Still Standing- An Action! Series Book 34

By GA Hauser

In Book 34 of the Action! Series we find the boys from LA still battling to feel normal after the upheaval.

Alexander Richfield, Mark’s impetuous son, acts out one last time in rebellion. The fallout from Mark and Steve’s divorce hit the young superstar hard. But...Alexander is finally coming back to himself after a last troubling act of aggression, one aimed at Mark’s new man.

Meanwhile, Steven Jay Miller, the former cop turned CEO continues to power through life, finding love for his new sexy Swedish runway model, Tadzio Andresen. With everything Steve has ever dreamed of now in his grasp, Steve has never been happier.

Sadly, the Chief of Police, Billy Sharpe, cannot say the same. Billy is hit with more grief and accusations when a video shows up of him, broadcasted on a local news station, causing the career law enforcer to reassess his life.

And, then there’s the Top Model Mark Antonious Richfield. As Mark’s dream of being a new father becomes a reality, Mark and his new husband, Stan Charles...Richfield, push through the hate and rage that surrounds them. And Mark’s relationship with his son, Alex, has never been more tenuous.

But, through the chaos, all of the men of the series are still standing; not discouraged and not giving up.

Join the characters you have grown to adore in the Action! Series as they continue to battle for sanity, love, and peace of mind.

• Language: English
• Publisher: GA Hauser
• Release date: Aug 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463716861

GA Hauser

About the AuthorAuthor G.A. Hauser is from Fair Lawn, New Jersey, USA. She attended university at The Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, and has a BA in Fine Art from William Paterson College in Wayne NJ where she graduated Cum Laude. As well as degrees in art, G.A. is a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). In 1994 G.A. graduated the Washington State Police academy as a Peace Officer for the Seattle Police Department in Washington where she worked on the patrol division. She was awarded Officer of the Month in February 2000 for her work with recovering stolen vehicles and fingerprint matches to auto-theft and bank robbery suspects. After working for the Seattle Police, G.A. moved to Hertfordshire, England where she began to write full length gay romance novels. Now a full-time writer, G.A. has penned over 200 novels and short stories. Breaking into independent film, G. A. was the executive producer for her first feature film, CAPITAL GAMES which included TV star Shane Keough in its cast. CAPITAL GAMES had its Film Festival Premiere at Philly's Qfest, and its television premiere on OutTV. G.A. is the director and executive producer for her second film NAKED DRAGON, which is an interracial gay police/FBI drama filmed in Los Angeles with the outstanding cinematographer, Pete Borosh. (also the Cinematographer for Capital Games)The cover photographs of G.A.'s novels have been selected from talented and prolific photographers such as Dennis Dean, Dan Skinner, Michael Stokes, Tuta Veloso, Hans Withoos, and CJC Photography, as well as graphic comic artist, Arlen Schumer. Her cover designs have featured actors Chris Salvatore, Jeffery Patrick Olson, Tom Wolfe, and models Brian James Bradley, Bryan Feiss, Jimmy Thomas, Andre Flagger, among many others.Her advertisements have been printed in Attitude Magazine, LA Frontier, and Gay Times.G. A. has won awards from All Romance eBooks for Best Author 2009, Best Novel 2008, Mile High, Best Author 2008, Best Novel 2007, Secrets and Misdemeanors, and Best Author 2007.G.A. was the guest speaker at the SLA conference in San Diego, in 2013, where she discussed women writing gay erotica and has attended numerous writers’ conventions across the country.

Book preview

STILL STANDING

an Action! Series Book

By

G.A.HAUSER

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © G.A. Hauser, 2018

STILL STANDING

Book 34 of the Action! Series

Copyright © G.A. Hauser, 2018

ISBN Trade paperback: 978-1722-4293-0-0

© The G.A. Hauser Collection LLC

This is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or business establishments, events or locales is coincidental.

All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

WARNING

This book contains material that maybe offensive to some: graphic language, homosexual relations, adult situations. Please store your books carefully where they cannot be accessed by underage readers.

First The G.A. Hauser Collection LLC publication:

November 2018

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Chapter 1

The hellish hot summer in full swing, lifeguards Tanner Cameron and his lover, Josh Elliot, finally had a day off after the Memorial Day weekend. The Fourth of July loomed and not only would he and Josh be working long shifts, so were their best friends; firefighters Blake Hughes and Hunter Rasmussen.

Tanner stayed in bed, being lazy, listening to a neighbor mowing the lawn on his quiet street in Hawthorn, California.

As Tanner thought about eventually having the time to spend with his and Josh’s firefighter friends, Tanner thought about Mark.

Mark Antonious Richfield and Steven Jay Miller.

Their divorce.

What really drove home the severity of it, was his own.

