Everything on this page is fiction. Any resemblance or reference to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Fandom: Houston Knights
Series: Other Authors
Rating: NC-17 Warning: Rape
Pairing: Joe/Levon
Archive: Starwinder's
Title: Aftermath
Author: Glo
e-mail: Goglow@mailcity.com
Standard Disclaimer: Houston Knights belongs to Jay Bernstein and Michael Butler and Columbia Pictures. No copyright infringement is intended. This is fan fiction, written out of love for the shows. I am making no money off this. I have no money so please don't sue me. Any original characters who may appear in these stories are the property of the author.

Aftermath
By Glo

Joe LaFiamma was studying a report at his desk when Joe Bill McCandless burst on to the station floor and strode over to him. "LaFiamma, come with me," he hissed, looking furtively around the Houston MCU room.

LaFiamma leaned back to look up at the tall, thin detective. "Why?" He didn't mix much with McCandless but respected the officer. This, though, was a bit strange.

Joe Bill leaned forward over the double desk belonging to LaFiamma and his absent partner, Levon Lundy. "Lundy needs you."

After meeting the other's eyes, Joe blinked, swallowed questions and stood up abruptly, shoving back his chair. He grabbed his coat jacket and shouldered into it as he moved fast to catch up with the other man who had already spun on his heel and was halfway out the door. Catching up with him in the hall, he hesitated as McCandless swung away from the elevator and thrust open the fire door to the stairs, tossing back a glance to see if LaFiamma was behind him.

By this time, Joe was really worried, checking his twin gun holsters to reassure himself as he plunged down the cement stairs after McCandless. Joe Bill stopped at the bottom, hesitated, and then opened the glass-fronted case holding a coiled fire hose, an ax, and several folded fire blankets. Grabbing two of the blankets, he turned and shoved them into Lafiamma's hands, "You might have need o' these," he said.

Joe just looked at him. Not answering, he took the blankets and nodded, questions clear in his eyes, he only said, "Where is he?"

The other detective gulped, then said, "This ain't gonna be pretty, Joe, but you best prepare for it 'cause Esteban thought you had better see him afore we did anything." Joe's heart lurched and he paled as he followed McCandless who pushed the crash bar on the stairway door and entered the parking garage of the police station.

Nothing. Not trusting himself to speak, Joe raised his eyebrows at Joe Bill who motioned with his head, but now walked in an almost casual stride across the oil-stained cement floors and through the garage. He was heading for a back fire door exit, Joe saw.

When they reached the door, McCandless hesitated again for a moment and then, hand on the door bar, turned once more to look at LaFiamma. "Esteban and me found him - we saw some guys from homicide come in, looking kinda strange, with Beauregard, through this door. We was just parking our vehicle. They saw us and Beauregard, he laughed and looked back at this here door." Joe Bill stopped, hand still on the bar. Joe was getting impatient.

"So?"

"So, we decided to see what they was doing out there."

"Joe Bill, just tell me or let me pass." LaFiamma was speaking through stiffened lips now; the tension between the two was almost visible.

"It'sÖ it's Levon. Joe, they done hurt him bad."

The words were barely out of McCandless' mouth when LaFiamma was pushing passed him and hitting the door with his shoulder, blankets still held against his chest, almost like a shield.

It was cold in the alley; dim light from the winter sun didnít reach deeply here between the solid walls of the police station building and the neighboring high-rise. A dark, windowless alley. Busy streets at each end, but long enough so that the traffic noises barely reached in here. There were several long, candy-striped sawhorses piled here. Traffic barriers when needed by the police, conveniently dumped here for the moment. Someone was gonna get hell for that, Joe thought vaguely, unable to see what was the problem just yet. Esteban Gutierrez cleared his throat and stepped into view from Joe's side. He'd been standing there, like he was guarding something.

Then Joe saw it. Him. There was a long Texan all-weather coat, called a duster, draped over the still form which hung bent in the middle over one of the wooden traffic barriers.

As he lurched forward, Esteban caught his arm and stopped him. "LaFiamma, he's unconscious. Joe Bill and me, we decided you should see him before weÖ"

Joe nodded his thanks, eyes on the still form in front of him. He walked over and stood for a moment, looking down and shuddering. Then he carefully lifted the edge of the duster to look underneath. Levon's thin, pale body was stretched over the wooden rail which looked obscenely gay in red and white stripes contrasting with his unconscious form. Lundy's hands were handcuffed behind him, the wrists bleeding and raw. His head hung down but Joe could see a wide brown leather belt, it looked like Lundy's own he thought wildly, strapped around his head. It was pulled tight through his open jaws, cutting and tearing at the edges of his mouth where rivulets of blood dripped slowly. Someone had punched a new hole in the belt, so it could be buckled at the back of Levon's neck after effectively gagging him.

Levon was still in his shirt and vest, but his jeans and boots were missing. Naked from the waist down to socks still on his limp feet, Levon was marked with what looked like strap welts across his buttocks. A trail of blood dripped down from between his cheeks. Joe closed his eyes and said a silent prayer, followed by several curses. He felt Esteban's hand on his shoulder, squeezing then releasing. Glancing sideways, he saw that Joe Bill and Esteban were taking up guard post stances facing away from him and Lundy, looking toward the two ends of the alley. Gratefully he realized that they were providing some privacy as well as protection.

"Oh, Lundy," Joe murmured sadly, shaking his head as he removed the duster all the way and dropped it to the ground. Must belong to Joe Bill he thought randomly. He gently touched Levon's flank. The skin was chilled and damp, unresponsive.

Joe straightened, his heart painfully tight, and carefully, gently covered Levon with one of the blankets he still held. Putting the other one on the ground, Joe reached across his partner and grasped his body by the wide shoulders, pulling back slowly. Levon groaned but did not seem to regain consciousness. Just as well, Joe thought. Slipping one arm beneath Levon's thighs, the other still bracing the shoulders, Joe lifted. His weight-pressing muscles responded as he easily lifted Levon's dead weight free of the sawhorse and back, towards him. Pulling Levon against his own braced body, Joe held Levon with his arm now circling Lundy's chest while he wrapped his partner in the blanket that he had draped over his legs.

Glancing over his shoulder to see where he had dropped the duster, he subsided down on to it, still supporting his friend. Once they were both on the ground, with Lundy slumped in Joe's lap, Joe pushed Levon forward and down so that his hands were up where Joe could get to them. Fumbling in his own jacket pocket he found his cuff key and quickly fit it to Lundy's steel manacles. Releasing those bleeding wrists, he held the metal delicately, calling out to Gutierrez, "Esteban, take these - get them to Annie and get them printed. I want to know which son of a bitch put them on him."

Esteban had swung around at Joe's words and pulled an evidence bag from a pocket, catching the police issue handcuffs inside the plastic bag. He looked up and met the eyes of his own partner, Joe Bill McCandless who had also turned at Joe's words. "Joe," Esteban said in a low voice as he looked down compassionately at the other partners now huddled on the concrete, "you think that's a good idea? Levon might not wantÖ"

"I'm NOT reporting thisÖyet. Just want to know for sure. Then, I'll take care of it my own way," the Italian responded grimly, his eyes a dead gray blue. Esteban shivered at the look of death in that face, then glanced up at Joe Bill who only nodded.

"We'll find out for shore, Joe, and won't tell nobody else but you less'n you or Levon say so." Joe Bill was serious as he faced LaFiamma. "Annie can keep it real quiet."

Joe LaFiamma looked his thanks at the detectives, then down at Levon lying in his arms. Always wanted to hold you, Levon, but not like this, he thought sadly. Looking back up, he asked, "Can you bring Lundy's Jimmy up to the door? Here's his extra key," he added, fishing it out of his back pants' pocket and handing it to Esteban. The Mexican left with the key, signaling to his own partner to stay with Joe and Levon.

Turning back to Levon, Joe studied the belt, trying to decide how to remove it without causing further injury. The problem was that it was cinched so tight. Pressing his lips together in a frown of concentration, LaFiamma unthreaded the tongue of leather from the buckle, then quickly tugged it tighter to allow the metal buckle pin to pop free of the raw-cut hole recently punched into the leather strap. Freeing that, he was able to loosen and remove the belt strap from the leather. It was so tightly clenched in Levon's mouth, hooked behind his molars both top and bottom, that Joe still had to pry the thick, stiff belt leather free from Lundy's jaws. By the time he was done, he was sweating, Levon was moaning though still unconscious and blood was flowing freely from both sides of his partner's mouth.

