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The Sweet Life	By : jai Category: Individual Celebrities > Athlete/Sports Misc Views: 8241 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I do not know the people written about in this fanfiction. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 18
- 19
- 20
Michael ended up making a big note using a piece of Chloe’s poster board, propping it up in front of the mirror in the bathroom when Ian didn’t budge despite the mention of shopping. He carefully locked the house up and set the alarm as they left, forwarding the house phone to his cell.

“When do you start teaching?”

“The end of June, the twenty third I think.”

“So you’ll still be able to go to the beach with us?”

“Yes indeed. Pieter and I are both looking forward to it but we’re really taking the cat and the dogs?”

“Sure, why not? We can’t leave them here by themselves.”

“And various members of your family will be there?”

“Yep but don’t worry; we’ll be in separate condos on the seventh and eighth floors. You and Pieter will have your own room and bath. Chloe’s sharing her room with Gina and Lexie. Beth and Colleen are in the fourth bedroom.”

“I remember Gina but which one was Lexie?”

“Lexie is Pete and Frannie’s daughter; Frannie is one of the cousins and her husband works for the Cleveland Browns.”

“The big guy who laughed really loud?”

“That’s the one. Nadia and James are picking Lexie up on their way from Chicago. They’re staying with her mom’s folks up on 20th Street along with three of their kids.

“Siobhan and Art have all the boys in their condo including Trent, Max and Dennis; they’re right below us. Mom and Ryan are sharing with Pat and Kate and Brendan and Angie and they’ll be next door. Hilary, Craig, Whitney and Peter are in with Dad and Jackie next door to Siobhan. Linda, Rodney, Ginny and Eddie have all the older girls: Molly, Sierra, Cassidy, Danica and Tracy in the condo next to Dad.

Grant shook his head. “How do you keep all this straight?”

“Haven’t you been reading the email from the family list? Ian, Mom, Siobhan and Jackie have been working on this for two months. I’m sure there were royal weddings conducted with less attention to detail.”

“I’ll take your word for it. I’m not on your email list.”

“You’re not?”

“No, you’ve mentioned it before but I thought it was only for your families.”

“Well hell, Grant. You are family and I wouldn’t want you to miss things like the great sauerkraut debate of 2008. Just ask Ian add your email.”

“Ian’s in charge of-? Wait, its Ian of course he’s in charge.”

“Heh. He’s one of the moderators; Siobhan’s the list owner. She beat Ian in setting it all by an hour. He still bitches about that so don’t even go there.”

“Now Michael, you can’t expect me to pass up an opportunity like that.”

“True. Okay, you have free reign but don’t blame me if it backfires on you.” Michael pulled into the parking lot of Home Depot and parked the SUV. “You want to help me put the seats down so we can fit everything in here?”

“Sure.”

Inside, Grant snagged one of the contractor’s carts and they headed for the paint department. The clerk was happy to match their paint and said he’d be done in a half hour. That task completed, they headed for the garden center to get the other stuff when they both paused by a demonstration for an endless pool.

“Ever use one of those, Michael?”

“Yeah, at Michigan and the Speedo labs. You?”

“At the Speedo labs and back home.”

They stood for a moment, watching the video when Michael started laughing. “We’re so pathetic. Other guys stop and look at power tools; we look at pools.”

“Excuse me, guys but I couldn’t help but notice you were interested in our demonstration pool. Do you have any questions?”

Grant and Michael looked at each other then Grant turned back to the salesman. “Do you have a brochure?”

&&&

They loaded the final bag of sand into the back of the SUV and Michael stopped. “We don’t need a pool.”

“No, we don’t. But Pieter and I will pay for half if you get it.”

“Oh, way to talk me out of this Grant.” Michael said as he got behind the wheel.

“I’m only thinking of you. Once the baby comes, you’ll want to spend more time at home.” Grant said, with patently mock sincerity. “You can talk it over with the little woman when we get there. Ouch!” Grant grabbed his arm. “Does Ian know you’re so violent?”

“Strangely, it only seems to come out when you’re around.”

&&

The SUV was unloaded and they went inside to change. There was no sign of Ian downstairs so Michael went up to the bedroom and saw that the bed was empty and unmade. The note in the bathroom was gone so Ian must have gotten up at some point although his car was still in the garage and none of the bikes was missing although the dogs weren’t home either.

Thinking that Ian had taken the dogs for a walk, Michael went outside and started working. He’d just gotten the shovels and other tools when he felt a presence behind him. He turned around and found himself staring at Steve Coburn who was wearing Ian’s favorite shirt.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

“Is that anyway to talk to me, lover?” Steve put his hand out to Michael.