Before Tanner met Josh, the impetuous young hottie at their lifeguard training facility, Tanner had been married to a woman named Anna.

The reason for their split?

Anna wanted children. So much so, she nagged Tanner constantly until they both gave up on their relationship.

It wasn’t as if he hadn’t told her. It wasn’t as if he lied about it. She knew before they exchanged vows how he felt about kids.

But, she thought she could change him.

She couldn’t.

Josh Elliot? He had.

The fiery stud seduced him with so much raw sexuality, Tanner fell. He fell hard for Josh.

The love he had for Anna didn’t hold a candle to the love he shared with Joshua.

Tanner rolled to his side and ran his palm over the cool sheet. Josh had woken up early and was in the kitchen. The scent of coffee permeated the home.

Mark wanted children. Steve did not.

Tanner knew how Steve felt. In reality, he knew how Mark felt too. That issue. That impasse, it was a deal breaker when it came to marriage. He knew that firsthand.

Now he had to get used to a new arrangement; Steve and Tadzio, that stunning blond Swede, and Mark with Stan, his young boy toy.

Tanner noticed movement near the hall. Josh held a cup of coffee for him. His adorable lover wore a pair of skimpy shorts and a sleeveless T-shirt. Josh sat on the bed and offered Tanner the coffee.

He scooted back, leaning against the headboard, and took it. Thanks.

Josh brushed the hair back from his forehead and faced him, his green eyes lined by dark, thick lashes. The sexy young lifeguard let Tanner sip the coffee for a moment, then he touched Tanner’s leg over the sheet.

Hey. You okay? Josh asked.

Tanner rested the warm cup on his thigh and rubbed his face as he yawned. Burned out. The summers are brutal.

Josh shifted on the bed to lean across Tanner’s legs, facing him. We finished the home remodeling. Want to have everyone over for dinner?

Tanner took another sip of coffee and then placed the mug on the nightstand. He caressed Josh’s soft brown hair. Sure.

What is it, Tanner? Josh appeared concerned.

He hid nothing from Josh. Nothing.

This shit with Mark and Steve…That fucking New York wedding… He cupped Josh’s handsome face. It’s just bringing up some crap I dealt with with Anna.

Josh nodded, since he knew the reason Tanner had left her.

Have you heard anything from her? Josh ran his fingers up Tanner’s leg.

Shaking his head, Tanner hadn’t.

I feel as if we’re out of the loop when summer hits. Josh lay across Tanner’s shins. We don’t see anyone. I don’t know if Mark is moving to Paradise or what. All I know is he and Stan got married last weekend and Jeff said Mark was still in New York with Alex.

When Mark’s home, why don’t we invite everyone here? At least we can catch up.

Everyone? You mean Stan? Josh showed his displeasure.

Josh? Tanner picked up his cup to sip the aromatic coffee, and said, Mark wants children. Stan’s going to make sure he gets them.

Fuck. I don’t want to be around screaming brats.

Tanner smiled over his coffee mug. Yeah. That’s why I got a divorce.

Josh scooted closer and pressed his face into Tanner’s belly. Tanner placed the mug aside again, and hugged Josh, rubbing his back. The two of them had been friends with Mark and Steve for nearly a decade.

What amazed Tanner the most was Mark’s resilience. That top model had been through hell and back again: an abusive family, his legacy stolen, suicide attempts, sexual assaults…and yet, Mark Richfield was still standing.

Still pushing through the drama. Still battling to attain his dreams.

Tanner leaned down and kissed Josh’s hair. Let me up so I can wash. We have one goddamn day off, we should do something fun with it.

Josh moved back, releasing Tanner. Tanner climbed off the bed and entered the bathroom, turning on the light and catching his reflection in the mirror…seeing his frown.

~

Having just returned from Fort Lauderdale and the funeral for his husband, Jack Larsen’s, dad, Adam was playing catch up.

Talking on the phone, his headset on, Adam Lewis worked in his talent agency office in Los Angeles. Tapping on his computer keyboard, Adam split his attention as he matched talent to roles.

I got a callback, Adam.

That’s great news, Carl. Adam worried that after Carl Bronson did a lousy CGI action movie, the offers for roles wouldn’t dry up. Carl and his husband Keith O’Leary both had starring roles in a nighttime cable drama, Forever Young. Rumor was, they were on their last season.

Since most shows returned in the fall, Adam had a little breathing room to find the men work before their final show, if…if the rumors were in fact, true.

Carl said, The script is decent, I just don’t know who they’re casting with me. Any word?

Adam brought up the audition site for the film on his computer. While he did, he could hear his staff outside his office door. Natalie Cushman and Logan Neveah; both had worked with him since Adam had split from his old agency partner, Turner. An ugly time in his life he’d sooner forget.

