29 Palms Tres Soles de Oro - An Excerpt
Shane went through a tossing and turning night as Besserman’s unsolicited come-on rattled through the former assassin’s mind. Shane kept going through all the interactions he had had with the Senator and couldn’t remember anything that would remotely imply that Shane was sexually interested in the older statesman.
There is nothing about the age of the former Senator; it’s just that Shane knows in his heart that his love for Kyle is so strong. This pass by the Senator has allowed a crack in that confidence, as Shane wonders if he is not aware of his true feelings, trying to keep something together that might be fracturing. After all, Shane and Kyle have been going strong for over two years now. Shane wonders if there is a point where love fades.
Turning on his back, Shane looks up at the ceiling, as a gray linen sheet lays across his bare chest, his tits tight with the cool breeze that passes over his tanned skin. Reaching across to feel for his husband, Shane notices that the other side of the bed is empty, as Kyle had mentioned he had an early work meeting on Zoom this morning.
Allowing himself to lightly glide his hand over his chest and stomach, Shane enjoys the lazy, cool moment that this morning is providing. This morning shows how settled the couple is. Kyle stays busy with his Amazon job, while Shane has found a new career that brings the gallery to fruition. Smiling, Shane realizes that he and Kyle are becoming the stereotypical gay couple that lives in the desert. If some of those at the party had known Shane was a former government official who traveled the globe, making sure the world was always a better place. Of course, his husband protected this country so that now he and Shane can have this life of love and devotion.
Without even trying, Shane’s thoughts drift back to the sexual pass by the Senator and the seemingly drifting of Kyle as their erotic times don’t seem as strong as they were a year ago. There is a hesitation in Kyle that Shane is feeling. But Shane thinks it might just be the Marine realizing that his life is on a new path—one with Shane—and that is a very different path from being alone as a Marine.
One more pass of his hand over his torso, and Shane knows he has some chores to get done this morning before meeting Besserman for whatever the Senator wants. Sitting up, Shane rubs his face as he reaches out, his body and muscles stretching to get the blood flowing. Relaxing after, Shane looks out the window to see Kyle in his riding gear heading to the garage. A bit surprised, he figures that his jarhead might be going for an early morning ride. Tossing the sheets aside, Shane drops his feet to the rug on the tile floor. Standing naked, he pads his way to the bathroom, slides the door shut, and the shower water starts.
Alone at home, Shane always thought that Kyle would return in the morning, but he never did. But that didn’t matter to Shane, as he was able to get his chores done quickly. During that time, the Senator texted the location of their meeting at the local John’s Diner at noon.
As Shane prepares for the meeting, he decides to ride his motorcycle, putting on his leather riding gear, including boots and gloves. Under his leather jacket, Shane wears a T-shirt with the gallery's logo. This will be the first time he’s shown this logo to the Senator. Hopefully, this will make the meeting more comfortable and move on from the proposition of sex. As Shane thinks of that proposition, he cringes a bit; a slightly audible "eww" comes from his lips.
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As Shane pulls off the highway into the parking lot of John’s, he sees that the Senator has already arrived, as evidenced by the presence of a Secret Service agent at the front door, watching the desert world pass by behind their Ray-Bans. A black Chevrolet Suburban is parked near the door, with the driver waiting inside.
Finding an open space, Shane parks his bike, setting his red Honda CBR1000R on its stand. He removes his helmet but keeps the rest of his gear on as he makes his way into the restaurant. As Shane reaches the front door, he is acknowledged by the female Secret Service agent, who has gotten to know Shane through his work with the Senator in the gallery.
Smiling, Shane looks beyond the dark glasses and connects with her, knowing how it works, as he used to do when he was an agent. “Good morning, how is the boss this morning?”
There is a slight smile as the agent works to be personable, but she maintains her professional posture. “The Bear is rumbling.”
Shane nods, knowing the code name for Besserman is Bear, and that his mood is unpredictable right now. Shane smiles at the agent, “Thanks for the warning.”
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The female agent nods as Shane pulls the glass door open and enters the diner.
John’s Diner is nothing fancy, and that works for the people who come and enjoy their meals. Very clean; the fixtures are worn, as the owner reinvests all his profits back into his staff and food. No one is getting rich, but John treats his people well, and they stay with him. Through the ups and downs of a desert military town, customers appreciate knowing that their local diner serves consistently good food at a fair price, which brings comfort to the men and women, as well as their families, who support the military.
