Sky’s the Limit
Book Two

Chapter Sixteen

Thanks to Rec for editing!

There was only one thought going through Jonah’s mind as he hung up the phone. He had to get to New Orleans – immediately. Jonah had never made a long drive to anywhere before this. All of his driving had been to school and back and around their little town in Alabama – until the last couple of weeks when he had been driving around Memphis. Still, he knew he had to get to New Orleans and find Sky. If he was ever going to have peace of mind and heart, he had to see and talk to him one more time.

Jonah also knew that whatever he was going to do, he had to do quickly. Billy would be getting home in another hour or two, and no one – not even Billy – could be allowed to stop him. He quickly got on his computer and printed out a driving map to New Orleans. “Google is such a wonderful thing,” Jonah thought to himself.  The computer said it would take at least seven hours, but it was interstate all the way. The route would take him right through Jackson, Mississippi, which was also the halfway point. He had been there to visit Sky and knew he could stop there for gas and coffee.

He quickly gathered a few clothes, a few toiletries, and his meds and threw them in a small suitcase. He stuffed some pillows and his laundry bag under the covers of his bed to make it appear that he was asleep, grabbed his cell phone, and iPod and quickly exited the apartment. Making his way across the street to the garage, he fired up the Tacoma, programmed the GPS for New Orleans and exited the garage. Stopping only for gas and an ATM, Jonah was soon driving down I-55 with the cruise control set on the seventy-mile-per-hour speed limit.

* * *

Billy Tucker woke abruptly to the sound of someone banging on the door of the apartment and the door chime repeatedly being rung. He threw on a robe and scrambled to the door. When he opened it, he saw an obviously upset Reese standing there. “What’s the matter, Reese?”

“Is Jonah here? He was supposed to drive to school today. He didn’t stop by my apartment, he doesn’t answer his cell, and I just went over to the garage, and his truck is gone.”

“Let me check.” Billy turned and headed for Jonah’s room.

Knocking on Jonah’s door and getting no reply, he opened the door and stepped over to the bed. When he realized the hump in the bed wasn’t Jonah, a chill went through his spine; he knew something was wrong. Just as he began to reach for the phone to call Chip, it started ringing.

“Hello?”

“Billy? This is Sarah. Is Chip there?”

“I don’t think so. He must have gone out really early this morning. We’ve got a major problem, though. Jonah seems to be missing.”

“The little bastard isn’t missing. He just called me for the address here. He said he’s here in New Orleans.”

“New Orleans!! What the hell is doing down there?”

“He must have been listening in on my call to Chip last night. I saw Sky down here last night.”

“Oh, my God! Look, I’ll find Chip. When Jonah shows up, don’t let him out of your sight.”

“That’s gonna be tough. I have an early call this morning. We’re trying to finish this shoot today.”

“Okay, well, do what you can, and keep your cell handy. I’m sure we’ll be flying down as soon as we can arrange a flight.”

As he hung up the phone, Billy saw a confused Reese standing in the doorway of Jonah’s bedroom. “Reese, hon, we got a bit of a problem. Seems Jonah has run off to New Orleans.”

“New Orleans!?” Reese exclaimed.

Billy took a deep breath and sighed. “Look, you run on to school. Sarah’s down there, and everything’s going to be okay. I’ll call you this afternoon and fill you in. Right now I’ve got to call Chip and get dressed.”

Reese reluctantly left the apartment on his way to school, as a very upset Billy went to his room and called Chip. “Chip, Sarah just called. Jonah is in New Orleans and on his way to the apartment.”

“Dammit. He must have been listening in on our phone call last night. Look, pack us both a change of clothes and overnight necessities in a single bag. I’ll arrange for a plane and pick you up in an hour. I have some other calls to make before we go. Oh, there’s a new satellite phone on my desk in its charger. Grab it and the charger, too.”

In about an hour Billy was waiting downstairs for Chip when Leon pulled up in a full-sized Hummer H-1. The passenger window rolled down and Chip said, “Throw the bag in the back and get in. A plane is waiting for us at the airport.”

They rode in silence for a few moments. Billy could sense that Chip was very upset. He finally broke the silence. “Chip, umm, exactly what did Sarah say last night?”

“She and some friends were out partying around on Bourbon Street, and she saw Sky dancing at some strip joint.”

“Oh, my God!”

“Yeah.”

