Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

MARNIE was the favorite movie of my youth and I still enjoy watching it today. I was always tempted to read a J2 version of it, but I couldn't find one. So I finally wrote it myself. Like writer Winston Graham and director Alfred Hitchcock, I named my story after the main character - JENSEN. The plot of my J2 story takes place in the present day and loosely follows the movie plot. You can find my art post with background information in the next chapter.

Many heartfelt thanks to my dear beta jdl71/Jld71. Her hints and comments spurred and encouraged me as well as helped me along very often. She took care of spelling and grammar since I don't speak English. A very big thank you from me.

🏇🏾 Now enjoy reading my second J2 story. Enjoy the art. 🏇🏾

AO3: Fic (German) | Author/Artist | Art (English) | Art (German)

LiveJournal: Art (English) | Masterpost | Author/Artist

No man is
- so mysterious
- so fascinating
- so dangerous
as Jensen.

The black-haired man pulled his suitcase close and placed it upright beside him. Bright blue eyes skimmed the timetable in his gloved hand before looking up at the ticket agent.

"A ticket to Indianapolis for the next train, please," the traveler demanded.

Momentarily spellbound by the classically handsome face, the clerk printed out the requested ticket and handed it over.

"Thank you." Smiling, the black-haired man paid and then went to the train just arriving on the platform. In the compartment, he hoisted his suitcase onto the overhead rack, placed his fancy shoulder bag on the window seat, and opened his suit jacket as he sat down in the aisle seat. As the train pulled away, he closed his blue eyes wearily. Now that all the stress was over, he could finally take some time off. 

After far too short a break, his watch vibrated and woke him up. The train slowed down and stopped. Already standing at the door with his luggage, he got off and left the station through the back exit. His hotel was on the other side of town, so he took the regular bus there.

After checking in and paying for a night at the "Indiana Kings Place," he headed downtown for an extended shopping spree and returned with a complete makeover. In the hotel room, he dumped the full shopping bags on the bed and placed the newly purchased suitcase open next to it. Likewise, he emptied his shoulder bag, messenger bag and wallet then threw everything into the old suitcase on the floor. Next to his purchases were now several stacks of bundled bills as well as social security cards.

Practiced, he put the clothes and things he had bought together and neatly stowed them in the new suitcase. The money he piled in between. He put a few one hundred dollar bills in his new wallet as well as the insurance card with his real name. The other cards with the fake names went into the back compartment of the new wallet except for one.

With the card made out in the name of Jayson Nichols, he walked into the bathroom and lit it with a lighter over the sink. He then rinsed the charred remains down the sink with tap water.

Now he undressed completely. Naked, he stepped in front of the mirror. A strange man stared at him. Quickly he removed the colored contact lenses, took off his makeup, and stepped into the shower. He bent down and washed his hair. Black streams ran down the drain. After the fifth wash, the dark color was finally completely rinsed out and he showered his entire body extensively.

He dried himself and stepped in front of the mirror. Green eyes scrutinized his natural hair, which was dark blond again. The enthusiasm about his freckles was limited. He reached for the hair care products and worked them into his scalp and hair ends. With a comb, he skillfully styled a fashionable hairstyle. Finally, he took care of his facial skin. Constantly putting makeup over his freckles had dried them out. Satisfied with his appearance, Jensen Ackles took one last appreciative look in the mirror before leaving the bathroom.

The cloudless blue sky over Cincinnati stood in stark contrast to the thunderstorm atmosphere in the room. The morning sun bathed the open safe in red-gold light. One compartment inside was completely empty, while the rest was padded with documents, tapes, and files.

"There's exactly $51,756.89 missing! And it was that Nichols guy. Jayson Nichols. He stole the money. Jayson Nichols! Arrest him!" angrily demanded Jeffrey Dean Morgan, head of the prestigious business and tax firm Morgan & Shurley, to the two investigating detectives. They were all standing in his office in front of the robbed safe.

"Why do you suspect..." the detective glanced at his notes, "Mister Nichols of committing the theft?"

"He's the only employee who wasn't at the company party yesterday. That's when the heist must have happened because several service employees were on site the rest of the night installing updates on all the computers. They just left earlier. I had put papers in the safe just before the party started and that's where the money was. Today, Nichols did not show up for work. All of his things are gone. He can't be reached by phone either. There is no trace of him. It's almost as if Jayson Nichols never existed."

"Can you give us a description and his address?" the older detective asked.

"I'll have my secretary look up the address for you." He waved to a young man standing in the doorway. Who immediately turned and walked out to finish the job.

"Why such a large cash amount?" the younger detective asked curiously.

"A few of our more aged clients aren't big on checks and wire transfers and prefer to pay cash. Some service providers and suppliers also prefer to pay cash. That's why we always have about $20,000 in the safe. The excess amount is taken to the bank once a month and deposited. This month, several clients settled higher fee bills. That's why there was more money in the vault."

"When would the next deposit date have been?"

Morgan looked at her grimly, "Today!"

The older detective's phone rang. He answered the call. "Yeah... good... have them come up." After hanging up, he looked apologetically at his counterpart as he put the cell phone away. "Forensics has arrived and is coming up. Although," he glanced at the open safe, "I don't have high hopes that they'll find anything useful. The thief has relocked the safe so the computer people wouldn’t notice and report the heist. That bought him ample time to obscure and escape. People who are so calculating usually don't make mistakes and leave fingerprints or other evidence."

The secretary re-entered the office and handed over a piece of paper with the address information.

The detective gratefully tucked the information behind his notes and continued, "Do you have a photo of Mister Nichols?"

"Of course. In his application materials, there must be..."

"Excuse me, Mister Morgan. Jayson didn't have any application materials with him at the interview, did he? They hired him without references," the secretary remarked piqued. "To my knowledge, he didn't submit them either. Although Anna from HR had called several times to remind him. He kept forgetting."

"Yeah, right," Morgan snorted, caught. "Nichols was hired to do simple clerical work and operate the copier. A temp job, for which references are not essential."

"Can you describe the suspect?"

"Sure I can describe him. After all, he's been working here for over four months," the tax attorney enthused. "Six feet tall, about 183 pounds, 29 years old, slim athletic body, silky black short hair, blue eyes, classically handsome face, deep hot voice..."

The detectives struggled to stifle a laugh, interrupting the gushing description.

"I don't know what amuses you so much, gentlemen? There was a serious robbery committed here."

The younger detective cleared his throat and skimmed his notes. "Did Mister Nichols have any distinguishing features? Moles, scars, freckles?"

"No, his skin was flawless." Morgan frowned thoughtfully before he thought of something else. "He had bow legs."

At that moment, a tall man appeared in the doorway. His tailored suit accentuated his muscular physique. He radiated power and wealth.

"Good afternoon, Mister Padalecki." The man addressed returned the greeting. "Excuse me, gentlemen," he addressed the two detectives. "Mister Padalecki is one of our clients. Alexander will take care of everything else here." He nodded to his secretary. "If you have any questions, please contact him until I'm available."

Three men from Forensics entered the office in greeting as Jeffrey Dean Morgan walked over to his important client. "I'm very sorry, Mister Padalecki. But the office was robbed last night."

"Yes, that's what I heard. By a handsome young man with bow legs," Jared Padalecki replied cheerfully.

Involuntarily, Morgan also had to grin at his somewhat too accurate description of his ex-employee's physical features. "What can I say." He shrugged apologetically. "Nichols was a sight for sore eyes, though he turned out to be a sneaky thief."

