Shattered Glass Read online

  “Yeah, the fans. Wouldn’t go over too big with the ladies throwing bras to find out the object of their lust bats for the other team.”

  “That’s what I’m trying to get across to him.”

  “He’s still young. When they’re that young, sometimes the facts don’t cut it. They think with their dick. You’ve got to keep explaining it to them, or sometimes just let them jump into the deep end of the pool and swim with the rest of us.”

  “I can’t do that. It’s complicated. You don’t know how long I’ve loved him. Finally, we have a chance at a real relationship, but he doesn’t understand why we have to lay low.”

  “Maybe you should wait. Give him more of a chance to grow up.”

  Milo shook his head. “I’ve waited for six years. If I wait any longer, he might find someone else. I can’t live with that.”

  “Are you going to be able to cope if he steps out on you because he never got a chance to sow his oats, man?”

  “Liam isn’t like that. He’s loyal.”

  “Sure he’s loyal—now. What about later when you prime his libido?”

  Milo’s brows furrowed. “I’ll have to take that chance. If I wait, I could lose him, if I don’t—”

  “Yeah, I see what you mean; you could end up on the shit end no matter what. I wouldn’t want to be you, man, having to watch my lover like a hawk.”

  “It’s not going to be like that. I can trust Liam.”

  “You can trust Liam, but what about everyone else? He’s prime meat.”

  “I’ll have to make sure I keep him happy both in bed and out of it.”

  “Still, sounds like too much work to me. If you need to talk, I’ll be around. You don’t have to worry about me. I’m discreet. The kid’s a hottie. I can’t blame you. He has that air of innocence about him, nice kid, hope he stays that way.”

  “Thanks.”

  Bart left, whistling on his way down the stairs, pleased with himself.

  All I need to do is plant the seeds. His imagination and the kid’s insecurity will do the rest.

  * * * *

  Walter Cheever, Esq., looked at his reflection in his bathroom mirror. He saw a sixty-something old man with a grey, receding hairline, jowls, and reddened, rheumy eyes. His law practice dwindled to one client, and today he could close the file. Originally hired by Dr. Frank O’Shea twenty-five years earlier, he later represented Frank’s widow, Lily, and after her death their son, Liam.

  Liam O’Shea turned eighteen today, leaving one last duty to perform for the estate. Today he would deliver Lily’s last letter to her son. The previous week, Liam and Milo came to his office and officially signed the paperwork releasing Milo from Liam’s guardianship. The accounts were audited, and the monies set to be electronically transferred into Liam’s name as of today.

  He hadn’t given Liam Lily’s letter last week because she specifically requested that he deliver it in person on his birthday. Tomorrow he would begin the process of closing his practice and moving to his retirement home in Del Ray Beach, Florida. It disturbed Walt that the police never found Frank’s killer.

  Walt knew he was probably the last living person who actually cared about the outcome of the case. Both the state and Princeton police suspected that the son of Frank’s former girlfriend, Susan Henderson, murdered him. They never obtained enough solid evidence to hold him. Although the detective in charge of the case attempted to keep track of Henderson’s whereabouts, they lost him a few years before Lily died.

  Lily never wanted Liam to know how Frank died, and he respected her wishes. However, Walt Cheever was determined to tell Milo the story so he could guard Liam against Henderson in the future, if he ever returned. Lily told him before her death that she felt as if Henderson might never give up. She admitted she received horrible, taunting cards on each anniversary of Frank’s death, but she never told Liam about them and never told the police. She protected Liam and expected Milo would do the same.

  Walter finished shaving and began to dress. He made up his mind. As of today, his obligations to Lily as a client ceased. He would let Milo know the circumstances of Frank’s death and let him decide what course to take, or whether to tell Liam. He walked downstairs to the kitchen, grabbed a cup of coffee, and picked up the phone. He kept a picture of Henderson he wished to entrust to Milo.

  “Four-for-One Studios, Hedge here.”