“Chip, don’t be too angry with him. I mean, if the situation were reversed, you know I would’ve done the same thing.”

“Yeah, I know. You two are too much alike. I’m actually angrier at myself for not going to check on him and talk to him about this after Sarah hung up. I should’ve laid the whole thing out.”

“Chip, I think it’s deeper than that. I don’t think Jonah can ever have any peace with himself until he actually talks to Sky. I think it’s something he’s got to do.”

“You may be right, Billy. It makes sense.”

The silence resumed till they reached the airport and pulled into the lot for the general- aviation and charter flights. Chip turned to Billy and said, “Grab the bag and come on. Leon is just dropping us off, then he’s driving on to New Orleans. He’s also got to pick up one of his drivers who will bring back Jonah’s truck. The plane should already be warmed up and ready to take off.”

“Okay,” Billy said as he climbed out of the large vehicle.

* * *

Meanwhile, down in New Orleans, a very tired Jonah had made his way to the address Sarah had given him, thanks to the GPS gadget in the truck. As soon as he knocked on the door a visibly angry Sarah opened it. “Jonah Tucker Knight! What in the hell were you thinking? Do you realize there’s a huge hurricane on the way to this area, besides the fact that you’re only sixteen years old driving that far in the middle of the friggin’ night without anyone knowin’ where the hell you were?”

“Sis, calm down. I made it just fine, and you know I have to find him. I just have to,” Jonah said tearing up and putting on his best puppy-dog pout.

Sarah just melted and took him in her arms. “Yeah, I know.”

They hugged for a few minutes till Sarah finally said, “Well, you’re here, you’re safe, and I’m late for my call. I’ll be gone for at least three hours. We’re just doing some re-takes and trying to finish up to get the hell out of here. You go upstairs and get some rest. I know you haven’t slept all night.”

“I am pretty tired, but I gotta go look for Sky.”

“Well, number one, you don’t know where to start, and I do. Second, you’re going to get some rest first or you won’t be any good to anyone for anything.”

“Okay, you win, but don’t be too long. Okay?”

“I’ll call your cell the minute we wrap. Don’t you dare leave this apartment till I get back or I’ll have you arrested as a runaway. Help yourself to whatever you can find in the kitchen. I know there’s cereal, milk, and juice,” Sarah said as she was leaving.

“Mmmk, bye,” Jonah said as he closed and locked the door behind her.

Jonah took Sarah’s advice and fixed himself a light breakfast before going upstairs and lying down on the bed. It was but a few seconds after his head hit the pillow that he was sleeping soundly.

When he awoke, he thought he heard muffled voices coming from downstairs. He got up and headed downstairs. Chip was seated at the dining table with his laptop and briefcase, both open. Billy was on the sofa reading a newspaper. They both turned to look at Jonah as he entered the room. “When did you guys get here? What time is it?” Jonah asked.

“We’ve been here about an hour or so, and it’s not quite noon,” Chip replied somewhat tersely.

“How did you get here so fast?”

“We chartered a plane -- the same one you, Billy and Sarah are leaving on as soon as she gets back and packed.”

“I can’t… I won’t… not till I find Sky.”

“Jonah,” Chip said sternly, “Don’t test me on this. You’re supposed to be in school. There is no argument –”

“Chip,” Billy interrupted. “Let’s talk about this for a minute. Let’s assume you find Sky. He doesn’t know you from Adam – me, either, for that matter. I doubt he’ll be very cooperative.”

Chip sighed. “What are you proposing?”

“I’m not sure. I don’t even know what we do if we find him. Have you spoken to Jim or Sky’s dad?”

“I finally got through to Jim this morning. He said he and Mr. Blue will fly back as soon as they can get a flight, but it may be tonight or tomorrow. They want us to try and find him and get him out of New Orleans as soon as possible. After that, who knows? Jim seemed to indicate that Mr. Blue still isn’t sure if he can deal with the gay issue.”

“Well, who says Sky has to go back to Mississippi or even wants to? According to Dad, Sky’s mom outed him at their church in front of everyone. He’s got to be scared to go back to his old school and friends and all. I know I was terrified,” Jonah interjected.

“Okay, Jonah, what’s your plan, then?” Chip asked somewhat sarcastically.

“I’m not sure, either, but we have plenty of room in Memphis. He could have the spare room across from me.”

