Three young men from very different homes, just coming into their own sexuality, bond at a time when information about homosexuality is scarce to the average teen. Their strong connection cannot survive high school and heartache, however, and their triangle collapses under the weight of prejudice and a need to escape.<br><br>Ten years later, Tucker is bitter and hurt by all the tragedy in his life since those long ago happier days. Reclusive, somewhat animalistic, and completely content to stay that way, he’s brought up short by an unexpected confrontation with the past and feelings that won't stay buried.

Fur, Feathers, and Claws

Tucker closed the door quietly, afraid to be caught, then tapped and called again louder. “Almost done?”


“If we had time, I’d let ya,” Tucker said under his breath.


The door opened. Sweatpants without underwear was a good look on Chad, especially when his glans was fat with blood. He had put the poncho back on over himself. If he hoped clear plastic was going to detract from the protrusion and the silhouette, he was wrong. “Let me…um, make a call,” Tucker stammered. “I want to let the owner know what’s happening.”


“Naw. I’ll just be a sec.” Tucker dialed the rotary phone atop the old desk with his hook.


“We have push-buttons at the paper now.”


“Modern technology,” Tucker commented. “I wonder what’s next.”


“The eighties will surely bring picture phones,” Chad said, smiling.


Chapter 76