Take a glimpse into a world that may be foreign to you, even though it takes place in Houston. Follow along with this tight-knit group of gay men and the year that will change their lives forever. But be forewarned, these big, burly, bear men aren’t your garden-variety gays.
They’ve been through tough times and their close bonds confirm this. However, nothing’s prepared them for what happens early in the New Year when their lives are shattered by a gunman’s bullet. The police start an investigation but they quickly extinguish all leads and clues, finally shelving the case.
Some in the group decide to pick up where the police left off and begin their own investigation. During their search for the killer, these novice detectives get themselves into situations that are foolhardy, risky and life threatening. And if the killer becomes aware of their efforts, will one of them become his next target?
Many other challenges come along during this time and they have to face them head on because life doesn’t slow down for anyone. Will they all make it through to the New Year?
Filled with humor, danger, love and heartbreak, this story will leave you wanting more.
The sun continues its journey across the sky, as it slowly disappears allowing dusk to fall upon Houston. Light from the sunset still shines on the skyscrapers causing the buildings to glow with a crimson blush. The air is cool and clear.
A silver BMW races towards downtown Houston, traveling on Highway-59. The car takes the downtown exit, passing Travis then Louisiana Street, finally traveling on Brazos Street. Kevin, the driver, turns the car down another street, quite surprised that he’s getting home so late. The headlights have automatically turned on as he’s reminded of how short the days are during this time of year.
He can’t believe that the second week of the New Year has already ended. He hopes this year doesn’t go by as quickly as the previous one. They seem to pass by faster and faster as he continues getting older, but hasn’t yet figured out how to slow either one down.
Kevin imagines how this weekend will go as he parks his car in a reserved parking space then walks through the gate into the apartment’s courtyard.
He could afford a lavish house in an upscale neighborhood but he’s lived in this complex for several years and doesn’t have a desire to move away from ‘family’. Plus it’s so affordable, Kevin’s able to write one check to cover the entire year.
The two-story apartment complex is older but has a lot of charm. A garden area sits in the center of the complex, where all the doors to the different apartments open up to. There’s a set of stairs at both ends of the garden for those tenants living on the second floor.
Kevin passes an apartment on the ground floor when he gets a very pleasant, “Hello Kev, how was your week?”
Kevin looks towards the voice to see Auntie M standing in his doorway. He stops before he replies, “It was a great week but I’m so glad it’s Friday, I’m ready for the weekend.”
Auntie M is an older gentleman who owns the apartment complex. He dresses very conservatively for someone so colorful, but has been known to make an exception. He can be very effeminate at times and appears to be well educated. No one really knows much about him other than his partner had passed away several years ago and he owned this complex prior to his partner’s death. Everyone loves Auntie M, willing to do anything for him. Most people in the complex call him M.
“So, any big plans for this weekend Kevin?”
Kevin smiles with his reply, “Actually I do. I’m finally going to introduce my boyfriend to the group. Something that I’ve been wanting to do for months.”
“Why has it taken so long for them to meet him?”
“He’s not really out yet so he’s been hesitant to meet anyone. He’s also concerned about people finding out, because of what he does.”
M tilts his head while asking, “Oh, is he military?”
“No, he’s more or less in advertising. It’s kind of complicated and I’m sworn to secrecy.”
“I don’t want to be the one that makes you break a promise. Plus, I don’t want to keep you from your plans.” M pushes the air towards Kevin, urging him to his apartment. “Make sure to dress warm, that cold front is moving in and they say it will drop almost twenty degrees as it passes.”
“I will, M. Thanks and have a great evening.”
M replies, “You too dear,” as he steps back into his apartment, closing the door behind him.
Kevin continues to his apartment looking forward to a very enjoyable evening with Steve and the gang. Kevin’s known Steve for years. He’s never had a closer bond to someone who he wasn’t in a relationship with. He can confide in Steve no matter how taboo or sensitive the issue. The only detail that he has kept secret is about his current love. He’s excited for Steve and the rest of his close friends to meet him tomorrow night at Victor and Hector’s dinner party.
Kevin starts thinking about this man, realizing how he has changed his world. He’s never had a relationship where the other person has brought so much joy to his life. If there is such a thing as a soul mate for everyone, this one is Kevin’s. This is the first time where he feels like the lucky one.
Kevin’s quickly pulled from his day dreaming by a man yelling his name from behind him. He turns to see this man standing a few feet away next to a bush. It seems that the man is attempting to remain in the shadows, so his face is not quite visible. Kevin asks, “I’m sorry, do I know you?”
The man is incensed with this comment and an argument ensues. “How dare you act as though you don’t know who I am? What do I have to do for you to come down off your pedestal to my level? I try to …”
Kevin, listening to what he’s saying, can see his face. He recognizes this man as the one that has come up to him almost every time he’s been standing alone at one of the bars. He’s made flirtatious invitations to Kevin on countless occasions and talks to him in such a way that would indicate they were lovers. Kevin’s unsure what he’s done to get this kind of attention from him but is sure of two things, it’s not wanted nor welcomed.
Kevin looks at the man then says, “Okay, I know who you are. Why do you continue to harass me? I told you I’m in a relationship and you should respect that. You shouldn’t have come here this evening and it’s time for you to leave.”
By this time Auntie M, overhearing the conversation, returns to his front door. He’s not one to eavesdrop but is afraid that someone may be hurt or possibly bashed. He looks out to see two men talking and one of them seems to be upset. One of the men is Kevin, whom he’s able to make out clearly but the other man’s hidden a bit in the shadows. Auntie M quietly listens without much worry, as Kevin’s a big man and can take care of himself.
The man’s infuriated that Kevin is accusing him of harassment as well as asking him to leave. He stubbornly stands there in defiance of Kevin’s request. Kevin’s starting to get upset but that’s not how he likes to handle things. He takes a breath and says sternly, “Okay, I’m serious. It’s time for you to go.”
The man senses that Kevin means business and doesn’t want a physical confrontation with him. He slowly turns and starts to walk away. After a few steps he turns back to Kevin and says, “I guess I’ll go down to King’s Alley. I have friends there who appreciate me. I don’t think my friends would like the way you treat me. You should remember that.” The man turns and storms away.
Kevin isn’t sure if this comment is supposed to be a threat. He doesn’t know where this reaction is coming from. Why is this man so interested in him? Kevin feels sorry for the man, knowing that he may be mentally unstable. He thinks to himself, I should’ve suggested to him to seek professional help. He has issues that need to be addressed before he does something stupid.
Kevin sees Auntie M at the door, waves at him and says, “Everything’s okay, nothing to worry about.”
Auntie M replies, “It takes all kinds doesn’t it?”