“Where’s Ian?” Michael asked, backing away.

“Why do you care? I can be more to you than he’s ever been.” Steve lurched forward and grabbed Michael by the arms, trying to pull him closer his mouth reaching for Michael’s. “He’s never going to be a problem for you again, lover.”

Suddenly furious and frightened beyond words, Michael broke away from him. “Where’s Ian? Where are the dogs?”

“I don’t like dogs, Michael. They’re filthy messy beasts; much like Ian. He’ll be nice and clean once they fish him out of where I threw him.” Steve’s eyes were cold and evil as he advanced towards Michael. “You’ll soon learn not to bring things in our house that I don’t like. Like that little girl of yours. Children are messy too and she’ll just distract you from taking care of me.”

Michael almost tripped over one of the shovels as he backed away and without a thought he ducked down and grabbed, holding it like a weapon. “Steve, this isn’t a game. What did you do to Ian?”

Steve laughed, “Oh right. You’re such a sweet piece of pussy Michael so don’t try to play it tough. I know you want me. You’re going to be so sweet when I fuck you and I’ll teach you how to-”

Suddenly frightened beyond words, Michael swung the shovel back and brought it forward striking the side of Steve’s left knee with the flat side, breaking the patella. He wasn’t taking anatomy for nothing and Michael knew exactly where to hit to do the most damage.

Steve screamed, falling back and grabbing his knee. “What the fuck are you doing? You’re going to pay for this, you bitch!”

“What have you done with Ian?” Michael asked, holding the shovel up and ready to swing again. “You’re already looking at two surgeries and a year of rehab, Steve. Tell me where Ian is right now or I’ll hit the other knee.”

The front door slammed but Michael didn’t look up, he only heard Grant yelling as he ran towards them.

“Michael! Michael, what are you doing? Put the shovel down.”

Michael shook his head. “I can’t. He’s done something to Ian.”

Grant stopped trying to take the shovel and looked down at the man moaning in pain. From the house, he’d thought that Michael had been attacking Ian but now he could see it was some stranger. “What are you talking about?”

“That’s Steve Coburn, he’s hurt Ian.” Michael said, angrily wiping tears away. “He kept coming towards me; he told me he’s hurt Ian and the dogs.”

“Ian’s not in the house?”

“No. He’s missing and so are the dogs. The bed’s not made.”

Grant nodded, suddenly understanding. “Okay. Calm down and give me your phone so I can call the cops.”

Fumbling, Michael unhooked the phone and passed it over, never taking his eyes off Steve. “He threatened Chloe. He said- he said.” Michael couldn’t finish.

During the next half hour of his life, Michael knew things happened. He heard Grant make the call and speak to the operator but he couldn’t make out the words. His only thoughts were for Ian. Where was he? How had this happened? Please let him be okay, please let him be alive.

He started shivering and he could feel someone’s arm around him but it wasn’t Ian’s arm and then there was a blanket and he was sitting and a woman was asking things but it wasn’t Ian’s voice and lights and shouting and Grant telling him something and Pieter was there but no Ian.

The feel of two furry bodies against his broke him out of his haze, both dogs trembling and trying to climb into his lap. “Giz? Gadget?” He looked around and saw both Pieter and Grant staring towards the driveway where EMTs was loading a long familiar body on a stretcher into the back of an ambulance. “Ian?”

“Michael. Michael, listen to me.” Pieter took his hands and moved in front of Michael, blocking his view. “Ian’s going to be okay. He’s had a knock on the head, bruises and he’ll be stiff from being tied up but he’s okay. They’re taking him down the hill to the hospital, I’m going to take you there and Grant’s going to get Chloe. Michael, are you listening.”

“Why can’t I go with him?”

“Because it’s right around the corner. Can you stand up?” Pieter spoke gently but in a businesslike manner.

“Of course I can-” Michael tried to rise and stumbled when his legs went weak. Grant and Pieter both helped him stay up right and Michael took several deep breaths. “I’m okay. Um, I need to-”

Staggering back from them, Michael turned and threw up on a pile of dirt, falling down and bracing himself on his hands as he emptied his stomach and kept retching. After what seemed like hours but was probably on a couple of minutes, strong hands were helping him sit down and a cold towel wiped his face down. Another cold towel was put on the back of his neck and he shuddered as his stomach rolled then settled.

“Ssh. It’s going to be okay.” Pieter said, pulling him into a hug. “He’s okay, he’s okay.”

