Closer to Believing: An Action! Series Book 43

By GA Hauser

In this episode of the Action! Series we find Mark Antonious Richfield struggling to cope with his newborn son, while his young husband, Stan Charles Richfield, is filming his latest movie, B is for Bravo.
While the handsome stud is away, Mark is left to battle the horrible Hollywood gossip about how Stan managed to get a starring role in a blockbuster film.
Meanwhile, Lt Billy Sharpe begins working at the police academy teaching defensive tactics, and soon becomes the object of desire for one of his students. Billy’s superstar husband, Alexander Richfield’s TV show begins its summer hiatus, and Alex’s agent, Adam Lewis, struggles to find the movie star a role that’s not gay, or full frontal nudity.

Come back to the gang from LA as they continue to find their way through life, love, and relationships.
Closer to Believing, maybe being away from the one you love shows you just how important they are, when they’re gone.

• Language: English
• Publisher: GA Hauser
• Release date: May 21, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463315743

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.

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CLOSER TO BELIEVING

an Action! Series Book

By

G.A.HAUSER

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © G.A. Hauser, 2019

CLOSER TO BELIEVING

Book 43 of the Action! Series

Copyright © G.A. Hauser, 2019

ISBN Trade paperback: 9781-095-6716-5-8

© 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:

June 2019

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Chapter 1

Mark Antonious Richfield bounced his three month old son Isaac Milton or ‘Zak’ gently in his arms. He stood in the waiting room of a pediatrician’s office, one near his home in Paradise, California.

Come right in, Mark. A nurse waved him into the examination area. You can use this room.

Ta, love. Mark took the diaper bag strap from his shoulder, setting it on a chair.

The nurse placed a chart down on a table, washed her hands at a sink, and then smiled at Mark. Let’s see how much Zak weighs.

Yes. Mark took off Zak’s puffy outfit, one to keep him warm in the cool morning. The nurse showed him to a scale resting on a table. He placed his son on it.

Fifteen pounds! she said, sounding excited.

He’s a big boy. Mark tickled Zak while he lay on the scale.

The nurse measured Zak’s length as well, and then recorded his temperature and did a few other quick checks while Mark felt impatient and anxious.

That’s fine, Mark. You can pick him up. She tapped keys of a computer and added Zak’s information to it. So, you’re here for a wellness exam and vaccines?

Yes. Mark snuggled with Zak, bouncing him to keep him calm.

Have a seat. The doctor will be right in.

Mark looked around the small room and sat in a molded chair, holding Isaac on his lap. It’s chilly in here, isn’t it? he asked Zak once the nurse left. Mark wrapped his leather jacket around his son and held him against his chest.

While he waited, Mark thought about his new, young husband, Stan Charles Richfield. He was in Los Angeles filming a war movie, B is for Bravo, and Mark was losing his mind without him.

The door opened and an older man with spectacles entered the room. He extended his hand to Mark as Mark stood up to greet him. Nice to see you again, Mark.

And you, Dr Rosen.

Time for Isaac to get his immunizations?

Yes.

Very good.

Mark kept Zak calm as the doctor and nurse prepared to vaccinate his little one against very scary diseases.

~

Stan sat on a chair in front of a mirrored vanity of his very own private trailer. He had been cast to play a Navy SEAL captain in a blockbuster war movie, B is for Bravo.

A woman from the makeup and hair stylist department was applying paint to his face. As she used a soft sponge to add fake soot and mud, he closed his eyes and ran the lines he had memorized in his head.

He’d been working on the production for months and was eager to finish it, but, he may only be three-quarters of the way through.

A tap came to his trailer door. Five minutes.

Okay, the woman replied, and touched up Stan’s hair. There ya go.

Stan opened his eyes and looked into the mirror, one surrounded in white globe lights. His skin was marred with powder, both light and dark, and the stylist had used a gel on his hair to make it appear sweaty.

His light hazel eyes reflected the circular bulbs, making them look as if they were glowing. Right before he left the trailer, he checked his phone.

The amount he missed his husband and son was driving him insane. He and Mark hadn’t connected as much as he had hoped. This movie was draining the life out of him, and making it tough to do anything but work and sleep. It didn’t help matters that the location was a two to three hour drive from Los Angeles.

The stylist left his trailer.

Stan sent Mark a text, ‘About to start filming again. Miss you and Zak so much I’m losing it.’

‘Hullo, pet.’

Stan was thrilled Mark was with his phone. Even though he only had ‘five minutes’ he called Mark. As he stared at his reflection, his big beefy body in the Navy SEAL desert uniform and his dirty face, Stan heard his husband’s sexy voice.

How are you, baby?

The pang of longing was unbearable. Okay. I don’t have much time. He heard Zak crying. Is he okay?

I’m at the doctor’s. He just got his immunization shot. Mark cooed to Isaac, Okay. You’re okay.

Stan was upset he was missing this, missing things he wanted to do with Mark and his new son.