“Yeah, right, like any court is going to grant custody of a seventeen-year-old runaway to the guardian of his gay boyfriend. I wish I knew of a relative or something.”

Billy and Jonah looked at each other, and it was as if the same light bulb went on at the same time. “He does have someone!” they both exclaimed simultaneously, grinning at each other.

“What…? Who?” Chip was looking confused.

“Brad’s mom,” Jonah replied, looking over at Billy.

“Sandra Parker? I’m confused. How on earth is she related to Sky?” Chip asked, visibly perplexed.

“It’s a long, sordid story,” Billy replied. “I didn’t know about it either until a few weeks ago. It seems that Sandra is Sky’s aunt, although I’m sure Sky doesn’t even know about her. In New York, Jonah noticed that there is a strong resemblance between Sky and Brad; that’s how it came up. It turns out they share the same grandfather.”

“That’s incredible. How do we know Sandra would be willing? I mean, that’s a lot to ask of anyone. How do we know if Mr. Blue would agree to it?” Chip asked.

“We won’t until someone starts asking,” Billy replied. “But according to Brad, Sandra has been very lonely lately and wanting something more. This may be just the thing.”

“Okay, Billy, I’ll start making phone calls. I’ll call Sandra first. You two run down to Central Grocery Company and get us a Muffuletta for lunch and whatever else you guys may want. Maybe by the time you get back, we can have some sort of plan started.”

Jonah was so excited he thought he might explode.

By the time Billy and Jonah returned to the apartment, Sarah had returned and was talking to Chip when they walked in. “I thought you were going to call when you were done?” Jonah asked.

“Sorry, hon. I was hoping you would still be resting. I didn’t want to disturb you. I should’ve known Chip and Billy wouldn’t waste any time getting down here.”

“Well?” Jonah asked Chip.

“Well, what?”

“C’mon you know. Did you speak to Ms. Parker or Sky’s dad?”

“Yes, to both.”

“And?” Jonah asked, getting more visibly anxious.

“Sandra is willing. Mr. Blue is very uncertain, but it is an alternative he had not even considered. If we can get Sky to Memphis, we will meet there to discuss it. Some of it will be up to Sky. But if Mr. Blue says no… we have no other legal option. He is Sky’s dad and legal custodian.”

“Well, at least there’s an option and a chance. It’s more than we had before,” Jonah said excitedly.

“Yes, a chance, but don’t get your hopes up, Jonah,” Billy said, trying to calm him down. “We still have to find him, you know. This is a big town, and we don’t have much time if that storm keeps heading this way. He may have already evacuated.”

“How? He doesn’t have a car or much money either, I bet,” Jonah said.

“You’re probably right, Jonah. Sarah, any idea on where we start looking?” Billy asked.

“Yeah, as a matter of fact. He’s apparently a regular performer at the gay bar we went to first last night. His name was on one of the handbills tacked on the wall.”

“What’s the name of the place?” Billy asked.

“Umm … something Cabaret…umm… Phil’s Cabaret. Yeah, that’s it.”

“Oh, my God!” Billy exclaimed. “I know about that place and the sleaze that runs it. He’s a corrupt old son of a bitch that uses underage boys to stock his stables of male prostitutes. Pays off the cops, judges, and prosecutors on a regular basis, or provides them with ‘entertainment.’ He has several layers of protection in this city and knows enough to blackmail the ones he doesn’t pay off. He gets whatever he wants. I met a guy when I was in school here, a friend of Brad’s that used to work for the creep. He told us horror stories about that place. Drugs, prostitution – you name it – it happens there.”

“Oh, God! Oh, nooooo!” Jonah exclaimed, starting to cry.

Sarah ran over to Jonah, scooped him into a big hug, and started stroking his hair. “Shhh, baby brother. It’s going to be okay. I’m sure he’s okay. I saw him just last night. He was a bit thin, but he looked okay.”

“Chip, now we gotta find him,” Jonah said, still sobbing. “He may be in some trouble. He just wouldn’t do things like that – not if he had any choice. Something’s happened. That’s just not like him.”

“We’ll find him, but we’re not going into something like this without some kind of backup. Leon’s on his way and should be here soon. He’ll go with us. Those places don’t get going till evening, anyway. We’ll just wait. I need to call our pilot and tell him to stand down till probably in the morning, but one way or the other, you, Sarah, and Billy will be on that plane tomorrow and out the way of this storm. Agreed?” Chip stated flatly.

