addressed the dickhead in question. "I believe my husband and I would love for you to get the fuck out. Now. Drive safely." And with that parting thought, Brian made sure to disgust him further by giving Justin a kiss so hot it made the younger man's toes curl and left him undeniably horny by the time Brian allowed him to come up for air.

They along with the rest of their group, including the Kellys left Kevin standing there filled with impotent rage. Justin felt satisfaction but also trepidation because so many of their business associates were witness to this, including the Avlossa group of which Jason was a part. He would have to get that story later; Brian wouldn't let it go otherwise but it had to wait. Too much was happening for any in-depth conversations and this was just one more thing. Besides, Justin had a tongue-lashing of a more personal nature he needed to give Jason for overstepping the bounds of their friendship. That definitely needed to happen away from prying eyes, flapping ears and waggin tongues. As they passed Gene, one of the security guards hired for such an occasion, Brian instructed him to see Mr. Dixon off their premises and to advise the guards outside as well. One her way passed him, Kevin asked Janice where she thought she was going. She politely disengaged her arm from his grip and told him the wedding was off while handing him back his ring. Morris who had been privy to the last part of the exchanged chuckled, happy that Janice had finally come to her senses. No matter what problems they may have had being married, he still loved her and they were still best friends. He guessed he's just have to settle for that.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Jason was suitably impressed with the way Justin handled the situation. He was sure Brian would jump in but the more he watched the exchange, the more he realized that Brian was there only as support. He couldn't deny that he was proud of Justin-- indicated by the quick glance they shared before the security guard hustled he and Brian off-- but it was more than that. Jason trusted Brian and Justin to do right by Avlossa and that was saying a whole lot for a man who trusted no one except his twin, Jeremiah and himself. He, Shar and Bethany had heard some conversation in passing about what occurred during their ceremony the night before. Jason in turn gave them the history as he knew it of Brian and Justin's tumultuous relationship from start to finish. He'd also done research on the company, Kinnetik from how it got its initial start to the present day figures. If Jason had his way, Shar and Bethany would sign on the dotted line immediately with the company. He knew that although Justin wasn't involved in the day-to-day operations of the company, Brian would never except mediocrity from his employees. He'd also done research on the numerous properties the duo owned which was managed by Justin's mother. He and Jennifer had managed to have a decent conversation about the area of Liberty Avenue which he, Bethany and Shar had newly acquired. She'd also given him her business card so she could give him a list of contractors if they were going to consider remodeling the interior of Torso- the clothing store they just bought out. It was discovered that while they owned the store, Brian and Justin owned the lot it was built on. He stood in awe of their business acumen and the fact that they were surrounded by people they trusted implicitly. Even their business associates spoke highly of them whether they agreed with how they lived their lives or not.

Jason was brought out of his revere- and from his surreptitious perusal of their hosts nephew named Peter- by the arrival of an ultra loud redhead and her companion. He cringed when he heard her voice calling for both Brian and Justin. Both greeted her affectionately realizing that she was significantly distressed about something. All he was able to hear was that someone named Michael hadn't arrived yet and for her not to worry. Justin promised Debbie that he wouldn't hit him and that it was Brian's call alone how he chose to handle things with him. He noted the look of pure sadness and confusion on Brian's face as the lady named Debbie reminded him of how close he and Michael had been over the years. ‘Woven together as the tightest fabric' she said which caused Jason to think of his twin brother, Jeremiah. They had argued before Jason left Rochester for Pittsburgh and this was the first time they had gone more than twelve hours without speaking. Both of them had been through so much including becoming orphans at a young age due to heroin-addicted parents and the murder-suicide which prompted them to make their own way in the world and stay the fuck out of orphanages and group homes at all costs. Hearing other bits and pieces about the men trying to destroy Brian and Justin, it reminded Jason of his and his twin's own ties to organized crime and the hell they endured to get out of it. No life had not been easy for Jason but he was grateful that he and his brother had found their own extended family much like Brian and Justin's. Pulling out his cell phone, he was determined to remind Jeremiah of that fact.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"I understand all of your concerns but what other choice did we have? Brian and Justin can't leave and this young man is holding information which could really help us all," Myrna stated matter-of-factly. She really couldn't understand why everyone was either silent or protesting vehemently against her plan to get the information at all costs.

"How much has Justin told you about his life here in Pittsburgh, Myrna?" Lindsey asked.

"I think just about everything, including the bashing. Was there more?"

"The man who is making the demand to speak with Justin face-to-face..."

"Chris Hobbs. What about him?"

Lindsey could barely pull herself together at the mention of his name so Cynthia took over. "He is the same man responsible for the bashing," she said softly.

They all watched as the information sunk in and Myrna flopped into the seat conveniently placed behind her. "I-I'm so sorry. He may have mentioned his name at the beginning of our association but that began over ten years ago. I would have never..."

"We know. But it's not just Justin we're worried about although dealing with him will be hard enough. It's Brian who's more dangerous in this situation. He was there that night and has never forgotten it, not that any of us expected him to."

Myrna thought back a moment. "Is he the reason they both go off the grid around Memorial Day each year?"

Those who knew the story nodded vigorously but it was Ted who spoke. "They both have a tough time functioning during that weekend, particularly Justin. I know that he's still seeing Nicole, which helps him regain his balance after the date passes. Brian doesn't speak about it much- not at all really. It's especially painful because his birthday is in the same week so he usually resorts to his own ‘pain management' methods."

Myrna chuckled a bit. When they looked at her questioningly she said, "I was just remembering the first time I heard that term. It was about a month after I'd first met Justin and had requested a last minute meeting. Justin had agreed to it but when he didn't show up and wouldn't answer his cell phone, I trotted over to his studio where I found him indulging in what he termed pain management. He was standing behind the guy and apparently giving it to him good if the loud moans were any indication. He had a half-drunk bottle of Beam in one hand, the guy's hair in the other while carrying on a normal conversation with me...well if you could call that normal. But it was then that I learned about a man named Brian Kinney and how he had left that morning to go back to Pittsburgh; how disconnected Justin felt without the love of his life by his side- those were his words, not mine- and how he was counting the days until he was successful enough to go back home to Brian and this house. At the time I knew Justin was coping in the only way he could at that moment." She smiled sadly at the memory. "I can't watch him break again, not if it's in my power to do something about it."

"You won't have to," came the voice from the doorway. Brian and Justin stood there and although the caught the tailend of the conversation they knew something was big on the horizon, "Someone want to tell us what's going on?"

Each dreaded the task in their own way but Ted spoke up knowing that if it remained hidden which was the original plan, there would be hell tp pay later. "Your accounts have been accessed. Quinn and Aurora were able to contain Mark Townsend but there was someone else there when it happened; someone with information you both will need."

"Well Theodore, you have our attention so no need for the fucking suspense. Spit it out."

"Brandon Miles is coming here since you can't leave today and his client needs to get out of town as soon as he talks to you both."

"And who is this client?" Justin asked getting an immediate sick feeling in his stomach. Brian grasped his hand, having but not acknowledging the same feeling of foreboding as his partner.

Ted took a deep breath before announcing, "Chris Hobbs."