“It won’t be okay until I can see him and hold him and he says he’s okay.”

“I know and Grant’s got your wallets so let’s go.”

Somehow, Grant and Pieter got him in a car with a bottle of water, some ice in a towel and in a much calmer state. Grant pulled out behind them to head for the school and they were parking in the ER lot before Michael could start getting anxious again.

“May I help-? Oh, hi Dr. Hoogie. Is your friend hurt?” The receptionist at the ER looked at Michael who was still holding the ice to his neck.

“No Candy, he’s feeling a little wonky but we’re here for Ian Thorpe. He should have just come in with the ambulance.”

She looked at her computer, nodding his head. “Yes, he’s here. He’s in ER 3 and they’re doing the initial exam.

“This is his husband, Michael. Is there paperwork to be filled out?”

“You know it.” Candy pulled out a clipboard and handed it over. “I’ll check with Dr. Nelson in a minute and see when you can go back.”

“Thanks, Candy.”

Pieter led Michael over to the waiting area and pulled out Ian’s license and insurance card, using them to fill out the forms while Michael sat with his feet up and slowly slipped at his water per Pieter’s instructions.

“Pieter?”

“Yes, Michael?”

“Did you see Ian? Back at the house?”

“Yes I did.”

“Where was he?”

“I think they found him tied up in the other garage.”

“And he was alive?”

“Yes, of course he was, Michael. He was groggy but alive.”

“Okay.”

A woman walked into the waiting room and sat down across from Michael, a notepad in her hand.

“Mr. Phelps, tell me again how you knew Mr. Thorpe was missing.”

Michael looked at Pieter and then looked back at the woman. “Um, excuse me. Are you a reporter?”

The woman shared a glance with Pieter who stopped writing. “Michael, this is Detective Yarrow. She was at the house, don’t you remember?”

Shaking his head, Michael dropped his feet and sat up. “No. Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure. I was there too. Did that zwakhoofd hurt you?”

“What? No. He grabbed me, tried to kiss me but no. I’m sorry, Detective-, was it Yarrow? I get kind of loopy when I’m stressed. What was your question again?”

“How did you know Mr. Thorpe was missing? That Mr. Coburn had hurt him?”

“Because the bed wasn’t made and the note was missing. Ian always makes the bed, right after he gets up and he would have written something back on the note. I’ve never left a note that he didn’t write something on it. I saw all that while I was upstairs but it didn’t really register until I saw Steve.”

“He writes on your notes?”

“Um, yeah. Sometimes it’s a little joke or he’ll write back in French and then I have to go find the dictionary.”

“Why did you hit Mr. Coburn?”

“Because he said Ian would be nice and clean when they fished him out and that Chloe was a distraction. It was the way he said it, like Chloe was disposable. He- he said I was a sweet piece of pussy.” Michael swallowed hard and put the ice back on his nape.

Pieter put the pen down and took Michael’s hand. “He really said that?”

“Yeah. I’d picked up the shovel because he kept coming towards me. I told him to quit it and tell me where Ian was. He said I-. That he-. Please, can I see Ian? I really need to see Ian.” Michael’s voice quaked and he blinked, trying not to cry again. Pieter squeezed his hand, trying to reassure him.

“I’m sure the doctor will be out shortly, Mr. Phelps. You’d previously met Mr. Coburn in San Diego back in February?”

“Ah. Yeah. He was in the 200 Fly and the 100 Fly. Friday night, the night before the last day, he showed up at my room after ten pm. I was having dinner with a friend; Miles and Steve knocked on the door and started telling me that he knew I wanted him and that he could be Ian for me. Miles called hotel security and they took him away. I think Steve had been drinking, he had a bottle of wine with him and the security guy, George, said they’d had a problem with him on Thursday. Steve’s only seventeen, well maybe he’s eighteen now.”

“Did you press charges?”

“No. He never got into my room, he was just weird. But everyone knows about it. Maureen, my manager’s assistant knew about it by the next afternoon and she’s in New York.”

“Have you seen Mr. Coburn between then and today?”

“No, I thought he might turn up when we were in Sydney in March but Ian arranged something. I don’t know what he did but Steve was in Japan while we were in Sydney.”

“You kept tabs on Mr. Coburn?”

Michael nodded, “Yeah, he was weird and scary. He seemed obsessed about Ian, he’s wears his hair like Ian did. I keep track of Taylor and Cathy too. I call the warden at Cathy’s prison every month; I just like to know where the weirdoes are.”

“Taylor and Cathy?”