Jonah looked at the floor, and grudgingly said, “Agreed.”

“Okay, well, I guess there’s too many of us to all stay here tonight. I’ll get a couple of rooms or a suite at the Omni or the Royal Sonesta. They’re the closest nice places.”

“You’re forgetting the new Ritz. It’s only a few blocks, too,” Billy reminded him.

“No, I’m thinking of places on or near Bourbon, as that’s where we’re looking for him, and they’ll have more convenient parking for that monster vehicle of Leon’s.”

“Oh, okay.”

“The video-production-company execs had a couple of suites at the Sonesta. They were checking out early today to get on a flight. You can probably get those rooms,” Sarah offered.

* * *

When Leon arrived, he was briefed on the situation as they knew it. The limo driver he had brought with him, Antonio, was given the keys to Jonah’s truck and sent on his way back to Memphis. Later that evening, Billy, Jonah, Leon, and Chip headed out to find Phil’s. When they arrived, Jonah, as expected, was too young to enter, and it was quickly decided that he and Billy would wait outside and Chip and Leon would go in and see what they could find out.

Leon and Chip entered the bar and were seated at a table. When a waiter came over to take their drink order, Chip stated, “We’ll just have a glass of whatever you have on draught. What we really want is some information.” He pulled a one-hundred-dollar bill out of his pocket where the young waiter could see it.

“Yeah, okay. What kind of information?”

“I need to know about one of your dancers – the one named Sky. How can I speak with him?”

“He’s supposed to be working tonight. That show doesn’t start for another hour. He may already be here. He hangs out with another dancer, Jo-Jo. I think they’re roomies. If you want a lap dance, you need to see Eddie over there,” he said, pointing across the room.

“Ask Eddie to join us, and I’ll give you this bill when you come back with our beer.”

The young waiter walked over to where Eddie was talking with the DJ. They exchanged a short conversation, Eddie looked over at their table, and the waiter headed back for the bar. He quickly brought their drinks and said, “Eddie’ll be over as soon as he’s done going over the show with the DJ.”

“Thank you,” Chip said as he handed the obviously grateful young man the bill.

Chip and Leon took short sips of the beer as Eddie walked over and sat at their table. “I understand you gentlemen are interested in Sky and may have some money to spend.”

“Look, we just want to speak to him. That’s all.”

“Are you cops or feds?” Eddie said, suddenly nervous.

“No. Friends of his family. A mutual friend spotted him dancing and called us. We want to offer him some, umm, help. His situation at home has… umm… Shall we say, things have changed.”

“Look, I don’t know you guys. How do I know you’re not some perverts looking to get the kid in some kind of trouble? Give me one reason I should cooperate with you.”

“I’ll give you five hundred of them,” Chip replied, pulling out five one-hundred-dollar bills. Would a cop or some lowlife be this interested in some street kid?”

“Well, no cop, that’s for sure. You, sir, are too well dressed to be a cop, anyway. I don’t get too many tailored Armani suits in here. I assume your friend here is a bodyguard or something. You work for the kid’s parents or something?”

“Well, in a way. I have spoken to Sky’s father. We may have excellent options for him if he doesn’t want to go home. We want to help the kid: get him out of this, whatever he’s gotten himself into.”

“Can you really do that? Take him somewhere he can have a chance at a real life?”

“Absolutely, if he wants.”

Eddie just sat there for a moment contemplating the situation. Obviously, this man he was talking with was fairly well off and had given Eddie no reason to doubt his sincerity.

“Look, he’ll be here probably in the next fifteen or so minutes. He uses the back entrance, though. As soon as he gets here, I’ll send him out to talk to you. But either I or one of my bouncers or both will be here in case there’s trouble.”

“Fair enough. Here’s two hundred. I’ll give you the rest when I speak to the boy.”

Chip sent Leon outside to tell Billy and Jonah what was going on and to just wait patiently. Patience was difficult for Jonah. He now had confirmation that Sky would be here – and in just a few minutes. Leon warned Jonah rather sternly against trying to come inside and promised Jonah that he would help the bouncers throw his butt back out onto the street.

