Among Friends By Viac © 1996 - 2004 Joe Rains had dropped one bomb on me, with his coming out of who he was, and the fact that he was my real biological father. Cher my love, stood there - looking like she had seen a ghost - or I had just stabbed her - or I don't know - "Vi - Joe just said - 'This is among friends - I want you to meet somebody'..." I felt my knees go out from under me - my own FATHER? GAY? - This might explain the years without a wife - and it might explain my deep feelings for Cher - In any event, this was now turning serious, we had to go and find out what this was all about . As it turned out - very serious - - We dressed in our blue pant suits, and headed over to the Brownstone - for diner with Joe - - and - - "Hi ladies! come on in!" Joe started... Joe is about 55, salt and pepper, if you can call going gray, with blonde hair, green eyes, and was blonde, like Vi - - Seen together - they are father and daughter.. no doubt about it. We came in, it was cold out - Joe took our coats - - We walked into the living room - Sitting there, about the same build - was a man.. We'd guess about the same age, slightly balding, with the air of 'official" about him.... Cher - Vi - I'd like you to meet Rod ... He got up, and came over to us . . we shook hands - they were tough, and he had a good grip... "Now sit down you two, and I'll get us some drinks... same as last time for you two?" "UH - Yes, that would be fine Joe" Cher finally found her voice.. We sat and looked, at this man across from us... Joe returned with the drinks.. "To Cher and Vi!" We drank - "To you two" We drank - "So tell us a little about Rod if you would Joe?" Cher asked - I was too dumbfounded to speak.. "Well, Rod works for the Capitol Police, same as I did - no he's not here for a Police investigation - he's a friend of mine from the old days - " "The real old days.." Rod added.. "Yes we were in Vietnam together - and I, or should I say we have a small problem, and I was wondering if you two could help us out?" "Well, um Vi? . Um?" Cher said.. "I want to hear this out before we go off on some adventure we have to get ourselves out of.." Joe lowered his voice, Rod shifted his seat closer to Joe - "What I am about to tell you could end our careers - um, can you two keep a secret?" Ut oh - I thought to myself - this is it - they are coming out to us.... We both nodded.. "Rod and I have been um - well intimate - not like you two - openly, we had to keep it deep in the closet, for over twenty five years, it has been tough, but we have a small problem..." Rod continued - "IA - Internal Affairs has been poking around - they seem to think that they have found something - I got a call from one of my people over there that said the magic word - "Queer" - and IA is looking into something .. that put us on the defensive..." "If they found out", Joe continued - "And we were outted - it would be the end of almost 30 years of Police Work - we both want to retire with full pension, and it only is going to take a few more years on the force, but this had to come up now... and God knows what else might come out of that damned closet - like the two muggers who were hit by the mysterious couple? If you get my drift? Joe was blackmailing us into something - God knows what or where this may lead . . we had to play along now... "I had to transfer out of the Capitol Police, when this started to heat up - but where to go - and you two gave me an excuse to get out of Dodge, before the new Sheriff got there. Shaker was glad to get an old hand like me, I got the same pay, and they transferred my pension over there - and I got to get closer to my daughter - well now you know that story..." "The problem is this ladies - " Rod continued - "We have avoided the Police Ball for years - IA has it we are gay - This is a couples only affair - and two guys who don't know any ladies - can't just pick one up for the evening.... this is the Police Department - IA may be watching us right now - we can't just go with any two girls - they have to be someone special - Like you two... Rod took a slug off his drink . BUT we worked this out - Viac, is Joe's daughter - they look alike - Stand Viac and Joe together, and you can't miss it. If Joe had a daughter - he had to have a wife at some time..they got divorced, and Joe never remarried, and I'm his old fishing and hunting buddy from the Army.." This was getting smoky - the good cop bad cop routine - I smelled..something cooking, and it wasn't dinner... "Cher sort of looks like Rod" There was a somewhat close resemblance "What we want you two to do is go with us, and act like our daughters - who have come to visit us, and you are from college.. You two are both the right age, and we could pull this off.. - It could save our careers..." "Ummm Joe - Rod - there is the problem of our Joining - " "We don't have to say anything about that - " "Guys - we are a Sapphic Joined couple - much more than intimate - we got married..." "AND?" "And we wear our rings - it's a sign of our union - we won't take them off, in fact they haven't been off since our Joining.." Cher started.. "If you can work this out in that framework, we might have something for you two to save your jobs.." I countered.. "Can we talk about this after dinner" Joe asked.. "Sure - no problem"..Cher replied.. Joe went to get dinner on, Rod sat with us.. We just sat there making our own signs at each other - we could see we were in a fix - and not entirely of our own making. ** ** ** ** ** After dinner - Joe joined Rod on the sofa, and we two sat on the love seat ! - - (Natch) "SO", I started -"Let's hear the whole story - the complete story - as you guys would say..." "How much do you want to hear Vi?" Joe asked "All of it - the whole sordid affair - from beginning to end - " Rod started - "Well Joe and I were in the Da Nang area together - he was my squad leader when he got hit - and we hit it off, after that mess with Janet, and the baby - sorry Viac - but anyway - it gets lonely in a fox hole, and two guys who just got dumped do things which the Army would not like to know about..." This was getting deeper - deeper than I wanted to know - but let them go on.. "Anyway - we hid it from the Army and got honorable discharges, and then we had to plan some kind of life together - so we both went into Police work - we could be together - and cover each other's asses - as it was - while maintaining a close contact with our - um - intimate - ..." "We applied to the Capitol Police Recruit Program, out of the Army," Rod said - "They were glad to get two vets, and combat trained. We sailed through that, and ended up on the same shift, and in the same patrol car for years - - " "Did you two do anything on the job? Extracurricular activites? SAY?" Cher had picked up on the drift.. "Ummmm - " Rod looked uneasy - Joe was squirming in his seat... "Ummm - it never interfered with Police work - this area was OH so quiet, you could hide in a barn and sleep most of your shift - like Old Man Trainer did - " Both guys had a good laugh. "Things started to heat up when the area population grew, and we were answering calls like incoming rounds - " "Then we got the new Chief - he was a real law and order man from someplace out East, hated gays and lesbians, and just about anybody who had a problem, with drugs or booze, or prostitution. He went after just about everything he could to clean up this town, like he said he would." "We had to split up - being together - brought a focus on us - the two from the Army who always worked together - Joe went into the gang unit, and I went into the drug unit - That seemed to take the heat off for awhile - then rumors started flying - about gays in the force from some snoop - we still haven't found out who - and the .. umm . well - it hit the fan." "Now they were looking into life styles, and who we hung around with - Joe and I could hide a good piece of it by the fact that we went fishing, and hunting together with a couple of other trusted friends among us. We had the photo's and other proof - we had real guy friends.." That catch phrase again! - There were more? What was this leading to? "Anyway - things were heating up fast - we both felt the jaws closing on us. So one of us had to get our of Dodge - FAST! - and Viac, my daughter, you gave us a clue - and a way out...Rod stayed with Capitol, and I came over here to Shaker.. There is about 100 miles between our beats now.." "And you two hatched this plot to throw the IA guys off? I asked "It was our only chance to prove we weren't gay - we had kids to prove it!" I looked at Cher - We had to think this over - "So what happens if IA finds out and you two get outted? "The end - and a whole lot of other guys will get the axe too - this could rip the whole thing apart - the force that is - Once this can of worms opens there is no limit to how far this could go. This is our chance to put a lid on it. . . there are a lot more of us then you want to know about - and - well - Viac - Cheryl - you could help a lot of guys keep their jobs...." Gad what a position to be put into.. "What do we got to wear to this little affair?" "Formals, of some kind.." "A DRESS? Guys we are Sapphic, we don't do the fem thing - I haven't worn a dress or skirt in years!" "Me neither - we don't own one..either of us.." "How about you two go and get a dress - a formal of some kind?" "Not in our budgets - however - IF we do decide to go along with you - we could go and get a couple of old brides maid's dresses from the Good Will - and maybe pull this off . . ." "Would you? -- For us?" "We will call you guys in the morning - Okay Joe?" "Think about it please Viac? We need