All Queers Must Die

by Gerald Lopez

  “I’m guessing it’s because the inexpensive and basic ingredients are too plentiful and easy to get,” Jenna said.

  “Exactly,” Tara said. “That’s why we need to get our hands on either a blood sample from a person, who’s just taken the drug cocktail—and the closer to the brain the sample comes from the better since the cocktail directly affects the brain—or we need to find the facilities where the mixture is put together.”

  “There’s one thing that really doesn’t make sense to me,” Frank said. “If their drug is killing people, or at least putting them in the hospital, then aren’t they also killing off their customer base.”

  “That’s a very astute statement, Frank,” Tara said. “Dr. Farrow and I have concluded that our dealers are either amateurs, or have very little experience working with chupa. It’s the effects of their drug cocktail that led us to our conclusion. Patients’ reactions have been too varied, including: cardiac arrest, convulsions in normally healthy people, comas, and even complete shutting down of their bodies systems. It’s the lack of consistency in the effects, which makes us believe the drug producers are still working on trying to get the correct balance of ingredients.”

  “That’s frightening,” Mrs. Haymond said. “Those poor victims are sort of like human guinea pigs.”

  “There’s no ‘sort of’ about it, Mrs. Haymond,” Tara said. “Luckily, Dr. Farrow discovered that the chupa can actually help to stabilize some of the patients. She brought someone in with a knowledge of native plants and medicine, who told her that the chupa could be used to put patients who are at extreme risk into safe comas. We can stabilize them for a while after that, but we really need to find those other ingredients.”

  “Then I think we need to get to the source of the chupa and find out how it’s coming in,” Bart said, then he turned to Judge Haymond. “Could the chupa be the reason why Gabriel has made a sudden appearance in town?”

  “It could,” Judge Haymond said. “But it doesn’t mean he’s the provider of the chupa. I loved the boy as much as I love any of you here right now. We were close before his father took him back. His mother was a good woman, and we were friends.”

  “She wanted us to raise Gabriel if anything ever happened to her,” Mrs. Haymond said. “And we tried our best to get custody of him, but his father had more contacts, and the money to fight us. It wasn’t as if he loved Gabriel. He acted more like Gabriel was his property to do with what he wanted. During the long year of custody battles, Gabriel lived with us, per his mother’s instructions in her will—he was such a sweet boy, my little Gabriel. But suddenly, when he turned thirteen, Gabriel told Judge Breemer, who was presiding over the case, that he wanted to go live with his father, and Judge Breemer honored his wishes. I don’t understand what happened… he seemed so happy with us.”

  “His father must’ve had something to threaten him with— maybe he told Gabriel he’d harm you or Judge Haymond,” Bart said.

  “No, that couldn’t be it,” Mrs. Haymond said. “He knew we were capable of keeping ourselves and him safe.”

  “Maybe so, but what if his father threatened some of his relatives back home,” Jenna said.

  “That’s always been my personal theory,” Judge Haymond said. “In any case, if we get the chance, it may be worth seeing where Gabriel’s loyalties are now.”

  “We’d better be leaving,” Bart said. “I need to try and find a way to crash tonight’s masquerade ball.”

  Chapter 32

  Unexpected Opportunity

  BART HAD Frank drop him off in front of the resort, so he could speak to George, whom he knew was on duty. George smiled as Bart walked toward him.

  “Good afternoon, boss,” George said. What can I do for you?”

  “Good afternoon, George,” Bart said. “You wouldn’t happen to know anyone that has an extra ticket to the masquerade ball at the museum tonight… would you? Or maybe even someone who needs a date or an escort.”

  “As a matter of fact, I just might know someone. He’s here on the property, as we speak.”

  “How’s about introducing us?” Bart said.

  George looked back toward a tall and slim valet with black hair and brown eyes, who was standing at the valet station and spoke. “Joe, keep an eye on things here for me. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  “No problem,” Joe said.

  “Follow me,” George said to Bart. “We’re gonna take the long way, so I can fill you in on some pertinent information. My buddy Joe can handle things here by himself for a while.”