Leon returned to the table where Chip was patiently waiting, still sipping the same beer. In about five minutes, Eddie came back to the table and sat with them. “He just arrived and will be out in about five minutes. He has to get his costume and stuff ready for the show.” Eddie signaled for one of the bouncers, Charlie, the largest of the lot, to come over to the table. “Charlie, these guys want to talk to Sky. I don’t expect any trouble, but I want you to just hang back a few feet and keep an eye on this crew. I’ll be here, too.”

“Yessir,” was his only reply.

“It wasn’t long before Sky, dressed only in a wife-beater shirt, short cutoffs, and a pair of flip flops emerged from the behind the stage area, spotted the table where Eddie was seated with Chip and Leon, and headed over and sat down.

Chip discreetly slipped Eddie the remaining three hundred dollars as Sky spoke. “I’m Sky. What do you want to talk to me about, and who the hell are you?”

“Sky, my name is Charles Tucker. You may call me Chip if you like,” he replied, reaching over to shake Sky’s hand. “I’m here because… well, a lot of people have been looking for you.”

“Are you from The Refuge or Love in Action? If that’s it, I’m outta here right now.”

“No! Wait! No, not at all. I hate that place, too. Please, don’t leave. Hear me out.”

“You work for Dad?”

“No, but I have spoken to him.”

“What the hell is this? You’re making no sense at all.”

“Sky, a lot of things have changed back home since you left. I think I can make this a lot easier if you will step outside – just to the sidewalk out front. There’s someone who wants to speak to you and who I think will answer a lot of your questions.”

“Who? You got some cops or social workers or something out there? My dad?

“No, I assure you it’s nothing like that. Your friends here can come, too. There’s no ambush waiting. They can check it out first if you want.”

Sky nodded to Eddie, who got up and went to the front door and looked around and came back to the table. “Just some nice-looking blond guy – maybe a little younger than me, and what looks like his kid brother out there.”

Chip and Leon both had to fight to hold back a chuckle. “That’s them.”

“Them who, dammit,” Sky demanded.

“Please just come to the door and step outside.”

Sky got up, and the entourage headed for the door. Chip was first to reach the door, opened it, and held it for Sky.

The second he emerged, Jonah screamed, “Sky!” and ran and grabbed him in the tightest hug imaginable.

“Jonah!?” Sky exclaimed, gently pushing him back.

Sky’s look of utter shock was quickly disintegrating into one of fear and shame. “Jonah, you have to go. I never wanted you to know. Please leave, and don’t tell anyone else.. Please…” Sky was starting to cry, and turned to go back inside.

“Sky! Wait! Please! Dammit. Don’t you dare leave me again! I love you, and I always will.”

Sky turned slowly, the sadness and shame evident in his face and eyes. “Leave you!? You think I wanted this? You have no idea what I’ve been through. You have no idea what… what I’ve become.”

“Sky, you’re right… I don’t know. But you don’t know what all has happened to me, your folks, my folks, and everything. Things are different for you, too. There’s so much you don’t know. Please, I just need to talk, and I don’t care what you’ve done. You did what you thought you had to, but there’s no need now. Please, Sky. Please, just talk to me.”

Sky just stood there looking at Jonah. His heart was aching to be with him again, but his shame and fear were nearly overwhelming. “Just talk?” he asked, looking more at Chip and Leon than Jonah.

“Just talk,” Chip replied.

“Eddie, is it okay if I go somewhere for a while? I may miss the first show.”

“Sure, kid. Take your time. I’ll bill it to these guys. They seem to be good for it. I’ll cover it with Phil.”

With that, Eddie and Charlie went back inside. Sky turned to Jonah. “There’s a diner and po-boy shop a couple of blocks from here. We can go there. I’m not hungry, but I haven’t eaten anything today yet, anyway. Before I go anywhere, who are these guys?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I just figured Chip had told you already. These are my uncles, Chip and Billy. I’m living with them now in Memphis, and this is Leon. He’s sorta, well, like part-time chauffeur, bodyguard, whatever he needs to be.”

“Your uncles? Memphis? Chauffeur? Damn, I guess I am out of the loop. The last news I had about you, you had been in some sort of car wreck, but you would be okay.”

They began to walk as Jonah began to fill him in on what had happened in his life after the accident. Obviously, he wasn’t even half done by the time they reached the diner.

They found a quiet table and sat as the waitress came over to take the order. After ordering, Jonah continued to tell Sky his incredible saga – well almost all of it. He didn’t tell him about Reese; he couldn’t – not yet.

