Almost Famous

By Ryan Bartlett

Chapter 9

“So why am I driving you home?” asked Wiley.

It was after tennis practice and he was picking his way through the crowded streets of Beverly Hills to drop Benji off at his house.

“My car’s in the shop again,” Benji grumbled.

The Wilson’s were very proud of their son. Not only was Benji the star of his university tennis team and bound for the pros, he was also an honor student majoring in sports management. He’d worked very hard in high school, and when he was accepted to the University of Southern California, following in the footsteps of generations of Wilsons, Doc went a little overboard with his graduation gift, a 1960 Austin Healey ragtop.

Benji loved the car and wanted to show his parents how much he appreciated the extravagant gift, so he babied it as though it were his child. He spent his Sundays changing the oil and polishing it to a mirror shine, but as much love and affection as he showered on the sports car, it was still built in a shed in England’s west midlands at a time when British quality hadn’t quite made it to the auto industry. The damn thing always seemed to be in the shop.

“What’s wrong with it now?”

“The water pump seized up right in the middle of Rodeo and Dayton,” Benji grimaced.

“Bet that went over well.” Wiley snickered.

“You would think a bunch of rich old ladies would have better manners, but get in the way of their shopping and man, look out,” said Benji. “Anyway, they had to special order the part, again, and it probably won’t be fixed until we get back from Dubai. You don’t mind dropping me off, do you?”

“Of course not,” said Wiley, patting his best friend’s shoulder. “But we should talk about Dubai.”

“What’s up?”

“I think it might be best if you stayed here.”

“What? But why?” Benji exclaimed.

In addition to being Wiley’s training partner Benji helped him out on the road. He served as something of a road manager in order to give him a feel for what it was like to be on the tour. Naturally he couldn’t make every trip, given his school schedule, but he’d planned on going to Dubai for weeks. They were leaving Thursday after his morning class and would arrive Friday then spend the day acclimatizing. The tournament would be held Saturday and Sunday. They’d leave Sunday night, arrive home Monday, and Benji would be back in class Tuesday morning without skipping a beat. He didn’t understand why Wiley would change all of their carefully timed arrangements two days before they were set to leave.

“It might not be safe.” Wiley sighed.

“Why wouldn’t it be safe? Quit pussy-footing around and tell me what’s wrong,” said Benji.

“I got a call from the ATP the other day. They’ve received a threat against me,” said Wiley.

“A threat? What kind of threat?”

“Evidently some Dubaian assholes don’t want a faggot coming to their city.” Wiley huffed.

“Oh,” said Benji. “Fuck them. You can’t let people like that dictate where you can and can’t play just because…”

“I know. I’m still going, but I think it would be better if you stayed behind and…”

“No fucking way,” said Benji, forcefully. “It you’re going, I’m going.”

“Benji, that’s really brave of you and I love you for it, but…”

“Brave my ass! Brave is you getting up every morning and being who you are and loving who you love in a world were some fuckers would kill you for it. If you think for one moment I’d let my best friend, someone who has been like a brother to me, face that alone, you’re out of your damn mind,” Benji exclaimed.

“Thanks, Benji. I love you too,” said Wiley and not for the first time he considered how lucky he was to have Benji Wilson in his life.

“Anyway, what does Cameron say about all this?”

“He doesn’t know. Benji, he can’t know…”

“But why?”

“Because, I don’t want him to worry,” said Wiley.

“Wiles, that’s fucked up.”

“But…”

“No, listen, man,” Benji began, shaking his head disapprovingly. “That guy loves you. I still think it’s crazy, how fast things have developed and all, but I saw it in his eyes the other day. When I went to get him so he could massage your shoulder, before he knew what was wrong, man, he was scared to death. When someone loves you like that you don’t keep secrets from them.”

“I don’t want to keep it from him, but I don’t see any point in him sitting here worrying and not being able to do anything about it. The guy from tour security said the big name players get crap like this all the time, and it’s always some asshole with a big mouth. I’ll tell him, just not until we get back,” said Wiley.

