Dawn of a New Gay: Lyle 4

By Timothy Lee

Rest assured that as long as there is crime in the streets, Lyle will be out there keeping the city safe. But what about when that crime hits a little close to home - like within the police department itself? There's something rotten going on and Lyle and his working partners, Michaels and Dieter are being directly affected. The charge is murder and the boys are going to prison one by one, and it is up to Lyle to not only clear his partner's names but his own name as well before he, too, is locked away and the key thrown away. The clock is ticking, the bodies are piling up, and Lyle is facing the challenge of his life in this, his 4th adventure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Timothy Lee
• Release date: May 10, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458042682

Timothy Lee

Timothy Lee was born in Concord, California, and raised in South Lake Tahoe, California. Eventually he migrated northward and finally settled down in Olympia, Washington, where he now resides with his two cats, Kodora and Koji. Timothy takes his yearly vacation to the Disneyland Resort where he is allowed to wear silly mouse ears hats and act like a 10 year old.

Book preview

Dawn of a New Gay

Lyle 4

Timothy Lee

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2011 Timothy Lee

Published by Smashwords

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Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table Of Contents

Preface

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

About the Author

Other Titles

Preface

Lyle is a fun character to write. He made his first appearance in book three of the Billy series and immediately leapt off the page. As so many authors and cartoonists alike will agree, once in awhile a character will appear out of nowhere and take on a life of their own and such was the case with Lyle which is what makes him so easy to write. He is the type of man who knows what he wants out of love and life and will stop at nothing short of breaking the law to obtain it. On the surface he may seem simple but the man is very complex and always trying to think two steps ahead of the game. I think his positive outlook on life was what first caught my attention when he was conceived, this obviously being a part of me that had been safely hidden away from the light of day by an unpleasant relationship breakup. Since then Lyle has served as a constant reminder to me that no matter how bad things look, they can and probably will get better. Lyle came along when I most needed him and I thank him for that.

This book, the fourth, was not planned. After wrapping up the third book I thought it complete, walked away and moved on to other projects but Lyle kept drawing my attention back to him, sort of like a magnet until finally I acquiesced to that pull. Not surprisingly it was like being home again in front of a fireplace with a loved one and a bowl of buttered popcorn. It felt good having Lyle in the driver's seat once again. Of course the popularity of the Lyle series told me that there was a demand for the next chapter in his life, but as curious as the readers might be, I found that I shared this curiosity in discovering what happened after his success with Orlando. Did they stay together? Did Orlando fall victim to Lyle's string of losses in the love department? This book answers these questions. Unlike its predecessors, however, this sequel is not a love story. Lyle had found his true love so this time I needed to put the man to work in his job with a full-fledged mystery, and as the body count rises, so, too, do the culprits and the intrigue.

One other quick note; a preface would never be complete without mention of Levi. He, as you probably already know, is the comedy relief and often goes out of his way to accomplish this. Levi is the most loved secondary character in the entire series because of his flamboyance, honesty and his ability to be himself, even in the face of ridicule and for this I love him dearly. Levi was not conceived to be a gay stereotype. Levi was written to be a man who is different from the others and sees the world through another set of eyes. Life has been hard on Levi but he came out on top and will not take crap from anybody although it would not affect him even if he had to take it on the chin. Levi is always up, always himself, always 'on'.

I now invite you to immerse yourself in Lyle Bogart's life once again in this, the fourth novel in the Lyle series.

Chapter 1

It was the best of meals. It was the worst of meals. The critic was Lyle Bogart, the creator of the spread that had been laid out on the dining table in precise orientation so as to disguise the taste by its attractive presentation. Countering Lyle's low opinion of his creation was his live-in lover, Orlando Alvarez, who praised the taco dinner as being a great success. Normally this would be considered high praise, indeed, considering Orlando's Latino descent but Lyle was still not convinced. In question was the flavor of the meat which, to Lyle, lacked that certain je ne sais quoi. This was not his first time at the gastronomic rodeo and most certainly not his first stab at Mexican fare, but for some reason he had not been able to achieve the correct ratio of seasonings to sauces to satisfy his own fastidious taste.