"There again the adage proves true: Beauty is not to be trusted."

"On your last visit, I had still drawn your attention to him when he was standing at the copier in the back. You said something about how with beautiful views the offices would be much friendlier."

"Oh, you mean him. The handsome one with the adorable plush lips. I remember." Too bad the handsome man was a criminal. Jared was kind of disappointed. "Well, I'm sure you've got your head full of other things today. I'll come back another time."

"No, no," Morgan fought back. "I always have time for business with Padalecki & Co. This way, please." The two men walked down the hall to the large consultation room.

"That son of a bitch," Morgan rumbled again. "He had us all fooled. Always willing to work overtime, never made mistakes, stylishly wore only classic suits, and kept everyone at arm's length as if his body was untouchable. Nichols seemed so dedicated, striving..."

"Decent," Jared added understandingly. So behind the stunning looks, there was a clever little mind. In retrospect, he would have liked to take a second look at the young man.

Jensen dragged his new travel case behind him as he stepped up to the front desk of the Lexington Carriage House to pick up his key.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Redmore," he greeted the proprietor with a smile.

"Mister Ackles," she exclaimed with glee when she recognized him. "It's so good to see you again. And you'll be staying a little longer this time, as I noticed in your reservation."

"Yes, my boss's last assignment was exhausting and draining. So he sent me on an extended recuperative vacation."

Mrs. Redmore picked up the room key from the wallboard and said good-naturedly, "I've already taken care of your registration formalities. You have your old room again, of course. You look tired. Have a good rest first. You can catch up on the signatures in the next few days."

"Thank you, Mrs. Redmore." Jensen took the key. "Oh, could someone drive me to Meadows around 4:00 pm?"

"Of course, Mister Ackles. George will drive you over at 4:00." Concerned, she looked at her regular guest. "You've lost weight. That's not good. So don't forget about lunch at 12:00."

"Well, I'm back now, and you can treat me to your heart's content with your wonderful food. See you later."

"Have a restful stay."

Jensen walked to his room. It was a large luxurious corner room with a separate sleeping area. The double bed was huge. The bathroom had a shower as well as a bathtub. He would take a bubble bath tonight. Staring at his luggage, he decided to put off unpacking until later. He quickly slipped off his shoes, hung his suit jacket over a chair, and flopped down on the comfortable couch. Before closing his eyes, he set the alarm on his Apple Watch for just before noon.

The last few months had drained him. Being constantly focused and careful, weighing every word, was exhausting. In addition, he had to fend off his boss's advances because he couldn't keep his fingers to himself, even though he was married. It was like a curse he couldn't shake. So far, all his former bosses wanted to get into his pants, whether they were male or female. Jensen didn't understand it. He didn't ask anyone to do it.

So Jensen fell into a sleep of exhaustion without nightmares and woke up rested two hours later. After a delicious lunch, he unpacked and settled in comfortably. The Lexington Carriage House had become his second home in recent years. He came here as often as he could. After a big payday, he would stay here for several weeks to really recuperate and steel himself for the trip home.

Promptly five minutes before the appointed time, Jensen stood in the yard waiting for his ride. When the car pulled up beside him, he got in on the passenger side. "Hello, George."

"Good afternoon, Mister Ackles. Going to the usual place? I'm sure your sweetheart is eagerly waiting."

Jensen enjoyed the easy conversation with George. He was getting a full update on everything that had happened during his absence. They drove out of Lexington, past rolling hills covered in bluegrass, to Meadows Ranch. The dinky white country house stood on a knoll surrounded by spacious stables and pastures. He saw his girl from a distance. She was as beautiful as the first day they met. Jensen loved her idolatrously.

Mister Stewart, the owner of the ranch was standing in the yard talking to one of his stable hands. As the car pulled into the yard, both men turned around. Jensen quickly said goodbye to George and got out.

"Mister Ackles, good to see you again. Although I'm not surprised to see you." Stewart shook Jensen's hand. 

"I'm happy to be back, too," he replied, somewhat irritated. They both walked toward the paddocks.

"Your girl was snapping at everyone this morning and even lashing out. That's when I knew you were on your way here."

A beautiful black mare stood at the entrance gate, which Jensen promptly opened. He then embraced his horse, who felt the same affection and nestled her head against the man's back. 

"Mystery," breathed Jensen, not moving. After a while, he reluctantly disengaged, nodded to Mister Stewart, grabbed the mane, and swung himself onto the horse's back. In riding clothes the young man looked quite different - more original, almost wild as he galloped away on his fiery mare without saddle or bridle.

Mister Stewart shook his head at so much infatuation with horses. The two were one heart and soul.

A few weeks later, a cab stopped at the front door of an apartment building with several rental apartments in Nashville. A smartly dressed Jensen got out, took his luggage from the cab driver, and entered the house with it. The elevator took him to the third floor.

After ringing the bell, the door was opened by a young boy. "Oh, it's you. Is my father there?" asked Jensen, annoyed.

"Yes, he's just putting together my LEGO Batmobile that I got for my birthday - from him."

"Yeah, right." Jensen stepped inside and put his stuff down. He didn't like the kid.

"Jamie, who's at the door?" Limping footsteps were heard and Alan Ackles appeared in the doorway to the hallway. His eyes lit up as he recognized the visitor. "Jensen, this is a surprise!"

"Hi, Dad." Jensen walked over to his father and hugged him tightly. He hid his disappointment as he released the hug. Alan Ackles had just stood there stiffly, leaning heavily on his cane and letting his son's expressions of affection wash over him. 

Alan cleared his throat. "You should go unpack, Jensen. Jamie and I will clean up his toys." He smiled warmly at the little boy and tousled his hair. "We'll keep building your Batmobile tomorrow, Jamie. I promise." Then he reached his hand down and Jamie grabbed it happily. Together they both walked into the living room, leaving Jensen standing there.

Bitterly, Jensen grabbed his luggage and went into the guest room. Nothing had changed. Just now he had experienced it again. His father was much more affectionate to a strange child than to his own son. What was wrong with him? Mechanically he unpacked. 

RED. Everywhere and everything was RED. Jensen tried to escape. RED. He rolled back and forth. An eerie KNOCKING sounded. RED. Then the KNOCKING again. "Jensen, get up!" KNOCKING. "Jensen!"

He startled up and looked around wildly. Jensen had fallen asleep waiting for James to finally disappear home. There was a knock at the door and his father called out, "Jensen, dinner's almost ready." 

"Be right there," he replied. The same nightmare over and over again - for years. Nothing helped. Jensen took a few minutes to calm down and wash the fear sweat from his face. Then he changed his clothes, slipped into jeans and a T-shirt, took the present he had brought with him, and joined his father in the kitchen.

Jensen stopped in the kitchen doorway. Alan Ackles was already sitting at the kitchen table, rubbing his injured leg, lost in thought. More white strands than the last time he'd been here crisscrossed his dark hair. He had grown old. The years after the accident had not always been easy. Most recently, he had worked as a night porter and cashier. But the pain in his leg was getting worse as the splinter fracture had permanently damaged muscles and nerves. The small pension wasn't enough at the back. Fortunately, Jensen was able to support his ailing father because of generous paydays in recent years.

"Dad." Smiling, Jensen sat down next to him at the table. "I brought you a little something. Mister Hartley raised my salary again and even paid me a bonus because I helped him a lot with my expertise on an important business deal." He opened the box and took out a wristwatch. 

