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Date Posted: 22:29:41 05/05/03 Mon
Author: Jaron
Subject: Conversation with a Dead Man, Chapter 66
In reply to: Jaron 's message, "Conversation with a Dead Man...more" on 01:22:05 04/30/03 Wed

Conversation with a Dead Man,
Chapter 66
5/4/03

“I heard it all.”

Patty turned back to Ian and stroking his long hair as if she was comforting a small child, could do such a thing to him? He longs for human contact and yet seems to be terrified of it at the same time. This man who raised him…how could anyone leave a child to this horror? I’m surprised that Ian is the sweet man he is with what he has had to endure.” She looked up at Michael with a thousand more questions in her eyes.

The quiet man with green eyes walked over to where she sat with Ian’s head still pillowed in her lap, and kneeled beside her. “Patty, I’m sorry that I can’t tell you more. This is Ian’s story to tell and I want you to be prepared because I don’t think he will tell you any more than he already has. He wouldn’t have told you what he has if it wasn’t for the Bailey’s. Ian is a very private man. He keeps his suffering inside. It took me years to get him to open up with me in any real way, and he still hasn’t told me everything.” Michael took her hand and held it up to his cheek. Her fingers cupped his cheek and she could feel the day’s growth of beard tickling the palm of her hand.

“And have you revealed your darkest secrets to Ian, Michael? I sense that you have a lot of hurt that you are also keeping inside.” Michael lifted his jade eyes to hers and smiled wistfully.

“Patty, love, we all have secrets that we cannot share. It is the nature of man to keep some things tucked carefully inside of ourselves. Ian and I have talked. That is why we made this rendezvous. We’ve walked and we’ve talked and tonight we drank a bit more than we should have. We almost told you more than we wanted you to know.” Patty started to protest but Michael placed his fingers on her lips. “No, ma chere, don’t say it. There are things about us that you cannot know. Our back stories are not for your ears.”

“I understand, Michael. I don’t have to like it, but I do understand your situation.” Patty turned her face into Michael’s hand and kissed his palm. “You are a sweet man, too, Michael and I hope that together you and Ian can let loose some of the pain that you both have built up inside of you.” She glanced at her watch and sighed. “I’m due back on duty in a few minutes.” She tried moving Ian without waking him and finally looked to Michael for help. He gently lifted a sleeping Ian just enough for Patty to slide out from under his head. Michael settled his friend back on the sofa, trying not to disturb his sleep. Ian wrapped his arms around himself and snuggled into the sofa, snoring softly. Patty bent down and smoothed Ian’s dark hair one more time. She pressed a kiss to his temple and then stood up straight, turning to Michael and enfolding him in her arms.

“Stay safe and take care of yourself, Michael.” The finality in her tone brought tears to Michael’s eyes. “I fear that I shall not see you again after tonight, my sweet boy.” Patty drew back and looked at Michael, memorizing his handsome face. She glanced down at Ian and then back at Michael. “Teach him to take better care of himself.” She smiled at him and patted Michael’s cheek. “And take care of yourself, too.” Patty sighed heavily and straightened her uniform before walking towards the door.

She took one glance back at the two men and closed the door quietly behind her.

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