Shane makes his way to the table where the Senator sits, and Besserman is reviewing his phone screen, with wire-frame glasses on his face. Dressed in a navy blue golf polo shirt, a small American flag is sewn onto the right sleeve. The Senator no doubt played a round of golf before coming to lunch. Feeling a presence, the Senator looks up and sees Shane in his motorcycle gear, holding the helmet in his right gloved hand.
“Senator.” Shane acknowledges the former legislator.
“Shane, thanks for coming. Please, have a seat.” The Senator extends his hand to the seat on the opposite side of the booth as Shane slides in, placing his helmet down on the cushion beside the wall.
“Good round on the links?” Shane asks as he is removing his gloves.
Grumbling a bit, Besserman looks up at Shane, “Horrible round! Too much was going on that I wasn’t focused on the course at all.”
In a way, Shane is glad that the Senator had a shitty round of golf, serve him right for making passes at a married man.
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“Let’s order.” And as the Senator says that the server, Bonnie, comes to the table. A lady in her late fifties, Bonnie, has been working at John’s for fifteen years now. She also knows the Senator, a big supporter of his, and she waits on him hand and foot, making sure he has the best experience.
“Senator, glad to see you.” Bonnie chimes cheerfully.
“Bonnie, now you are what I needed this morning.” Besserman is being very polite to the waitress, which she appreciates, not realizing that it is an act to get what he wants. Bonnie nods at Shane, as she has served him with the Senator in the past. “What can I get you, gentlemen?”
“Oh, Bonnie, you know I’m a creature of comfort. The usual club sandwich, with fruit and an Arnold Palmer.”
Bonnie nods as she notes the Senator’s order. “Yes, Senator.”
Turning to Shane, the motorcyclist smiles, reviews the menu one last time. “The chopped chef salad would be great, blue cheese, and ice water to drink will be fine.”
Bonnie nods that she has the order, “Thank you, gentlemen.” She gathers the menus, then heads to the service station to put the order into the point-of-sale system.
Besserman gets right to the point: “I’m really disturbed by what happened the other night, Shane.”
“I can only image what you are dealing with. It wasn’t comfortable for me either.”
“Oh, I’m sure. I bet you wanted to have access to your weapon and blow those fuckers out of the desert!”
Shane nods as he sees that this conversation is going to be about the robbery, not the suggestion of sex. “I would have been ok if something had slowed them down so that Kyle could’ve caught them.”
Not impressed with Shane’s husband’s actions, Besserman is condescending. “Oh yes, sure. He lost them, but I suppose he did try.”
“Any updates to report this morning, Senator?”
“No, nothing.” Besserman is abrupt in his response, which continues to puzzle Shane about the purpose of the break-in.
Bonnie brings the beverages for the men, placing them on the table, pulls two straws from her apron pocket, and slides the straws across the table.
The Senator takes one of the straws, pounding one end on the table to push the straw through the other end of the paper wrap. He then pulls the red plastic straw out of the wrap with his teeth and drops the straw into his drink. Besserman then reaches for two packets of sugar, each in a white paper packet. Ripping them open, he pours them into his Arnold Palmer.
Shane watches the sugar pour into the drink, his face puckering slightly, not believing the Senator would add even more sugar to such a sweet drink.
As the Senator takes a sip of this Arnold Palmer, apparently the beverage being just right, he looks at Shane. “There is a lot of me in what those fuckers took. I couldn’t sleep last night. I worked hard to gather that collection, and who knows what they will do with it. I’m sure they aren’t history buffs.”
“Though purely speculation, I would imagine they were pulling off the job for someone, perhaps a history buff who likes black market items.”
“All my items were purchased in the open. There is nothing black market in what I had. Everything was cataloged, a catalog that is public knowledge.”
Shane nods, not sure how to respond, taking a swallow of his ice water.
“You remember I showed you the map for the three gold suns, or Tres Sol de Oro?”
Shane nods as he remembers that that was a highlight of what the politician shared with him and Kyle.
“As I told you, the people who created those three gold pieces have long disappeared from the history of time in the desert. Those artifacts are ancient, long thought to belong to a group of people that were very educated for their time. Fuck, the Romans were still fighting each other when these Ancestral Puebloans were living in this desert, having built a civilization. Those three gold pieces are rare, as is the map that shows where they supposedly can be found.”
Besserman pauses for a moment, just then their lunch arrives, with Bonnie placing the plates before the respective men. She asks if they need anything more; they both note that they are fine, and Bonnie nods, stepping away.