Nothing posted. Sorry. Does it matter? If the script is good, and the production company is good… Adam was happy Carl was getting work at all. Both he and Keith were out of the closet.

Adam noticed someone standing in his open office door. Tadzio Andresen. He held up his finger letting Tadzio know he should hang on a second.

Okay. If I hear anything I’ll let you know, Adam. Thanks for finding me the part. I have to admit, I’m surprised I’m getting roles for a straight man. I thought once I came out, it would be like Alex, nothing but gay leads.

It’s Alex’s age. He’s still in his twenties. Well, almost thirty, but he looks like a college kid. Adam glanced up at Tadzio, who was listening, waiting patiently.

Right? Alex and his father never age. Every year they look more and more like brothers.

Adam heard Natalie say, Line two, Adam.

Okay, Carl, I have to go. Keep in touch.

I will.

Adam disconnected the line he was talking on, and before he picked up the second call, he stared at Tadzio. The young man’s hair was growing long once more. His blond locks flowed over his shoulders, and Tadzio was also going back to women’s fashion. The Swedish runway model was wearing white Capri pants, a blousy pink top, and strappy sandals. His eyes were lined in black and shadowed with pale blue. He wore lipstick, nail-polish and women’s jewelry, including his engagement ring set. The solitaire had an emerald cut diamond and was traditionally for a woman. But, Tadzio could not be labeled and that was a big reason why Adam had a hard time getting him acting roles.

What’s up? Adam asked.

There iz a call for you about a role for Stan.

Is it the one Natalie let me know about? Adam pointed to his blinking phone lines.

No.

Can you take it for me? Is it just for an audition? Adam had no patience right now for Stan Charles…Richfield.

They ask for you. Tadzio shrugged and walked off.

Adam picked up the line Natalie had answered. Adam Lewis, can I help you?

"Adam? Jim Jackson here. I just wanted to let you know Snapped is finally having its premier."

Adam opened his calendar file on his computer. When?

Saturday night.

This Saturday? Adam asked, To my knowledge Alex is still shooting the location shots for his new film in New York. Why such short notice?

They had some issues in post but now it’s ready for a release, so it’s having a red carpet event this coming weekend.

Okay. I’ll let Alex know. But, I have no idea if he’s going to be available.

Okay. Thanks.

Adam disconnected the call and sent Alex a text message, ‘Snapped is finally premiering Saturday night.’

Alex didn’t answer his text, most likely on the set.

Adam noticed the third line on his phone go dark, so whoever was holding for Stan was no longer there. Adam took a second to breathe deeply and then sent Jack a text. ‘Want to go to see Snapped at the premier this Saturday night?’

‘No.’

Good. Adam returned his focus to the computer and kept working.

~

Chief of Police Billy Sharpe finished writing a document on tactical training for the police academy. Although he’d never worked as an instructor, he had given a lecture on diversity recently for the new recruits.

He removed his eyeglasses and rubbed his face tiredly. When he applied for the chief of police job, Billy knew it would be mostly administration work, but…he wasn’t keen on spending the rest of his police career behind a desk.

He was a man of war, not pencils.

After closing down his computer program, Billy decided to get the hell out of the police division. Crime did not occur here. He stood from his desk, picked up his cap, pocketed his eyewear, and adjusted his heavy gun-belt on his hips. It was after two and Billy was sick of being inside.

His secretary smiled at him when he emerged from the office.

I’m going out. Billy pointed to the exit. Anything I need to know about?

No, Chief.

He made his way to the write-up area, wanting to take a look at the staffing levels for the shifts. Billy inspected the cops working on computers, then he stood near the sergeants’ desks and read over the car assignments and headcount for the day.

They needed to replace a few officers that had retired, and that meant he needed to discuss the budget with the city council and mayor.

Chief? One of the patrol sergeants returned to his desk. Can I help you?

Three? Billy showed him the car assignments. All you have in your squad is three officers?

The sergeant showed his displeasure. I had to give two of my guys the day off. They were going to lose them if they didn’t take them.

Jesus Christ. His cap tucked under his arm, Billy tossed the clipboard on the desk. That’s a safety issue. We can’t manage the workload with that.

I know. I already borrowed a man from the late shift. The sergeant put his hands on his hips over his gun belt. Any new recruits for us?

I need to discuss hiring more. We had an epic year for retirement, and no one has been hired to replace those bodies, let alone add more. Billy took a look at the write-up room. Why are there so many cops in here? Why aren’t they answering 9-1-1 calls?

Remember that memo asking cops to do their report writing here in the division? Well? They are.

Billy did recall the memo. So many cops were being targeted as they worked on the street on their computers, a threat memorandum had been distributed.

I’ll be out on the street. Billy thumbed to the exit.

Okay, Chief.