“Our stalkers. Ian has had an AVO on Taylor Martin for years; it’s the Australian version of a protection order. Cathy’s serving life without parole at Robert Scott in Michigan; she tried to blow us up.”

Detective Yarrow was looking a little dazed. “Okay. You have a very comprehensive security system at your home. Did you set it before you left?”

“Yes, because Ian was sleeping.”

“Mr. van den Hoogenband said he saw Mr. Thorpe earlier, coming back from taking your daughter to school. Did he go back to bed?”

A blushing Michael admitted, “Um we fell asleep after we made love. I woke up about an hour later and went downstairs. I was sort of shocked that Grant was home because uh, we were a little loud. Since we were both home, Grant suggested that we finish the walk out front. That’s when I went upstairs and wrote the note.”

“What did you write it on?”

Michael caught Pieter’s uneasy look out of the corner of his eye and closed his mouth. “Do I need a lawyer or something?”

“Why do you ask?”

“Because you’re asking me all these questions.”

“We’re just trying to determine how Mr. Coburn got into your house or how he lured Mr. Thorpe out. You’ve already admitted to injuring Mr. Coburn but he’s got several bite marks. We think they’re dog bites but he’s in surgery and Mr. Thorpe’s still unconscious so we can’t ask them.”

“Unconscious! Pieter, you didn’t say he was unconscious. Is he in a coma?”

“Calm down, Michael.” Pieter said soothingly while shooting the detective a dirty look, “He had a hard knock on his head but he was conscious when I saw him. He even asked about you.”

“He did? You’re not just saying that?”

“No, I’m telling you the truth. Now, sit back down and put your feet up.”

Michael sat, without really being aware of when he’d stood up. “Okay. Is Grant bringing Chloe here?”

“No, she’s still got two more hours of classes; she’s safer there until we know what’s going on. Grant stopped to inform Dr. Rawlings and he’ll be here shortly.”

“Oh. Um. Thank you. Sorry I yelled at you.”

“No problem.” Pieter said with an understanding shrug.

Detective Yarrow cleared her throat, getting their attention again, “Mr. Phelps, what did you write your note on?”

“A big piece of Chloe’s poster board; she had a class project a week or two ago and there was some left over. Pieter, where’s my phone? I should call Ken and Margaret.”

“Grant has it still I think. I’ll call them when we know how he’s doing.”

“Mr. Phelps, how long were you gone from the house?” The detective asked, trying to get them back on the subject.

Michael started to answer then suddenly sat up, his head swiveling towards the door to the treatment area. “Ian?”

Pieter and Detective Yarrow both looked at the door, expecting to see the doctor but the doors remained closed. Michael stood up and stared hard.

The sound of someone shouting, the volume getting louder as Pieter recognized Ian screaming Michael’s name. Michael took off, running at full speed at the doors and flying through them. The detective and Pieter were hot on his heels, trying to catch him.

Felicia Yarrow almost had him when Michael paused at an intersection in the hallway then sprinted off to the left; a direction Pieter recognized as leading to ER 3. By that point, there were several nurses and other hospital personnel trying to stop him but Michael shook off the orderly and was soon at the curtain at curtain, being blocked by a nurse who appeared to be holding restraints.

“Michael!” Ian screamed again and Michael could hear the panicked sounding voices of the medical personnel in the room with him.

“Ian! Ian, baby I’m right here!” Michael yelled, giving the nurse an evil eye. “Lady, get out of my way.”

“You can’t go in there. Go back to the waiting room and the doctor will be out shortly.”

“Ma’am, I’ve never hurt anyone in my life but I’m on a roll today and if you don’t let me in there, you’re all going to regret it. He’s my husband. He’s scared and he’s hurt and I need to be with him.”

The nurse spotted Pieter over Michael’s shoulder and gave a sigh of relief. She could tell the tall man meant business but Dr. Hoogie would take care of him. They all jumped when Ian screamed again and Pieter slipped in front of Michael as the doctor inside the room shouted out for a sedative.

“Danielle, you have to trust me here. Let Michael in the room; I’ll talk to Dr. Nelson but Ian will be much easier to handle once they’re together.” Pieter spoke calmly and eased her aside, making the way clear for Michael to enter.

His heart stopped when he saw Ian’s bruised body and cuts on his wrists. The staff must have removed his clothes on arrival, looking for injuries and Ian’s struggles to get off the bed had left him naked and exposed, the sheet kicked aside. Michael dashed forward, putting his hand gently on Ian’s chest not paying any attention to the various medical personnel. His heart broke when Ian flinched at his touch.