“It’s your relationship, but if it was me and I was dating you, I’d want you to tell me about it.”

“I know.” Wiley sighed as he pulled into the Wilson’s driveway and parked next to Doc’s Bentley. “But it’ll scare him, and I hate the thought of doing that. I can’t do that to him.”

“Alright, we can worry about that later. Why don’t you come in with me, and we’ll talk things over with dad?”

“I don’t want your parents to worry either,” said Wiley.

“Tough shit, because I’m telling them. Now you can come in and we can discuss it like a family, or you can just feel bad for making them worry,” said Benji, grinning wickedly.

“Alright! Fuck, when did you get so bossy?” asked Wiley as he climbed out of the car.

“I’m a sports management major. They offer a class titled how to keep your clients from making stupid decisions,” said Benji. Wiley rolled his eyes but couldn’t help chuckling at the remark.

“What exactly did the threat say?” asked Doc.

The boys had found Doc and Jess sitting out by the pool. Wiley sat sullenly playing with the band of his watch while Benji filled his parents in on what was happening. He hated this, hated making people worry about him. He hadn’t made the threat, he wasn’t about to start being ashamed of himself or his love for Cameron, but he hated that it could cause pain for the people he loved.

“Wiley, honey?” said Jess.

“Huh, what?”

“I asked what exactly the threat said,” Doc replied.

“Oh, they didn’t give me any details other then it was a death threat aimed at me because of my sexuality.” Wiley sighed.

“What are they doing about it?” Doc followed.

“The guy from tour security told him the top players get threats like this all the time and it’s not really anything to worry about,” Benji explained.

“So that’s it?” asked Jess, looking concerned.

“They said they’d assign a security man to me once we got there,” said Wiley.

“Some rent-a-cop they hired out of a mall?” asked Doc. “That’s unacceptable.”

“I don’t know where they hire them from,” Wiley observed.

“I’ve got a patient, her husband’s in the personal security business. I’ll give him a call and see what we can set up. If the tour isn’t going to take your safety more seriously, then we will,” said Doc.

“Doc, I can’t let you do that, I…” Wiley objected.

“Listen up young man,” Doc’s voice boomed sternly across the yard.

Wiley was taken aback by the harsh tone of Doc’s voice but it had the desired effect. He blinked the chastisement from his eyes and focused on Doc.

“You’re the closest thing we have to a second son, and that entitles you to a few things. It entitles you to ignore my advice and do what you want, like your little brother over here,” said Doc, nodding at Benji. “It also entitles you to the love, support and protection of this family. Understand?”

“Y-yes, sir,” Wiley nodded.

“Now, it entitles us to a few things too. Most importantly, at this particular juncture, it entitles us to employ whatever resources it takes to keep you safe. You don’t get a choice in the matter, understood?”

“Yes, sir,” said Wiley.

“Good, gimme a hug,” Doc ordered.

“Yes, sir.” Wiley smiled and stood to hug Doc. “Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it. We love you,” Doc assured him. “Now, let me make that phone call.”

Wiley left the Wilson’s house that day with a warm feeling in his chest. He’d never felt more loved by the family then he did in that moment. When Doc had called him their second son, referenced Benji as his little brother, his resistance faded away. Doc was right, families look out for each other, protect each other, and Wiley hadn’t felt a familial bond that strong in years. He’d always known the Wilsons cared about him, but hearing it expressed so firmly and forcefully filled his heart to the point of bursting.

Two days later Cameron sat behind the wheel of Wiley’s Passat as they made their way down the 405 Freeway at a snail’s pace.

“Come on, come on,” Cameron groaned, tapping his fingers on the wheel.

“Relax, we’ll get there when we get there,” said Wiley from the shotgun seat.

Wiley never liked to leave his car at the airport, so Cameron was going to drop him and Benji off and keep the car at his house. It was still early in the day, not even lunch time yet, but they’d hit a wall of traffic on the way to LAX.

“I don’t want you guys to miss your flight,” said Cameron.

“We’re good,” said Benji from the back seat. “We’ve still got two hours.”