I want you out there too. I want all the sergeants to get out on patrol until we can beef up.

The sergeant looked annoyed, but tough shit.

Billy scanned around for other ‘brass’ lingering, sergeants and lieutenants hiding behind their desks. He stuck his cap on his head and clapped to get their attention. Listen up.

They peered at him sheepishly from their little safe work spaces.

No more hanging around desks. I want every officer in uniform out of this building unless they’re handling prisoners or submitting evidence. Crime does not happen in here, got it? Billy pointed to a lieutenant. That means you too.

Yes, sir.

Billy left the building, heading to his black and white police cruiser. The hot Santa Ana wind blew leaves and litter all over the area as the heat rose to triple digits. The fires ravaging the state seemed to be worse every year.

After stuffing his cap on the dashboard, Billy sat down behind the wheel and started the engine, blowing the A/C. He turned the volume louder on the dispatch radio and looked up information on his computer as to how many calls were holding from the 9-1-1 dispatcher. Too many.

Billy picked up the microphone from his car radio. Staff 1.

Staff 1, go ahead.

Radio, Billy said, looking at the list of calls holding, Pull officers off of report writing and get those priority calls dispatched.

Ten-four, Staff-1.

Billy put the car in reverse and backed out of the space, headed to the shooting range, since qualifications were looming. As he drove out of the parking lot, he heard the dispatcher aggressively nailing the police officers holding their calls so they wouldn’t have to respond to anything else in the heat.

His frustration level rising, Billy found he was grinding his jaw, not finding this work as fulfilling as he had hoped.

Not to mention, he missed Alex. He and Mark were expected to come home tomorrow. Mark and Steve had gone to Europe together to meet and greet the staff of Richfield-Miller International the last few days. Steve was back. Tadzio had returned from New York as well, since he went to Mark and Stan’s wedding.

Billy hoped with Mark in New York, Alex would behave. But, lately, Alexander was losing it, and Billy had no idea how to deal with him.

He drove to the shooting range, determined to blow the shit out of a target and get his anger and aggression out. Because if he didn’t, he was going to lose his mind, or worse, punch something…again.

~

Alexander Mark Richfield licked his lips as he admired the handsome man.

He was staying with Stan at his parents’ brownstone on East 74th Street in Manhattan. What Alex didn’t know previously, was, that Stan’s father was fucking hot!

He and Stan had completed filming their on-location scenes in the Diamond District of the Big Apple.

Mark had returned from his trip with Steve to Paris and London. Steve had continued on to LA, and the three of them: him, Mark, and Stan, were flying out tomorrow on Mark’s private company jet.

While Mark and Stan were together in Stan’s bedroom on the third floor of this three story home, Alex was on the prowl.

You fuck my dad…I fuck yours?

Alex flipped his long, shoulder-length brown hair back and went on the hunt.

He found Stan’s handsome father descending the stairs, returning from changing his clothing in his bedroom. When he noticed Alex watching him, the handsome man smiled.

Are you going for a run? Alex asked when he noticed Michael was in shorts, white socks, and nothing else.

Yes. Michael sat on the bottom stair and put on running shoes.

Want company? Alex asked, admiring the older man’s chest and the soft brown hair that grew in an inverted triangle on it.

Michael appeared surprised. You want to come running with me? In this heat?

Can you wait a minute? Alex gestured to his outfit.

Sure.

Alex barreled up the stairs, taking them two at a time.

~

Mark Antonious Richfield heard loud footsteps advancing from the wooden stairs. He and Stan were in Stan’s bedroom speaking quietly, when… Mark stepped out of the room and looked down one flight. His son, who was usually up to no good, had raced up the stairs and entered the guest room he occupied.

Mark walked down one level and pushed back the bedroom door.

Alex had changed clothing and wore shorts and a sleeveless T-shirt. He was tying his hair up in a ponytail.

What are you doing? Mark asked, leaning against the doorframe.

Working out. Bye. Alex shoved Mark out of his way after he put on running shoes.

Mark peered down the stairs and spotted Michael in shorts, looking up at him from the lower landing.

Michael said, Alex is coming with me for a run. Is that okay?

What was Mark supposed to do? Tell this refined man his son was a deviant?

Alex gave his father a wicked smile. Bye, Dad. He urged Michael outside.

After the front door closed, Stan touched Mark’s shoulder. Are you okay?

That was a question Mark wasn’t sure he could answer at the moment. Before his son decided to accompany Michael on a jog, he and Stan had just learned the woman who was going to be a surrogate for them, was indeed pregnant.

Mark? Stan appeared concerned.

Yes. I’m fine. Mark returned to the bedroom with Stan and needed to rest. He’d just gotten back from Paris and was running on adrenalin and caffeine fumes.

Stan