“Ian? Ian, I’m here and you’re going to be okay. Baby, can you hear me?” Michael spoke quietly, his body bending over the bed.

“Michael?” Ian instantly calmed, his hand coming up to grasp Michael’s, turning his head in the direction of Michael’s voice. Michael gasped when he saw the damage on Ian’s face, the flesh so swollen around his eyes that they could no longer open.

“Yes, baby. I’m right here.”

“Michael, did he hurt you? Is Chloe okay? He said he was going to-.” Ian said, gagging and trembling.

“No baby, he didn’t hurt me. I hit him with a shovel. Chloe’s still at school, she’s fine.”

“Really? You’re not just-”

Michael picked up Ian’s hand and placed it on his own face, not caring if Ian felt the tears that were streaming down his face. “There, you feel that? I’m fine but baby, you need to let the doctors help you. Please? You’re really hurt and they can make you better.”

Ian’s other hand came up and did a quick examination of Michael’s face, neck and shoulders. “You’re not hurt?”

“No baby. Will you let the doctor’s help you?” Michael asked, fussing with the sheet that was tangled around Ian’s legs and pulling up so Ian was no longer exposed. His hands moved restlessly over Ian’s body, as if making sure he was real.

“You have to stay, Michael. Please stay with me? I- I can’t see.” Ian said the last words at a whisper.

“I know baby, your eyes are all swollen so stop trying to use them. I’ll be right here the whole time; just relax and let them take care of you.” Michael leaned forward and kissed the uninjured side of Ian’s mouth, taking Ian’s hand in his. “I love you, Ian.”

“I love you too, Michael.” Ian said, his thumb stroking the back of Michael’s hand.

Michael turned to see medical staff all standing still, watching them. “Okay, here’s how it’s going to work. I’m staying here and so is Pieter. Do what you need to do but no sedatives, no pain meds or anything else without Pieter’s approval.” Michael’s face and tone were uncompromising.

“Pieter’s here?” Ian asked faintly.

“Yes, baby. He’s here and he’s going keep an eye on things. Grant went down to the school but he’ll be here shortly.” In sharp contrast, Michael spoke to Ian gently and lovingly, his free hand constantly stroking the one spot on Ian’s shoulder that wasn’t bruised.

“Good, trust Pieter.” Ian’s voice was slurring as he settled down.

“I know baby.”

“Michael, Chloe. Sara. Hospital. Don’t.” Ian struggled against his sudden exhaustion, his face twisting in frustration.

Michael understood him anyway. “Chloe will be really scared that you’re in the hospital but I’ll make sure she knows you’re going to be okay.”

“Good. Hurts.”

“Ssh. The doctor’s here and he’ll help. Just listen to my voice and breath.” A stool appeared in Michael’s peripheral vision and he snagged it with his foot, sitting down so his face was level with Ian’s. “Do you remember our trip to Fiji? The helicopter ride from Nadi and how blue the water was?” Michael kept talking as the doctor moved forward and was finally able to work on Ian’s injuries. Pieter watched everything carefully; from the insertion of the IV needle, the dressing of Ian’s bloody wrists and the ointment applied to his eyes before a bandage was wrapped around his head.

Michael was vaguely aware of all this but he focused on Ian, talking to give Ian something to focus on besides the stranger’s hands on his person. The catalog of injuries his spouse had suffered was long; from punches on his face to the oddly shaped bruises on his torso which came from being kicked. Thankfully, there would be no permanent damage but Michael found himself wishing he’d done more damage to Steve when he’d had the chance.

Two hours later, Pieter had convinced Dr. Nelson that Ian would be much more comfortable in his own bed and that Pieter would be there to deal with any complications that might arise. A set of Ian’s sweats appeared and Michael tenderly helped Ian get dressed, with Pieter lending assistance when necessary.

A wheelchair was procured and Ian gingerly sat down. Michael signed the last form and handed it over; taking the prescriptions the doctor gave him only to have Pieter snatch them away.

“I’ll take care of these on my way to pick Chloe up. Grant’s outside and he’s going to take you home.” Pieter expertly wheeled the chair out into the hall and took a route out of the ER and through another section of the hospital. Michael looked at him curiously but Pieter shook his head, shooting a look at Ian.

Grant was indeed waiting outside a door marked ‘Staff Only’ and quickly got out of the car when he saw them coming. Ian was carefully but swiftly transferred into the backseat, Michael taking the seat next to him. Pieter closed the door and gave Grant a kiss before waving at them and turning back into the hospital.