"This is a Rolex Air-King. The latest model. Mister Hartley advised me when I asked him about a fancy watch for my father." Jensen grabbed his father's wrist, pretended not to notice the slight flinch, and fastened the watch. He stroked the arm appreciatively. "Death chic."

"You don't talk about death lightly, Jensen," Alan lectured him sternly.

Scolded, the younger man lowered his eyes. "Sorry, I meant 'very chic,' Dad."

"Well," his father twisted his arm in all directions, looking closely at the gift. "I like it. Thank you," he said stiffly.

With almost childlike enthusiasm, Jensen began to explain. "The watch has a self-winding mechanism. So it winds automatically by your arm movements. Of course, it is water-resistant. Especially noteworthy are the black dial and the enlarged numerals 3, 6, and 9. Your friends will be amazed and envy you when you wear the wristwatch on your next billiard night."

"Yes, I think so too. I've already said to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson that my son has done very well to work as a private secretary for such a respectable and generous millionaire."

They both continued to eat their supper. "You know, the Thompsons are very nice neighbors and I like to babysit their son. Jamie is a very bright boy."

Jensen stopped eating in alarm and looked at his father. 

"Misses Thompson has found a full-time job and is starting next month. She is worried that Jamie would always be alone for a very long time after school because now both parents work. I've been thinking about helping her out."

"Don't beat around the bush, Dad," Jensen scowled. "You just want James Thompson to hang around here even more than usual."

Surprised, Alan stared at his counterpart. "Jensen, what's gotten into you? You'd almost think you were jealous."

Jensen wisely kept his mouth shut. This would only degenerate into another argument, in which his father would end up affirming that he had nothing against him and end the discussion.

Jared Padalecki skimmed the report and made notes on any justifications and data that were still missing. Next, he would need the current staffing numbers. He was already reaching for the phone to call Human Resources, but withdrew his hand. A break would do him good and he could stretch his legs.

As he entered the Human Resources Department, his eyes caught the rear view of a man talking to someone behind the desk. He frowned because he hadn't taken a second look at men in a long time. What was so special about this one? Jared's gaze lingered on the distinctive bow legs. He'd developed a soft spot for them ever since the theft at Morgan's law firm.

The man turned with thanks and sat down in a visitor's chair. Dark brown hair, brown eyes, and plush lips. Jared would recognize those lips anywhere. Thoughtfully, he walked into the HR manager's office. She was having a conversation with an applicant. Therefore, he just nodded to her and sat down at the counseling table in the back of the room.

Miranda Cooper had been with the company for a very long time. She had started small under his father and worked her way up the ladder with savvy and competence. Now she was hiring a promising young lady. After saying goodbye, she turned to her boss.

"To what do I owe the honor of your visit, Jared?"

"Oh, my legs needed a run and so I wanted to pick up the latest staffing numbers in person." He stood up with a smile and came over to her desk. She flipped through a folder and handed him the papers he wanted.

"Here you go. Is there anything else I can do for you, boss? Coffee? Latest gossip?"

"No, thanks. Chad already brought me up to speed this morning. I know about all the intrigue and dalliances." Jared hesitated for a moment. "Miranda, you just hired the young lady. But I think there's another applicant outside. Shouldn't you talk to everyone who's interviewing first?"

"I've already gone through all the applications in advance. The young man outside has no references. And you're always very specific about that, aren't you? I just wanted to tell him in person, so I kept him waiting."

"Well, since he's here right now... I've been thinking about hiring an assistant for Misha to take some of the pressure off him. I also need someone to type up and proofread my manuscripts. I assume," Jared nodded toward the outer office, "he's very good at shorthand and touch typing."

"His typing skills are excellent. But the resume is spotty and suggests a high probability of turnover. So he would be unsuitable for a position of trust. Why would you want to hire someone like that?

"Simply put, I'm going to conduct an experiment and I'm very excited to see the results." He loved puzzles and finding the solution. Especially when they were as appealing and intriguing as the mysterious thief.

"I don't understand."

"You don't have to, Miranda. Please don't mention my interference with... what was the name?"

Misses Cooper looked at her records, "Jayden Miller."

"Jayden Miller," Jared pronounced the name with relish. Dear Jayden Jayson seemed to like first names with a J, or the name Jay. A twist of fate? Well, it would be a start for the private investigator he would hire. For particularly tricky mysteries that had piqued his curiosity and passion, sometimes heavier guns had to be brought in. And Jayden Miller was a closed book.

Jensen sat down in the visitor's chair and looked around unobtrusively. Someone was watching him. The tall muscular suit who now walked past him and entered the personnel manager's office? Had he checked Jensen out? He had to work here, the way he was acting. Jensen faltered. He knew the man. It was Jared Padalecki, the company owner. 

As usual, Jensen had bought the daily newspaper, The Courier-Journal, when he left Nashville. On the train to Louisville, he studied the job ads and marked the ones he was considering. Nine had made the shortlist. After moving into his room at a boarding house, Jensen settled into the public library and began researching.

All nine employers were meticulously vetted. Jensen read everything he could find about them, looked closely at every newspaper article and especially the pictures. Only one company had what Jensen was looking for - an older safe. Several newspaper articles reported on the up-and-coming recently widowed Jared Padalecki, who took over Padalecki & Co. His father, Gerald Padalecki, retired, wanting only to run the family stud farm and breed horses. Some pictures showed Padalecki senior or junior in the executive office, behind them stood a large safe of older construction.

The modern safes were too difficult to crack and were almost always coupled with alarm systems. Jensen took too long to crack them and ran the risk of getting caught. That's why he left them alone. The pickings were slimmer for companies with older models because not much cash was kept there for insurance reasons. But there was still enough money for Jensen.

When the young woman who had an appointment before him left the department beaming with joy, he expected a rejection. Jensen was all the more surprised to find that, although he was turned down for the position he was seeking, he received an offer for another job as a dual-function assistant. Naturally, he accepted.

He was to mainly assist Misha Collins, Padalecki & Co.'s chief secretary, and do filing and clerical work for the company owner the rest of the time. With an above-average IQ, Jensen had passed school and college with honors. He could easily learn the ropes anywhere in a short amount of time. His former bosses had no reason to complain in this regard. Jensen was the perfect employee. He never made mistakes, completed all tasks with flying colors, did not participate in office gossip, was punctual, polite, and helpful. 

After two weeks, Jensen had fit in seamlessly. He ate lunch in the cafeteria with Misha Collins, as he did every day. At the same time, as always, he mentally registered all the employees and operations in chronological order for payday. 

"Crap, the ketchup bottle seems to be clogged again," Misha grumbled, shaking the bottle and squeezing harder. He had underestimated his strength because suddenly the ketchup splashed in Jensen's direction in a high arc and hit his tie.

Misha apologized profusely, but Jensen didn't listen. He stared transfixed at the red ketchup stain on his tie, which he held away from his body with one hand. RED. So RED. As if bitten by a tarantula, he jumped up and ran to the restrooms. RED. He ripped the tie off his neck and obsessively scrubbed the stain out with soap and water. 

Jared was walking down the hall when Jensen ran past him and crashed through the restroom door. Concerned, he went after him. The rushed look on Jayden Miller's face had not pleased him at all. As he entered the washroom, he saw the always level-headed young man manically cleaning his tie. Splashes of water glistened on his suit. A few strands of hair had come loose from his hairdo and were hanging down into his forehead.

"Mister Miller, are you all right?" asked Jared cautiously from the doorway.