The Senator looks at his food, adjusts it on the plate, then leans into Shane so they won’t be heard by others. “No one has ever found them.”
Shane had figured that the gold had never been found, sort of like a Lost Dutchman tale. “I’m not surprised by that, Senator.”
Taking a bite from his sandwich, the Senator enjoys the taste, then speaks to Shane. “Actually, I have an that is just up your alley.”
The Senator lifts his left hand, moving his finger to signal for someone to come to him. Shane turns to see another Secret Service agent sitting in a booth within the Senator’s eyesight. He stands quickly, moving to the Senator.
“Oh?” Shane puts the dressing on his chopped salad.
“You remember there was a hand-drawn map in the display?”
Shane nods that he remembers.
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“That, Shane, that map is real. It was made by those people and is the path to the actual gold suns.”
“And now that map is gone.”, notes Shane.
Besserman shakes his head, “No. The map in the case was a copy, as the original was too fragile to display under glass.”
Now this bit of information peaks Shane’s interest. “Then why haven’t you gone to find the gold?”
“There is a problem with the map, since it is from so long ago, no one knows where the on-Earth map is from or where to start the hunt.”
“Yes, I suppose the world is a lot different from what it was back then. A thousand years, as you said.”
The Secret Service agent approaches the table with a small attaché case. The agent hands it to Besserman, then leaves. Placing the leather case on the table, the Senator opens it, pulling out the original map, enclosed in protective clear plastic. Holding it in his hand, the Senator looks at Shane, seriously.
Shane looks at the fragile piece of history, wondering who created such a beautiful map with its intricate details, but lacking a clear starting point.
“I want you to go find this, find the real gold.”
Shane lowers his fork, surprised by the request. He looks at Besserman with a serious look, stunned by the request. “Me, what the hell do I know about hunting for treasure?”
The Senator closes the case, placing the map on the black leather of the attaché case so Shane gets a clear look at the ancient drawing.
“Surely you’ve seen Indiana Jones movies.” The Senator is serious for a moment, then smiles as he jokes with Shane. “Shane, you’re training makes you the perfect person to find these pieces.”
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“Not something that was ever on my radar.” Shane laughs a bit. “Where does one even start to find out where something that may or may not exist is even around today after a thousand years?”
“You’ve had to do research in the past, accomplish things you thought were impossible.”
Shane nods, “Yes, but I also had all the expertise of the Agency at my disposal.”
“Yeah, you won’t be able to use them.”
Shane nods, understanding that he can’t use the Agency. Then he looks seriously at the Senator, shaking his head negatively. Shane likes his quiet life and wouldn’t do anything to change that. “I don’t need fame and fortune; that is your area of expertise, Senator.”
“Alright, alright. It’s simple, Shane, I trust you. After what happened last night, you have been respectful, and I appreciate that. I believe that you would be able to find this treasure, bring it back and would be just fine at being on the sidelines.”
“You’re understanding now.” Though Shane could have done without the reference to the Senator making a move on Shane.
“I’ll fund anything you need. Shane, I’m too old to tackle this, but you are smart, clever and think on your feet. I’ve reviewed your file; I'm familiar with your capabilities. You are the one to find the three gold suns.”
“Thank you, Sir, you are laying it on thick.”
Both men laugh a bit, then Shane continues. “I will need to discuss this with Kyle. How about I think about it and let you know in a day or so?”
Disappointed that Shane isn’t getting started right away, the Senator knows he can’t push too much, as there truly is no one else he would trust to tackle this adventure.
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“I understand.”, the Senator states, as he puts the map back into the case and locks it.
“At least there is no competition for this, as long as the theft remains private.” Notes Shane.
Taking a bite of a pineapple chunk, the Senator nods. As the Senator chews, he looks up at Shane, as Shane eats his salad. Tilting his head, the Senator breaths out, pauses, the looks at his food. There is something more that the Senator is not saying. The Senator respects Shane’s decision to think about the expedition for a few moments. But then he wants this so bad, Besserman brings it up again.
Besserman adds that he would provide all the necessary financial assistance. “When I took possession of that map, deep inside, I always wondered if the actual gold pieces were real. Could they be lost to time, hidden away in some ancient temple in the desert?”
Shane looks at the man sitting across from him, realizing the passion he has for this subject, a dream unrealized. There is a pause as both men eat their lunch.