  “This is Walter Cheever. Is Mr. Stamis in?”

  “He’s doing an equipment check. May I take a message?”

  “Please tell him to return my call. This is Walter Cheever, Liam’s attorney. I have some information for him regarding the estate of Frank and Lily O’Shea.”

  “Does he have your number?”

  “Yes, but tell him I’ll see him at the party backstage tonight. I wouldn’t miss Liam’s Carnegie Hall debut despite the ills of arthritis.”

  “I’ll let him know to expect you.”

  * * * *

  Milo walked into the office as Bart hung up the phone.

  “Who called?”

  “The bakery. They wanted to check on the cake delivery to the venue.”

  “There are so goddamned many details in running this ship that I never knew. Thanks for helping out. You’ve been a good friend these past few weeks. The roadies and the crew like you, and you picked up the book rather well. The only problem seems to be Liam.” Milo sat wearily in his chair behind the desk.

  “He’s okay. He’ll come around. Is everything set for the party and gig tonight?” Bart asked.

  “Yeah. I’ll be able to head home in an hour or two to get ready for the trip to Manhattan.”

  “Have you got a limo picking up you and the kid?”

  “Yeah. You need a ride?”

  “No, something has come up. I may be a little late this evening. But Sam has the drums for tonight, so it’s all good, right?”

  “Right.”

  * * * *

  Liam woke up late that morning after he and Milo spent their first night in the new house. Today, Milo officially relinquished guardianship. Whatever Milo planned after the gig, Liam hoped it included him and a soft bed.

  Liam slipped on a pair of sweats and bounced down the stairs. Most of the rooms still contained packing boxes. Their new housekeeper began work tomorrow. Liam didn’t know if he liked the idea of a housekeeper, but realized they needed someone to take care of things while they toured. Meanwhile, he fended for himself in the kitchen since Milo had already left to take care of final arrangements for that evening.

  He and Milo equipped the kitchen with every gadget they could find in Williams-Sonoma. Some of the furniture had already arrived. The rest would be delivered while they toured. The house was in good shape, but the gardens were a mess. Milo looked forward to restoring them himself. Liam finished putting on a pot of coffee when the doorbell rang.

  Liam walked to the foyer to see who it was. Milo said they needed to beef up security. They scheduled the alarm company for Thursday. When Sam drove down from Manhattan to see his folks, he could let them in to set up the system. As expected, when he looked through the peephole in the front door, he saw old Mr. Cheever.

  Walter Cheever looked even greyer and more bent than Liam remembered. He still dressed in Savile Row suits and wore British hand-made shoes, but they looked a bit more worn and shabby. Seemed Walt—he told Liam to call him by his first name now—didn’t take care of himself as well as he did before his wife died from cancer last year.

  “Walt, welcome. You are the first official guest in our new digs. Come on back to the kitchen. I made some coffee. Excuse the sweats, I got lazy this morning and just woke up.”

  “It’s not every day a young man turns eighteen and plays Carnegie Hall. Congratulations.”

  Liam let the older man into the kitchen and put fresh coffee on the bar. He produced a box of donuts, which he hoped didn’t taste too stale, and set down the coffee, sugar, and cream. “You said you needed to see me on my birthday. What’s up?”<
br />
  “I have something for you from your mother. She asked that I deliver it on your eighteenth birthday.” As he spoke he retrieved an envelope from the inside pocket of his suit.

  Liam looked at the envelope, stunned. He never expected such a present. He often dreamed of Lily, but he never imagined she planned such a surprise for him on this special day. Mr. Cheever politely finished his coffee as Liam opened the missive.

  “I’ll be on my way, young man. I’m sure you want to read this alone. I’ll see myself out. I’m looking forward to the concert this evening. I have the ticket Sam sent.”

  Liam nodded as he unfolded the letter with shaking hands.