“Jonah, this is… incredible. You mean you never knew about this trust thing, or the money, or any of it?”

“Nope,” Jonah replied smiling.

“Chip mentioned things were different back home for me, too. What’s happened?”

Jonah looked at Chip as if asking for help.

“Sky,” Chip began, “What I… we know comes second hand from Jonah’s dad, and we don’t know all the details. It seems that after you were missing, your mom had some sort of breakdown and tried to kill herself. She’s okay, but she’s in a private hospital getting some help. She may be there a while. Your dad… well, Jim has been working on him. Jim has accepted Jonah’s being gay quite well. Jonah’s stepmom is a different story, but Jim has completely changed. I don’t think your dad has come quite that far yet.”

“So, you tell me I have no mom to go back to and a dad that probably still doesn’t want me. My mom, she’s really okay?”

“Yes, she’s getting treatment, Sky. I’m sure seeing you again would make a world of difference in her recovery.”

“Well, that’s one reason to go, I guess, but what you’re telling me is that I still have no home to go to.”

“Well, that’s not entirely correct,” Chip continued. “You’re dad has been quite upset about your disappearance. He has been trying to find you. Also, we have discovered an option. I think Jonah may need to tell you about that. It was sort of his discovery and idea in a way.”

Sky looked nervously back at Jonah, as Jonah began to unfold how he found out about Brad, his mom, and the secret, sordid Blue family history.

When Jonah finished, Sky just sat there a moment as if he was trying to let it all sink in. “Let me get this straight. Your Uncle Billy is gay and engaged to a first cousin of mine I never knew who now lives in New York and who apparently looks like an older version of me. His mom is an aunt I never knew I had, who would let me live with her in Memphis, where, coincidentally, you are also now living.”

“That’s about it. Providing, of course, that’s what you want to do and your dad agrees to it,” Chip interjected.

“Umm, I don’t mean to be rude, but can Jonah and I have a few minutes alone?” Sky asked.

“Certainly, there’s an empty table over by the window for us,” Chip replied.

Chip, Billy, and Leon got up and walked over to the empty table and sat down. Sky moved over to sit next to Jonah. “Jonah, a lot has happened to me. I honestly didn’t want to be found. Not ever – especially not by you. I’ve tried to close that chapter in my life. How did you find me?”

“I didn’t. Sarah has been working down here. She saw you dancing in another bar last night.”

“Oh… I guess it was inevitable that someone would eventually recognize me,” he sighed.

“Jonah, still there’s so much you don’t know: things I’ve done – what I’ve become….”

“Sky, listen to me. Billy knows about Phil’s place and what it is. I know there’s drugs and prostitution and everything else going on there. That’s all the more the reason to come back with me. I don’t care what you’ve done. I love you. I still love you, Sky.”

“You couldn’t, not if you knew….”

“Sky, you don’t get it… I don’t care. Look, I want you to look me in the eye and tell me you don’t love me any more, and then I’m – we’re outta here.”

Sky just looked at Jonah intently, showing almost no emotion for nearly a minute; then he looked down at the table where the waitress had just set his plate down. When he looked back up at Jonah, his eyes were full of tears, which were starting to roll down his cheek. “I… I can’t tell you that. I never stopped loving you, either. I couldn’t – that’s the whole reason I ran from that horrible place, anyway.”

Jonah leaned over and put his hand behind Sky’s neck. He looked him squarely in the eyes as he gently wiped away Sky’s tears with the fingers of his other hand. He then pulled him closer, and he leaned in to give Sky a gentle kiss.

As they broke the kiss, Sky asked, “So now what?”

“That’s up to you, babe,” Jonah replied. “I say you get your stuff and come back with us. Your dad told Chip he would meet us in Memphis to talk it all out. At least, there’s a chance we can work everything out. I honestly don’t know if things – if we – can be like we were, but maybe it could be better than before, too.”

“I honestly don’t know either, Jonah, but I’ve learned a lot lately. Life isn’t always fair.”

“We still love each other, Sky.”

“Yeah, but things are different, Jonah. I’m different. I hate myself. You just don’t get it. Those people… at that place… they tried to make me hate the part of myself that loved you. Now, I just hate what I’ve done, what I’ve become.”