After taking a sip of his beverage, the Senator looks directly and Shane, “As a former Senator, I was able to get lots of intel on you, my friend.”
Shane stops eating for a moment, holding his position, not looking at the Senator as the last statement is beginning to sound like a threat.
Besserman continues to share the details that he learned. At times, his descriptions sound dismissive of what Shane achieved, as if the former agent was working on something harmful to his country. Then things take a turn as the Senator starts sounding like a child sitting on Santa Claus' lap. Finally, Shane looks up at the Senator, surprised to see the powerful man looking at Shane in desperation.
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Shane understands how the truth of where a treasure came from can consume a man’s life. There is a part of Shane that grows to the idea of taking on such an adventure to seek out these pieces of gold. Given that Shane is retired, having grown tired of the violence that was his career, this could be something to take on. There would be secluded moments out in the desert, researching in places few ever go. A smile came upon Shane’s face as he thought about Kyle, and the two of them could share this adventure.
“But first, you need to find out who took some of my collection.” Besserman’s statement brings Shane back to their breakfast.
“Why don’t you get law enforcement involved. Or a private detective?”
Rather curtly, Besserman responds, “No.”
Realizing that he isn’t going to get far by insisting the Senator get the law involved, Shane takes a different approach. “Do keep in mind that it will delay my working on finding the golden suns by spending time trying to find who was involved with the smash and grab.”
Shane can see the frustration growing in the Senator, as he wants answers to everything. But Besserman knows that Shane is right, and deep inside, the Senator has a very good idea who trashed his office. Sighing, Besserman looks up at Shane, “You’re right, of course. There is anger at the fucker that trashed my home, but deep inside, I believe you are the one who can make the dream of finding the soles de oro and bring them to me.
Shane nods, stating that he will find the art, as he has contacts, and with Alex's help, it shouldn’t be a problem. Shane also notes that he will consider searching for the golden suns, but will provide a final decision once he is able to review the map in person.
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On his way home, Shane sees Kyle’s bike at the Oasis. Taking a sharp turn, Shane rides his Honda into the dirt parking lot on the side of the bar. After dismounting, Shane removed the red full-face helmet, liking the cooler air that wafts over his sweaty face. Placing the helmet on the seat of the bike, Shane has a smile on his face, and he makes his way to the entry of the bar.
Opening the door, the bright sun spills into the dark bar, creating a silhouette as Shane steps onto the painted concrete floor with his riding boots. As the door swings closed behind him, Shane's eyes adjust to the lighting in the bar as he scans the seating areas looking for his lone Marine.
As Shane is about to remove his riding gloves, he stops, spotting Kyle. But his jarhead is not alone. Adam sits across the table from Kyle, which surprises Shane as he wasn’t aware of this guy dressed in Marine cammies. Though Shane realizes that since the base is nearby, it wouldn’t be unusual for Kyle to meet a friend for a beer. But Shane also notices that Kyle is holding hands with Adam, their arms lying upon the table with Adam’s head lower, as if he were upset.
Shane’s mind starts to wander as he seeks Kyle, patting the strange Marine’s hand as Shane reflection on how distant Kyle has been lately. Is that distance because Kyle is seeing someone else? Has their love deteriorated after the initial new love feeling wears away? Shane finds himself frozen as his mind jumps from hurt and anger to questioning whether he should confront Kyle about what is going on. There are thoughts of doubt as Shane begins to blame himself for what seems to be happening, but then he can’t think of anything he has done to reject Kyle.
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As Kyle and Adam find a pause in their conversation, Adam looks through the bar and spots Shane at the doorway. The men continue to hold hands, but not as tightly as Kyle’s comfort is innocent, but not through the eyes of his husband, who stands at the entry of the bar.
Adam looks at Kyle, “Shane is here.”
“He is?” Kyle is surprised as he looks about the bar, then stands up to look over the booth, his back having been towards the bar entry. In a flash, Kyle and Shane’s eyes connect, and the jarhead sees the deep heartbreak wash across Shane’s face. Lowering his head, Shane pivots on his booted feet, pushes the door open with his gloved hand and exits into the bright sunlight.
Adam looks at Kyle, “Why did he leave?”
Feeling some pangs of guilt, Kyle turns his attention back to his fellow Marine, slowly sitting back into his seat. Kyle shrugs, not saying a word to his friend, but knowing there is more going on in Shane’s mind than there needs to be.