  My dearest Liam,

  By this time, I hope you and Milo have established a solid friendship, which I know will bloom into something more meaningful as time passes. Yes, I know about your attraction to Milo and how he feels about you. When you were twelve, Milo and Sam came to me to ask if you could join the band. My son, you were so very young, yet there are things that I saw in your future which I knew you to be as yet too innocent to realize.

  I am well aware what you feel for Milo is real love. Your father explained the O’Shea family ‘curse’ to me ages ago when we first fell in love. Once an O’Shea meets his or her love, there will never be anyone else for them, ever. I know it sounds silly, but it’s true. You met Milo at six years of age and started following him around as soon as you met. I wish the powers had waited and let you mature before you found him, even though it would always have been Milo, but the gods are seldom kind.

  If I were well, I might have been able to prepare you. I could have sent you off to college or to music school, then you and Milo would have met later on a more equal footing. As it is, I entrusted your care to Sam and Milo. Milo is an honorable young man, and as your guardian, he will undoubtedly wait until your majority to pursue that relationship to full intimacy.

  Yes, my son, Milo loves you and will no doubt find his own unique way of letting you know. I can only give you this word of advice—Milo has a fiery disposition. Never let him doubt your love. Despite his brave façade, Milo is as alone as you are, and he doesn’t have someone to guide him as he will be guiding you.

  I love you both with my whole heart. Please believe I knew what you and Milo were to each other early in your association. Unlike some others, I don’t believe love so strong is wrong. You have my blessings. Peace, my son.

  Tread carefully through the world. Not everyone is as kind as Milo. There are people out there who embrace hate and let it nourish them. If you ever meet one, stay far away. Very far away.

  Love,

  Mom

  Liam put down the letter and cried healthy, cleansing tears. If Lily knew how he felt about Milo, and that Milo returned those feelings, then the life they planned together was as right and true as he believed from the beginning. He slowly climbed the stairs and put the letter in his dresser drawer. It was too soon to share. Maybe he would show it to Milo tomorrow.

  * * * *

  Shattered Glass booked the Terrace Room at the Plaza Hotel for the pre- and post-concert party. The room, recently restored to its original Beaux-Arts design, accommodated up to five hundred guests. Sam issued invitations to the media, New York celebrities, and the biggest names in the music business.

  Unbeknownst to Liam, Milo used his personal funds to reserve the Astor Suite with its breathtaking views of Central Park for a three night “honeymoon.” Appearances could be maintained because there were two master bedrooms in the suite, a very discreet butler, and both concierge and maid service. Milo arrived in the limo at the Rumson house at three in the afternoon.

  Milo raised the privacy shield between the front and rear compartments of the black stretch limousine. As soon as the chauffeur pulled up the circular driveway, Milo saw that Liam stood outside and waiting, packed for three days as instructed. When the driver opened the back door, Liam climbed in to seat himself for the forty-five minute drive into Manhattan. Milo, pleased when he saw Liam check for the closed partition, engulfed him in an enthusiastic hug.

  “Happy birthday, baby. Are you excited about the concert?”

  “The concert is just another gig. I’m more nervous about the party. Did Sam really invite all those famous bands?”

  “Yes, he did. This is as much a publicity event as a birthday party. Keep close to me tonight. Some of these guys are heavy into drugs and booze.”

  “So I’ve heard.”

  “You don’t want to go near that stuff.”

  “You don’t have to worry about that with me. I’ve had offers, but I’ve never even been curious enough to try. Excess booze and drugs affected the music of every band I’ve seen that used. It’s all about the music for me.”

  Milo pulled Liam closer to his side. “For me too, love.”

  “Will we get any time alone tonight?” Liam asked.

  “I may have arranged for some,” Milo replied with a secret smile.

  Liam glowed and spent the rest of the ride cuddled at Milo’s side.

  Because of heavy traffic at the Lincoln Tunnel from New Jersey into Manhattan, the projected forty-five minute ride turned into an hour and a half. When they finally arrived at the Plaza, the party had already started.