“At this pace we might not get there until next week,” Cameron complained. Wiley couldn’t help but smile at him. He thought Cameron’s frustrated face was adorable.

Eventually the traffic speed up and they finally made it to the airport. Cameron pulled up to the drop off zone outside the international terminal where Wiley and Benji would board their sixteen hour flight.

“Thanks for driving us,” said Wiley. He’d be gone for five days, the longest he’d ever been separated from Cameron. He sat in the car soaking up as much Cameron as he could carry in his heart.

“Anytime,” said Cameron. “You have everything?”

“Let me check with my manager.” Wiley grinned and turned to the backseat.

“Let’s see,” said Benji, “ID’s check, passports, check, hotel reservations confirmed and reconfirmed, tickets confirmed and reconfirmed, the bodyguard’s set to meet us when we land and…”

Wiley’s eyes went wide. Cameron’s face broke out in an expression of concern.

“Back up, what was that?” asked Cameron.

“Uh, nothing,” said Benji, knowing he’d screwed up.

“Wiley, he said a bodyguard was meeting you guys. Why do you need a bodyguard?”

“Benji, can you give us a minute?” Wiley exhaled.

“Sure, uh, sorry,” said Benji as he climbed out of the backseat. Cameron popped the trunk so he could grab the bags then Benji waited in front of the terminal.

“Is this about that book I found in your bag the other day?”

“Yes.” Wiley sighed.

“The tour didn’t just send it a few years ago, something’s happened?”

“Yes.”

“Wiley, I…”

“Cameron, I’m sorry, I…”

“Just tell me what’s happened, please?”

“I got a death threat,” Wiley mumbled.

“What?”

“I said I got a death threat.”

“What? Why didn’t you tell me before?” Cameron exclaimed.

“Because of the look on your face right now.” Wiley sighed. “I didn’t want you to worry or be scared.”

“Don’t you get it? I love you. Sometimes that means I need to be scared for you,” said Cameron.

“Benji said something like that.”

“So you were just going to fly off without telling me your life might be in danger?”

“I was going to tell you when I got back. I’m sure it’s nothing…”

“Being in love means we tell each other things, Wiley. I appreciate you trying to protect me, but when it comes to you, I want to know everything, ok?”

“I’m sorry,” said Wiley.

“Come here,” said Cameron. Wiley leaned in and Cameron hugged him tight. “Silly boy.”

“I love you,” said Wiley.

“I know, but I’m still punishing you when you get home,” said Cameron with a raised eyebrow.

“Is it bad that I’m looking forward to being punished?” Wiley grinned wickedly.

“Depends on what I come up with,” Cameron wiggled his eyebrows and they laughed.

“I have to go.” Wiley sighed.

“I know. I’m going to miss you so much,” said Cameron, and then they shared a good bye kiss. “Be careful, ok?”

“I will. I promise,” Wiley assured him.

They kissed one last time and Wiley hopped out of the car. He waved good bye then walked over to Benji and picked up his bag. With his free hand he smacked Benji in the back of the head, “Ass.”

“Sorry.” Benji shrugged his shoulders.

“It’s alright,” said Wiley, putting his arm around his buddy. “You were right, I should have told him. We had a nice goodbye, but I can tell he’s upset.”

“Well, duh.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, can we just catch our flight?”

“You’re the boss.” Benji chuckled.

Cameron let Wiley off easy. He didn’t want to make a big scene at the airport. God forbid something actually happened to Wiley; Cameron didn’t want their last words to be spoken in anger. Instead they’d hugged and kissed and it was wonderful, but Cameron’s emotions were all over the map. He was annoyed that Wiley hadn’t told him about the threat, but at the same time Cameron couldn’t argue with any certainty that he wouldn’t have done the same thing if the shoe were on the other foot. In the end what really bothered him was a sense of responsibility.

Yes, Wiley had come out before they started dating but who knew? Since starting their relationship Wiley had appeared in several of Cameron’s videos. They’d kissed and hugged on screen and thought nothing of it, but now Wiley was in danger because of his sexuality, and the only way anyone could know about it was from watching one of Cameron’s videos. At first Cameron regretted having Wiley on his channel; after all, they were entitled to a private life. Then Cameron kicked himself for thinking that way. Yes, they were entitled to a private life, but they were also entitled to go out in public and lead their lives just like any other human beings.

