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. Hi, Frank.Yeah, it s taken care of, I m just waiting for the big cheque. What, did you own some gold doubloons or something that got melted and destroyed? Frank asked. That was sarcasm, Ian informed him haughtily. I didn t own the place and had jack shit in there.I think I m getting a few grand forthe loss of my furniture and electronics. Ohh, rich man, huh? Frank elbowed him as they walked towards their desks. You and Drake going to take me and Darcy out todinner?And just like that, the temperature in the room seemed to drop to a glacial level.The receptionist and the other two officers turned toglare at Ian.Frank planted one hand on his hip. What? What s wrong with all you dumbasses? You think you should get to come to dinner, too? Not with a couple of fags, Chester Foley snarled. You can catch AIDS from  em.Frank shook his head and made a tut-tut sound while Ian s blood boiled. Wow, I knew you were stupid, Chester, but I didn t realise youwere shit-for-brains dumb along with being paranoid, misinformed and obnoxious.You can get AIDS from unprotected sex with women justlike you can with men.You can get it from transfusions, too, and from sharing needles.Do I need to keep going on? You re sorely lacking ineducation.Chief Waronsky s door opened and he came out. Is there a problem?Chester stood up, red-faced and furious. I won t work with a faggot! It ll be a shame to lose you then, especially with you so close to retirement, but if you insist&  Chief pointed. There s the door.Don tlet it hit you on the backside on your way out. What? You can t do that!Chief frowned. I don t believe I m the one who quit.That was you, Chester, after using a derogatory term in regards to one of yourfellow officers one who, if I m not mistaken, knocked you out of the way of a bullet a while back.Hm, wonder what would have happened ifOfficer McCain hadn t done that? He could have been hit.You d probably be dead&  I don t want to quit, Chester whined. Make him quit.Chief sighed and came over to stand by Ian. Let me just make this clear as crystal for all of you.I ll make sure the night shift hears it,too.Ian McCain is not to be harassed for being gay.If I find out that s happening, I ll begin proceedings to have you fired.I will do it, too,unless of course you quit.Ian is the same man he was yesterday, and the day before, the week before, the month before and so on.He hasn tchanged.He still does his job, doesn t complain and kicks ass.The only thing that has changed is you know something about him that reallyisn t anyone else s business, and it does not concern you nor does it affect his job.If you can t get around your own prejudices and hatefulideals to see that he is still the same person you knew before finding out that he s gay, then you are the one with the problem, and I suggestyou seek help.I ll be happy to set that up for any of you who need it, as I know who I went to when Finn came out to me. Finn s gay? the receptionist asked. What a waste.Ian had never seen Chief Waronsky s expression look so& fierce, and apparently, neither had anyone else.Chester plopped into his seat,muttering an  I m sorry.Chief pointed to the receptionist. Ms Aberdeen, in my office.I am going to explain to you exactly how you just messed up by calling myson a waste.Ms Aberdeen sniffed, stood up and grabbed her purse. Find someone else to work in this den of iniquity. She walked out like she wasthe only sinless person in the world.Chief took a deep breath then looked at Chester. If you re going Chester shook his head vehemently. Nah.I don t like it but I m not tossing almost thirty years down the drain.I ll keep my opinion tomyself. Be sure and do that. Chief patted Ian on the back then walked away.Ian followed him into his office. What s up, Ian? I didn t mean for you to have to out your son, Ian blurted out.That had to be a horrible thing for a father to have to do.Chief sat down and waved a hand as if shooing off a fly. I didn t.Finn told me that he wasn t going to hide who he is when he comesback from college for Christmas break.He said if it d help you, to get it out now.He, uh  Chief cleared his throat. He says he s a flouncer,anyways, and he s done hiding that, too.I don t even know what that means. I don t either, Ian admitted. Maybe you misunderstood him.Chief leant back in his chair. That is entirely possible.God knows he likes to test me, make sure I still love him.I understand that.Ididn t handle his coming out well at first, and I ll have to live with knowing I hurt him then.I won t do it again. Chief nodded. Go on, and Imean it.I won t put up with shit like Chester and Aberdeen were spouting.That nasty piece of work was just pissed because she s beenchasing Finn since they were both sixteen.Makes me glad he s gay, actually.I d have hated to be related to that woman. Does she have a brother? Ian asked. Don t even joke like that, Chief snapped. Go.Eat a doughnut or something.Ian left the office and wasn t surprised that Chester kept shooting him glares.The other officer, Walker, didn t look at Ian at all.He couldhandle that, too. So yeah, dinner at the ranch.I ll buy steaks, Ian offered. Saturday good for you and Darcy? Works for me, but let me check with her.She plans stuff for us and I never remember until she s hollering at me to get ready for it [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]