Jensen looked up. "Of course I am. I just got a stain on my tie and I'm trying to rub it out," he replied coolly. "But apparently the ketchup is very real. I'm going to have to extend my lunch break to get a new tie, and then work late today."

"I have some spare ties here. Just come by my office later and I'll loan you one of mine. Then you won't have to go out and extend your workday." Jared waited for his employee to agree and went back to his office, where he laid out four ties on his desk.

His secretary announced the expected assistant. Shortly thereafter, there was a knock and Jayden Miller entered. His hair was neatly combed, his suit, dry again, fit perfectly. Only the shirt collar was unbuttoned. The young man was visibly uncomfortable - so "underdressed." With one hand, Jared pointed to the ties laid out ready. "Please pick one out."

Jensen didn't take long, feeling defenseless without the proper attire. He selected a silver tie, similar to the one stashed in his desk drawer with a ketchup stain. Silver was a great match for his outfit today. Jensen placed the tie around his neck and, with a few practiced moves, tied a perfect knot - without a mirror.

The publishing boss watched the performance spellbound, marveling at the elegance and ease of execution. He had been tying his own ties since he was fourteen, but he had never been able to do it so masterfully - even with a mirror.

"Thank you very much, Mister Padalecki. I'll return this to you tomorrow. Is there anything else I can do for this?" Jensen's protective armor was complete again and he felt good.

"Yes, I have one more small request. You said when you were hired that you would also be willing to work overtime?"

"Of course, Mister Padalecki. I'd be happy to do that. When?" Jayden Miller was back in his element - buttoned-up, reasonable, and reserved. Jared firmly resolved to draw him out. He wanted to see Jayden free and uninhibited.

"Publishing work currently requires all my attention during the week. But I also want to make progress on my manuscript. That's what I wanted to work on here on Saturday. It would be nice if you could help me with that. Of course, you will be paid overtime or you can take a day off during the week. Could you be there at 8:00?"

"Sure. I'll be here at 8 a.m. on Saturday."

"Thanks. I appreciate it," his boss concluded.

Bidding him goodbye, Jensen left to return to his desk. As he did so, he encountered a blond man who purposefully and arrogantly breezed past him without a greeting and entered the executive office.

"Hello, Jared. A new acquisition?" the latter asked insinuatingly as he glanced briefly back at Jensen. "I was coming to pick you up for lunch," Jensen heard being said before the door closed.

Misha saw Jayden looking irritatedly behind the visitor. "That is Chad Michael Murray. His sister Shannon was married to Mister Padalecki. To this day, I don't understand how this nice woman could have such an arrogant brother. I have a feeling he would love to go from brother-in-law to the husband role."

Surprised, Jensen looked over at him. Misha clearly didn't like the guy, and the other information cast a whole new light on his boss. "I thought Mister Padalecki was straight. He was married to a woman after all," he whispered cautiously.

The secretary leaned over and whispered back. "He's bi. He’s had male companions before he got married, too." Misha frowned. "I thought you knew that. I mean, he's always looking at you and watching you. Your gaydar must be on and blinking wildly, right?"

Horrified, Jensen sat up bolt upright. "Gay?!" he cried angrily. "Where did you get that crazy idea?"

Stunned, Misha stammered, "But you... I thought... The way you look, dress, and act. You never talk about anything private or talk about a girlfriend or women at all, don't look at anyone."

"That doesn't mean I have to be a homosexual. Please refrain from such insinuations in the future. My private life and especially my sexual orientation are nobody's business!" Upset, Jensen picked up a stack of files and ran to the copy room.

His last words were also heard by the two men who were just leaving the executive office. Jared Padalecki looked thoughtfully after his employee. Jayden Miller hadn't actually denied that he was gay, he just wasn't talking about it. Interesting.

Chad Michael Murray narrowed his eyes to slits. He knew a threat to his goals when he saw one. His brother-in-law was clearly paying too much attention to this new employee.

The weather service had announced bad weather for the whole of Saturday. When Jensen arrived, it was already raining heavily and a low rumble could be heard. He ducked his head and quickly ran from the cab to the publishing building. He had always hated thunderstorms. Hopefully, it would pass.

The door to the boss's office was open. So he stopped in the doorway and greeted his boss, who was already sitting at his desk working.

"Good morning, Mister Miller. Why don't you make us both a pot of coffee and then come in with your laptop," he was greeted cheerfully by Jared Padalecki. 'A morning person! How wonderful,' he thought sarcastically. So the exact opposite of him.

"Of course. I'll be right back." Jensen turned around and put his things in the secretary's office. Then he made coffee and prepared a tray with two place settings, milk, sugar, as well as small nibbles that Mister Padalecki liked. While waiting for the coffee, he looked out the window. The weather was not getting any better. The wind whipped along the street. When a distant flash of light lit up the sky, he winced. 

With trembling hands, he placed the coffee pot on the tray. Jensen took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. When the trembling subsided, he carried the tray into the office. Mister Padalecki wanted to drink his coffee in the sitting area, so Jensen set things up there. Then he went to get his laptop.

When he returned, he was amazed. His boss poured the coffee for them both and motioned for him to join him. Jensen sat down on the couch across from him and put the laptop down next to him. Gratefully accepting his coffee, he watched in mild shock as the other man spoiled the exquisite black coffee by filling his own cup with copious amounts of milk and sugar.

They both enjoyed their coffee in silence. Then his boss took the floor. "In my youth, I traveled a lot. I used the much free time to write stories about the places and incidents I visited. In time, it became a loose narrative about two brothers driving across America in an old Impala, hunting monsters. My late wife was my best critic. With her, a workable manuscript emerged, which we continued to write together. With her death..." Jared swallowed a few times, "my inspiration was lost for a while. But now it's back, and I want to continue telling the story of the Winchester brothers and eventually publish it." He stood up and picked up some papers from his desk.

"I'm sorry for the loss of your wife, Mister Padalecki," Jensen condoled. He had learned from newspaper articles that Shannon Murray Padalecki died in a car accident two years ago. Death always affected Jensen, even when he didn't know the people who died and only heard or read about their fate.

Jared was surprised by the sincerity of the sympathy he saw in his thieving employee's brown eyes. He had not expected such sincerity. "Thank you." He sat back down on the couch and sorted through the papers on the table. A flash of lightning lit up the room, followed a few seconds later by a clap of thunder. Had his assistant just flinched? He looked up, but his counterpart was sitting there with a calm expression, if a bit stiff.

Again, a flash of lightning lit up the room. The rain was now drumming against the window panes, punctuated by thunder. He hadn't noticed how dark it had become in here because of the raging storm. "Would you please turn on the overhead light, Mister Miller?"

Slowly, Jensen stood up. There was another flash and he hurried to the light switches by the door. FLASHES OF LIGHTNING! Mighty thunder was now heard almost simultaneously. FLASHES OF LIGHTNING. RED. THUNDER. Jensen squinted his eyes. But all around him, there was lightning and thunder. FLASHES OF LIGHTNING. He stood with his back to the wall, convulsively trying to cling somewhere. To find a foothold. RED. Everything was RED.

"Is everything okay?" Jared had been watching his assistant with interest. Was he playing him? No, the fear was real. He didn't respond at all to his question, gazing blindly ahead. "Mister Miller?" Concerned, he rose and walked over to the frozen man. Another flash and the man flinched uncontrollably. "Mister Miller? Can you hear me?"

When there was no response, Jared put his hands on the other man's shoulders. "You're safe in here," he said in a firm voice. "The building has lightning rods, is made of stone, and can withstand hurricanes." He felt the younger man's great tension under his hands, the slight tremor.