  * * * *

  Unlike the usual chain hotels the band booked for a tour, the Plaza was something special. Liam stepped into the lobby in awe. They took an elaborately decorative elevator car to the Terrace Room where the party already started. Sam met them at the door.

  Liam stayed close to Milo. “Sam,” he asked, “who are all these people? Do we know them?”

  “You met some of them while touring. I’m sure you will recognize faces from Billboard and the media. This kind of publicity is great for the group. Now, you two need to mingle with the guests.”

  “Stick to Coke,” Milo warned, “or you’ll be asleep before we play.”

  “No champagne?”

  “Maybe later.” Milo winked.

  The waiters passed fancy canapés. No little hot dogs here, Liam thought.

  Liam looked up at the crystal chandeliers and the gilded archways of the balcony surrounding the room. A painting from a classical scene decorated the ceiling and Liam craned his neck to get a decent view. In truth, he felt like a hayseed in the big city although they lived only forty-five minutes away. He couldn’t act blasé, he was too impressed. Milo mumbled something about finding Rick in the crowd. Liam, so busy noting the architecture and the décor, at first missed seeing some of the guests snorting coke in the alcoves behind the floor to ceiling draperies. They found Rick at the bar. Liam watched as Milo whisked away his drink and replaced it with plain orange juice.

  “Rick, I don’t give a shit what you do after the concert,” Milo said, “but I want you sober on stage.”

  Liam thought that Rick looked more than annoyed. “You are not my keeper.”

  “No, I’m not, but I am the head of this band for the time being, and this band’s clean and sober onstage. We’re about the music, not the scene.”

  Sam announced the band was leaving for the venue to thunderous applause. The four principals piled into the limousine waiting at the Plaza’s front door. Security held back the barrage of fans waiting outside. Once they all made it inside the limo, Sam opened the partition and told the driver. “Let’s do it.” The sleek black car sped down the avenue to the venue.

  Chapter 5

  Turn around, look at the view

  Know that I’m in love with you,

  Waiting for the time you see

  That you can be in love with me

  It’s way too early to feel this way

  But I need you to let me stay

  Until the day you see me

  The lover who will set you free

  And then, we can begin

  The process where you let me in

  To your heart the day you start

  To see the light within my heart

  For only you my passion true
/>
  My lover and friend

  I’m yours till the end

  Of time, or eternity

  What a night bright with heat

  When our bodies finally meet

  I will sing this song to you

  And finally you will know

  That I love you so

  And I’ll never let you go

  Too far away from me.

  —Johnny Borchoi, “Lover’s Suite,” Arranged by Liam O’Shea

  * * * *

  The beauty of the Isaac Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall left Liam in a state of awe. Despite their fame, it still astonished Liam that their concert sold out weeks prior to the engagement.

  Although the name Carnegie Hall was usually associated with classical musicians, many popular music legends appeared on the stage, including Judy Garland, Benny Goodman, and the Beatles. Liam could hardly believe that he got to follow in the footsteps of those entertainment legends.

  The hall looked empty save for a few of the band’s roadies. Milo finished checking the equipment and approached Liam from behind, placing a light kiss on the nape of his neck that gave him shivers.

  “Amazing, isn’t it, baby?”

  “We’ve played in stadiums and concert halls with twice the seating, but this is by far the most beautiful place I think I’ll ever pick up a guitar.”

  “Wait until we tour Europe. There are opera houses dripping with more gilt and baroque curlicues than you have ever seen.”

  “I don’t know. I like the restrained beauty of this place, and the acoustics are phenomenal.”

  “Let’s go to the dressing rooms and get into costume. We have to be on stage in an hour.”

  “Have Rick and Sam gone to the dressing room yet?”

  “Yeah, they headed right up there when we first arrived. You’ve been daydreaming for quite a while,” Milo teased.

  “What about Bart?”

  “He’s coming. He’ll just be a little late.”

  “Am I a bother to you?” Liam turned to look at Milo.

  “Yeah, and you’ll find out later tonight just how much you bother me. Come on now, let’s get cracking.”