“Sky, I –”

“I know. You still love me. I’ll go back. I’ll try, okay?”

Jonah was beaming. He thought his heart was just going to leap out of his chest. Now, maybe he could have the life he truly wanted.

Sky couldn’t help but be moved by Jonah’s infectious smile. He looked at him and dissolved into a smile of his own.

Seeing Sky’s gorgeous smile again made Jonah even happier. He couldn’t remember being so happy since, well, the last time he saw that smile.

Over at Chip’s and Billy’s table, the pair had been trying to watch what was going on without being too obvious as they ate their meal. When Billy saw the kiss followed by the mutual smiles a few minutes later, his heart seemed to warm. He couldn’t help but look at these two boys and think of his own rough times with Brad that always worked out in the end. About that time, Chip’s cell phone rang. After a short conversation consisting of mostly, “Yes, I understand,” he hung up and headed back over to the table where Jonah and Sky were finishing their sandwiches.

“Guys, I hate to interrupt you, but I just got a rather urgent phone call. That storm, Hurricane Katrina, is still heading into the Gulf and may become a huge storm. Our pilot has been ordered by his company to leave New Orleans no later than noon tomorrow, for insurance reasons. Have you two worked anything out?”

“Oh, okay, Chip,” Jonah replied. “Yeah, Sky’s going back with us!”

“Great!” Chip exclaimed, patting Sky on the back.

“You’ve made the right decision, Sky. I’ll do all I can to help you.”

“Thank you, sir,” Sky said.

“Chip, please, Sky. I know we just met, but I feel like you’re part of the family, too. Jonah refused to give up on finding you.”

“Thanks. I need to go back to the club and let them know. I also need to talk to my roommate and go by the house and get a few of my things. I’m not exactly dressed to go anywhere right now.”

“That’s fine. We’ll stop by the club on the way back to our hotel. Between an apartment and the hotel rooms we have, there’s plenty of room for you to stay with us tonight. Give Leon the address where you’re staying and he’ll meet you there with his Hummer and help you load your things.”

“Well, I don’t have that much, but I do have a motorcycle. It’s just a small, used, street bike, but I need to figure out what to do about that.”

“Not a problem. There’s a place to store that at our apartment. It should fit in the storage room. We can send for it later or come back in a van or truck to get it.”

“You seem to have a solution for everything,” Sky said.

“Heh, he usually does,” Jonah chuckled.

They all quickly finished eating. Sky wrote his address on a napkin and gave it to Leon. Chip paid the bill, and they left. When they arrived back at Phil’s, Sky said, “You can come inside if you like, except for Jonah, but, really I would rather you guys wait out here. I won’t be long.”

“That’s fine, we’ll wait,” Chip said.

Without alerting Jonah, Chip pulled Leon to one side and sent him around to find the back entrance and watch, just in case Sky tried to slip away.

“Where’s Leon going?” Jonah asked.

“He just went to get his Hummer so he can help you guys with Sky’s stuff.”

“Oh, okay.”

While they were waiting, Chip was again talking on his cell phone, and Billy pulled Jonah aside. “Jonah, you know when we get to Memphis you have a little problem back there that you are going to have to resolve.”

“Yeah, I know: Reese.” Jonah just looked down at his feet, visibly upset.

“Yeah, Reese,” Billy echoed. “Look, Jonah, he knows your history, and he’s a big boy, but you’ve got to be honest with him; you’ve got to be up front and honest about him with Sky; and most of all, be honest with yourself.”

“Yeah, I know. I’ll tell Sky soon. When the time is right. I don’t want to hurt Reese, either.”

“Okay, Jonah. I’m here for you, too,” Billy said, hugging him.

They waited for about ten minutes, and then Sky reappeared, much to Chip’s relief. “I told Eddie I was leaving. I just told him my mom was sick and needed me. He said it was cool, and that a lot of guys were leaving because of this storm anyhow. I only had a minute to tell Jo-Jo, my roommate. He was about to go on stage. I’ll have to call him later somehow.”

“Sure, that’s not a problem, Sky. You can use my cell,” Jonah said.

“Guys, I need to get back to the hotel and start making a lot of phone calls and send some e-mails. Things are happening quickly. If you want to come with me, Leon will drive y’all over to Sky’s place,” Chip interjected.

“Actually, sir – I mean Chip, do you mind if Jonah and I walk? It’ll give us a chance to talk some more. It’s not far – about ten minutes or so from here. I walk it like every day.”