RED. Jensen couldn't get out of his red thought hell. FLASHES OF LIGHTNING! THUNDER! FLASHES OF LIGHTNING! A deafening crash startled both men. He threw himself on his boss and clutched him with a death grip. He was shaking all over and no longer aware of anything.

Jared looked down at the panicked man in his arms. "Shh. It's all right. It was just a branch that went through the window." He stroked his employee's back in a circular motion, trying to calm him. But the shaking and trembling didn't stop. Without further ado, he lifted Jayden Miller's head and kissed him thoroughly.

After what felt like an eternity, Jensen registered that he was being kissed by his employer. Startled, he resisted and pushed the man away from him. Both stumbled backward and looked at each other, gasping.

"I apologize for the assault. You had a panic attack and were unresponsive. I didn't know any other way to bring you back to the here and now," Jared apologized. Embarrassed, he ran a hand through his hair. He looked at the mess in his office and the storm outside. "We should retreat to the reception area by the elevators and wait out the storm. There are no windows there, and because of the central location in the building, you won't hear much of the storm."

His explanations seemed to relax Jayden Miller somewhat. Jared grabbed the papers off the table and the laptop. "Work will distract us until the storm passes," he explained his action. "Come on." He walked past the shorter man and opened the door for him. Together they left the office.

Of course, when the storm passed, Jared drove his employee home. He allowed no excuses. They had distracted themselves in the waiting area with his Winchester story and discussed what was to come next. Jayden Miller was a very thoughtful speaker and listener as long as work topics were discussed. But as soon as the conversation drifted into the private, he closed up like an oyster and gave nothing away.

Now, in the more intimate atmosphere of his car, perhaps Jayden would be a little more open. He couldn't run away, either, unless he jumped out of the moving car. But Jared was quite sure he wasn't running, because he had laid out a very large cash decoy. Just as Mister Miller brought in a file yesterday, he opened the company safe and put in $100,000 in bundled bills that he had picked up from the bank that morning. Much to his chagrin, his employee didn't bat an eye. There was nothing to indicate that he was interested in the money. But the trap was set, and Jared lay in wait.

"Why green?" asked Jensen.

His employer didn't understand the question.

"Your Lincoln Navigator. Why is it green? It's not a common color for a company owner's SUV."

"We've been working closely together for weeks, exchanging a tie, drinking coffee together, kissing, and debating my book manuscript." Mischief sparkled in Jared's eyes. "And you're thinking about my car color, Mister Miller."

Somewhat awkward about the innuendo, Jensen said, "I don't understand the color choice and wanted to know why."

Jared accepted the change of subject and explained, "My father runs a horse stud that has been in our family for generations. We breed thoroughbreds. According to our veterinarian and equine hobby psychologist, horses are less stressed when green cars drive along the paddock fence. My dad swears by his opinion. So all of the family cars are painted all different shades of green. I was really lucky that our horses don't prefer a Ford Ka. So at least I could choose freely among the car models."

"Actually, horses don't like cars and engine noises at all. Your vet should have recommended bicycles," his passenger replied dryly.

"Then he'd have to cycle several miles through our green hills every day himself, and afterward he'd be snorting around with the horses for half an hour to calm his wheezy breathing." Jared grinned at the idea of their obese vet on a bicycle. "No, he was very pragmatic about that, and fortunately for all of us, didn't mention the two-wheeled option."

"The family stud... you're talking about Green Hill Stables, aren't you. Their stallion Telemachos won the Kentucky Derby three years ago."

"Yes. Are you interested in horse racing, Mr. Miller?"

"I am interested in horses and follow their development."

Thoughtfully, Jared steered the car through Louisville city traffic. "Next Friday, the racing season begins at Churchill Downs. Will you join me for the Kentucky Oaks race?"

Jayden Miller seemed to carefully weigh the pros and cons of meeting him outside the office and finally agreed. Jared was aware that his employee was only coming along for the horses and not for himself, but he didn't care. He was eager to get to know him better, and if horses would help with that, he had a whole arsenal of options in stock or in the stables at home.

The Old Bourbon Tavern in Louisville was busy when Jared walked in and looked around searchingly. "Hi Chris," he greeted his friend and joined him at the bar. 

"Hi, Jared. Good to see you." Chris Kane gave his childhood friend a companionable pat on the back and slid him a glass of bourbon. Both men toasted their reunion and sipped the good stuff slowly. The ice cubes clinked softly in the glasses as they welcomed the end of the day.

"You have a problem," Kane opened the conversation and got right to the point.

"I have a problem," Jared confirmed, "and I need your help." He finished the rest of his drink. "And your secrecy, no matter what you find out."

"You've met someone and you're serious?"

"Not exactly. It's more complicated than that."

"Wow, finally." Visibly relieved, Chris ordered two more bourbons. At Jared's questioning look, he continued speaking. "I was starting to get worried. You got so lost in your grief after Shannon died, I was afraid you'd be alone forever. But it's not your brother-in-law Chad, blasé Murray, is it?"

"No!" groaned Jared, laughing. "What have you got against Chad?" He shook his head teasingly. "You never could stand him, Chris. What did that poor guy ever do to you?"

"I just can't stand him," he admitted grumpily. "Everywhere he goes, he pushes himself into the center of attention and treats everyone as if they were his underlings. That condescending manner has just been getting on my nerves for years. But now don't distract any further. Who is she?"

"Who?"

"Your new flame. The complicated problem."

"The problem is male and currently works at my publishing house."

"Uh-huh, can you be a little more specific?"

"He goes by the name Jayden Miller or Jayson Nichols. At least, that's the name I know him by. But I don't think that's his real name. He stole $50,000 from Morgan in Philadelphia or is wanted by the police there in connection with that." 

Christian looked at him intently. "Now tell me the real reason you hired him."

After a big gulp of bourbon, Jared confessed. "He has bow legs and adorable pouty lips. I noticed that first." Chris started to grin. "Hell, yeah, he's gorgeous," Jared admitted, annoyed that his friend knew him so well. "With Morgan, he had blue eyes and black hair, now his eyes and hair are brown." Jared turned his glass without drinking. "He's not as ice-cold and calculating as he seems at first glance. I've seen his vulnerability and fear." 

"Oh, man. It's just like Shannon."

"What do you mean?"

"He appeals to your protective instincts. You wanted to protect Shannon in the first place when you saw her. And then you were married. When do I get to meet the future Mister Padalecki with the stunning bow legs?" quipped Christian.

"You're nuts," Jared fended off.

"No, I'm not," Chris said seriously again. "You like him. There's no point in denying it. I've known you since we were digging in the sandbox together." He waved away any counter-arguments with his hand. "That's why we should definitely take care of your beloved's predatory and criminal traits and sort them out. What do you have in mind?"

"You have more opportunities to get information as a private detective and handle it discreetly. I want a complete dossier on my employee, only then can I decide how to proceed." Jared pulled a folded paper from his inside suit pocket and handed it over. "These are all the leads I have and his photo from the personnel file."

Christian skimmed the very meager information and smirked. "And you've probably already gone through all the official channels, knowing you. So someone is very clever at hiding their identity. Add to that the fake IDs and disguises. That points to a habitual perpetrator. I think he's got more than one robbery under his belt. Can you think of anything else? Did he mention anything personal during your conversations?"

"He loves horses more than anything and horse racing. That's why we're going next week... Uh, I mean, the way he talks about them, he absolutely knows horses. It's not a whim or research for the new job. He knew that one of our stallions won the Kentucky Derby three years ago and is now being used for breeding. I bet he can ride, too."