Michael saw the need for the surreptitious exit strategy when Grant drove out past the ER area. The area was jammed with TV satellite trucks and other vehicles, members of the press milling about like sharks. They ignored Grant and his passengers, focusing on the ER entry and they were soon off the hospital grounds.

Ian was yawning sleepily as he slumped against Michael. He hadn’t spoken since telling the doctor that a rape kit wasn’t necessary and Michael was worried. He believed Ian when he said he hadn’t been raped but he knew something else had happened, something Ian didn’t want to talk about.

Detective Yarrow had asked for a short statement after the doctor had finished, wanting to know how Ian had ended up in the garage. Ian haltingly explained waking up after hearing the doorbell and answering the door without checking the video camera. Steve had used a stun gun on Ian and both dogs, dragging them all out to the garage. He’d tied Ian up with wire and taped the dogs’ mouths shut with duct tape. Steve punched and kicked Ian for an hour, screaming invectives at him and only stopped his abuse when he’d seen Michael pull into the garage.

Satisfied with the initial statement, Detective Yarrow excused herself to return to the police station promising to come to the house the next day.

As they lived so close to the hospital, Michael wasn’t surprised to see more media in front of their house but the police still on the scene quickly moved them aside and let Grant’s car in the drive. Michael avoided looking at the garage in the back of their lot, preferring instead to be grateful Ian was right next to him.

The car stopped and it took several minutes to get Ian out of car and into the house. A uniformed police officer was stationed in the kitchen and nodded to them, looking at Ian with surprise as they entered.

“Ian, do you want to sack out on the couch for a while or go up to bed?” Grant asked his voice steady but his face tight with worry.

“Bath. Smell. He pissed on me.”

The cop’s eyes widened and he started to speak but Michael shook his head, warning the man off with a gesture of his hand.

“Okay, upstairs it is. We’ll have to be really careful with the bandages on your head and hands but we’ve managed before, right baby?” Michael said, leading Ian to the hallway. The trip upstairs and into the bedroom took only a minute and Grant slipped into the bathroom to turn on the shower while Michael helped Ian get undressed. Ian stood passively under the water as Michael suds him up and rinsed him thoroughly.

“Ian is this okay or do you want me to wash you again.”

“Good. Teeth please?”

“Sure, baby.”

Michael put the paste on the brush and handed it to Ian, positioning him in front of the mirror. Afterwards, he helped Ian find the toilet then washed both of the hands and led him out to the bedroom. He helped Ian get into a fresh pair of sweats and gave him a hand into bed. The bed was freshly made and Ian sank back into the pillows, pulling Michael onto the mattress and huddling close to him.

Michael was glad to see Ian looking a little less pale and picked up Ian’s hand to brush a kiss across the tips of Ian’s fingers. They both tensed when there was a gentle knock on their door.

“It’s me, Ian. I’ve made you a cuppa, soup and a grill cheese.” Grant said, pushing open the door and coming in with a bed tray. “You must be famished, mate.”

“I am a bit peckish.” Ian said, sitting up and making an effort to speak clearly.

Grant handed the tray to Michael who set it across Ian’s lap. “The cup’s about four inches in front of your left hand and I’ve put a straw in it and the soup. Horrible way to treat good tea but your lip looks painful. The sandwich is also cut up already.

Ian found the tea cup, smiling a little when his finger touched the short straw Grant had thoughtfully provided. “Thank you.”

“What’s a cuppa?” Grant asked rhetorically. “Guys, Chloe will be home in a few minutes. How do you want to handle this?”

Michael instinctively turned to look at Ian then realized Ian couldn’t look back. He squeezed Ian’s thigh before answering. “I’ll go downstairs and tell her what’s happened and then bring her up. You’re up to seeing her, right?”

“Yes. You’ll need to warn her about my eyes and hand me a shirt. I don’t know what my chest looks like but it’s not anything she needs to see.”

“Okay.” Michael got up carefully and went to the closet, pulling out a long sleeved T-shirt. Grant took the tray back for a moment while Ian slowly pulled the shirt on then set it back down. Ian was halfway through with the soup when they all heard the back door open and Chloe’s familiar footsteps running across the kitchen floor.

Michael kissed Ian quickly and headed downstairs, intercepting Chloe in the foyer.

“Daddy! What’s wrong with Papa? One of the girls at school said a man hurt him.”

Pieter gave Michael a look of apology as Chloe climbed up into Michael’s arms. “Sorry, the older girls have cell phones.”