Joe Bill, was standing by, took up the belt now and handed over a threadbare neckerchief of faded red cotton, which Joe used to wipe away some of the blood, being as careful as possible. Joe tucked it, damp and bloody, into his jacket pocket. He slowly twisted into a stand, like a dancer, all the while holding his unconscious partner in his arms. McCandless watched without comment then opened the fire door where they had left it wedged with one of Lundy's boots.

"Get his stuff?" LaFiamma asked as he walked back into the garage.

"Sure, Joe, I'll put it in the Jimmy," McCandless said, picking up and holding the boots, belt and Levon's jeans as well as his own now dirty looking duster and the other blanket. Joe Bill picked up the shredded bits of Lundy's underwear as he gave the scene one last quick scan with his eyes.

Joe eased his friend's body into the passenger seat; gently settling him in, tucking the blanket covered legs in closely. He accepted the second blanket from Joe Bill and covered Lundy's upper torso and shoulders, tucking it under his sagging chin. He paused for a moment to touch that strained, white face, fingers stroking down and around the torn flesh at the mouth. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he fastened the seat belt around Levon's hips and carefully closed the door.

Straightening, he faced his partner's saviors. "I don't know how to thank you for helping himÖ helping us."

"Don't even try, Joe, you'd do the same for us." Joe Bill shook his head.

"Where you taking him?" Esteban asked.

"Got to get a doctor to see him, so I guess the emergency room at St. Bart's," Joe answered slowly, thinking about this as he said it.

"Not a good idea, they'll report a rape victim," Esteban said, frowning his apologies as Joe flinched. "I got a doctor friend, down south of town. I'll call him; you take him there. He's good, won't report anything to anyone." Esteban scribbled an address on a scrap of paper from his pocket notebook and handed the note to Joe.

"Thanks. Guess that would be better for now." Joe realized that Esteban had thought ahead of him on the problems that Lundy might face and was acting to prevent some of them anyway. He smiled slightly in acknowledgment, then climbed into the red Jimmy, driving away with a short wave to the two men standing there.

*******************

Joe looked over at Levon as he began to come to, blinking and moaning softly. He pulled over to the side of the road, a dusty street of warehouses, and stopped to wait and see how Levon would respond when he regained consciousness.

He didn't have to wait long.

Lundy lurched forward against the truck's dashboard, gasping and looking about frantically with wide, terror-filled eyes. Only the seat belt prevented him from falling.

"Easy, cowboy, easy," Joe said soothingly. He didn't try to touch yet, "Levon, it's Joe, you're safe. You're in the Jimmy with me."

Levon jerked back against the seat and began to cough. Joe watched for a second in concern, then threw open the driver side door and jumped down, running quickly around to open the passenger door. He unbuckled his partner and pulled him out, down into his arms. Holding the coughing man, he half walked him, half dragged him to the roadside just as Lundy began to retch and vomit. Supporting the trembling man over one arm while stroking his back with deep, comforting pressure, Joe kept repeating, "It's okay now, Lundy, you're safe. You're with me now, Levon, you're safe. It's okay."

If Levon heard or understood, he gave no sign, but sagged against Joe as he finally finished. Joe carefully wiped Levon's mouth with his handkerchief then brushed the blonde's hair back from a sweaty, dirty brow. Bruises were starting to show on the pale face now, vivid against white skin.

Still trembling, Levon rested in Joe's arms. He did not respond to Joe's words. Joe sighed and said, "Okay, Levon, we gotta get you back in the truck. We're going to a private doctor that Esteban knows. You gotta be looked atÖ"

He didn't have a chance to finish before the man in his arms panicked and began to make strange, hoarse sounds from his wounded mouth. No words were clear enough to understand but it was easy to see that Levon did NOT want to go to a doctor. He began to struggle, to fight the hold on him, but Joe was strong and held his friend easily, subduing him as gently as he could.

"It's all right, Levon, I won't leave you. It will be all right. We just need to get you fixed up some, that's all. I promise, I'll stay right by you, you won't be alone," the words seemed to finally get through at some level and Levon began to calm, whimpering now softly into Joe's neck where he had laid his head as Joe held him.

*********************

Darkness fading to light, bright and blinding. Squinting and choking on a rawness in his throat. Burning pain in his butt, searing now as he clenched his ass cheeks in remembrance of invasion. Hands numb and stinging with circles of fire at his wrists. Everywhere - pain. Levon Lundy tried to speak and found he could not, his tongue was swollen and filled his mouth, choking him again. He could hear a voice, not threatening as he tried to bolt forward, just calm and gentle. Soothing. Joe? Joe. He couldnít breathe, he had to, he began to cough harshly.

Then cooler air and hands, strong but not hurtful. They pulled him free of wherever he was and down in to holding arms, strong arms. Joe. Walking him, helping him stand, then helping him as he retched helplessly, bent over supported by those same strong arms.

Safe. Joe's voice was saying something about being safe. He wanted to answer, to say just hold me forever, I'll be safe with you. But no words came out, only gargled sounds of pain. Then he heard Doctor. NO, not a doctor. Not anyone. To see him, like this. No. God, no.

He fought to free himself, still unable to focus, panicking now. Held tight, warm and close, and Joe's voice saying he'd stay with Levon, not leave him alone. Promising. Levon felt the tears before he realized he was crying. He still couldn't seem to speak but the sounds his throat produced seemed to be enough for Joe, who was holding him and rocking him, calmly stroking down his head and back, hand sliding into the curls of hair that clustered at the nape of his neck.

"We gotta go, Levon, hold on, I'll help you back into the truck." Everything seemed so strange now, no memories, or none he wanted to think about, only Joe's arms, hands, voice. SunlightÖ a blur of shapes which refused to focus.

*************************

Joe started the Jimmy again, now that he had Levon settled back in the passenger seat. He kept glancing over, concerned that Levon was not talking, only making strange noises. Levon had yet to really look at him either. He would have thought that Levon was blind and dumb, from his actions, yet there didn't seem to be any reason for either symptom.

Pulling up in front of the low ranch house on the quiet country road, Joe turned off the motor and sat back, gathering his thoughts. Lundy had fallen asleep against the passenger side window, his face peaceful, though battered looking. Dried blood, bruised and abraded skin, dark marks under his eyes, darker ones in a wide band from the edges of his mouth back towards his ears. He looked so small wrapped in the fire blankets..

Joe grimaced and slid out of his seat onto the dirt, closing the door quietly before rounding the Jimmy to get Levon's door open. He did so with caution and had to half catch the cowboy as the door's support was removed.

Blinking blearily, Levon tumbled down into Joe's embrace. Joe was already murmuring softly encouraging and reassuring words to keep Levon from panicking again. He leaned forward and pulled Lundy's boots and jeans out of the rear seat and tucked them between their bodies as he shut the truck door.

Dr. Phillipe Espinoza was hand-lettered on the mailbox. As Joe looked up he saw the door to the house open and a dark man come out, gesturing a welcome. The man, the doctor Joe figured, came quickly down the path to the driveway where Joe had parked. He looked over the pair and removed the boots and jeans from their precarious position.

"Senor Gutierrez called. He told me what to expect. You must be Joe? I am Dottore Espinoza, come with me - bring your friend."

****************************

Joe lifted Levon onto the examining table, keeping his hand on one of Lundy's arms as he finished adjusting Lundy's legs.

The doctor removed the blanket covering Lundy, then opened the shirt beneath exposing Levon's chest as the detective trembled and stared wide-eyed at Joe, still unfocused, Joe saw.

Joe spoke quietly, "Levon, I'm right here beside you. We are in the doctor's office and he is just going to look at you, see what's wrong, what he can do to help. You just need to relax, cowboy."

Levon did not stop trembling but groped for Joe's hand, finding it, he held on tight.

The Mexican doctor was thorough, checking all the marks before stepping back to the end of the table. "I am going to check for internal damage now," he said as he pulled up two metal stirrups and guided Lundy's feet into them. Oh, god, no, not again! Lundy wanted to scream and couldn't, he jerked and tried to pull away while the doctor held his feet firmly and waited.