They both snorted as the ambiguity of the statement struck them. "I'd love to be there when he finds out you like motorized horsepower instead of four-legged. How much horsepower does your Navigator have again? Okay, all kidding aside. Do you think he's from Kentucky? Pronunciation? Dialect?"

"I don't know. Hair and eye color are wrong. Since Jayden is always clean-shaven, there is no clue to natural hair color either. Gait, behavior, and pronunciation may also be trained to mislead. Only his bow legs and lips are real, he can't conceal them. Trust me." Jared involuntarily ran his fingers over his mouth. He remembered exactly the full plush lips which were pressed against his - all unadulterated and pristine.

"Man, you've got it all over you," the private detective summed up his friend's behavior with amusement. "I'll see what I can find out about your intended. Try to find out more on your dates. Maybe you'll find out what places he knows personally or has traveled to. That might narrow down the search."

For the rest of the evening, both men talked about family, acquaintances, and the world. It wasn't until well after midnight that Jared said goodbye to his best friend and took a cab home. During the ride, he couldn't stop thinking about Jayden Miller and his unusual question about car color. Luckily the horses were stabled at night and couldn't be bothered by the yellow color of the cab, he noted in his slightly tipsy state. His employee would surely be upset if he upset the horses. Riding in tandem with Jayden-Jayson would be an alternative. Jared would bike in the back and admire the great view in front of him... Suddenly the cab stopped and he was jolted out of his pleasant reverie. Now sober again, he paid for the cab ride and got out. Whistling elatedly to himself, he walked to the front door.

The Kentucky Oaks was held, as always, on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. It was a long-standing publishing tradition that all Padalecki & Co. employees had that day off to enjoy and celebrate America's favorite horse races.

Jared picked up Jayden Miller early in the afternoon. He had reserved a box with the best view of the home stretch on the third floor of the clubhouse. This gave them both a chance to get a taste of the racing atmosphere and chat about equestrian sports before taking their seats. As they walked around, they also passed the betting parlors, and Jared bet on the horses his clerk had recommended. Then he returned to Jayden, who was waiting outside, amused by the betting.

"So, I followed your recommendations and bet on the suggested horses. Although I'm not sure about Demoness Deal. The mare is a blatant outsider and her chances of winning at the Oaks are considered very slim. But I bowed to your horse sense, Mister Miller." Jared waved the betting slips teasingly. "And I really can't persuade you to place a few bets? Horse betting is just part of visiting Churchill Downs."

"No, I don't bet!" The serious tone ended the subject.

"Killjoy," Jared sneered good-humoredly. "Then shall we at least look at the potential winner of this year's Oaks?"

"What, now?" Jensen's voice rolled over with surprise and excitement. "I've never been to the Paddocks before."

"So you've been here before?" Jared asked the question casually as he pocketed the betting slips. He didn't want Jayden to realize he was fishing for information.

"Yeah, a few times. I watched Demoness Deal train as a two-year-old. She turned out splendidly."

"Well, then, today is your lucky day. Since my father runs our horses regularly at Churchill Downs, I have free access to the stable area and can bring visitors." Elated, Jared produced his identification card and they entered the stables.

"Tell me, Mister Padalecki," Jensen hesitated briefly, but then determinedly asked the question because he wanted to know the answer, "do you actually like horses? You don't sound very enthusiastic when you talk about equestrian sports."

"You got me." Embarrassed, he ran a hand through his hair. "Actually, I was going to teach you the answer more gently." He took a deep breath. "Well, in a nutshell, I'm not much of a horse person. My father is the horse fan in the family. My late wife was supposed to take over the reins of the stud later on. But things turned out differently," he said wistfully, but then snapped himself out of his melancholy. "Well, enough about the past. It's Derby weekend, and we're here to see the best three-year-old thoroughbreds in the world."

Talking shop, they walked from stall to stall. Then they went out to the paddocks and admired Demoness Deal. Her jockey entered the paddock, stroked the mare, and answered the visitors' questions. RED. RED, everywhere was RED. Jensen turned with a jerk and looked in the opposite direction. "Can we go?" he choked out convulsively. "I guess my recommendation wasn't so good after all. She has glazed eyes." Robotically, he put one foot in front of the other. Just get away from all that red.

Jared glanced around the paddock in confusion. Jockey and horse stood close together. While the man flirted with a local reporter, Demoness Deal began nibbling on his red silk jacket patterned with green stars. Laughing, he distracted the mare from his clothes with whispered words. She looked very healthy. Thoughtfully, Jared followed his employee.

"Excuse me, aren't you Jaylen Baker?" When Jensen stopped and stared questioningly at the man in front of him, he continued explanatorily. "Rob Stone," he replied at the non-recognition. "Bentley Cunningham introduced us once." When he still received no response, he became more aggressive. "Oh, come on, Mister Baker. You remember Bentley Cunningham, don't you? You worked at his law firm in Charlotte. Ben spoke very highly of you at the time."

"I'm sorry, you must have me confused with someone else. I don't know any Bartley Cunnings and I don't know you either!"

"Bentley Cunningham," corrected the stranger, "and I'm Rob Stone, as you know."

"As I said, I don't know you or your friend!"

"Oh, come, Baker, you will remember Bentley Cunningham, won't you?"

"I believe my companion has already answered your question, Mister Stone." Jared had stood protectively beside Jayden while positioning himself to cast an ominous shadow on the troublesome man. He also towered over him by a head's length and glared down at him dismissively. But apparently, the message wasn't getting through.

"I just wanted to say hello, since I know Mister Baker from before and..."

"Do you know this man, Mister Miller?" Jared watched his employee, but his facial expressions and posture did not reveal whether he knew the man or whether it was indeed a case of mistaken identity.

"No, we've never met," Jayden replied, genuinely indignant at the guy's persistent assertion.

The man was about to retort, but Jared cut him off sharply, "Good day!" They left the unpleasant fellow standing and sauntered back to their reserved table. The most important race of the day was about to begin.

In keeping with racing tradition, you armed yourself with binoculars and ordered the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby - Mint Julep. But while Jared ordered the whiskey-based classic, his employee opted for the non-alcoholic version.

"Well, Mister Miller, you seem to be a paragon of virtue - you don't bet, you don't smoke, you don't drink, you do excellent work, you're always polite and courteous," Jared summarized his observations so far as both men sipped their drinks.

"Do I hear a question coming out of that?"

"No one is perfect. After all, don't you have some hidden weakness or secret vice?"

"No, not that I know of. Maybe my love of horses could be construed as a weakness?" offered Jensen.

"I take it you're not much of a people person?"

"I'm a realist, Mister Padalecki. Dependable, responsible, disciplined, pragmatic. I look at things soberly and objectively and make rational decisions. That's why I'm so good at my job, and that's why you hired me."

"Yes, that's right." Jared had had entirely different reasons for hiring him, but he could ill admit them. He would also describe Jayden Miller completely differently - attractive, criminal, interesting. In short, utterly desirable. He fit his prey pattern perfectly.

The announcement heralded the start of the Kentucky Oaks and both men automatically turned their attention to the track. The horses were just being brought into the starting stalls. The collective tension among the spectators was palpable as the horses galloped off. For just under two minutes, everyone held their breath and watched the race. In the end, Demoness Deal won by two lengths.