In spite of his complaints, though, Lyle had to admit that the dreaded taco did seem to taste better when it was fed to him by his man's loving hands. There was just something about Orlando's touch that seemed to magically resolve the spice incongruity and make everything right again. Even more of a treat was Orlando's dipping his finger in the refried beans and then gently inserting that flavorful digit into Lyle's eager mouth. In his unexpected state of arousal the recipient could not decide which he preferred at the moment, the taste of the beans or the feel of his partner's finger upon his tongue but he greedily sucked on it seductively, savoring both as a whole.

This little maneuver precipitated the finger being replaced by something a little more substantial on Orlando's part and that ultimately led to dinner getting cold on the table while the lovers helped themselves to dessert prematurely. Even the ringing of the phone was not enough to discourage the two men from their solicitous destiny, for although Lyle was aware of the noise he was solely incapable of breaking away from Orlando's magnetic hold on him.

It was Lyle's unspoken opinion that in the six months that he and Orlando had been a couple the power of each sexual encounter seemed to exceed that of the previous one and tonight's performance supported that as the climactic finish caused his eyes to roll back in his head and the stars to briefly shine. Furthermore, it was now Lyle's determination that he and Orlando had finally reached the level of nirvana that had been the norm with his past two lovers. This plane probably would have been attained sooner but for Lyle's sense of betrayal to Keon Tabari and Bucky Dawson who had both met untimely ends. Through support of his friends (and periodic therapy by the staff psychologist at the Police Department for which Lyle had now been working for seven and a half years) he was able to release the suppressive guilt and get on with his life and love.

Following their unexpected encounter, the remainder of the half-eaten meal was refrigerated and Lyle and Orlando headed upstairs to bed, seeing as how Orlando had an early flight to catch. Although he had been able to transfer from Washington, D.C., Orlando was nevertheless at the mercy of the FBI who would request his presence wherever it was needed for any particular case. Lyle was used to it by now, although the first three absences were the most difficult to take as he could not seem to get enough of Orlando's touch, kisses, and the ever-popular sexual frenzy. The new request had come this morning so Lyle's man was heading to San Francisco on an undisclosed case, meaning that Lyle was again going to have to fend for himself until whatever time his man was released from the evil clutches of crime and terrorism.

Lyle clutched Orlando tightly against his muscled chest all night long, and, indeed, Orlando found it impossible to pry himself away from the cop when it was time to get moving the following morning. Lyle just did not want to let go, but in the spirit of compromise he offered to negotiate the terms of his man's release. This turned out to be more a demand than a compromise but Orlando put forth no counter-argument and his head immediately disappeared beneath the covers.

A mere 20 minutes later Lyle found himself yet again alone in his two story home, his heart yearning for his lover, his hands needing physical contact, his thoughts being directed solely on Orlando's soft brown eyes, and his lust for the man again sparking a rise in his pajama bottoms. Lyle was in love, plain and simple. His and Orlando's beginnings had been rocky but the end result was euphoric and one that Lyle hoped would last a lifetime, and in their lines of work that could end at any moment so they knew to make the most of what time they had together.

Showering, Lyle then proceeded to straighten up the bed which he found needed to be changed due to the morning's encounter and his prolific discharge. This, however, was not entirely unexpected since two things were at work; first, mornings were Lyle's best time for making love, and, two, Orlando just plain hit every single one of Lyle's spots. This was a match that had clearly been in the designing process for some time in order to attain a perfect fit and Lyle was eternally grateful to whatever powers had premeditated it.

His black uniform was retrieved from the closet, its flawless lines and unwrinkled perfection reflecting the added care to which he had given the trousers and shirt when ironing them the day before. His boots were found to be a bit scuffed but a quick polishing took care of the blemishes and by ten o'clock Lyle was ready for another day at work. Seeing as how he did not need to be at the station for his hour-long pre-shift physical workout until three, he had about four hours to kill. That time he devoted to a brief breakfast, followed by a bit of grocery shopping which resulted in a surprise meeting with his fellow policeman and best friend in the entire world, Darren Michaels, known to most at his insistence by only his last name. The tall imposing man was spotted at the end of the snack foods aisle with his partner, Bonzai whose single name was cause for much discussion in legal matters, both apparently engaged in a debate over which chips to buy.

None of those are healthy for you, Lyle said, sidling up to Banzai and wrapping an arm his waist. Glancing to Michaels he added, Bonz, where'd you pick up this sorry piece of trade? I know it's only my opinion, but I think you could do better.