  Once they’d entered the lobby, George started sharing the ‘information.’ “Mr. Kristoff’s nephew Gabriel is here to ask James to go with him to the museum ball. The two met a few years ago, when James was working at the island resort.”

  “Are they romantically involved?” Bart said.

  “No, but Gabriel would like them to be. There’s just one big thing standing in his way.”

  “What?” Bart said, as they walked outside.

  “It’s more of a ‘who’ actually, than a ‘what’,” George said. “To be more specific—it’s you, Jeremy. Gabriel is aware that James made a pass at you, and that he has strong feelings where you’re concerned. He’s been asking around about you… even asking me about where you’ve been going since you returned.”

  “And what did you tell him?” Bart said

  George was silent for a moment, then he stopped and looked at Bart. “I didn’t tell him anything that he couldn’t have found out from somebody else.” His voice was shaking, so he stopped talking and sat on a nearby bench. “I know I owe you big time, Jeremy… but Mr. Orion is Gabriel’s godfather, and I just can’t risk him letting my secret out. Gabriel even calls him Uncle Orion.” He suddenly turned his face from Bart and looked at the wall.

  Bart sat next to George and put his arm around him. George looked down at the ground as he spoke. “If things wouldn’t have been so bad financially for my family at that time, I would never have done it—any of it, Jeremy. But you remember how Mr. Orion was looking for playmates for the boys he’d brought here—the pervert always got off on watching. It was when my youngest kid had just gotten out of the hospital and the bills were piling up big time. I had nowhere to turn and then Mr. Orion offered me that big wad of money.”

  Bart could tell George was nervous, because of the way he was rambling, so he continued listening to him without saying a word.

  “I knew, like most people here know, that Mr. Orion’s boys weren’t really underage,” George said. “They were just a couple of young-looking whores. So I took Mr. Orion’s money and did what he asked. I was safe and brought condoms with me. I’m always thinking of my family… you know that… you know I’d never let any harm come to them.”

  “Actually, having amnesia means I really don’t know that. But I believe you. What’s got you so nervous now, George? It’s not a big deal that you told Gabriel where I went a couple of times. And what happened with you regarding Mr. Orion and his boys is in the past—isn’t it?”

  George looked up and responded. “Oh, yes—you know that. I swore to you I’d never do it again. That was the condition you set for keeping me on here at the resort.”

  “That’s another thing I’ll have to trust you about, since I still have amnesia,” Bart said. “But, again, why are you so nervous now, George.”

  “Joe told me he heard from one of the maids that Mr. Orion is fixing to go down,” George said. “I have no problem with that, but I also heard he filmed everything that went on in his rooms and on his patio. If there’s a film of me… and my wife ever found out about what happened—my life would be over.”

  “Don’t worry about it, George; I’ll make sure none of those films see the light of day.”

  “Thank you. Thank you so much,” George said, then hugged Bart.

  Bart hugged him back, then started to stand. “George, if you tell me where Gabriel and James are—I can find them on my own from here.”

&nbs
p; AS BART walked to the secluded gazebo located near the back of the resort property that George had told him about, he thought about all the lives that had been badly affected because of Mr. Orion. Then he realized the damage to people went even farther back than Mr. Orion, as he’d been irreparably damaged as a child, and the soldier who’d hurt him had probably also been hurt at the same age. It was an endless and extremely depressing cycle.

  The large metal gazebo was at the far west end of the property nestled at the end of a flower garden. Gabriel was standing there dressed in a short-sleeved, knit, beige shirt, and khaki pants with deck shoes. James, who was dressed in his normal work attire, was sitting on a built-in bench.

  “Hello, Jeremy, please join us,” James said.

  Jeremy entered the large gazebo, which comfortably held the three of them and still had room for several more people. Gabriel turned to Bart with his hand held out. After shaking hands with Bart, he spoke. “I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you the other night at the club, Jeremy; or I would’ve said hello.”

  “That’s alright,” Bart said. “I barely recognize myself these days.”

  “I have work to do, so I’ll leave you two,” James said. “Again, I appreciate the offer, Gabriel; and I’m extremely flattered, but the risk is too high for you.”