Joe put his free hand on Levon's forehead and rubbed his fingers there, "Levon, let him do it, he needs to see. I'm here. I'm staying right beside you, partner, hold on to me." Joe felt torn between protective desires to cuddle his friend close, and the need to see the doctor complete his examination - help his friend heal. He nodded to the doctor to continue. Tears were beginning to form in his eyes as he looked down at his battered cowboy. HIS cowboy, he thought possessively, angrily. [Those bastards are gonna pay for this.]

Lundy subsided. Now that Lundy was motionless, the doctor slid the lower end of the table back into itself, leaving the cowboy's legs in the air, supported by the gynecological examination stirrups. Joe, who recognized the configuration, waited while the doctor took some tools and a small flashlight and stepped between Levon's legs. Espinoza looked up at Joe and said quietly, "Try to hold him still, I will be as quick as I can."

Joe nodded agreement and fixed his attention on Levon's face. "Levon, listen to me. The doctor has to look inside you. He doesn't want to hurt you. You have to stay very still. Please Levon. Please listen to me. Hold on to me if it hurts, but it won't be bad. I promise." He watched for some sign that Levon heard, understood.

For the first time, Levon's eyes, dark brown pools of pain, locked onto Joe's. They seemed to be clearing finally. Understanding sparked there and Levon ducked his head slightly in accord.

Joe felt a warmth inside as he gazed back at the eyes held tight on his. He tried to smile through fresh tears. "Hold on, now, Lundy. Hold on."

Levon stiffened and squeezed hard on Joe's hand now. Joe didn't spare a glance down at the doctor, he could tell what was going on, just watching Levon's mobile face which reflected each hurt, each touch. Tears began to trickle down Levon's face, though he made no sound.

Joe leaned in and gently kissed a darkening cheekbone, then brushed at the new tears with his fingers, keeping eye contact all the while.

Levon's eyes had closed at the kiss, but opened again and were full of wonder now.

A sound from the doctor broke the spell. "No internal damage to worry about. But, the anal opening is badly torn. This can be treated with hemorrhoid creams. I will put some topical antibiotic on first. I will give you both creams to put on - at least twice a day, and after each bowel movement."

Joe blushed, but nodded, sneaking a look at Levon who had closed his eyes and seemed to be drifting off to sleep now.

The doctor pulled back out the end of the table and lowered Levon's legs to it, releasing the feet from the stirrups. "His genitalia are intact and undamaged, beyond a deep bruising across the mound and hips - he was hanging on a wooden beam, I understand?"

"Yeah, a saw horse," Joe said, anger flashing back. Levon was fast asleep he noticed thankfully.

"The contusions will be painful, make walking difficult for a while, but nothing is truly damaged there. We can put his pants on now, and his boots."

Together, the two men managed to slide the jeans up Levon's legs. Joe slid an arm under Levon and lifted him at the waist, raising his lower body off the surface of the table so that the doctor could slide the jeans up the rest of the way, carefully tucking Levon's genitals inside before zipping them up. The shredded remains of Lundy's briefs were useless, Joe hadn't even bothered to bring them from the truck. The boots were surprisingly easy to pull on. [Lundy, you are too damn skinny. We got to work on that.]

Walking back up toward Levon's head, on the other side of the table from Joe, the doctor lightly touched a wrist. "These are not broken, and since there is no pronounced swelling, they are not sprained either. The abrasions will need antibiotic cream, too. Bandages for now - I'll give you extras, you need to change them daily and put on new cream, too."

"Okay," Joe said, watching carefully as the doctor now looked at Levon's face.

"This is where I think the most problems may lie," the doctor continued. "The forceful and sustained opening of the jaws, with the leather belt from what I was told, have badly torn his muscles and skin around the mouth. I am afraid that there may be more damage inside."

He looked up at Joe. "You will have to help me. I will open his mouth and lock open his jaws with two small clamps. This will not hurt him, but he will not like it. It will prevent him from closing his mouth while my fingers are inside, however. Speak to him as he wakens, try to keep him calm."

*****************************

Afterwards, Joe held a feeling of disbeliefÖ and Levon. Who was again awake, crying soundlessly into Joe's shoulder, shaking like a jackhammer in hysteria.

While soothing him with a hand to his back, stroking down and back up again, Joe made gentle humming sounds, all the while watching the doctor assemble all the medications, bandages, and those jaw grips [Now that's not going to be much fun]. Levon's tongue was swollen almost beyond recognition and badly torn from his struggles to free himself of the belt gagging him during the rape. No wonder he couldn't talkÖ and wouldn't for some time to come from what the doctor said.

Between the shock and trauma associated with the rape, the actual injuries, and the pain, Levon was helpless and dependent on Joe for now. LaFiamma hugged his friend.

*******************************

Deciding on Lundy's house was not a difficult choice. Levon would need the reassurance of his own things around him. Joe could take care of Fooler, too - [now isn't that a turnabout - me playing the cowboy!] Joe shrugged mentally, he'd do what needed doing.

Once he had his partner in bed, he sat there beside him and watched him. Their hands were still joined, had been since he'd carried Levon into the house from the Jimmy, even though Lundy had fallen into an exhausted sleep afterwards. Snapping open his cell phone, Joe began to make some calls.

Speaking low, so he didn't disturb Levon, he called Esteban and explained what had happened at the doctor's. Esteban confirmed that it was Beauregard's fingerprints on the cuffs, Annie was certain. Joe thought about Beauregard briefly after hanging up, but didn't spend much time on it, no point, man was a dead man, just didn't know it yet.

Calling Beaumont was easier than he expected. She didn't know what had happened, would have to some day, but not 'til Levon was ready to tell her himself. For now, she accepted that Levon had collapsed with a particularly virulent flu and Joe was taking care of him at home, meaning that they'd both be out on sick leave for awhile. She wasn't happy, but Joe's voice had held a tone that told her this was real serious, he was concerned for his partner; she couldn't argue with that.

******************************

Joe Bill waved as he drove his pickup out of Lundy's drive, Joe standing there, waved back. He felt better now. McCandless had brought everything Joe had asked for and more. Plenty of groceries. The stuff for making the call bell for Levon. Even some clothes, books and CDs of Joe's from his apartment.

Squaring his shoulders, he strode back into the house.

Fixing the bell took a bit of doing, but Joe persevered. He wanted this to work so Levon wouldn't panic if he woke and Joe wasn't in the room. He glanced over at Lundy who was sleeping again. All that stress and pain had worn him out, Joe decided.

[Never thought I'd be getting closer to Levon this way. Hope he can accept me.] Joe worried at the wires as he pondered the fates which had brought him here, to the place he wanted and needed to be - close to his friend. Intimately close. Levon Lundy had been his partner now for about two years. Two years of bickering and arguing and successful law enforcement. Very successful. They were fast becoming a legendary team here in Houston. Joe had fallen in love with his partner the day he first saw him, there in Hobby Airport. Never had the courage to say anything about it though. Now, after all this, it seemed so unimportant that he'd ever thought Levon might reject him. [No one did to Levon what those men did unless Levon had been giving out signals before this,] Joe thought. Not that that excused what was done, but it did mean that Levon swung both ways. [Probably got careless, those bulls found out and decided to have some fun. Last time any o' them will ever have fun,] Joe promised grimly.

Now, he just had to get Levon well again, then be real up front with the dude. Let him know how he, Joe, felt. About his love. For Levon. Time now, though, was gonna be for healing. Joe paused and rechecked his wiring connections. [Looks good. Time to test itÖno, wait 'til Levon's awake so I don't wake him with it.]

****************************

Soft, comfortable bed. Clean sheets. Quiet. Levon slowly, cautiously opened his eyes a crack and looked around. His own bedroom. He tried to remember why he was here, how he got here. Then he spotted Joe LaFiamma, his partner, sitting in the old granny rocker beside him, head tilted forward, sleeping sitting up.

[Umm. Joe, you sure are a pretty sight], Levon thought, smiling. Instantly the pain at the sides of his mouth scorched through him. That same pain brought back all the memories, all the other pain, all the sorrow of the last twenty-four hours. [Beauregard, that shit.] A real bully. Somehow, he had spotted Levon in the back of the Tamarind Bar, a small gay hangout in a quiet section of Houston. No telling why Beauregard was there, could even be he was out looking for some action himself. But what he saw was Levon. [Jealous of Joe 'n 'me,] Lundy guessed. [Our success, our closeness.]