Hey, man, Michaels greeted without removing his eyes from the bag of corn chips he held before him.

Hi, Ly, Bonzai said, planting a kiss on Lyle's forehead, his height making this the easiest target on Lyle's face. Would you tell this guy that baked chips are better for you. He's stubborn as a horse.

Don't I know it, Lyle agreed with a generous nod. Releasing his hold on Bonzai, Lyle gently took the bag of chips out of Michaels' hand. Might I suggest a carrot stick, instead?

Michaels cast Lyle a glare while giving his crotch a playful squeeze. I've got a carrot stick for you, sucker.

I guess you heard about Dieter? Bonzai asked Lyle.

Fearing that his riding partner had met with foul play, Lyle instantly studied Bonzai's face before determining that this was not the look of a man who was about to deliver bad news. In fact, Bonzai seemed as if to be intentionally holding back something pretty exciting. No, I haven't heard anything about Deet. What's up with that lizard?

He didn't tell you? Bonzai asked in amazement. He called and told us last night.

Recalling the unanswered phone call during dinner, or more specifically; dessert, Lyle shook his head. That's probably who rang us around dinnertime.

Don't answer your phone during dinner, man? Michaels asked with yet another deep frown.

Don't or couldn't, Bonzai said suspiciously, receiving an embarrassed smirk from Lyle. Yeah, thought so. Anyway, maybe I shouldn't say anything until you talk to him yourself.

He and Sheila are tying the knot, Michaels said flatly without hesitation, obviously quite eager to ruin Dieter's big moment. The rivalry between the two was fierce and it was a known fact that either man would go out of their way to one-up the other.

Hearing the unexpected news, Lyle stood in stunned silence for a few seconds while this soaked into his brain. They're getting married? Deet and Sheila?

You'd think the sister would have more pride in her race than that, man, Michaels grumbled. Deet is so white he makes Martha Stewart look as dark as Sheila is.

Wow. That's fantastic, Lyle proclaimed before turning his eyes upon Michaels. Look, Mike, I know that you and Bonz are the perfection that is the African-American race…

You got that right, man, Michaels said, interrupting.

But I think Deet and Sheila make a good looking couple and I'm really happy that they're taking this step.

He is, too, Bonzai confessed of his grumbling lover. You should have heard Mike last night, giggling like a schoolgirl.

Mike is all bark, no bite, Lyle confirmed. Always has been and this animosity is all show. I swear, if Deet was gay Mike would be all over him like an old pair of pants.

Oh, please, Michaels said, obviously embarrassed. He took the bag of chips from Lyle and tossed it into the basket beside him. The man's a parasite. He needs to marry into his own race… a tapeworm or something.

So when's the big day? Lyle asked Bonzai, ignoring Michaels' remark.

In June. I guess Sheila wanted a June wedding so Dieter agreed. I don't remember the exact date.

The third, Michaels said. Thursday. One o'clock.

For somebody so dead set against this marriage you sure seem to know a lot of the details, Lyle told his friend. If I didn't know any better I'd think that you were jealous, he added, teasing.

I'm not jealous, I'm pissed. The parasites can get married but Bonz and me can't, Michaels complained.

Yeah, I hear that, Lyle said, confirming his own aggravation over the inequality in the current laws. Things are changing. Give it time. Well, I can't wait to see Deet in the gym today. He's going to be bubbling over with excitement. Probably be the topic of the entire shift.

I feel for you, man, Michaels said with a shake of his head. Better you have to ride with him than me. I'd kill him, and ain't no court in the land would punish me.

Chuckling, Lyle said, I wish you two would just go to bed and get it over with.

Not on my watch, they won't, Bonzai said rapidly with a glare at Michaels. Turning to Lyle, he asked, Orlando get off okay this morning?

Yeah, he's on his way, Lyle confirmed with a glance to his watch. Flight left at noon. I miss him already.

You'll get over it, Michaels said without emotion.

This remark seemed to prompt Bonzai to say, We need a king crab from the butcher block. Have them cook it and section it for us. I'll be right there.

Wondering why the surly attitude in his friend, Lyle suspected that Bonzai was purposely separating the unruly element in order to offer an explanation. Michaels shrugged, grabbed the cart and headed down the aisle, tossing in a bag of potato chips along the way.

What's eating him? Lyle asked, once the big man had rounded the corner at the far end of the aisle.

