Chapter 1

1

Friday Morning

Brian and Jim sat in Jim’s kitchen about to enjoy his blueberry scones. The Blue Hall teapot stood on the table between them as Brian spooned tea into the pot and poured the water.

“Papa Bear’s going to be upset because he didn’t get one,” Brian giggled.

“Don’t worry, hon, I put another batch in the oven before you arrived.”

“What’s new?” Brian took out two cups and made their tea.

“Dr. Harris released Reed. Yesterday was his last session.”

“That’s cool! It means Greg can finally join Indiscreet.” Brian blew on his tea to cool it.

“I know how much he helped both you and Irene.” Jim turned to the oven, and after grabbing a mitt, took out the second batch. “I don’t think Reed and I would be back together if it weren’t for Greg getting Reed’s head screwed on straight.”

“Greg’s been itching to join Indiscreet since Cisco became a member last year.” Brian took a sip of tea. “He was afraid Cisco would find a sub before he got to join.”

“You know both Reed and Bear offered him a free membership.” Jim took the tongs and put two sugar cubes in his tea.

“I knew he wouldn’t take it. He insisted on paying the fee himself. He told me it wouldn’t mean as much if he got it for nothing.” Washington, Jim’s grey ghost cat, appeared on the kitchen mat.

“Where did he come from?” Brian looked askance. “That cat moves like he’s got a built-in transporter.”

Laverne and Shirley started to yap. “Hold that thought, I have to let the dogs out.”

“You mean the furry rats…” Brian tried to keep a straight face.

“Just because Papa Bear thinks Laverne and Shirley are inappropriate dogs, doesn’t mean he can diss them.” Jim flounced toward the kitchen door.

“I’m sorry puppies,” Brian said giving each one an ear scratch. “Maltipoos!” Brian cracked up laughing.

With the dogs in the yard, Jim came in and sat down. “You know, Bull Raleigh is looking for a sub.” Brian told Jim.

“Don’t you dare change the subject. Bull Raleigh, please…How did you know about how Greg Harris feels about Cisco? I guessed, but apparently you knew,” Jim pouted, “and even worse, you didn’t share. Cub, I swear you’ll take everyone’s secrets to the grave.”

“Well, I’m sharing now. I couldn’t before. The night that Mrs. James’ boys beat me and knocked me out, Greg made me admit I loved Bear. To get me to talk; he told me about he felt about Cisco.” Brian thrust out his lower lip in imitation of Jim.

“Stop it. You can make fun of me all you like but now that you’ve spilled you’ve got to dish up the rest of the story. What’s Bear been up to? How come Cisco hasn’t found a sub? He’s been at Indiscreet for six months. Some twink should have glommed onto him by now. As a doctor, he’s a good catch.”

“Bear does nothing really blatant. He just points out each candidate’s obvious flaws and incompatibilities. There’s nothing wrong with that.” Brian turned his face away from Jim’s stifling a giggle.

“Unless, of course, you try to point out the obvious advantages of someone else.” Jim waggled his eyebrow.

“There was no one there Bear thought would be compatible…”

“And now there will be.” Jim took a bite out of his scone. “When?”

“Tonight.” Brian’s eyes shone with mischief.

“Are you going to be there?” Brian rolled his eyes.

“You think I’d miss this? I want to see Cisco’s face when he sees Greg Harris putting himself up as a submissive.” Brian chortled with glee.

The two friends looked at each other, inordinately pleased with themselves and their Masters.

* * * *

Bear Drummond and Reed Davis sat in two chairs in front of Dr. Francisco de Loria’s desk. Cisco to his friends. They were in his office at St. Mary’s Medical Center where he was Chief of Staff.

“…so the new oncology wing will open in six weeks. I can’t express to you how much it means to the hospital that you and Reed spearheaded the funding drive and oversaw the construction. Without your expertise, the job would have taken longer and we wouldn’t have stayed on budget.”

Reed took a sip of his coffee and grimaced. “How do you put up with this swill? I swear I’m going to get you a new coffee maker and supply you with coffee from the club.” Reed’s nose wrinkled in distaste.

“While you’re at it, you should ask Jim if he would mind supplying blueberry scones for these meetings. It would certainly make me more eager to face the endless bullshit that comes from our recalcitrant hospital board. Now that I’m chairman, there are a few board members getting their walking papers.” Bear grumbled.