He weighs fifteen pounds. Do you believe it? Mark spoke softly to Isaac, That’s a good boy. It doesn’t hurt for long, does it?

Stan? someone called through his trailer door.

Hang on! Stan yelled back. He sighed and held the phone to his ear. I have to go.

Yes. Louis is waiting for me as well.

Stan didn’t want to hang up. Mark…

I know, love.

I’ll try to contact you tonight, if I can.

Yes, love.

The trailer door opened abruptly and the assistant to George Ford, their director, gave Stan an impatient glare.

I’ll call ya later, Stan said to Mark.

All right.

Stan faced his back to the assistant and whispered to Mark, I love you.

And you.

Stan disconnected the call and left his phone on the vanity. He stood from the chair and tucked his uniform shirt into his pants. He left his trailer and followed the AD to the set.

It was yet another sunny day here in the Mojave National Preserve. A prop man attended Stan next, packing the heavy gear on him for his scene.

Stan held a rifle as items were clipped and strapped to him.

He gazed at the cameras on cranes, at the dozens of crew members scrambling around to get ready, and the ‘city’ of industrious people hired to get this film made.

His costars were also in the process of getting prepared for their scenes; Carl Bronson, Diesel VanDen, Jeremy Runner, and, sadly, the moron of the bunch, Randy Dawson.

Stan was tired. He was lonely.

And he wanted to be with his husband and son in Paradise.

~

Los Angeles Police Department Lieutenant Billy Sharpe, watched men and women, who were insane enough to want to be peace officers, train in hand-to-hand combat.

After decades of working on the street in patrol, then SWAT, then leaving LAPD to work as the Chief of Police of the Santa Monica department, then coming back to LAPD SWAT…

Billy Sharpe was teaching defensive tactics in the police academy.

The forty-nine year old military man didn’t know if this was it, where he was going to work for another decade, but…it beat facing the increasing violence on the streets, and the boredom of a computer and desk.

In dark blue track pants and a dark blue T-shirt with the LAPD academy logo on the upper left side chest, Billy kept an eye on the recruits.

Thirty-eight young hopefuls were battling to graduate and join the ranks of the thin blue line.

The noise echoed in the gymnasium from the students shouting while they did their techniques. Billy had them yell, Stop resisting! Get your hands up over your head! over and over again so it became routine.

Billy called for them to stop over the loud echoing reverberations. He waited for them to calm down and give him their attention. Pair up. Billy had the class form lines on the mats.

Once they had chosen partners, Billy craned his finger to one of the bigger men in the group, Collin Young. Come ‘ere.

The twenty-two year old stud walked closer to Billy.

Billy addressed the class, One of the simplest ways to get compliance is the straight arm-bar. Billy faced Collin. I like this one particularly if there are spectators with cameras. Billy reached for Collin’s wrist. While he spoke calmly, he used the pressure point for pain compliance, demonstrating how to get someone to behave without looking as if they were using unnecessary force.

Now, Mr Young here is about so show you how effective this move is. Billy kept his gaze on the students as he slowly worked Collin’s arm. He ran one hand to the back of the elbow while still controlling the wrist. Using a calm, almost patronizing voice, Billy said, Now, Mr Young, I have asked you to comply.

Collin began to sink to his knees on the mat.

That’s a good boy. Billy managed to get Collin nearly prone, on his face, without so much as a poke to his torso or jerk to his arm. Billy knelt on one knee and gestured to Collin’s submission. Easy to cuff at this point. But, we’ll work on the arm-bar first, then we’ll add cuffs to this scenario once you’re proficient.

He released the tension hold and stood, reaching out to Collin. Collin held his hand and hopped to his feet, grinning at Billy like he was a superhero.

Billy kept Collin with him. Okay. Choose who gets to go first. The pairs decided. Billy faced Collin. Okay. Now go for the wrist. Don’t do it like you’re going to be aggressive…more like holding hands. A lover’s caress.

A chuckle rose up from the recruits.

Collin smoothed his hand down Billy’s forearm to his wrist.

Billy continued to instruct, Use the wrist as a pressure point. Next, slide the second hand to the back of the elbow.

Collin did as he was told, running his palm over Billy’s arm.

Once you have both the wrist and elbow, gently shift your position to the side, then behind the suspect.

Collin drew Billy’s arm into a solid locked position.

Billy kept his eye on the students. Good. Now, add pressure, gently. Don’t go nuts on your partner.

Collin appeared to know what he was doing. Billy didn’t fight it and got to his knees. Good. He kept his eye on the group. Finish the tactic by getting your partner to lie prone.

Billy was urged to the mat. He glanced at Collin. Are you a wrestler?

Yeah. Collin blushed.

Billy stood back up and said, Okay. Swap partners. He walked up and down the rows of students, making sure they did the easy move correctly. Mr Young? Billy called to him, Help out Uri and Finn.

Collin approached the pair and made sure they were doing the move correctly.

Billy checked the clock on the wall and wanted to get outside and into the fresh air. Once the group did a few practice holds, he said, I think we need to get the hell out of here. Hit the restrooms if you need them, we’re going for a run.