[Too bad he didn't know we're only partners at work, not at play,] Levon thought as he tried to find a comfortable spot through all the pain shrieking at him. His mind finally felt clear. He could remember everything. [Not good.] He could remember Joe coming for him, helping him. [Now that wasn't so bad.] Levon smiled inside, didn't dare try another with his mouth. [Joe kissed me. On the cheek, true, but a kiss.] Levon wondered and dreamed as he stared at his sleeping friend.

Almost as if Joe felt eyes on him, he blinked awake and raised his head, immediately meeting the warm brown eyes of his partner. "Hi, see you're awake finally," Joe said smiling. "I know you can't say anything just now, relax. We'll use a code, okay? Blink one time for no, twice for yes."

Levon stared a moment longer, then blinked distinctly, twice.

"Great!" Joe grinned. "Now you are going to get well. It will just take some time. I'm all moved in here and ain't leaving 'til you're ready to be on your own again."

[Wait a loooooong time for that, partner,] thought Levon. He blinked twice, though, in answer. [I don't want you to ever leave.]

After demonstrating the new call bell he had devised, Joe explained that he would go fix some dinner for them and take care of Fooler. "Hector Pickens, your neighbor from down the road, was by to show me what to do, so don't go worrying about your horse. I have any problems, I'll call Hector." Levon blinked twice again, wishing he could say something. Tell him how much it meant to have Joe there with him.

"Dinner, and all food for a while, is gonna be through a straw, buddy. So plan on plenty of shakes and purees. Sorry, Lundy, but I can add barbecue sauce if you like." Joe smiled down at Levon now, standing there with his hands hanging loosely at his sides. Levon blinked once. Joe laughed, "Okay, no barbecue yet!"

Levon carefully leaned forward, sitting up slightly and reaching out. Joe watched for a moment, then seemed to understand and reached forward to clasp Lundy's hand in his own. "That what you're after, partner?"

Levon blinked twice. [Yes, Joe, hold my hand. Touch me. Love me.] Levon thought willing Joe to figure it out.

Joe stood for another second then sat down on the edge of the bed, resting his free hand on Levon's shoulder. "I love you, you know." Joe spoke so softly that Levon questioned him with his eyes. "Yeah, you heard me right," Joe said slightly louder. "I love you, Levon Elmer Lundy. Took a shitty act like what those guys did to you to make me realize I better tell you before I lost you. You are the most important thing in my life, cowboy. Now, I know you can't speak, can't answer. You don't have to - probably better. If you don't want me to, I won't ever mention it again, though."

Levon blinked once, firmly. "No? No, I shouldn't not mention it? That mean I should keep on telling you? That I love you? You want to hear that?" Joe asked intensely.

Levon blinked twice this time and gripped Joe's hand tighter, if that was possible. "Got it. Well, then, let me tell you Levon that I love you. I love you. I love you, Levon Lundy, Texas cowboy, partner, and friend! And, as soon as you are up to it, I intend to carry out a few demonstrations of that love, LevonÖ.and, I hope, add 'lover' to the list!" Joe smirked happily and watched Levon now, to see how he would respond.

Never having been so frustrated before, Levon grunted and leaned toward Joe. Joe eyed his movement, then seemed to understand and bent in with a soft, feathery touch of lips to lips, careful not to put any pressure on the bruised flesh. The kiss, their first, was so light, it's like a caress of intentions, Levon decided as he leaned further forward, up against his partner's shoulder, this time just to be there. Arms slid around him, holding him, love burning through. [Yes! Oh, Joe, yes.]

***************************

It was dark when Joe got in from the barn and went back to check on Levon. His partner was lying there in bed, staring straight up at the ceiling. "Levon? I'm gonna start supper now. I'll make a soup, creamy and easy to sip. Then we're gonna hafta do your medicines."

Levon turned his head slightly to listen, then blinked twice, though if he thought about it, he wasn't so sure of the sound of that last part. [Oh, well, won't get better if'n I don't try and I got some butt to kick back at the precinct once I'm on my feet again.]

He could hear Joe in the kitchen, knocking some pots together, running water, moving around. It felt good knowing he was there, would be there. [Wish I could talk. Hey, nothing says I can't write! My hands still work.]

Levon slowly sat up, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed and placing his feet on the floor. Bending hurt at his middle. No surprise there, after hanging over that sawhorse with them shits pounding into him for god knows how long.

[I'll get me some paper and a pencil, I'll tell Joe exactly how I feel. What I wanted to say a bit ago.] Thinking of his plan, Levon started to push himself off the bed with his hands, only to find that his legs did not intend to hold him up. Surprised, he dropped to the floor with a thud.

Noise in the kitchen stopped instantly. "Lundy?"

"Lundy!" And Joe was there, a scared look on his face, falling to his knees next to Levon, grabbing on to any bits he could. Levon was gasping in pain which once again shook his body. Unexpected, sharp, and deep - it seemed to be everywhere.

Joe scooped up his partner and stood, placing him with care back on the bed. "What happened? Did you hurt yourself? God, you can't answer me!" Joe hit his head with the heel of his hand, then said, "Wait, I'm getting you some paper and a pen." He dove out the door, leaving a concert of noises in his wake as cabinets opened and closed, drawers pulled open and shoved shut. "Aha!" Then Joe was back, just as Levon was beginning to manage the pain somewhat and getting his breath back.

Dropping to one knee beside Lundy, LaFiamma gently helped him to sit up, then handed him a small spiral notebook and an ink pen. "Now, let's see if this works."

Lundy's eyes were shimmering with pain, but somehow Joe got the impression that Levon was amused at the same time. He waited patiently for Levon to write.

After a moment of scribbling, Levon turned the pad toward Joe. My fault I fell, thought I could stand up. Guess not yet. Was going for some paper and a pencil. Figured I'd be able to write to you, if I couldn't talk. There was a space, then Love you very much. Think I always have. Glad we can tell each other now.

"Oh, Levon. What am I going to do with you?" Joe laughed, kissing his friend on the side of his face. "No, don't answer that! I know what to do, just got to wait for the right time." Still smiling he rose and said, "I'm gonna go get you some aspirin for the pain, then soup - it's all ready."

***************************

Later that night, Joe was no longer smiling. Putting cream on the wrists was obviously painful for Levon even though Joe tried to be careful. [And this was the easy part,] he thought unhappily.

Levon cooperated as best he could when Joe carried him in to the bathroom to sit on the toilet. He did have to go, but it was embarrassing having Joe stand over him. He looked up, eyes dark with unhappiness. Joe read the expression and shrugged. "I can go back out to the kitchen, work on the dishes, but when you're readyÖ" Joe paused and eyed the bathroom. His call bell was not portable - yet. He picked up a plastic soap dish from the sink and handed it to Lundy. "Drop this on the floor when you're ready, I should be able to hear that. But if I don't hear from you for awhile, I'll be in to check in about 15 minutes. Okay?" Levon blinked twice.

It wasn't fifteen minutes and Levon didn't have to drop the soap dish, though he did it. His moans alerted Joe. Turned out, as the doctor predicted, to be an extremely painful effort to use the toilet. By the time Levon was through, he was shaking steadily, leaning forward into Joe's open arms where Joe knelt in front of him. All thoughts of modesty and embarrassment long gone. Sagging now, his body signaled Joe that it was finished. Leaning forward awkwardly, Joe cleaned Levon with some toilet tissue, then flushed the toilet. Holding on to him with one hand, Joe got up and held a washcloth under warm running water in the sink, then very gently washed Levon who was still bent over, trembling.

"Easy, cowboy. I gotta put on the creams now. Won't take long." Joe had them already open on the sink counter, within reach. He dabbed the first on and could feel the tension leave Levon as the cool substance was rubbed in. They waited a few minutes, then Joe applied the second and helped Levon to stand on rubbery legs. Tugged up the simple drawstring pajama bottoms that Levon had been wearing, Joe then simply dropped a shoulder enough for Lundy to throw his arm over. Joe hooked his other arm under the Texan's legs and picked him up.

"I could get used to this part," Joe said with a smile as he touched his forehead to his partner's. Levon hugged Joe where he was holding on and smiled back with his eyes. Joe walked into the bedroom.

Pressing a quick kiss to Levon's nose tip, Joe lowered him back on to the bedding. Standing back up, he braced for the final exercise. "Now, cowboy, I gotta do your mouth."