“Well, okay. Billy, you coming with me?”

“Yeah, I just noticed two missed calls on my phone from Brad. I bet Sandra called him about all this, and he wants details. He’s such a busybody.”

“She is his mom, Billy,” Chip said.

As they walked off, Chip quickly called Leon and told him to get the Hummer and go to the address Sky had given as quickly as he could.

Sky and Jonah started off towards Sky’s place, busily talking about anything and everything. As they were approaching the old duplex that Sky called home, a dark sedan pulled up beside them, and a large black male got out.

“Yo, Sky, hol’ up a minute.”

Sky turned to see Yard Dog standing there and another guy getting out of the back seat.

“What you need, Dog?”

“I needs my money, and I need it NOW!”

“I don’t have it on me. I can get it.”

“That’s too bad, man. Guess I’m just gonna have to teach you to pay on time. It was due yesterday.”

“Man, I was working a gig with Jo-Jo yesterday.”

“If you was working, then you got paid. Gimme my dough, man.”

“I told you I can get it.”

“An’ I tol’ you I can’t wait.” With that, Yard Dog pulled out a large switchblade, as Jonah got on guard and started to pull Sky out of the way.

“Wat’s dis? You got dis little pussy boy protecting you, Sky?”

About that time, Jonah saw a dark streak move up fast behind Yard Dog, laying him out in a single blow and heading for the other guy who had gotten out of the car. Leon moved with cat-like speed, skill, and agility that Jonah honestly didn’t know existed. While Leon was taking care of the second thug, Jonah caught some movement out of the corner of his eye, as he saw someone else getting out of the car and heard the unmistakable sound of a gun cocking.

Jonah lunged at Sky, trying to knock him to the ground and out of harm’s way as several rounds went off. It was then as if time froze. Jonah felt a sharp pain, then… nothing.

There was next the squealing of tires as the car sped off. Sky sat up as best he could as Jonah was still lying on top of him. It was then that Sky saw the blood. Leon came running over and gently rolled Jonah off of Sky. Sky jumped up and screamed, “JONAH… NOOOOOO!!!!”

Leon looked up at him. “Get down here and help me! We gotta stop this bleeding. It’s bad.”

Leon was pulling off his black t-shirt and ripping it into bandages. He also removed his belt. “I see two wounds: one in the side of his chest and one in the leg. Get behind him and hold this tightly to the chest wound while I put a tourniquet on his leg, and call for help.”

Sky did as instructed. As he was holding Jonah and the bandage, Jonah opened his eyes and spoke softly, almost in a labored whisper. “Sky? You okay?”

“Shhhh. Jonah, I’m fine, but you’ve been shot,” Sky said, almost sobbing.

“I know… Sky?”

“Yes, Jonah?”

“Do you still love me?”

“Oh, God. Yes, Jonah. Yes, more than my own life!” Sky was sobbing now.

“Sky, please don’t leave me. Never again.”

“No, Jonah, never… never again, I promise.”

“Sky, will you sing to me again?”

Choking back tears, Sky started to softly sing: singing the only song he could think of— the last song he sang to Jonah.

Goodnight, my angel, time to close your eyes,
And save these questions for another day.
I think I know what you've been asking me,
I think you know what I've been trying to say.
I promised I would never leave you,
Then you should always know
Wherever you may go, no matter where you are
I never will be far away.

Goodnight, my angel, now it's time to sleep,
And still so many things I want to say.
Remember all the songs you sang for me,
When we went sailing on an emerald bay.
And like a boat out on the ocean,
I'm rocking you to sleep
The water's dark and deep, inside this ancient heart
You'll always be a part of me.

(Humming)

Goodnight, my angel, now it's time to dream,
And dream how wonderful your life will be.
Someday your child may cry, and if you sing this lullaby,
Then in your heart there will always be a part of me.
Someday we'll all be gone
But lullabies go on and on
They never die
That's how you and I will be…

TO BE CONTINUED . . .

Special thanks to Lugh, Colin, CJ, and Julie for your special help and assistance. Thanks to “the Dude” for his help with the music files, and again my deepest gratitude to all you readers, just for reading, and please keep sending those comments.

Mike, my special thoughts are with you…I dedicate this chapter to “Roger”.

Hugs,

Rick