The class jogged into the locker rooms. Billy waited for the recruits, leaning near the front of the gym by an exit. He rubbed his face and tried to feel content. What else was he going to do if this didn’t work out?

When he looked up, Collin was heading towards him. The handsome young recruit leaned on the wall next to Billy.

It was no secret he was gay. No secret he was married to superstar Alexander Mark Richfield. The tabloids had printed many stories about him. Mostly bullshit.

Billy glanced at Collin. Where’d you wrestle?

Penn State.

What? Penn State? That’s the number one team in the Pack Ten.

Collin grinned at him proudly.

It was then Billy noticed he had some of the traits of a wrestler, the puffy ears and broad forehead. Why the hell do you want to be a cop?

I don’t know. I thought it was a noble thing to do.

Noble? Billy shouldn’t sneer or try to talk people out of the job, right? Wondering if policing was in this kid’s blood, he asked, What’s your dad do?

He’s a civil engineer.

Slowly the group emerged from the locker rooms, ready to jog.

Billy waited for the class to circle around him. Right. We’re running ten miles. Anyone who lags behind? It’s our job to make sure they don’t. So, if you think you’re going to race this route, and be made a hero and win a prize for coming in first, think again. No one’s left behind. So if you’re a hot shot, it’s your job to get to the end of the line and encourage the slower runners. Am I clear?

Yes, sir!

We make or break as a team. Am I clear!

Yes! Sir!

Billy opened the gymnasium door and the bright spring sunshine was so incredible, it made him giddy. He led the way, jogging at an easy pace, headed for a five mile route out, and five miles back.

~

Steven Jay Miller and his wife Tadzio Andresen-Miller taxied to a gate while on a commercial airplane returning from Italy. They had spent an unplanned, nearly three months in Europe, first in Milan for a fashion show, and then exploring the cities of Italy, France, and Spain for fun. It was the honeymoon they never had.

After eleven hours on the plane including a short stopover in San Francisco, they arrived at the Sacramento Airport. Steve had slept a little on the flight, but was ready to be home. He sent his chauffeur, Louis, a text, letting him know Tadzio and he had landed.

Louis acknowledged him.

Once the plane came to a complete halt and the flight crew prepared to open doors, Tadzio unhooked her seatbelt and stretched her arms in front of her. That was a long flight, Steven.

It was. He dragged his carryon computer bag out from under the seat in front of him and watched the other first class passengers gather their things.

Tadzio, who was on the aisle seat, stood up and shouldered her purse strap. She was in casual clothing, black skinny jeans and a new black V-neck top she had picked up while shopping in Rome. Her perky new breasts looked fantastic in the tight outfit. Tadzio’s blonde hair flowed down one shoulder like spun gold. She had also purchased a new black leather jacket and boots while in Milan.

Steve scooted out of the row with her, walking behind her.

Since they were coming in from an international flight, Tadzio was going to enter a different checkpoint with her maroon Euro passport.

They walked by customs first, then Steve pulled her close to himself before they had to split up. Listen to me.

Tadzio’s pale blue eyes focused on him.

If you get hassled text me immediately. Steve held up his phone.

Yes. Tadzio frowned.

Steve cupped her jaw and kissed her. Don’t worry.

Tadzio held her passport in her hand and nodded.

~

Seeing Steve walk towards the American-citizen line, Tadzio did fret. Her passport had her gender identifier as male. Tadzio wasn’t a male any longer.

She inhaled a deep breath and fell into the slow moving line for US immigrations.

Seeing families getting the third degree, some being pulled aside, Tadzio began to panic.

She trembled, wished she’d never left California, and dreaded this confrontation.

Finally a US immigrations agent waved her closer. Tadzio handed the woman her passport.

The woman held it under a light, and then looked at Tadzio.

Tadzio pouted, unable to make eye contact.

This says you’re a man.

I am transgender. Tadzio began to sweat.

Why are you coming to the US?

I live here. I am married to an American citizen.

Do you have paperwork?

Tadzio did. She dug in her purse, feeling as if she were going to throw up from nerves. After spending an eternity on a plane, she struggled to find the letter from her immigration attorney, one that stated she was indeed legally married and could remain.

The woman agent became impatient. Can you step over there?

Tadzio dreaded that. Dreaded being singled out and placed in a room. I have. Wait. She panicked and nearly dumped her purse out.

Please. Step aside.

Tadzio held up the letter. This iz paper. She tried to give it to the woman.

Over there. The woman pointed to another area, and gave Tadzio her passport. Next!

But, I have letter. Tadzio waved it. The woman shot her a look of so much contempt, Tadzio whimpered and moved out of the line. She sent Steve a text, ‘they are not letting me.’

‘Okay. Hang on. Hang on!’

Tadzio felt her emotions heighten to fear and upset. The flight had already left her a little spacey. She hadn’t slept on it, and was overtired at this point. She walked to the agents near a room. I have paper. She held it up to them.

One