Levon shrunk back against the pillows, looking forlorn.

"Sorry, gotta do it or you won't heal." Joe sympathized. "I'm putting in those jaw clips so that you don't have to hold open your mouth that wideÖ and so you don't accidentally take a piece outta me."

Levon blinked once. Paused then hung his head. Looking back up, he blinked twice. [God, I am NOT looking forward to this, but I know Joey is only doing what the doctor said. Don't know if I am gonna live long enough to heal at this rate.]

Joe opened the medical box the doctor had given him. He got out the clamps, some swabs, the tongue depressors, the ointment, a plastic bottle of rinse, and then some more antibiotic cream for the damaged tissue around the mouth. He left briefly to wash his hands, explaining to Levon what he was doing every step of the way. He had decided that if Levon knew what was happening it would be easier on both of them.

Ready finally, he sat down on the edge of the bed and wedged some pillows up behind Levon so he wouldn't accidentally swallow saliva or rinse and choke. Then he touched a fingertip to Lundy's mouth. Levon opened slightly, the new scars tearing open as well, causing him to wince and groan softly. Joe smeared some of the cream on the reopened cuts quickly to ease the pain.

Then he spoke, "Okay, Levon, party time. Open wider now, I'm gonna push your upper jaw back and put in the clamps." Doing so as he spoke, he quickly inserted the first before Levon could start to close his mouth again. The second was easier to do with the first bracing half of the jaw open already. "Easy, buddy, easy," he muttered as he began to irrigate the surface of the darkened, swollen tongue, using swabs, depressors, and then swabbing on the ointment liberally. Levon was making little choking noises now, so Joe hurried even faster. Levon was holding tight to Joe's shirt at the sides twisting the garment and gripping it, wringing it thoroughly.

"Done." Joe grabbed one clamp and released it, pulling it out. Then braced his hand on Levon's upper jaw and held on as he removed the second clamp. As soon as it was out he pulled his fingers free. Levon's mouth closed with a snap and he began to shake his head ever so slightly, his shoulders jerking, eyes lowered. Joe put down the supplies on the side table, then turned his attention to his friend. [Miserable just didn't begin to describe Levon.] Touching him gently on the shoulder, Joe said, "It's all over for today. You can sleep now." A quick shrug told him that was unlikely for a while. "Why don't I just lie down here beside you and we cuddle?"

Levon nodded and tucked his head against his friend's neck as he leaned against the former Chicago cop. Joe eased them both down on to the bed, then circled Levon with his arms, holding him, caressing him softly, stroking his hair, threading his fingers through the curls. "Love you, babe. It's gonna be all right soon. Know it. Believe it."

They fell asleep like that.

*********************************

[Mouse is out of the bag now,] Joe thought as he watched the dust of McCandless' pickup carrying away Joe Bill and his partner, Esteban. They were taking the word to the lieutenant, to Beaumont. The truth about Levon, about what had happened. [She's not gonna like hearing that now, not so late. Hope she understands why.] Shook his head. [Have to wait. See.]

He smiled thinking of how Esteban and Joe Bill had come at his special request. They had been great. Coming loaded down with beer and some of Chicken's special extra hot ribs. Not that he cared much for that kind of food, but Levon's eyes had lit up so bright, Joe thought he'd cry.

Levon was still recovering. Healing was going well on the physical damage done from the attack on his partner, except for his mouth which was still at the delicate stage of regenerating new tissue, especially at the very edges of the mouth and, in patches, on the surface of the tongue. Joe'd had to cut all the barbecue beef off the ribs, mince it into real tiny bits, and reheat it with the sauce. He'd not been sure about all those spices but Levon was so excited he figured that if it hurt too much Levon would stop of his own accord. The cowboy had been grateful for the change of menu, not that he complained but a steady diet of cream soups and purees of anything was not very inspiring.

Joe was much more worried about Levon's attitude. His tendency to mope and shrink away from anyone other than Joe. That was another reason Joe was glad they'd had the other team in as guests. Comfortable friends like that were worth their weight in gold. They had just eased into job talk, football game scores, and other such stuff and Levon had listened and reacted very naturally, happily. Still couldn't talk, but he was using a small slate chalkboard now, could scribble down a comment and hold it up in nothing flat.

When the postman had stopped by with a bunch of junk mail, then some guy doing surveys for the Republicans, and then Hector, to check on Fooler, Levon had frozen each time at the knock on the door. He'd retreated to the back bedroom and didn't come out 'til Joe got rid of each visitor.

The marks on his face had faded now and only the tiny hair-like cracks at the corners of his mouth still showed. It was his eyes, which were so shadowed with sadness that worried Joe the most. They'd talked, or rather he had, Levon had listened. He thought he'd helped his friend deal with the rape but now he didn't think so. And, once in a while, Joe caught a strange look on Levon's face, like he was troubled, scared, brooding.

There was also a lot of unfinished business to deal with as well. Joe hadn't forgotten or forgiven, there was a debt to be paid. Beauregard was still walking around free, breathing. Joe intended to change that, soon as Levon could be left alone for long. Beauregard wasn't the only one, either - he hadn't been alone. Joe Bill had told him, in those first few frightening minutes, about the group of "homicide guys" who'd come back through that fire exit door, the other side of which was the scene of a crime against his partner. McCandless had not given Joe any other names just Beauregard's and the prints matched that son of a bitch, the prints on the cuffs that had held back Levon's arms. Joe's anger, on permanent simmer since that day, boiled closer to the surface as he headed back into the ranch house.

Clean up after the gang, he thought, then see what Levon was up to. Joe's anger faded slightly as he smiled, thinking of his friend. [Yet to be lover, but ready. Both of us are.] Alone, they were completely at ease now with each other's nudity in the bathroom, bedroom. They slept together, spooning, Joe holding Levon each night. Natural as breathing it was now. Hard to believe it had ever been otherwise. [Yes,] Joe smiled openly now, his cowboy was his lodestone. His treasure. [To be protected. Always.]

Full circle now, his thoughts returned to the men who had attacked Lundy. [I'd just call up Uncle Mikey and get a hit going but it goes against everything I've ever believed in, ever done. I'd do it myself, except Levon might never forgive me if I got caught, put away - from him.] He felt no compunctions about the deeds themselves, only the repercussions he foresaw. Shaking his head in disgust at his own frustration, he toyed with how to make them pay. Levon did NOT want a public trial, public humiliation. Despite what they'd been trained as police officers to do and say to rape victims, it felt very different when viewed from the victim's side of the fence. Those men still worked down there at the precinct, even if they were in a different unit. [Humm. Now THAT might be something he and Joanne Beaumont could do something about. She must have people who owed her. He still had good connections with the Chicago Police Department, even after all this time, and some of them were pretty high up. Yes, a definite possibility.]

[Beauregard, though. THAT was another horse altogether.] He was the ringleader, the one who'd engineered the attack, Joe was certain. [Still need some thinking on that one.] He was musing when he ran into a wall of Levon.

"Umph." Joe's grunt turned into a groan of pleasure as Lundy pressed lips lightly to his and groped lower down. While Levon still found it painful to open his mouth or use his tongue, he had found ways to compensate and his surprise attack was turning Joey giddy with pleasure as he started a circular rubbing motion south of Joe's belt.

"Cowboy, what you trying to start?" Joe husked at his partner, hands running up those too thin arms.

Brown eyes, for once looking merry, crinkled at him and a deep humming was his answer.

"Now? Here?" Joe breathed. "How about we move to the couch?"

Levon nodded and shifted his hand over to grab one of Joe's and tug him back towards the living room. A peal of soft laughter rang out behind Levon, as Joe's joy suddenly exploded into sound. Bouncing down on to the lumpy old couch, the two men jounced together, arms and legs finding newly familiar stations. A warm hug followed, then Joe sat back slightly to better view his friend, keeping one arm around his partner's shoulders.

"Levon? It was good tonight, wasn't it? Having Esteban and Joe Bill here?" Joe had learned to second guess Lundy, making most of his questions ones that could be answered easily with a nod or shake of the head. They no longer bothered with the code of eye blinks now that Levon was recovering.

Lundy was nodding now. Then he reached out for his slate on the coffee table and started to write something.