Cameron was furious with the world, a world where the man he loved was in danger for the simple fact they were gay. As Cameron drove home through the same traffic he’d experienced on the way to the airport his frustrations got the better of him and tears began to leak from his eyes.

“Hey, Cam, how did…” Bobby started when Cameron walked into the apartment but stopped short when he saw his friend’s tear stained cheeks. “Are you alright?”

Cameron latched on to Bobby, hugged him tight and buried his face against his chest. Bobby was the kind of guy who could make a joke about almost anything but he was also a fierce friend and knew when to put jokes aside.

“What happened? Is Wiley ok? Oh my God, you guys did not break up?” Bobby exclaimed, his voice filled with concern.

“No, no nothing like that,” said Cameron as he pulled back and wiped his eyes on his shirt sleeve.

“Then what is it? You’re a wreck,” said Bobby.

“Someone wants to kill him and he didn’t tell me about it. Now he’s going over there and I’m…I’m scared for him,” Cameron sniveled.

“Whoa, back up, someone wants to kill the Coyote?” Bobby exclaimed.

“The tennis tour, they got a death threat against him because of me.”

“Why, what did you do?”

“Nothing! We didn’t do anything! It’s because of what we are, because we’re gay,” Cameron broke down again and Bobby pulled him close. Once he calmed down Bobby guided Cameron to the sofa so he could get the rest of the story.

“Well, I can see why he didn’t tell you.” Bobby sighed, once Cameron finished telling him what had happened.

“You think it was ok?”

“No, but I get it, I understand. You know he loves you, shit, everyone knows it.” Bobby grinned in the hopes of cheering Cameron up a bit. “He didn’t want you to be scared, which you obviously are.”

“He should have told me.”

“Yeah, he should have, but you have to see his side too.”

“I know, and I do, it’s not even what I’m upset about. I mean yes, it bugs me, but I know he was doing it out of love. What pisses me off is there are people out there in this fucked up world who want to hurt him because…because…”

“Yeah, it’s fucked up,” Bobby agreed. “So what are you going to do about it?”

“What can I do about it?” Cameron retorted. “I’m not the president. I can’t go bomb someone. I’m not a congressman. I can’t write a law…”

“When I started kindergarten the other kids used to tease me about my lisp and I’d come home crying every day after school,” Bobby interrupted.

“What?” asked Cameron, unsure what that had to do with anything.

“I didn’t know what to do about it. I was an itty bitty kindergartner. I couldn’t fight them, so I told my parents and my mom talked to the teacher. Later I asked my dad if he’d teach me how to fight but he said no,” Bobby explained.

“Why?”

“Because, he said I wasn’t a fighter, and he’s right, I’m not. He said I had to use the gifts God gave me to my advantage and look what I do now. People still laugh at my lisp but it’s because I want them to. I use it to my advantage.”

“I’m missing something here.”

“Cameron, you’re pissed that people are threatening your boyfriend? Do something about it. You can’t go to war? you can’t pass a law? Do what you can do. Use your gift. God gave you a voice,” said Bobby.

Cameron looked Bobby in the eye and a light bulb went off over his head, he knew exactly what to do.

“Thanks,” said Cameron, hugging his friend.

“I didn’t do anything.” Bobby blushed.

“Whatever.” Cameron rolled his eyes. “You showed me the way. Now get up, I need you to run the camera for me.”

Wiley and Benji boarded their flight at 11:45 am and were in the air by noon. It took nearly sixteen hours for them to fly across half the world and arrive in Dubai just before 11am local time the next morning. Fortunately they’d slept most of the way across the Atlantic and found themselves surprisingly well rested when they landed.

