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

“We didn’t have enough time.” And then I felt tears stinging my eyes.


The cop took my hand gently in his, and I watched the action with awe and wonder. He squeezed my hand, and something of his strength passed into me. I felt calmer.


“Not your fault,” he said. “Shawn was running on borrowed time you might say.” He shook his head. “You have no idea how he suffered.”


“He told me something of it, I think,” I said, but the cop shook his head again.


“You have no idea. It wasn’t just his experiences; it was him. He hurt too much inside.” A pause. “Oh, he was a tough kid, our Shawn. But he hurt—it was his nature, though he hated that.”


Chapter 19