Joe watched the blonde head lowered in concentration, love making his insides almost hurt with a hunger he never knew he had before this time with Levon.

We got to talk.

"OK." Joe became serious as he saw the changing expression on Levon's face.

These conversations were slow, as both waited for Levon to write down a thought, but patience was indeed an art that could be mastered, especially when armed with love, caring.

The slate went back up: What you going to do?

"About?" Joe leaned back, keeping one hand touching a bony knee, making little circles on it with his fingers.

Levon gave him a dirty look now, then bent his head back to the task of recording his comments on the slate.

Them. Beauregard. Others.

Joe straightened up. [So, this was what Levon had been brooding about.]

"Don't worry, they won't bother you ever again. That, I promise."

Ain't worried about them. Worried about you.

"Levon, I'm sorry. I've been so busy working on getting you better, guess I just figured you were gonna let me take care of it. Guess that wasn't such a good guess, huh?"

What you gonna do?

Joe tilted his head to study Levon. The blonde was staring straight back at Joe, eyes locked on his, worry clear. [Time to let him know what I've been thinking. See what he thinks. His head seems on pretty straight about it all now. I hope.]

So, quietly and slowly, Joe talked out his thoughts about the men who had done this thing to Levon. His ideas about using his connections and Joanne's to get them out of the precinct, maybe out of the city, get them blackballed through the grapevine - perhaps the most powerful tool of all. Levon was a respected cop, well-liked, a hometown boy. Nothing would ever have to hit the streets, publicly, to do all that.

As he talked, he saw Levon beginning to relax. It was as if a layer of tension was removed that neither had known was there.

Thought you was gonna go do something stupid.

"No, I love you too much to risk losing 'us' to them." Joe leaned forward to plant a light kiss on Levon's jawline.

And Beauregard?

Joe sighed. He felt his anger surge up again, tried to contain it, prevent Levon from seeing it in his eyes.

"Don't know. The man molested you, Levon. I'm not sure I can live with that."

Don't want you to die over it.

"What about you, partner?"

The chalk did not move. Levon cast his eyes down, shrugged slightly.

Joe reached out and tipped the blonde's head up with a gently cupped chin.

"Ummm?"

Levon sighed now. Then scribbled: Don't know. Angry.

"Guess we'll just have to think on it a while, babe. We got time. Beaumont'll give us open sick leave, I'm sure of it. Glad you agreed to let Esteban and Joe Bill go tell her." He hugged his partner, then leaned back pulling Levon down on top of him as he sprawled on the couch. "How about we just let it rest for the moment. Let us rest, too? Ummm?" He tenderly brushed both sides of Levon's face with his hands.

Levon nodded and melted down on top of LaFiamma, closing his eyes and sliding his arms around Joey's neck.

************************

[Well, leastways he ain't put out a hit on them.] Levon smiled inside, wiggling to a more comfortable position on top of Joe. [Thought he might, what with his Mafia family up north jest waiting to find an excuse to take up turf down here. Should trust him more. He's got honor. Believes in law. Those are good ideas. Get those no accounts outta our precinct. Outta Houston. I don't really care 'bout them. My feud's with Beauregard. They jest followed like sheep, rams actually. Idiots.]

Levon felt like he was drifting down a peaceful stream now, floating atop his lover-to-be. [Lover now, in all ways that count, really. We'll get to the other stuff soon's I'm all the way healed.] The relief was so great, Levon felt like screaming his tension away, knowing that Joey wasn't going out on a vigilante hunt. [That Sicilian code of his,] Levon thought, [could have been a real problem. Still may be,] he corrected himself, [if'n he decides to do something reckless 'bout Beauregard. Jest gotta convince him that Beauregard is mine. All mine.]

[Yes. That might be the answer. Call him out. An old-fashioned western showdown outside of town. Not with guns though. Duke it out. One on one, not five to one like before. Beauregard might have the weight on me, but I kin be pretty damn mean when I git ornery. Yeah. If I wipe the dust with him, then get him transferred out, that'd be done. Yeah.]

***************************

Joanne Beaumont checked her husband's tie, snugging up the knot. Brad shrugged his shoulders and smiled down at her anxious face. "Jo, everything's going to be fine. Stop worrying yourself. Those boys and girls of yours are doing a hellava fine job, and you know it. They deserve this." He paused. "We can slip out early if you like, go visit Levon?"

Lieutenant Joanne Beaumont, head of the Houston precinct's MCU teams, nodded but didn't answer. When Esteban and Joe Bill had come to see her in her office earlier today, they had shocked her with their news. Levon Lundy raped, here inside their own police station, by fellow police officers. [God!] It took awhile for that to become real. Dragging her own jacket up over the formal white blouse she wore, she shook her head, remembering. Even when Gutierrez and McCandless had told her, the news was over a week old. They said that Joe LaFiamma finally asked them to tell her because Levon was not coming back as quick as Joe had hoped and the "flu" wouldn't account for the extended sick leave that Joe figured his partner, and therefore, he as well, needed.

Here she was, all decked out for a formal police banquet to honor her teams - crime was down this year in Houston, the kinds of crime her unit worked. Any excuse for good publicity, she thought, as she lifted her long tweedy brown skirt and stepped into her heels checking to see that they were scuff-free. Now she and her husband would sit at a table with the Police Chief, the Mayor, and some other bigwigs while those members of her unit who were not on duty gathered for the event. Everyone, there or not, would get special medals, appropriate for their dress uniform awards bars. Nice.

But not right now. Not when she really wanted to be somewhere else really bad. At the Lundy ranch. Seeing Joe and Levon. Her former partner, Levon. [Violated like that. Oh, god.] She began to shake suddenly and Brad stepped close and held her, resting his head on hers, not saying a word.

She had lit into Esteban and Joe Bill for not telling her sooner, but they protested that they had promised Joe silence. [Even now, they would not have told her if it weren't for that stupid sick leave problem!] She had to tell herself again that it wasn't a matter of trust, just timing. Joe had wanted Levon to be the one to tell her, Esteban had explained. [It must be pretty bad still for Joe to have changed his mind, send in emissaries like that.]

Beaumont picked up her bag, tweaked her lapels even, flashed a million-dollar smile on her husband, and then reached for the front door handle. Face the music, then run, she thought.

*****************************

Gravel crunching in the drive roused the two sleeping men. Half falling off Joey, Levon teetered to his feet, backing away slightly to allow room for Joe to get up. Now, Levon had settled in his mind what was going to happen. Now, he knew that Joe wouldn't be going off half-cocked. NowÖ he didn't feel the need to shy away from visitors. No fear that it might be a visitor from Chicago or some local arms dealer with a "special deal" for his partner's needs.

Joe, stretching as he stood, looked a question at Lundy who hadn't moved away yet. "You wantta go in the back?" he asked casually, prepared to field the new visitors alone, again.

Levon shook his head and folded his arms across his chest, eyes gleaming warmly at Joe. The dark-haired detective puzzled over this for a moment, even as he heard feet on the wooden steps, then front porch boards. Suddenly something Ö clicked. [He's not worried 'bout who's there anymore! He must have thought I'd called Uncle MikeyÖ]

Joe grinned. Pecked a kiss on the glowing face in front of him and headed for the front door as a loud rapping was heard.

Levon didn't follow, just stood waiting, listening.

"Joanne! Brad! Hey, come on in, Levon'll be glad to see you!" Joe's cheerful voice warned Lundy who to expect. [Joe's getting pretty good at knowing how to tell me things 'thout telling me things], Levon thought fondly.

He moved toward the hallway and lifted his head in greeting to his old partner and her husband.

********************

"That went pretty well," Joe commented. He stole a look at his cowboy, cuddled inside the crook of his arm as they sat on the couch watching the fire in the fireplace. "Brad liked the way I had set up the stuff in the barn, for Fooler and for when Hector comes over to help me clean out the stalls."

Lundy's body shook slightly beneath Joe's arm. Joe stifled a chuckle, "You laughing at me partner? The tenderfoot from the north? The Chicago Cowboy?"

Levon's dancing brown eyes shone up at LaFiamma.

"Yeah, well, hope you had a good talk with Joanne? She didn't say much to me when we went out to the car." Except, [take care of him, Joe. He's strong, but he has needs and I think you fill them for him. Take good care of him. He's pretty special.]

Levon didn't respond immediately, then groped for his slate and scratched a few words.