Wiley took a deep breath as he stepped off the plane. He tried not to take the death threat too seriously. He’d told Cameron everything was going to be alright, and he believed it would be, but there was still a lingering fear in the back of his mind. He took another deep breath and stepped into the terminal. He might be in enemy territory now, but he had no choice but to go about his business as usual. He wasn’t about to let some bigot or zealot dictate his life to him.

As Wiley and Benji began to separate from the rest of the passengers disembarking from their flight, they were met by a man in a gray suit, a clear plastic tube trailing from his ear. He was immense, Both Wiley and Benji were over six feet tall yet they still had to look up to meet the man’s eyes. His shoulders were broad, his arms massive and his gaze intense.

“You would be Mr. Grace and Mr. Wilson?”

“Uh, yeah, that’s us,” said Benji, still in awe at the size of the man before him.

“My name is Yani, I am hired as bodyguard for Mr. Grace,” he explained in heavily accented English.

“Right,” said Benji as he put his hand on Wiley’s back. “This is Wiley. My father told us you’d be meeting us. I just didn’t expect someone so…big.”

“Hmpf,” said Yani with a slight grin before shaking Wiley’s hand. “We should be leaving for the hotel now.”

“Yeah, uh, we just have to go by the baggage claim and…”

“Not to worry, my people will handle for you,” said Yani.

“What people?” asked Benji.

“Mr. Doctor pays big money for executive package. He wants that you should not have worries. Come now,” Yani ordered.

Wiley and Benji traded a look but shrugged their shoulders and followed the bodyguard. Yani raised a huge fist to his mouth and spoke a few words in a language the boys didn’t understand. The meaning immediately became clear as three equally massive men formed up on them and escorted them out of the terminal. There were a pair of black SUV’s waiting for them, each with a driver. Wiley and Benji were put in the first car with their security detail. Benji spotted four more men move from positions of cover outside the terminal and into the second car.

“Uh, just how many of you are there?” asked Wiley as the cars pulled out of the loading zone.

“Ten men around the clock plus advance and backup,” said Yani.

“Holy shit,” Wiley exclaimed.

“As I told you, big man says you should have no worries,” said Yani.

Yeah, no worries, right, Wiley thought to himself. He’d expected to get off the plane and find a security man waiting for him, not a small army of gargantuans. Yani alone was intimidating enough, but each of his subordinates looked like he could rip your arm off and beat you to death with it. Wiley still hadn’t seen the actual threat against him; the tour didn’t like that he’d hired private security, so they were being petty and holding on to it to, “Protect the integrity of the tour.” Yani and his men were professionals. They’d gotten a briefing from tour security as a courtesy, and if this was the level of protection they were according him Wiley had to question just how serious the threat to his life must be. He’d been nervous before, but as the situation unfolded he was beginning to wonder if he’d crap his pants before they reached the hotel.

“So, Yani,” said Benji, making small talk, “Where are you guys from? You don’t look, you know, Arab.”

“Team is from Tel Aviv,” said Yani from his perch in the shotgun seat. “I am based out of your Los Angeles now. I am flying in yesterday to take charge of team.”

“No kidding?” asked Benji. “How did you end up there?”

“Is big money in protecting movie stars.”

“Yeah, I bet,” said Benji. “So, how did you get into the bodyguard business?”

“I was five years IDF, ten with Mossad,” said Yani.

“What’s that?” Benji followed.

“Israeli Defense Force and Israeli Intelligence. I go to work for Blackhawk Security two years ago, moved to Los Angeles last year. All of team are ex-Mossad,” Yani explained.

Wiley sat quietly in his seat and shook his head. Not only was his bodyguard, correction, bodyguards, gigantic, they were also trained by one of the most ruthless intelligence agencies in the world. Wiley was an avid reader, he enjoyed the occasional spy novel and if they’d taught him anything it was you had to be a real fool to fuck with the Israelis. He wasn’t sure if he should breathe a sigh of relief or continue to worry about the threat he faced.

“I’m going to kill Doc,” Wiley muttered as the scenery outside his window flashed by.

“Just relax,” said Benji, clapping him on the back. He had no idea his dad had gone so overboard on the security arrangements, but he couldn’t claim he was surprised either. Doc did everything big.