Out in the hot sun, Shane stands by his Honda, lifts his helmet, and places it on his head, then straps it securely in place. He mounts his bike and starts it up. As the motorcycle idles between Shane’s legs, he looks back at the entry door of The Oasis with hope. Will his man come running out of the bar to stop Shane from riding off?
Kyle hasn’t been able to refocus on speaking with Adam, troubled by what Shane must be thinking. Both have released their hands, sitting more casually. Taking a long sip of his beer, Kyle gains some confidence and slides out of the booth. “Sorry, Adam. I need to go get him.”
Adam nods, “I understand. Go get your man, Marine!”
Smiling back at Adam, “Ooh-rah!” Kyle states with an affectionate feeling.
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Grabbing his helmet and gloves, Kyle swiftly heads to the door, his boots echoing with the music in the bar. Exiting The Oasis, Kyle moves across the front, turning around the corner into the dirt parking lot. Disappointed, Kyle pauses as he sees that his Ducati is the only bike. Shane is long gone. Slowly turning around, the jarhead looks in all directions to see if there is any sign of his husband on his red Honda.
Stepping to his bike, Kyle looks across the view once again, wondering if he should pursue or leave Shane to his thoughts for the time being. Feeling that might be the best course of action, Kyle heads back into The Oasis, deciding to speak with Shane tonight during their dinner.
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Kyle comes through the door from the garage, still wearing his full riding gear. Stepping down the hall, the jarhead makes his way to the kitchen, where Shane is preparing dinner for the evening.
“Hello.” Says Kyle from under his helmet.
Shane briefly looks up as he slices tomatoes on the cutting board, which sits next to the wooden salad bowl full of greens. With a short nod, Shane goes back to working on the meal.
Feeling the frigid environment, Kyle removes his helmet, placing it on the counter next to the refrigerator, followed by his gloves. Opening the fridge, the jarhead pulls out a steel water bottle, pops the top, and takes a swig of the cold liquid.
Shane speaks to Kyle without physically acknowledging him. “Get cleaned up, and I’ll bring dinner to the patio.”
Kyle looks at Shane for a moment, wanting to say something, but decides to not make waves for now. Grabbing his helmet after stuffing the gloves in the helmet, Kyle heads out of the kitchen to change.
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The air is still as the sunset begins; Kyle is sitting at the patio table, which has been set for a meal. Placemats are set, with basic silverware and ice water in the glasses. The Marine has taken the cloth napkin and placed it on his lap as he reviews his message on his device. Having changed into more comfortable clothing—a pair of red board shorts, a white tank top, and flip-flops —Kyle is not looking forward to his meal, as it is going to be very stilted and uncomfortable.
The salad Shane was working on is sitting on the table, accompanied by several carafes of salad dressing and a pitcher of water. Hearing the sliding glass door open, Kyle looks up to see Shane exiting with the main meal on a tray. Sliding the door closed, Shane brings the food to the table, placing the tray on a small stand next to it. He grabs the plates, placing one in front of his husband and the other on the placement where Shane sits.
Trying to be friendly, Kyle looks at the meal of grilled chicken and corn on the cob, then looks at Shane, “Looks great!”
As he sits in his seat, Shane acknowledges the compliment, taking the napkin and placing it on his lap. Both men start eating their meal by cutting their chicken with their utensils.
Out of the blue, Shane starts speaking, “I got an interesting offer from the Senator today.”
Kyle hears the conversation leaning in toward the Senator and tries not to share his disgust, which Shane can feel. But Shane is in no mood to deal with Kyle at this point because Shane is excited about the opportunity to launch the expedition for the gold.
“You remember him talking about that old map of his and the three gold suns?” Shane doesn’t wait for a response to his question: “He has asked that I look into the map and see if I can actually find the gold.”
There is some doubt in Kyle, “You think that map is real?”
Shane doesn’t appreciate the reference that he is stupid for entertaining the idea of finding the gold. “Why can’t it be real? How are we to know?”
There is silence as both men take bites of their meal.
“I think it can be an amazing adventure, so I told him that I would look into it and take it on,” Shane states, still not looking at his husband.
Ignoring the temptation to question the endeavor, Kyle nods, “Well, if anyone can find it, you can. Let me know how it works out, ok?”
There is a tone of affection in the jarhead’s voice when he responds, ok.
Shane looks at his jarhead, “Of course.”
For a moment, there is a thaw in the coldness between the men. The rest of their dinner is eaten in silence, with each of them going to separate parts of the house afterward.