Chapter 72
“Brian’s mom and Louisa are going to be staying there for the foreseeable future. Also, call the doc and tell him I need a strong and competent nurse’s aide, preferably male, along with a lease for Dr. Harris to set up an office in the building across the street from the house. Explain to the doc that he will be able to see other patients. However, his main concern will be caring for Brian’s mother, whom I suspect is bipolar, maybe schizophrenic and under-medicated from her own description. Yes, there is the danger of violence, slight, but there nonetheless. If I need to hire three separate shifts to see to Irene, I will. The doc will help with the details. Call Jim Boy for any additional help.
“Irene, my housekeeper’s sister Louisa is going to stay with you along with nurses who will help with your spells. Are you sure this is acceptable?”
Irene said, looking pointedly at Brain, “It’s about time someonetook care of my needs.”
As Bear spoke to Sal, he watched Brian’s face. About a quarter of the way through the conversation, a flicker of recognition crossed his brow. He looked at his mother and then back at Bear.
“Oh Jesus, what have I done.”
They pulled into a driveway wide enough to house a three-car garage. The house itself was a u-shaped ranch and had a detached garage. A covered portico led to a set of stairs built to reach the large apartment above the garage. A guest cottage was located behind the house.
The house itself boasted five bedrooms with adjoining master suites. Louisa could have one and Irene the other. The other three bedrooms would serve for the nurse and the nurse’s aide. A spare room could be set up either for hobbies or even as a small infirmary, if necessary.
Irene, naturally, picked the largest suite with the better view.
Brian started to voice an objection, but Irene raised her voice to tell him she deserved it, because of what she had suffered.
Before the situation deteriorated into an argument, Louisa and Maria arrived. Sal called Bear and said the doc was on his way over toot suite, so Bear was able to steer his baby out of harm’s way before the inevitable explosion. 12
For the first time since early morning, Bear and Brian were in the car alone. Bear spoke to Brian in a strained voice, “When did you remember, baby? Was it while I was on the cell with Pop Santore?”
“Yes, it was. I started to remember everything when she began to berate me in the car. Nevertheless, the full weight didn’t hit until you spoke to Sal. What now, Sir? I can’t burden you with a dangerous mental case.”
“I don’t think there will be any problems, baby. The real reason Medicare turned her down for a transplant was the drugs she needed to take to control the schizophrenia. It sounds like your father’s death made it sudden-onset. I feel for you, baby.
She doesn’t even realize she was the one who taught you how to take a beating. Knowing this, Brian, I don’t think I want you to be submissive to me. Maybe we could just be together as domestic partners?” Bear asked seriously.
Brian answered quickly, “Sir, our relationship as Master and submissive is as important to me as it is to you. Were I to let you opt out of such a large portion of our lives, I would be doing us both a great disservice.”
“Baby, you have some serious issues that need to be worked out. What happens if, after therapy, which I will insist upon, you find you no longer wish to live the life?”
“Sir, it really doesn’t matter how I came to be what I am. What matters is what I am on the inside. Therapy will not change the essential core of a person. It may make them aware of why they are who they are, but genetics also play an essential role there. It would make sense to me to understand why I am a submissive. What it won’t change is my natural inclination to submission and that I love you.”
“Brian, are you sure about this? I swear to you, once you are mine, I will never let you leave me. I mean it. I find I am a very possessive man where you are concerned. I would lock you up before I would let you go.” Bear spoke with unusual, unbridled passion. He grabbed Brian and pulled him into his arms. “Do you understand this, baby? I would rather kill both you and myself than have another take you from me.”
Brian looked up at his beloved Bear. His bright eyes shone with unshed tears. “Papa, I beg you, give me the chance to prove to you we belong together. I am an O’Shea. We love for an eternity. There is none for me but you.”
Bear lifted Brian out of his arms and on to the seat. “You have not healed yet, baby. I cannot take you to the club in your condition.”
“Papa,” Brian said, as Bear noted the serious tone. “I’ve worked as a temp in worse condition than this.”
“Brian, I want you too badly to say no. However, Greg Harris is stopping in at seven. He will give you a physical examination prior to going over to see your mother. If he says you can make the trip to the club, you may. If he thinks it would be a bad idea, you will stay home.”
They drove from Anthony’s house, now Brian’s mother’s, up the driveway and stopped. Maria was on the porch, dinner was on the table.