Alex & Clayton Read Free Page B

at being pinned down. He had a hard time getting used to women who spoke frankly about their sexual needs.
    “Well, no, I can truly say there’s not one thing wrong with you, Veronica. You’re quite attractive, you’ve had a great upbringing, and you’re classy. I like you very much, as a friend.”
    “And? The rest of my question, please, why haven’t you ever tried to even kiss me?”
    This was it, there was no way out but to do what he had so often refused to do, admit it.
    “It’s not you. It’s me. So stop worrying about it. Don’t we have a good time when we go out?”
    “Yes, we do! That’s why I want to know if I’m wasting time with you. Do you like women at all?”
    “Of course I like women, Veronica. As long as you’ve known me, surely you know I like your company,” he replied, in a last ditch try at not having to say the words.
    “Clayton! That’s not what I mean. Are you gay? That’s what I want to know. Have you not made a move on me because you prefer men to women?” she asked with a look that told Clayton it was time to own up.
    “Yes, I’m gay. But I don’t like to talk about it.”
    “Finally! I’ve thought so for a couple of years, and I’m not getting any younger, and it’s time for me to find a husband and get married. Why haven’t you told me long before now?”
    “Because it’s something that I’m ashamed of, and I’m not comfortable talking about it. I’m sorry if you wasted your time with me,” he said as he looked down at the floor.
    “I date other men, but I was hoping that you might be the ‘one’ for me. I’ll always be your friend, and I don’t think you should hide in the closet. Be who you are!” 

Chapter Two

     
    W HILE Clayton had chosen to go to college, Alexander Winston had chosen the military as a way to become a “man.” Alex joined the United States Marine Corps because of their promise to turn a guy into the best fighting machine in the world. He wanted the discipline and brotherhood the Marines promised. He fit in perfectly, and in uniform, turned heads everywhere he went.
    When Alex graduated from Parris Island and received his Eagle, Globe, and Anchor insignia that designated him as a Marine, America was fully engaged in the Vietnam War. Alex soon learned that war was hell, and that the Marines had given him the basic training that he needed to survive in a hostile environment. He excelled and even did a second tour of duty in-country.
    When he came home, he mustered out of the Marine Corps with a chest full of medals, having served his country honorably. The boy who had serviced his Boy Scout troop had served his country with pride while upholding the highest ideals of the Marine Corps.
    As Alex celebrated his survival of Vietnam with his aging parents, he was already thinking about the next hard decision. What did he do now?
    Some of his old high school buddies came over a few nights later to welcome him home from the Marines. One of them was Scott Michelson, who had some career advice for his old friend.
    “Listen to me, Alex. I’m telling you, the way to go is federal law enforcement. You’re a Marine vet with combat experience. Almost every agency in Washington would fight to grab you as a member. I’ve worked for US Customs for two years now, over at the Philadelphia Port, and I’m telling you that the best benefit is that you get to retire after only twenty years with full benefits. That means you can be retired with a pension at age, what? Forty-two? Are you crazy? You gotta do it, buddy!” Scott urged with enthusiasm.
    “Should I join Customs?” Alex asked.
    “Nah, I chose Customs because the job is easy. I make a decent paycheck, and I don’t break my neck. A guy like you… you should go for DEA, FBI, something like that! You need to make the skills you learned in the Marines available for government use. I suggest you go to Washington, DC, for a week and do nothing but check out various opportunities in federal law