  “At least, I know you care enough to be concerned.,” Gabriel said. “That’s something,”

  “I’m fond of you. And I really couldn’t forgive myself if something happened to you because of going on a date with me.” He stood up and left the gazebo.

  “Would you like to accompany me to the museum’s masquerade ball, Jeremy?” Gabriel said, while he moved to sit on James’s former seat.

  “I’d love to,” Bart said, watching Gabriel close his eyes and smile. He recognized that smile. Gabriel was a man in love.

  “James still harbors strong feelings for you,” Gabriel said, opening his eyes. “Did you know that?” He closed his eyes again for a moment. “His seat is still warm.”

  “You love him,” Bart said.

  “As much as I ever have… if not more,” Gabriel said, then smiled. “I’m afraid his heart still belongs to you, though.”

  “I’d give his heart to you, if I could,” Bart said. “James deserves to be well and truly loved.”

  “You told me something very similar to that the last time we met here.”

  “So when are you picking me up for the ball?” Bart said. “Do I have time to find a fairy godmother to whip me up a costume?”

  “Speaking of fairy godparents—I promised my godfather Orion I’d stop by for a quick visit,” Gabriel said. “Actually though, I don’t have a costume either. I’d just planned to wear a suit, and Uncle Orion was going to lend me two gold carnival masks he has displayed in his bathroom.”

  “An old suit will never do for a gala masquerade ball,” Bart said. “Stop by my place before we leave, and I’ll fix something up for you. Where are you staying?”

  “Not too far from here,” Gabriel said, then looked at his watch. “By the time I run there, shower, and get back, you’ll only have a few minutes to dress me up.”

  “What size shoe do you wear?” Bart said.

  “Eleven,” Gabriel said.

  “Good, we’re the same size—no need for you to go home first, then. You can shower and dress at my place. You say we’ve spoken before, so I assume we’re at least acquaintances, and you wouldn’t try and take advantage of someone with amnesia.”

  “Never,” Gabriel said, and smiled. “Thank you for your kind offer of an outfit for the ball. I place myself in your hands, fairy godmother.” He stood, looked Bart in the eyes, then kissed his cheek.

  “THIS IS what I call a really late notice,” Jenna said, as she threw a pile of sheets, which ranged in color from white and pink to blue and gold, on Bart’s bed. “I brought along belts and some fancy braided cords that they use on the drapes in the wedding chapel.”

  “Won’t the cords be missed,” Bart said. He was standing in the middle of the bedroom with his hair still wet from a shower, wearing only a jockstrap.

  “No, there’s nothing scheduled there until next month,” Jenna said. “What do you think? Do you like the gold sheet or the white one?” She held up both sheets, so Bart could look at them closely.

  “I think the gold will look great on Gabriel, so I’ll use the white one,” Bart said. “Thanks for coming so quickly when I called, Jenna.”

  “I’m glad I was available,” Jenna said. “This reminds me of the toga party we threw for Frank’s birthday two years ago. Anyway, from what you were telling me on the phone a few minutes ago, it does sound like Gabriel’s definitely up to more than just winning James’s heart. I wonder why he’s meeting with Mr. Orion.”

  “I don’t know why,” Bart said. “But he is Gabriel’s godfather, and Gabriel did refer to him as Uncle Orion. I’m positive the ‘uncle’ is an honorary title, since I know they’re not blood-related. I’ll try my best to figure out why they’re meeting. Hell, what’s one more thing to figure out.”

  Jenna kissed his cheek. “I think you’re wonderful! And I’m not the only one who has always thought that.”

  “Frank’s a pretty awesome guy too, you know.”

  “I know,” Jenna said. “I’m even thinking of treating him to dinner tonight—but don’t worry—we’ll have our cell phones with us in case of anything.”

  “Thanks,” Bart said, as he held his arms up, so Jenna could arrange the white sheet on him.

  “Are you wearing a T-shirt under this?” Jenna said. “It’s a museum masquerade, not a toga party, after all.”