you now!" "Okay' The trip home was quiet, both of us deep in or own thoughts... "Well my mate - what do you think - is this on the level or are two guys trying to sucker a couple of Sapphics into thier love nests?" "Beats the hell out of me Cher - it sounds good - but how good it is, is anybody's guess..." "Well let's sleep on it, and talk tomorow.." We got undressed, hung up our good clothes - "Mmmm my Cher - " I extended to her - - Deep into each other - the night passed.... The next day - we were still torn - "I don't know Vi - this smells, and I'm not comfortable with any of it - you?" "Me neither - but what do you want to do?" "I know Cher - we can make this work - and get the guys out of whatever they are into - " "No sex with them Vi - we are Mated.." "No sex Cher - - This is a formal ball - right?" She nodded - "We go and get a couple of different bridal gowns from Good WIll - different styles, colors, and - here's the best part - WE wear long white gloves, like we saw in that movie - - Umm - oh! I can't remember. forget it - anyway - that's the plan. The gloves will hide our rings - the guys will get off the hook - and we get a free night out!" "As usual, the action half of this team came up with the plan. Thanks Vi!" Cher made the phone call - - - "Joe? We got an answer - but you two have to stipulate to all of this - " "Okay.." "First, no sex - we are Sapphic, and aren't intimate except with our own mates. Second - when this is all over - you guys butt out - We aren't an escort service.. Okay?" "Okay" "We got a deal?" "Okay" "So when is this little affair?" "Saturday Night - four weeks from now... starts at 8Pm till midnight . " "Where?" "Capitol City Auditorium. I'll pick you two up at 6, and we will go over to Rod's and go from there.." "Okay - done deal. Oh ya - one last thing, you - Joe will bring us back here to Belltower afterwards... Okay?" "Okay - done deal." The die was cast, now we had to come through. Saturday following this, we went over to Good Will, and picked out a couple of dresses, which looked nice, would need alterations, whoever wore these had big breasts, and ours were small - right length - so.. Over to the mall, and we bought long white gloves - We'd wear our two inch black heels - We worked the next few evenings on them - one being the dress dummy for the other's clothes.. "YA know Cher - this just isn't me - -" "Not me either Vi, but we said we would, and so we should go through with it.." It was Saturday night sooner than we thought, as time flew - it always seems to when something is in the wind.. Joe came by for us at 6, "Why don't you two look just stunning!" "Thanks dad was all I could say.." We drove to Capitol City, and over to Rod's - - Same set up and Joe's , although not near the Police Station.. We went to the damn ball - I never saw so many cops in my life! We were introduced to many important people, The Police Chief seemed to be relieved that dad had a daughter, and Cher played the part well for Rod.. "And Mr Duncan, this is my daughter Viac - Viac, Mr Duncan from Internal Affairs..." We exchanged courtesies "Nice Daughter Rains! I wish you said more about her - - " "Well Duncan, she has been living with her mother, and it's a sore subject. Thanks for bringing it up!" "Umm Rains", Duncan continued - "You haven't been paying child support - how come?" Ott Oh - think fast Viac - this is a snag we didn't think of... "Oh Mr. Duncan - Mom remarried - and I when I was very young, and Mr. Rodgers adopted me - and Mr. Rains didn't have to pay any more.." "Really my dear! - I thought you were Viac Rains?" "No sir - I'm Viac Rodgers - and" - - - just then Cher appeared - - "Problem Viac?" She asked.. "Well no I was explaining to Mr Duncan here about my parent problems. He thought I was Rains, and not Rodgers.." Cher walked over to Duncan, we could see dad was in hot water - -now what? "What proof you need Duncan to prove she was Viac Rains - and now is Viac Rodgers?" "Well, not now, but a birth certificate would help - adoption papers - umm things like that..." Cher opened her purse - - "LIKE these Mr. Duncan?" Cher - my dear Cher - the thinking half - we had gotten the paperwork from mom before, and I mean just before the blow up - and Cher had grabbed them - She had gotten an old typewriter, and put Joe's name on the original cert.. and we had the new one with Frank Rodgers, and the adoption papers for me. Somehow - she had the foresight to put them in her purse before we came... Duncan's eyes were like wagon wheels - he went over the paper work right there - astounded, that first we had it with us, and second it existed.. "SO my lady how do you just happen to have these in your possession tonight?" Duncan wanted to know.. "Easy my friend - Joe asked Viac and me to come with our dads for this evening - said something about a they