"Your glassy-eyed betting tip just won," Jared commented dryly, recording the result on his flyer with satisfaction. "You've been right on all the races!" There was genuine amazement in his voice. "If you keep advising me so well on horse betting, I'll soon be a filthy rich man and would pay you royalties."

"I don't bet," Jayden said with amusement, "so no payout of indirect winnings for me either."

"Fine, then I'll donate the winnings to distressed horses and you pick suitable donation recipients. Agreed?"

"That's a wonderful and generous idea. The addresses will be on your desk Monday. Thank you," Jensen replied with sincere appreciation.

"Then we'll have that satisfactorily settled." Jared winked at him with a smile. "I don't know about you, Mister Miller, but I'd be willing to raid the buffet right now."

In unison, they got up and headed out. Apparently, the plentiful first plate was just to satisfy a ravenous appetite, because shortly thereafter Jayden grabbed a second helping from the buffet. Jared took advantage of the unobserved moment and pulled out his cell phone. He quickly wrote a message to Christian Kane before forgetting the new information.

"Jaylen Baker, another alias?; Bentley Cunningham, Charlotte law firm, employer?; more often at Churchill Downs; training Demoness Deal observed as a two-year-old."

He put the phone away as his guest returned to the table. Jared had to grin inwardly. On the plate, all the specialties were lined up in spoon-sized portions for tasting. Jayden began to celebrate each morsel. The enigmatic man was enjoying their dinner together to the fullest. And Jared eagerly devoured his counterpart's every movement and indulgent expressions. He was relieved that his employee had this particular weakness in addition to his predatory nature. Jayden Miller loved good food. Jared could work with that.

After the last spoonful of dessert made its way between his luscious lips, Jayden sat back happily. "The food tasted wonderful. Thank you so much for having me."

"I'm glad you appreciate good food," Jared agreed. He looked down at the Derby flyer as he weighed his next words. "Tomorrow is the Kentucky Derby. My family and I will be watching the race from The Mansion." Jared looked up with pleading eyes. "Would you join me again tomorrow? The view of the finish line from the terrace is spectacular. The conversations will revolve almost exclusively around horses. And... I could use your help with the betting. There's this little family competition to see who can best win and place. So far, I've always lost. But with you on my side, the tide could turn in my favor this time. At the same time, the number of donations would increase. What's more, top chefs from all over Europe will be flown in for the dinner," he said at the end, sweetening his invitation.

Good food was definitely Jensen's weak point.

"Hello, Father. I'd like you to meet Jayden Miller. He's a horse lover just like you. Yesterday he picked the right winning horse in all the races. I could have made a fortune. That's why I'm confident I can win our family race today with his help. Mister Miller, this is my father Gerald Padalecki."

Those introduced shook hands and Padalecki Sr. eagerly took the floor. "Welcome to our Derby roundtable. I'm very pleased to meet you. Jared has told me a lot about you already. We always have a barbecue on Derby weekend. Why don't you come by tomorrow as well? Then Jared can show you our stud and, of course, Telemachos, and we can talk shop about horse breeding."

"I'd love to," Jensen agreed, a little taken off guard.

"Howdy, Gerry," Gerald Padalecki was greeted effusively by a gentleman about the same age as him.

"Howdy, Richie," Gerald replied delightedly. The men were immediately engrossed in conversation about the races taking place today, completely oblivious to the rest of the world as they both headed toward the bar. 

Not to be deterred, Jared continued with the round of introductions. "And this is Christian Kane, my best friend from childhood and my brother-in-law Chad Murray." Jensen extended his hand to both.

"Excuse me for a moment, please. I have to say hello to Richard before he leaves with my father," his boss said to him conspiratorially and hurried off.

"Didn't I see you at a desk in the publishing house?" trumpeted Murray loudly, so that everyone would know that Jayden Miller belonged to the poor working class and not the millionaire upper class. 

Chris squinted angrily and shot back, "Well, not everyone has a rich brother-in-law who pays all the bills. Maybe you should mingle with the working folk sometime, too. The experience would certainly do you some good and broaden your horizons." Offended, Chad turned and left.

Jensen's eyebrows shot up.'Whoops, what happened here?' Kane and Murray couldn't stand each other! He quickly schooled his face. It still surprised him how openly rivalries were played out in these exalted circles. Pointed remarks, innuendos as well as punches below the belt were the norm rather than a rarity. 

"Where are you from, Mister Miller?" Chris addressed the younger man, whose facial expression immediately took on a neutral expression that betrayed nothing.

Jayden took a sip of the non-alcoholic champagne served in the elevator before answering. "I was born in a little nest in Texas, but my parents moved around so much when I was growing up that I'm actually from all over."

"What brought you to Louisville?"

"Work, of course. I already knew Louisville from several visits to Derby. My previous job was going to fall victim to rationalization. So I was looking for a new job. While thumbing through the newspapers, the Padalecki & Co. job ad caught my eye. The rest is history. I got a job in Louisville and moved here," he recounted with a smile before asking back.

"What do you do for a living, Mister Kane?" It was clear to Jensen that this man was also working class, just as he had earlier taunted Murray with job hunting.

"I'm a private investigator." Christian watched closely for any signs, but Jayden Miller showed no emotion in his answer. No fear. No wariness. Just normal attentiveness to an unknown interlocutor. Damn, this nut was really hard to crack. He had followed the scant clues Jared gave him and so far had found three identical cases involving money theft and a young missing employee that were very likely attributable to the man in front of him, but had not found out his true identity. That's why he came here today. Chris wanted to meet the person of interest himself to get an idea. Jared had been right, as usual. Jayden-Jayson-Jaylen-Jayce was an enigma. Although his longtime friend and he knew of Miller's guilt, he exuded a natural innocence that charmed even him.

"That's a very interesting profession you're in. What kind of cases do you work on? Do all of them ever get solved?" he casually asked his counterpart.

"My success rate is over 95 percent. Mostly I work on cases of...," Kane began to answer, but an arm wrapped around his shoulders, and a hand squeezed his upper arm in warning.

"Infidelity," Jared interjected. His predatory employee was yet to learn that the private detective dealt mainly with missing person cases and theft crimes. That knowledge might alarm him, and he would disappear for good, just to be on the safe side. "Chris specializes in couples' infidelities. Half of Louisville trembles when Christian Kane announces that a case has been solved. It usually then boils down to an expensive divorce or costly partnership breakup. Best of all was the case of a couple where the wife had feigned infidelity only to make her husband jealous because she felt neglected. She led Chris around by the nose for weeks with her Oscar-worthy performance. In the end, the newly in love couple made up for their honeymoon and are still happily married today."

Jared patted Chris on the back appreciatively for this accomplishment. "That's something you can be really proud of, Cupid," he feigned, only to apologize theatrically right after with a hand over his heart. "Unfortunately, I have to kidnap Mister Miller now. We want to have a look at the participating horses before the race starts, so he can give me sound advice on my betting placements today." He looked at his employee with a wink. "Ready to get a little conspiratorial stable air? My gut tells me that with your help, I'll definitely outperform my father this year."

"I'll see you later. In the meantime, I'm going to bug Chad some more," Christian bid them both a good-humored farewell.

Relaxed and at ease, Jared drove down the access road to the stud farm, thinking about yesterday and about his co-driver. Just as Jayden Miller predicted, Kings Ransom won the Kentucky Derby. At the paddocks, he changed two more of his recommendations after seeing the horses and their jockeys. His picks were right on the money and Jared won handily over his father and Chad.