“Ah.” Michael said, sitting down and letting Chloe get comfortable. “Papa was hurt but he’s right upstairs and he’s anxious to see you.” Michael tightened his arms, keeping her in his lap. “But he’s really sore and the doctor put a bandage over his eyes so don’t be scared when you see him. The bandages will come off in a couple of days and Papa’s going to be just fine. I need you to promise me that you won’t jump on the bed because that might hurt Papa. Can you do that?”

Chloe nodded earnestly and Michael set her down and took her hand, taking her upstairs. Pieter followed behind quietly, holding a bag from the drugstore. He didn’t want to intrude but he was just as eager as Chloe was to see Ian.

Michael tapped on the door and pushed it open, “Baby, Chloe’s home.”

Ian looked up with a smile. “So I heard.” He patted the bed, “Come on over here Chloe-love.”

Chloe slowly walked over, her eyes glued to the stark white material around her father’s head. “Papa, does it hurt?”

“Yes it does but now that you’re here, it doesn’t hurt near as much. Can you come up here? Michael, help her up.”

Michael lifted her up after she kicked off her shoes and she crawled over, careful of the tray. She lifted her hand to touch him but paused. “Papa, you have a boo boo on your lip.”

“I know. Is it really gross?”

“Uh-huh. Did Daddy kiss it to make it better?”

“Why, no he did not!” Ian said, exaggeratingly surprised. “Michael, you’d better get over here and take care of that.” Ian puckered up and Michael smiled, taking a seat on the other side of Ian and bussing him carefully.

“Does it feel better?”

“Yes it does Chloe. That was a brilliant idea. Grant, Pieter don’t just stand there. There’s plenty of room down at the end. And what’s the crinkling sound?”

“Oh!” Pieter said as he and Grant sat, both leaning back against the footboard. “I stopped at the pharmacy and filled your prescriptions and got a few other things.”

“What are prescriptions?” Chloe asked, getting comfy next to Ian and stealing a sip of tea.

“Dr. Hoogie, care to explain?”

“Prescriptions are medicines a doctor gives to make you feel better.”

“And I’m not allowed to touch medicine without Papa or Daddy telling me I can.”

“Very good, Chloe. Now, Pieter what have you got?”

Pieter opened the bag and took out three bottles of pills, two tubes of ointment and a few other things including a heating pad explaining each item for both Chloe and Ian. Michael took the heating pad and plugged it in, placing it behind the small of Ian’s back.

“Thank you love, that’s much better. And since there appears to be a mouse in the house who is stealing my sandwich, I think we all need some food. I’m sure everyone else is just as hungry as the mouse.”

Chloe giggled, nodding at the idea as Michael stomach rumbled as if on cue. Michael got up and took the tray from Ian’s lap. “Chloe, go change into your play clothes please. I’ll go down and find something. Pieter, would you mind?”

“I’ll stay and explain the meds. Will you bring a glass of water back with you?”

“Sure.”

Grant stood and helped Chloe off the bed, “I’ll go down with you Michael and get us all something to drink.”

Downstairs, Michael pulled out tortillas, eggs, cheese and the microwave bacon while Grant put the kettle back on and ran a bottle of cold water upstairs. He came back to find Michael gripping the counter tightly and took Michael into his arms.

“He’s going to be okay.”

“I know, it’s just-.”

“You don’t want to break down in front of him.” Grant said, understanding.

“No. It’s bad enough what he went through without adding my crap on top of it. I hit him. I intentionally harmed another human being.”

“Ian lives to deal with your crap and you were protecting your family. That bastard got what he deserved and if I’d known what he’d done I would have gotten a few kicks in myself. Now, pull yourself together. Ian will worry if you take too long.” Grant kissed his forehead and gave him a pat on the back.

They ate in the master bedroom. Pieter had raided the guest rooms and Ian was now propped up with extra pillows under his legs, easing the strain on his back. The dogs came out from under Chloe’s bed at some point and took their normal places on their beds in the bay window; someone had removed the rest of the tape and Pieter gave them a quick exam to make sure they were okay.

Ian was getting a little groggy again as the Tylenol with codeine took effect and it made the necessary trip to the bathroom to get rid of all the liquid a little rocky but he was soon back in bed and yawning.

“Okay, I think it’s time for a nap. Ian, do you want us to leave?” Pieter asked.

“No!” Ian said loudly before softening his tone. “Um. Do you mind staying? I can snooze while you’re here and its nice being all together, isn’t it?”

“Of course we can stay. Chloe, why don’t you get your homework and we’ll all work on it together.” Pieter said.

“Okay!” Chloe climbed down carefully then ran to her room.

“Thank you,” Ian said gratefully once he heard her leave. “I- I don’t want to be alone.”

