Ian is intrigued by the idea of “servicing” straight guys, and through a friend contacts Shawn. Although the experience is not quite what he expected, Ian discovers a deep satisfaction in being submissive. Shawn, an amateur boxer, begins to visit more frequently, sometimes even sleeping over. Ian also visits Shawn at the gym to watch him train. The two men connect, and Ian is hopeful something more might develop. Then Shawn dies unexpectedly in Ian’s bed. Now Ian finds himself facing the suspicions of the investigating policeman, Glen, even though Shawn died from natural causes. When Glen returns to question Ian further, he begins asking for specific details about Ian’s and Shawn’s relationship. Then he insists on Ian performing re-enactments. Soon all pretense is stripped away as things grow more intense between them. Ian starts to hope something might be developing with Glen. But the cop is keeping secrets from him. Will Ian still be interested when he discovers why Glen initiated things between them in the first place?

The Pugilist at Rest

“Sounds like a street fight. It happens. Or stuff surroundinga boxing match.”


“Well, there are reasons. Not taking a bribe to throw a fight, for example. Stuff like that.” He looked at me. “Drugs andthe fight game—both can be very nasty. So many end up like him.”


The cop looked at me, considering. Then he shrugged. “The preliminary judgment is heart failure due to drugs.”


I nodded, not sure what I felt. I followed him downstairs, where the younger cop was waiting and looking as icy as ever.


They left, the younger cop last, and when he was in the doorway he turned and said, “You should probably be more careful.”


That stunned me. Perhaps it was his expression that got to me, for I answered perhaps unwisely, “I can look after myself, officer.” I deliberately put some extra S’s into the last word, to make it sound faggy. I was that annoyed.


Chapter 14