Oh, he's just upset about the wedding, Bonzai confirmed.

Because you and he can't get married and Deet and Sheila can?

No, it's not just that. You were right about him being in love with Dieter.

Lyle started. I was just kidding about that, he said with a chuckle.

Joking or not, it's true. You've seen how they act around one another.

I've seen mostly hostility, Lyle said, his thoughts of the two together confirming his determination. Playful hostility, granted, but definitely hostility. He's always giving Deet a bad time.

Now you know why.

He's told you that? Lyle asked, his curiosity quickly rising.

No, not so much in words, but I can see it in him. Especially with the wedding.

But you said he was giggling like a schoolgirl when he heard the news last night, Lyle said, unable to make the connection between jealousy and congratulatory happiness.

Bonzai considered this a moment before answering. I think he was actually caught off guard by the call and his first reaction was very supportive. It was only afterward that he started finding fault with the news and he's gotten increasingly bitter over it.

But that's Mike to a fault, Lyle said, defending his absent best friend. He's always been like this.

I think it's more than his usual, Bonzai said, his gaze drifting off to the far end of the aisle. I really believe that he's hurting inside because he can't have Dieter.

But he couldn't have had Deet even if the marriage wasn't happening, Lyle said. Deet is painfully straight."

Yeah, but the wedding has pretty much made it official. Closed the door.

This confusing and yet eye-opening information followed Lyle all the way home with his single bag of groceries. If what Banzai had said was true then Michaels had been masterful in disguising his lust for Dieter. The taunts, teases and arguments had been more than satisfactory at covering up a desire that Lyle was still not entirely convinced existed within Michaels for Dieter. Maybe his friend was just confused. After all, Michaels had made some questionable decisions in the past when he had been discovering his newfound sexuality, and maybe his alleged attraction to Dieter have been another such discovery, though apparently still active. He was a levelheaded guy and Lyle had no doubts that Michaels would overcome whatever shock and disdain he had over Dieter's news and would come out the opposite side smiling and supportive of the newlywed couple.

Following the putting-away of the groceries, Lyle had time enough to gobble down a quick sandwich before heading downtown to the police precinct. With the usual greetings to fellow officers in the hallways of the large building, Lyle headed upstairs to the gym, changed into his white shorts and gym shoes, and made his way directly over to Dieter and Michaels, both of whom were on adjacent weight benches pumping some heavy iron.

Deet, Lyle greeted as casually as he could so that he would not give away any indication of his expecting the explosion of good news. Dieter, surprisingly, said nothing. Cat got your tongue? Lyle then asked while taking the white towel from around his neck and laying it flat on the third weight bench beside Dieter.

He's pouting, Michaels said in an almost celebratory tone of voice.

I'm not pouting, Dieter demanded. I'm just not speaking to you-know-who, he added, shaking his head towards Michaels.

What's going on? Lyle asked as he sat, though pretty much immediately assuming that Dieter found out about Michaels having let the cat out of the bag about the wedding.

I told him that I told you about their marriage, Michaels confirmed, and now he's pouting.

Lyle, Dieter said, hooking the weights on the overhead bars and sitting up, tell your asshole friend to shut his fucking mouth, if that's at all possible.

Asshole friend, shut your fucking mouth, if that's at all possible, Lyle told Michaels with a growing smile.

You both really think this is funny, don't you? Dieter asked angrily, looking from one man to another.

Lyle placed a hand on Dieter's bare knee. I'm sorry, Deet, I didn't mean to make light of the… I never realized how soft your skin is, he said, now running his hand over the velvety smooth skin. What are you using?

Dieter quickly batted the hand away while a smirk crossed his lips. Sheila likes to oil me down at nights, and…

Oh, God, Michaels moaned loudly, parking his own weights overhead. I do not want to hear this.

Turning to him, Dieter said, Well, you're going to hear it. She oils me down every night, every inch of me. She starts with my feet and then works her way up to my shoulders, paying particular attention to my…

Deet, Michaels warned sternly as he sat up and faced him, one more word and I'll pound you senseless. I don't want to hear about what she does to your shriveled little white dick.

In a surprise move that was totally uncharacteristic of Dieter, he jumped to his feet, faced Michaels and shoved his shorts down around his knees. Does this look shriveled and little to you?