Told her about your plan.

"Yeah? She OK with that?"

Levon nodded.

Joe continued, "I'll give her a call tomorrow, iron out the wrinkles. She can get the names of who from Joe Bill, he wouldn't give them to me. Too afraid of what I might do, I guess."

They were silent for a while, then Joe spoke again. "Levon, about BeauregardÖ"

Levon swiveled around to face his friend, touched his hand flat against Lafiamma's lips. Then pointed at his own chest.

"You? You want to deal with him?" Joe mulled that over, then spoke softly. "You ain't gonna kill him, are you?"

Levon shook his head. Finally, picking up the slate, he wrote Beat the shit outta him.

Joe grinned. "That's good. Then we'll run him outta town, like the others. Can I be there when you do it?"

Levon looked at him considering it. [Leave him home and you'll never be allowed to forget it.]

You can come. But only to watch.

"So, when you're up for it, we do it. Then - case closed, right?"

Serrado

***************************

The dust motes were dancing on the sunbeam that threaded through the thin white curtains. Joey squinted and blinked away sleep as the warmth of the sun's heat finally stirred him. He started to stretch then stopped at the feel of pressure on his chest and groin. He raised his head slightly to look down his body, to observe his partner's long lean shape slung carelessly over him. One arm and shoulder covered Joey's chest, the tousled blonde head nestled against his shoulder, a long leg was flung over his hips. Joey grinned and carefully stretched so as not to waken his new lover, old friend. Levon Lundy was still asleep, his body clearly claiming Joe LaFiamma's.

The slight movements of LaFiamma's muscles were enough to alert Levon to the waking of his lover. [Ummm, this is great. He's really mine now.] The dreamy thoughts of the cowboy were warm and happy.

"Levon?" A low registered murmur against his hair.

The Texan shifted and slid his hands up and down the smoothly muscled arms of the Italian in his bed. Slowly he raised his head and propped up his chin on the other's wide chest, one set of fingers straying up to play on a tight, hard nipple. Levon's brown eyes shone with pleasure and happiness. He grinned at Joe. "Yeah?" His voice was still a bit rough but it was wonderful being able to speak again. Levon had had to conquer a fair amount of pain to get this far, but Joey had been there for him every inch of the way.

Joey, who was having to look down his own chest to meet Levon's eyes, smiled back as he brought his arms up around his friend, tugging them even closer. He rubbed his head against the blonde's. "This is so great. You have any idea how much I've wanted this? How long?"

"You gonna tell me?"

Joey laughed, shaking Levon's slender length above him with the vibration. "Someday. Right now, lover, I gotta go pee. Let me up."

Levon reluctantly rolled back out of Joey's arms and lay on his side, propping up his chin with a hand, elbow on the mattress, he gazed appreciatively at Joey's solid form as the ex-Chicago cop stood, stretching cat-like and walking with easy grace out to the bathroom. Now that the view was gone, Lundy flopped onto his back and stared at the ceiling.

The smile on his face faded as he thought about the past few weeks. The rape in the police garage was like a nightmare that he had trouble hooking to real life. The pain and slow healing that followed were much more real. His butt was still tender but no longer a problem. Last night had confirmed that, he thought with a brief returning smile. Even smiling was a triumph. His mouth had been so badly mauled by the gagging, tearing the skin, muscles. There would always be some tiny scars there, unless he wanted to do something about them. Just now he didn't think so. It had taken almost three weeks for him to be able to use his mouth normally again, to speak, to eat and drink. Joe had been wonderful. It would have been impossible to stay at home without someone there with him. Joe had moved in and taken over everything.

Levon sighed. Joe had finally told him how he felt. It had been such an incredible moment, and Levon had not even been able to say anything at the time. Even now, tears slowly forming in his eyes, he could not get over how lucky he was with Joey. The man was beautiful, loving, kind, and brave. He was the best partner a guy could ask for, and now, the best lover. They'd be returning to work on Monday. Levon had no doubts that it would work. Their new relationship was really just a natural extension of the caring that they had always shown for each other. Anyone, who knew them, knew that despite the continuing arguments, shouting and occasional shoving, that when the chips were down - they were inseparable, they were two parts of a whole, they were knights against the dragon.

Today was Saturday. The doctor had cleared Levon yesterday.

Levon had wasted no time making the call. He hadn't telephoned Beauregard himself. [It woulda been too easy for the creep to pretend the call had never happened.] He'd called one of the man's cronies. [Let him know where and whenÖ and how. How it was gonna go down.] Because Levon Lundy had no intentions of returning to work with that unfinished business over his head. Now he just had to tell Joey. Joe knew he intended to fight Beauregard, the plan had been formulated over a week ago. Joey had asked to be there and Levon had said he could. Now, though, he was having second thoughts about having LaFiamma present. Joey was very protective. If he, Levon, didn't beat the shit out of Beauregard himself, Joe might just step in. That was the very last thing that Levon wanted. If he could not stand alone, he'd never be able to go back to work - it was as simple as that. He knew he could handle the dirt-bag, but he had a feeling he'd have to work at it to convince Joe.

*************************

Joe stood in front of the bathroom mirror, shaving his dark shadowy beard. His mind was not on the task, however, as he thought about Levon and what was probably going to happen this weekend. Levon hadn't said anything yet, but Joey knew that the proud cowboy was not going to go back to Reisner until he considered his honor avenged. [I wish I could do it for him but he'd never accept that. I wouldn't if the tables were turned. Just wish he'd tell me. I want him to trust me. With everything. Even this.] He sighed, leaning back he twisted open the faucet on the shower-head behind him. Continuing to shave, Joey listened to the water steam down in the shower stall. As soon as he'd wiped off the rest of the shaving cream, he stepped though the shower curtains and under the stream of water. Before he could pull the plastic shut, Levon was slipping in to join him.

Grinning, Joey opened his arms and Levon moved into the embrace easily. They kissed, the water running freely over both faces, as tongues touched and danced within, lips sliding and twisting around each other. Levon started to move up and down against Joe, rubbing his heavy shaft against the other's, bringing them both to hardness. Panting and frantically stroking each other, they both exploded within minutes, which felt like seconds. Joey swung to the side, back against the cool tiles, his head thrown up, sleek black hair framing his face. He pulled Levon against his chest, wrapping strong arms around the slighter man. Levon buried his head under Joe's chin, arms finding their way around Joe's neck.

The silence was restful, only the sounds of the pounding water accompanied the racing hearts and hoarse breathing of the two men. They stood like that for an eternity, then Joe reached for the shampoo and began to lather first Levon's blonde hair, then his own dark hair. Levon was relaxed against him, letting it all happen. When both were well lathered, Joe moved them back under the shower's stream to rinse. The soap worked to clean both of their bodies as well. By the time he was done, they were both semi-hard again and Levon was moaning softly.

"Come on, cowboy, let's go. If we don't get outta here soon the water's gonna be cold." With Joe pushing him, Levon stumbled out of the shower stall, braced back by the tall Italian who turned to close the faucet. Then they were both wrapping themselves in large towels and, shoulders rubbing, walking back out to the bedroom.

Joe was all for a repeat performance in bed and kept going until he realized that Levon was not following, but just standing there inside the doorway, looking at him. "Levon?"

"JoeÖ we hafta talk." Levon looked so gloriously sexy in the towel wrap that it took a moment for Joe to see the serious look on his lover's face, the tension in the wiry form.

************************

The heat out here in the bush was incredible. It must be over a hundred, Joe thought worriedly, as he shouldered a second canteen and some towels. The battered old Stetson that Levon had given him provided the only shade. Already the Jimmy's surface felt like a stove to the touch. As they had pulled up in the wash, a second truck had arrived from across the flats, leaving a plume of dust high in the still air behind it. The shadows of the tall cactus were so sharp that it was like floodlights were aimed right at them. [Just about], Joe thought, squinting briefly up toward the white-hot ball of light in the empty sky.

He crunched on the pebbly dry clay beneath his feet as he trudged after Lundy. The cowboy seemed unaffected by the heat and stark, bright sunlight. But Joe knew that Levon was tense and wired up. He thought about the first aid kit he had filled and put in their truck. [Hope I don't need it.] He stopped when Levon looked at him over a shoulder and nodded slightly. [No where to sit, no shade.]

