Read Online Color Him Gay: The Further Adventures of the Man from C. A. M. P. by V. J. Banis - Free Book Online Page B

tresses, framed the sort of face that had once belonged to china dolls. His flawless skin was the color of fresh milk. Large dark eyes peered out at him beneath long, lustrous lashes. His nose was a brief, curt exclamation mark over a small, pouting mouth. Slender of body, he stood no more than five six. It was little wonder, Jackie thought quickly, that Steve had aroused the protective instincts in Dingo, and that Dingo had found himself drawn more and more to the pretty, innocently helpless creature.
    â€œThe pleasure,” Jackie said aloud, “is all mine, I assure you.”
    â€œI found him in Los Angeles,” Dingo explained. His tone seemed unusually curt, and Jackie wondered if Dingo weren’t still quite attached to the young man and perhaps a little jealous of the warm smile Steve was showering upon him now. “He’d moved back from San Francisco. I thought you’d want to meet him, so I persuaded him to come up here with me.”
    â€œDingo’s told me about his trouble,” Steve said in a soft, musical voice. “And we’re both grateful for all you’re doing to help him.”
    Jackie thought of how grateful Dingo could be and wondered briefly if Steve would be willing to offer the same reward. With such a double incentive he could probably clean up the case in half the time.
    â€œIt looks like things are going our way,” he said aloud. “At least I’ve got a lead.”
    â€œI hope it moves fast,” Dingo said grimly. “I’ve been contacted again.”
    â€œAbout the diaries?” B.U.T.C.H. had the diaries now and they would certainly use them as an added tool to pry money out of Dingo.
    Dingo nodded and handed him a brown envelope. Jackie opened it and pulled out the contents. There were only two sheets of paper and a note. The note was brief and to the point:
    â€œWould you like to see this book circulating all over the world? If not, come up with $300,000. We’ll contact you again in five days and tell you where to leave it.”
    The sheets of paper were Xeroxed copies of two pages from the diary. Jackie glanced at the first. It was a description, in Dingo’s own narrative, of a sexual incident between him and Steve. Jackie read only the first two lines and then out of courtesy returned the sheets to the envelope.
    â€œ$300,000? They raised their prices,” he commented, handing the envelope back to Dingo.
    â€œThey’ve got good reason,” Dingo reminded him. “From my standpoint these are pretty valuable papers. They’re worth a lot more than mere stories whispered about.”
    â€œAt least they’ve given us some time,” Jackie said. “We’ve go a week to beat them to the punch.”
    â€œWill it be long enough?” Steve asked in his low voice.
    â€œIf our luck holds out, yes. I’ve already made contact and should meet some of our friends tonight.”
    â€œDo you think you can get the diaries that soon?” Steve asked anxiously.
    Jackie sensed that the affection between the two had not been only one way. Steve’s concern was obvious.
    â€œNothing’s really certain,” he warned them. “But I’m certainly going to try. Will you two be in town?”
    â€œWe can stay for a few days,” Dingo answered. “My agent canceled a few appointments for me. I was too upset about all this to keep my mind on business anyway.”
    â€œStay in this same hotel,” Jackie told them, preparing to leave. “I’ll be in touch as soon as I have anything to report.”
    The image of Steve’s pretty, concerned face stayed with Jackie as he left the room and started back for his own hotel.
    * * * *
    A short while before he was to keep his appointment, Jackie phoned to the desk of his hotel and inquired about renting a car. He was assured that a car would be ready for him whenever he wished. Jackie asked that it brought around to the