Boys, play nice, Lyle cautioned, not liking the current mood or the direction that this little war was taking. Mike, apologize. That was pretty low. And Deet, pull your pants up; the neighbors will talk.

Obligingly, Dieter did as requested, although not so willing to cooperate was Michaels who merely sat with a surly look on his face. Lyle, in analyzing the situation, considered his next words before moving over to stand between the two men. Lifting Michaels to his feet, which was no easy task, he hastily shoved the two men together, face to face, chest to chest, and then stood to one side with a tight grip on each mans arm to keep them from separating.

Mike, I said to apologize, Lyle now demanded sternly.

I ain't sayin' a word, Michaels said bitterly.

You ruined Deet's surprise and then insulted his manhood. He has every right to be angry with you. Now, apologize before I have to call Bonz in to read you the riot act.

What the fuck do I care if you call him or not? Michaels said, calling Lyle's bluff.

Don't think I won't, Lyle said without hesitation, knowing that Bonzai really was the driving force behind his and Michaels' relationship. Now, I want you two to kiss and make up.

To this, Dieter tried unsuccessfully to wiggle out of Lyle's grasp. Kiss him? Like hell I will.

It's like trying to deal with two spoiled little kids, Lyle said right as another two other cops entered the gym from the locker room for their workouts. Spotting Dieter and Michaels up against one another, the new guys ground to a halt, snickered and returned to the lockers.

Oh, Christ, Dieter now complained with yet another failed attempt to move back. He's getting a boner.

Stifling his laugh, Lyle turned his eyes back to Michaels. Mike, you better hurry up with that apology before you soil yourself.

All right, I apologize, the big man said, thought sounding anything but sincere.

Although it had not been the granddaddy of all apologies, Lyle accepted Mike's words and moved on to Dieter. And, Deet, I want you to apologize for having a shriveled little white dick.

Immediately Dieter's head swiveled to Lyle, although the mounting smirk on his lips told of his amusement over the remark. Fuck you, Ly, he said, chuckling.

Good. Now kiss and make up, Lyle insisted.

I don't kiss guys, Dieter complained, turning his eyes back upon Michaels.

Make an exception, Lyle insisted. Be a man. You want his lips on yours or on something else?

Lyle… Dieter warned, this being a clear indication that his friend was dangerously close to crossing over the line between friendship and bitter hate.

All right, that was uncalled for, Lyle admitted. But I'm not backing down on this. You two are going to kiss and make up or spend the entire afternoon right here staring at one another.

Shit, his thing is touching mine now, Dieter now complained.

Can't you turn that off, Mike? Lyle asked, thoroughly amused over not only Michaels' inability to control himself but also with this offering a confirmation of Bonzai's assertion of Michaels' attraction to Dieter. One kiss and it'll all be over with, you two. Better hurry up, Deet, before Mike accidentally slips it into you. You've seen how big he is and…

All right, all right, Dieter said in frustration. Quickly planting a kiss on Michaels' lips he then broke loose from Lyle's weakened grip and went to stand in front of a nearby pillar keeping the ceiling off the floor. If either one of you ever tells Sheila I did that I'll have your heads. I swear it.

What goes on in this room stays in this room, Lyle confirmed, his smile growing wider by the second. Glancing to the two doors leading to the locker room through which two pairs of eyes were peering, Lyle added, I can only speak for myself, though.

Seeing this, Michaels immediately sat down upon his bench, covering his lap with a white towel. Dieter, meanwhile, positioned himself around the post to where he could not be seen by the peeking men across the room whose laughter was now being heard in agonizing clarity.

Ly, if I hear a single word about this from any of the others… Dieter warned, although his threat was interrupted by the entry of their boss, Sgt. Matt Anderson.

He sailed across the room toward the three, stopping before Lyle and giving all a look of confusion before speaking. What's going on here? You all look like you've had a lover's spat.

No lover's spat, Lyle confirmed while being on the receiving end of Dieter's damning frown. What's up, Matt?

I'm gonna make some temporary changes for a couple weeks. I was gonna break it to you in today's briefing but I figured I'd let you get used to the idea before everybody else knows. I'm adding to your numbers tonight so that you all can break in the new guys; show them the ropes.

Lyle noted the very uneasy look passing between Michaels and Dieter before he turned his eyes upon the boss. What new guys? he asked, looking around the room.