needed an escort, and all the rest. I knew from the fact that our names don't match - that somebody snooping might bring that up - so I came prepared. Happy?" Duncan looked like somebody just stabbed him - he was flabbergasted.. Here was the proof - the two birth certs - Rains and Rodgers - the adoption papers, that's why Joe didn't pay child support... "And Rod is the same way?" "Yup...want to see them?" Her deep blue eyes twinkling in the light... I knew Cher was bluffing - now what? "No, no, I suppose they are like these?" "Yes they are -" taking them back - "Now -you go and have a nice evening Mr. Duncan, and dance with your wife - I take it you did bring her? "Sure - she's over there -" Indicating - "Sorry Joe - I must have been chewing on the wrong man, you are as clean as they come. The story you told checks Rains....I don't know how, or who - but somebody down at the station has some questions to answer tomorrow . . " Duncan left shaking his head - Joe and Rod looked like they were about to climax... The rest of the evening went like a fairy tale ball... We danced, ate, rubbed elbows with the big shots from City Hall, even the tough Police Chief was a softie.. Cher charmed the hell out of him... On the way home dad was ecstatic -" Cher - how the hell did you figure it all out?" "You aren't the only Detective in this car - Joe - After you called and said your man had tipped you off that Duncan was going to act at the ball, to really embarrass you and Rod - I figured out that you told them all about us, and all the rest. Your story at the hospital - the story you told us the other night - said - what the problem was.. I did some quick math - and came up with a solution.." "And the paperwork?" "Vi hardly ever carries a purse, and I sometimes do, so I brought the paperwork along with me, just in case.. Needed proof? - We weren't going to be in town long - so I just took a chance on it - and brought it along.." "Rod's paperwork?" "You didn't see my hole card Rains - neither did Duncan - sometimes it takes a good hole card and a good bluff to get out of jams..." "And your hole card Cher - ?" "My fem charm! What else my dear Rains! - I may be Sapphic, but I still am a woman. A small brained man like Duncan can be tricked into almost anything by the wiles of a female! - So - - Now Take us Home - " We dropped Rod - then Joe headed out for Belltower - We slid in just about 1 Am.. "Thanks for the evening Joe!" I started - "This was fun.." "No thanks to you two - you saved our bacon on this one.." "Night Joe!" We went in . . "Cheap trick my Mate! - Well done!" "So I guess the guys are gay after all." "That might explain my being Sapphic . . they say gay parents have gay kids.." "Are you sorry that you are Vi ?" "No Cher, if I wasn't I wouldn't have the best Mate, Lover - and Friend in the world! Thanks for being there for me.." "Any time my Mate - I love you!" "Love you too Cher - - " Clothes put away - we might need them again some day - you never know - and it was time for bed.. A bit of nineteen - we were both to exhausted to really get into it tonight - it had been a long night..and so to sleep. A couple of days later I got a call from Joe - "Viac? You won't believe this - they just trashed Duncan out.." "Why" "They found out he was gay, actually bi - and had been so for many years - with his deputy - Shift command said they were sorry about the whole sordid afair, and wanted to appologize to Rod and me, for thinking we were gay..." "And now dad? What's next?" "Well we just dodged a big bullet - so I guess we stay deep in the closet until we retire - then both of us can go and live our lives like you two do I guess." "In Maui?" "Yes, in fact - as far away from this cold and ice, and snoopy eyes as possible. Society isn't ready for two guys, to come out, as much as they would accept two Sapphic's - so, we will live out our lives like we want, deeply in love, and protecting each other like you gals do." "Well, all's well that ends well they say!" "Can we get together again? Say for the Holidays in the Spring?" "Sure - why not? We are family now - Cher and me, Rod and you - so - like us, cling to your intimate, and love him for all he is worth to you - shelter and protect each other - and most importantly, support each other..." "Vi, you are wiser then I thought - your mother was right in naming you for an old computer system - you think more than most - and know more than most, and seem to be wiser than most.." "Thanks, dad - but it's my Mate - Cher who is the thinking half of this union - I just make things work...Well, I got to run . We'll be in touch - Nite dad.." "Nite my dear Viac - " A few days later two dozen roses came for Cher and me - the card read - "Thanks for all your troubles - Love dad - " .... they were signed by Rod and Joe... By Viac am Malacar © 1996 - 2004