Joe settled back on the heels of his borrowed cowboy boots. The worn jeans and cotton shirt hung loosely, they had belonged to Levon's grandfather who had been taller and wider than his grandson. On Joe they fit comfortably with a bit of room, perfect for such a hot day. Levon was dressed in his usual riding clothes, jeans and plaid shirt, boots and Stetson. He was wearing the belt that had the extra hole. Joe knew Levon had other belts, that he was wearing this one on purpose.

Levon nodded back at Joe to stop there. [Don't want him too close. Beauregard might think Joe was gonna help. That ain't gonna happen.] Levon was grateful that Joe was respecting all this, giving Levon his space. [Now if the boy will only stay put.] Levon faced ahead again and came to a stop a distance away from Joe. He watched as Beauregard and two others stepped out of the other truck, a brown dented Chevy 4X4. He recognized Heely and Johns, two of Beauregard's cronies, they had not been among the ones who'd followed the big detective into the police garage that day, so they were still around.

Levon spared a thought for the others of the gang of bulls who had attacked him that day. The others were gone now, out of state mostly, or far from Houston at any rate. The moves had happened with amazing speed. Joanne and Joe had seen to that, and Joe had kept Levon informed as each of the men had been removed from Houston. Transfers or reassignments, no discipline - so there'd be no records, but the men knew it was move or face Joe and Joe's family (or so Joe led them to believeÖ and they did).

Facing the hulking Beauregard now, Levon straightened and balled his fists. [Nothing to say, he thought, only need to do one thing. Beat his sorry butt into the dirt.]

The big homicide detective shrugged off the encouraging pats of his friends and stalked forward with a certain animal smoothness, his height and weight both over Lundy's. "So, you want some more, meat?" His sneer was in his voice as well as on his face. "Your partner try anything, my boys'll nail his hide to an anthill."

Joe shifted on his feet, keeping his eyes fixed on the big man. Joe's face was absolutely blank, a trick he had mastered early in life. He looked dark and dangerous, lounging there in the baked heat, unmoving as he stood next to a two-armed cactus that towered above him.

Levon faced Beauregard, nearly 10 yards closer to the man than was Joe who'd hung back as Lundy had asked. Levon didn't answer his opponent's sneering remark. [Joe's makin' him nervous.] He smiled inside. He studied the big man and waited, his own body relaxed now. Then he began to walk forward slowly, hands slightly away from his sides. After about ten more feet, he stopped. [Make the bastard come to me.]

When they finally met, Beauregard had had to close the remaining distance and was striding the last feet when Lundy seemed to lift off into the air and suddenly was slamming both booted feet squarely into the bull's chest. With a choking roar, Beauregard staggered back. Lundy had landed hard, but was now on his feet again, shaking off dust and already circling the larger man. The big man struck out with a huge right fist, swinging it angrily and missing as Levon ducked and backed. Coming after the slender cowboy, Beauregard yelled, "You chickenshit! Fight me like a man, toe to toe!"

Joe had stiffened as the two men in front of him began to exchange blows. He stood on the balls of his feet now, forcing himself to remain still. [Levon needs to do this,] he kept muttering to himself like a mantra, then flinching as the two crashed together again.

Levon ignored him Beauregard's angry words, just kept circling and jabbing in with flurries of lefts and rights, then bobbing back out as the larger man tried to reach him.

Anger flushing his face, the big man suddenly stopped trying to punch out and rushed forward, sweeping Levon into a bear hug.

Lifted off his feet, chest crushed, ribs popping, his breath now painful, Levon reared back and slammed both hands flat against the other's ears.

Howling, Beauregard fell back, letting Lundy drop to his knees. With a mean look, the bull kicked out and caught Lundy a crunching blow on his chin, sending him flying backward against the ground.

[Oh, God!] Joe leaned forward intensely from his vantage spot in the distance.

Before Beauregard could take advantage of Levon's fall, Lundy had rolled to the side and scrambled back on his feet. Both were panting now, sweat dripping from them in rivulets.

Joe breathed a sigh of relief.

Running forward now, Lundy charged into the bigger man, crashing them both to the ground. Incredible ribbons of pain shattered his shoulders, his hands. He began punching with short, sharp jabs to the face. His fists felt like blocks of wood, numb and hard. Like a machine gun, his rapid actions pummeled the other into semi-consciousness.

"Levon."

Hands were on his shoulders, pulling him back now.

"Let him up. He's done for. There ain't nothin' left."

Lundy let the hands pull him up and away from the bloody mess that had been Beauregard's face. He knew it was Joe but didnít turn, didn't stop watching the big homicide bull on the ground.

Joe stood tall behind his partner, hands resting lightly on his shoulders.

Levon's heart was beating with painful rapidity in his chest as he watched Beauregard's cronies who had finally approached, crouching down on each side of the downed man.

They looked at him, then up at Lundy, ignoring Joe. "He's out. Let him be," one of them muttered gruffly.

"He goes. Tell him he needs a new job in a new state." Levon spoke harshly. "Elsewise, he's a dead man. Tell him that when he can hear again."

Joe was gripping both of Levon's arms now from behind, half restraining him, half supporting him. Joe hadn't said anything at all to the others.

The two men on the ground grappled with Beauregard's unconscious form, finally dragging him toward the brown Chevy.

Joe and Levon remained standing together, watching. When the three men were in the truck, the motor started with a roar and the truck came barreling toward the partners. Neither moved. Skidding to a stop within feet of the standing men, the driver leaned out the cab and spoke, "We'll see he gets the message when he comes to. Don't expect he'll want anymore of you. Me and Heely just want to keep our jobs, keep our noses clean. We don't want no trouble with you, Levon, or you, LaFiamma." Johns looked at both of the standing detectives.

Lundy straightened stiffly and felt Joe release his arms. Picking up and tipping on his hat from where it had fallen to the ground, Levon looked at the men in the truck. He couldn't see Beauregard who must have been stretched out on the flatbed at the back. "My quarrel was with Beauregard. It's over if he leaves. If'n he don't go, then this ain't done with and next time I won't stop halfway. You tell him that."

Johns, the driver, nodded. In a cloud of dust, the truck's wheels spun on loose clay dust. Then the truck was gone, a long cloud rising from its trace.

Levon sighed and turned to face Joe. The pain of all the pounding, the tightness in his chest that signaled broken ribs, and the bleeding knuckles - all that faded to irritating background noise as he studied his partner, hovering like a worried parent.

"You okay?" Levon spoke softly, wiping his face tiredly with the back of one hand.

Joe just shook his head and stepped forward, pulling Levon into a fierce embrace. As Lundy grunted, Joe spoke grimly, "Don't ever make me take a seat in the audience again, Levon." Hugging him carefully, with all the love and concern in him, Joe continued, "You were great. I'm glad we're partners and not enemies, I wouldn't want to have to face you when you're mad, lover."

Levon hugged back tiredly, ignoring the pain as best he could, and barked a short laugh at Joe's final comments. "Joe, only place I'm likely to be on you is in bed. Let's go home."

"Yeah." Joe smiled as he released his friend and moved to the side so that he could support Levon's tired, painful steps as they walked together back to the Jimmy, his arm still draped closely over his cowboy's shoulders. "Let's go home so I can try and fix you up some, Monday will be coming soon enough." Gently, he wiped at the blood seeping from open cuts at Levon's chin. Joe shook his head. "I just got you all better, Lundy, and now look at you."

Levon's chuckle was a bit watery but it didn't matter as Joe leaned in for a quiet kiss. Time stood still for them, out there on the edge of the desert, heat rising in waves from the ground, a crackling sound as an iguana moved over some dry bits of weed. A vulture had arrived, attracted by the dust clouds, and now swung in wide circles overhead. Joe looked up and grinned, "Nothing for you today," he said with satisfaction.

Levon shook his head at the feeble humor and let LaFiamma help him back up into the passenger side of the Jimmy. Joe handed him a damp cloth and then went around to get in and start up the truck, letting the AC wash over them. "I'll help you clean up when we get home, babe."

"Okay, Joe," Levon leaned back and closed his eyes.

LaFiamma glanced over at his partner and sighed. [It was over now. And we have the rest of our lives together. Maybe I shoulda thanked Beauregard while I had the chance? Naw, Lundy might notta understood.] He smiled and put the truck in gear.

End of Aftermath

Everything on this page is fiction. Any resemblance or reference to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.