These new… Anderson began before turning to find that the men he had apparently thought to have followed him into the gym were not there. What the hell happened to them? They were right behind me a second ago, he said before turning back to Lyle. Don't go away. With this he retraced his steps back across the room and exited.

What did I do to deserve this? Dieter moaned.

Lyle smiled. Oh, come on, Deet. We all started at the same place. Give the new guys a break.

I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about him, Dieter insisted, pointing to Michaels.

The target of Dieter's wrath opened his mouth to speak right as Anderson again paraded into the room with the two new officers in tow. Turning his attention on the new guys, Lyle gave them the quick once-over as they followed behind Anderson, each glancing about the gym, eyeing the available equipment. The taller of the two was quite handsome in a rugged sort of way. He was of mixed race as was evident by his evenly tanned skin and the thick black mustache drew attention away from his shaved skull. Lyle estimated the man to stand around his own height of six-foot-one and his stocky build, though slighter than Lyle by far, was estimated to place his weight around 175. He walked with a defined step that spoke of his confidence and he appeared as if he might have a little chip on his shoulder, but Lyle figured a couple rough nights on the streets should knock it off.

As for the second man, he was about as opposite as the first as one could be. He was very slight and almost mousy, looking almost to be one who was afraid of their own shadow. His pale skin indicated a lack of sunshine which Lyle translated to mean that the guy was more than likely a bookworm, spending most if not all of his time indoors studying the round glasses adding to that conclusion. The guy's estimated height was around five-foot-six or seven and with his lack of bulk he was a probable candidate for being carried away on the wings of a moderate breeze. His auburn hair was cut short and his stature was almost one of curious fear.

Lyle, Dieter, Mike, Anderson introduced as he and his new men drew up before them, this is Sean Grayson, he said of the shorter of the two before addressing the taller man, and this is Toby Stocks. They transferred from the 14th Precinct because of budget cuts over there. Mike, you'll be teamed up with Toby for the week and Lyle and Deet get Sean. Be nice to them, gentlemen, or you'll have to answer to me. Sean, Toby, he said with a turn, these are three of my finest. They'll get you off on the right foot. Pausing a moment to look from Mike to Dieter to Lyle in a rather menacing, straighten-up-and-fly-right manner, Anderson then turned and exited.

Sean, welcome to our little club, Lyle said, extending a mighty paw that almost entirely engulfed the tiny hand being offered back. Toby, good to have you aboard, he then said, gripping a much stronger, much more confident hand.

Gentlemen, Sean said in a surprisingly deep voice that did not fit his overall image. He smiled generously as he then shook Dieter and Michaels' hands. I'm glad to know you all and I'm looking forward to working with you and getting to know the ropes. Are you the ones they call the Three Musketeers?

Surprised to hear this, Lyle nodded somewhat guardedly while wondering where Sean had learned of their self-imposed nickname; a name that they rarely used any more.

Apparently catching this, Sean added, I was talking to a fellow named Claude Jackson and he told me about you guys. He spoke very highly of you.

Ah, thought Lyle, that explained it. Claude had become the unofficial fourth Musketeer during his training period before being booted up to Forensics several months ago. His interest in people, diversity and the intricate details of crime made him a likely candidate for rapid advancement. Unfortunately, this broke up the team and while Lyle was happy for Claude's new position he did miss the man. Clearly, neither Sean nor Toby would be able to fill Claude's capable shoes but Lyle and his friends would mold them as best they could.

I understand that the force is very diverse, Toby said, his eyes traveling from face to face before settling upon Michaels. At that point his expression briefly took on one of either fear or disgust; Lyle was unable to decipher it. You're gay, right? Toby asked Michaels pointedly. I saw your picture in the papers last year during the city employee walkout, Toby explained. Turning his attention upon Lyle, Toby added, You're gay, too, as I recall.

Yeah. That a problem? Lyle asked.

Not with me, Toby assured him with a smile.

Not entirely convinced of Toby's sincerity, Lyle nevertheless decided to leave this issue alone for now and the conversation then turned to the daily routine and all that Sean and Toby could look forward to during a usual shift. Following this brief instructional conversation the two excused themselves, explaining that Anderson had more paperwork for them to fill out prior to the evening shift.

I don't trust the big guy, Dieter offered immediately after their departure.

Why? Lyle asked, somewhat