  “No, I think a little extra attention might work in my favor tonight. Let’s go for sexy Greco-inspired.”

  Jenna arranged the sheet over one of Bart’s shoulders, leaving his chest exposed on one side. She made both the front and back sides of the sheet even, got a wide leather belt off the bed and put it around Bart’s waist. “Good, it fits,” she said before tying one of the gold cords from the chapel, around Bart’s waist below the wide belt. Standing back, she took a long look at Bart. “Put on your brown flip-flops and walk around.”

  Bart did as Jenna said.

  “The side keeps opening up on you,” Jenna said, then adjusted the side of the sheet, overlapping one side with the other and tucking it into the belt. “You look like one sexy beast. I need to get out of here before your date arrives. Good luck.” She kissed Bart’s cheek.

  “Thanks, and enjoy dinner with Frank,” Bart said.

  Jenna smiled and left the apartment. A couple of minutes later there was a knock on the door.

  Chapter 33

  Cinderfellas at the ball

  BART WALKED to his front door and opened it. “Hello, Cinderfella; I, your fairy godmother, have been busy.” He smiled, but noticed Gabriel, who was holding a bag, seemed lost in thought. “Hello—ya in there, Cinderfella?”

  “Yeah, sorry about that,” Gabriel said, then walked inside.

  Bart closed the door, took Gabriel by the hand, and led him to the master bedroom. Gabriel leaned against the dresser and covered his eyes with his hand. Bart could tell the man was hurting, so he put his arm around him.

  “Do you think it’s possible to forgive someone who’s done something really horrible to you in the past?” Gabriel said, then reached for Bart’s hand and held it.

  Bart gulped, afraid to think of what Gabriel could be talking about, especially since he’d just been to visit Mr. Orion.

  Gabriel looked toward Bart with tears forming in his eyes… and Bart responded by holding him silently. They both said nothing for those few minutes. Finally, Gabriel broke away and wiped his eyes with his arm. After looking down for a moment, he looked up at Bart.

  “Wow! You look fantastic, Jeremy. Those partygoers will drool when they see you walk in.”

  “Thanks,” Bart said. “You need to take a shower, so we can get you ready for the ball. “I put a clean towel in the bathroom for you—it’
s the large blue one, and there’s a fresh washcloth by the sink.”

  “Thanks, I’ll just be a few minutes.”

  “I think we have time, if you need to stay in there longer,” Bart said.

  Gabriel smiled, then walked out of the room toward the bathroom. When he returned, his hair was damp, and he had the towel wrapped around his waist with his clothes in his hand. He put his clothes next to the bag he’d brought with him.

  “Will something similar to what I’m wearing be fine for you, Gabriel,” Bart said.

  “Like I said earlier, Jeremy, ‘I leave myself in your hands.’”

  “Hmm,” Bart said. “I’ll try not to get too carried away.”

  Gabriel laughed. “I’m glad you’re coming to the ball with me, Jeremy, I was feeling lonely.”

  Bart turned to Gabriel. “James knows I have no romantic feelings toward him. He didn’t say no to you because of me. His ‘no’ was more because he was concerned about what might happen to you if your family found out you showed up to a society function with a male date.”

  “He was right to worry about that,” Gabriel said. “But no one that’s with me on this trip will tell my father about tonight. Their minds are on other things, at the moment.”

  “OK,” Bart said. “I’m glad to hear that, because it means I won’t have to worry about them.”

  “Good,” Gabriel said. “You have other things to worry about as well. So, for now, let’s just enjoy ourselves.”

  After wondering what Gabriel meant by the comment he’d just made, Bart decided to ignore it for the time being. He opened his top dresser drawer, pulled out a jockstrap, and threw it to Gabriel—who caught it.

  “That should fit,” Bart said. “And you have my word, it’s freshly washed.”

  Gabriel slipped into the jockstrap, but kept the towel on while he was doing it. In the meantime, Bart picked up the gold-colored sheet from the bed, and threw it over Gabriel’s shoulder like Jenna had done with him. He didn’t want to comment on it, but Gabriel had a rock hard, nicely defined, smooth body.