“Its fine, Ian. Pieter, let’s get the chairs out of the guest suite and we’ll sit in them. Your bed is very comfortable but you’re hogging all the pillows.” Grant pulled Pieter off the bed, giving Ian and Michael a few minutes alone and taking the paper plates and napkins with him.

“You need anything, Baby?”

“Um, can you help me lay on my side?”

“Of course.”

He helped Ian get comfortable, putting a pillow between Ian’s legs and pulling the covers up. Ian curled into Michael’s side, his arm around Michael’s legs and his face resting on Michael’s thigh. “Can you rub my neck?”

“Whatever you want. Are the pills helping?” Michael said as his strong fingers gently massaged the area.

“Yes. You hit him with a shovel?”

“Yes. Broke his kneecap. They said he was in surgery. Ian, he didn’t-?”

“No, he wasn’t interested in me; he just wanted to be me. Took my shirt, all my clothes actually. Are Giz and Gadget okay? I could hear them whimpering. They tried to protect me.”

Both dogs perked up when they hear their names, their tails wagging.

“They’re a little subdued, he taped their muzzles but Pieter says they’re fine. I’m glad Steve didn’t have the taser on full power.”

“I know but believe me; it hurt enough as it was. Can they sleep on the bed with us? Just this once?”

“Okay. I’ll ask Grant to help them up so they don’t jostle you.”

“Has anyone called Mum and Dad?”

“I don’t know. It’s been-”

“A bad day all the way around. What time is it?”

Michael looked at the clock, surprised to see it was almost seven. “It’s only ten am their time, seven pm here.”

“Can you dial for me? And where’s Chloe?”

Michael answered as he picked up the phone, “She’s downstairs with Grant, getting some ice cream I think.” He dialed the phone and listened to the rings, “I’ve got their voice mail. Hang on a sec.”
Michael switched ears, before speaking into the handset. “Margaret, Ken? It’s Michael. Okay, um you’re not home but please call us when you get this message. Ian’s been a little injured but he’s fine. Here.” He gave Ian the phone.

“Mum, Dad I’m fine. A little sore and the codeine is kicking in but I’m fine. We’re all fine and don’t pay attention to the media; we’ll explain it all when we talk to you. Here’s Michael back.”

Michael took the phone and left a few more assurances before hanging up and dialing Chris and David’s house, leaving a similar message. He could hear Grant and Chloe downstairs still and he chuckled. “Chloe’s trying to convince Grant that she needs to taste test your ice cream.”

Ian smiled, snuggling back into Michael’s side. “You need to call your mum and dad, and call Carl. Have you spoken to the police?”

“Yeah, a little. I don’t know what I said the first time; I was too worried about you.” Michael dialed again calling his father first. He was unsurprised that that line was busy and so was his mother’s. He dialed Ryan’s cell phone and it was picked up on the first ring.

“Michael? Where are you?” Ryan asked, having recognized the phone number on the display.

“Ryan, hi. Um, I guess you heard?”

“Yes, a reporter called four hours ago. Are you okay? Is Ian?”

“We’re fine. Ian’s right here, a little sore and really beat up but we’re fine.”

“Thank the merciful lord.” Ryan said, the relief evident. “Your mom’s on the landline with your dad. Hang on.”

The next voice Ian heard was his mother’s. “Michael?”

“Hi mom. We’re fine, we’re home and Ian’s really sleepy from the meds but we’re okay.”

“Thank goodness. Margaret, Fred did you hear that?”

As it turned out, Debbie was teleconferenced in with Fred and Margaret, Ken listening in on the extension while Jackie and Ryan manned the internet and the TV, relaying any new info. Michael handed the phone to Ian who managed to yawn through a short conversation before handing the phone back.

“Michael, you’re home?”

“Yes, we’re all home.”

“Your dad and I can be there in an hour, Sweetie.”

“I know but it’s a mess out here with the police and the news people. Maybe in a few days?”

“Okay. Your dad said to call your lawyer.”

“I’m doing that next. Mom, Ian’s almost asleep so we’ll call everyone tomorrow.”

“Okay, give Ian a kiss for all of us.”

“I will, night everyone.” Michael hung up and looked down at Ian. “Our parents are amazing.”

“Mum and dad, in Baltimore?” Ian asked, the pills muddling his thought process.

“Mom was on the phone with them.”

“Good Debs.”

“I know.” Michael said tenderly, his hand running through Ian’s hair as Ian finally dropped off to sleep. He was still worried about Ian but they were home, together and they’d make it through. They always did.
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The Sweet Life