Why his employee preferred to steal a few tens of thousands of dollars instead of legally winning hundreds of thousands in horse betting remained a mystery to him. The man had completely twisted morals. Betting money was beneath him, but theft tolerable? Was Jayden robbing his bosses' safes for the sheer fun of it? No, he didn't think so. There was another motive behind it. Hopefully, Chris would find out something more soon.

They drove past large stable buildings that lined the road on both sides and approached the large driveway to the mansion with its imposing side wings. Jensen looked in disbelief at the collection of cars clearly divided into two groups in front. To the right were neatly lined up only green vehicles and to the left were somewhat haphazardly parked cars of all colors.

Jared parked his Navigator by the green cars in a reserved spot near the entrance. Laughing, he removed the key. "Yeah, I know," he commented on the unusual color scheme. "It's scary how far our sense of family goes. Even friends and employees drive green cars. So if you come to visit us often, you should start..." both men got out, "thinking about a suitable shade of green for your own vehicle," Jared added with a joking wink.

Jensen blinked in irritation. Was his boss flirting with him? Already? He barely knew him, after all. He hadn't considered or even contemplated this early complication. But the last two invitations to the Derby so soon after each other should have forewarned him. If things progressed at this pace, he would have to adjust and accelerate his plans, or even consider canceling. Rejected people were unpredictable and vindictive. They could ruin everything. Better not to let it happen in the first place.

Jensen looked around admiringly as he was led by his boss through the mansion into the back garden. The tasteful expensive furnishings pleased him. Why was he kidding himself, the whole place had done it to him. Starting with the rolling hills, the lush pasture paddocks with noble thoroughbreds, the spacious stables, the classic farm buildings, the stylish manor house, and the spacious, beautifully landscaped garden where the barbecue was just being held with over a hundred guests. A little intimidated, Jayden let his boss show him around and introduce him. 

Fortunately, Mister Padalecki knew what his employee desperately needed right now and directed him to a table for two screened by bushes. The service staff unquestionably did what they were hired to do, as drinks and a huge BBQ menu were on the table in no time. Jensen's mouth watered. He didn't even know what to start with. Everything looked delicious and smelled amazing.

Jared watched his guest with amusement as he looked at the food with obvious anticipation. "I took the liberty of having platters of all the meats brought in, as well as side dishes and sauces. I'm sure you'll want to at least taste of everything again."

A slight blush crossed his cheeks and traveled down his neck. Embarrassed, Jayden lowered his eyes and murmured, "Thank you. I love to eat and just can't say no to good food."

"I know." Jared smiled and picked up his silverware. "Enjoy your meal. Enjoy."

Beef, pork, mutton, poultry - the meats were delicious. Spareribs, T-bone steak, chicken wings, pulled pork combined with smoky, spicy marinades, barbecue sauces, and sour cream - Jensen actually sampled all the dishes and was in a land of milk and honey. After trying through the desserts as well, he sat back, full and satisfied.

"In a way, I'm jealous. With your love of food, how do you stay so slim?" his boss asked with amusement. He must have been watching him for a while, since his dinner plate had already been cleared.

"I go to the gym three times a week and eat a very healthy, low-calorie diet during the week."

"And the rest of the days?" asked Jared with interest.

"Continuing education. I'm at the library a lot. And before you write me off as a boring reader, I'll tell you that beyond that, I'm out and about every weekend. Movies, theaters, zoos, museums, exhibits, restaurants. Louisville has a lot to offer."

Shaking his head, Jared stood up and said mischievously, "Believe me, Mister Miller, when I think of them, I think of a lot of adjectives, but boring is definitely not one of them." Jared stepped behind his employee, leaned down to him, and murmured conspiratorially in his ear, "We should go see the stud farm now. My father has looked in on us here several times. If we don't leave soon, he'll take over himself. Last time a guest had to extend his stay a week because my father had so much to tell and show and wouldn't let us leave sooner."

When Jayden hurriedly jumped up with a "We should go!", Jared just managed to keep the chair from tipping over and struggled with his amusement. He was thrilled by the lively temperament, but also sobered. After all, it brought home to him the sad truth. Jayden Miller absolutely did not care to linger in his company any longer than necessary. Quite in contrast to Jared. He was fully caught up in what his friend Chris had already correctly recognized last week. The reluctance could be a ploy, but Jared thought it more likely that Jayden really didn't want to know anything about him. No intimate eye bumps, furtive touching, flirting, teasing - nothing! So he could probably cross the marriage con man motive off the list.

The cool aloofness did not act as a deterrent, but attracted and enticed him. And nothing ventured, nothing gained! Jared would conquer Jayden, there was no doubt about that. He just needed to nudge him in the right direction with a little vigor. With these ulterior motives in mind, he led his intended through the garden to the stud farm. 

Of course, the horses were the highlight of the entire tour for his employee, and as one would expect, he knew all the champions and their backgrounds in great detail. How could Jayden remember even the most insignificant things? Jared had noticed this earlier in the publishing house as well. Jayden had enormous knowledge and stored new things like a sponge. Did he have a photographic memory? Was he eidetic? There was much to suggest this and it would explain some of his idiosyncrasies. Jayden completed paperwork in no time, seemingly without looking at the notes a second time, and his accuracy in betting tips was unparalleled.

They entered the last stable building, where remodeling work was underway. "My father always keeps the stable facilities up to date with the latest technology. Horse welfare is above everything here." Jensen entered one of the spacious new stalls and took a closer look at the luxury design for 'rich' horses. He spent his hours in the library reading reports, books, and magazines about horses and breeding. But he was also interested in innovations, developments, and research results. So he could really appreciate that at the stud they did not save at the wrong end and purchased the best technology currently available for sale.

"Only the best of the best. When it comes to our horses, money is not an issue for my father. And the breeding and racing successes prove him right," Jared commented on the expensive conversion. He leaned against the stall door with his arms crossed, watching Jayden Miller enchanted. His employee was truly a feast for the eyes. His cuddly bow legs. His lithe movements and wide eyes reminded him of a cat, which he was only too happy to pet and caress. Even though he knew there was a large feline predator lurking beneath the surface, he couldn't resist. Jared had a soft spot for cats, especially the predatory specimens. These were always particularly handsome and dangerous. A challenge to tame.

As if sensing the other's attention focused on him, Jayden turned questioningly. Their eyes locked on each other. Time stood still. Then this intense moment was over. What had just happened? Was there a common spark? Or had he just imagined it? No, there had been something. To be sure, Jared would test his assumption. 

Thoughtfully, he strode toward Jayden. "Tell me, Mister Miller, all those weekend trips you mentioned earlier, do you take them all by yourself?" Jared stopped close to the object of his passion and looked down at him. "Or can I join you?" 

Like a deer in headlights, Jayden looked up at him but didn't step back. Jared couldn't resist. He raised his hand in slow motion and gently grasped the back of his employee's neck. Slowly, he lowered his head and gauzily touched Jayden's lips. When he felt no resistance or reluctance, he deepened the kiss. His other arm snaked around the man's waist to pull him against his body.

He ran his fingertips through the short hair, and then Jared felt the cautious welcome. Lips opened tentatively and he plunged his tongue into the warm cavity he had long desired. Jayden soon slumped bonelessly against him. Desirous hands touched his sides and wandered over his back with innocent movements. Eyes flickered unsteadily and up close Jared could see exactly the half-slipped contact lens over a green iris. Green eyes! A cat, after all, Jared thought incoherently, too distracted by the other tongue doing wonderful things.

After quite a while, they both pulled their heads back to catch their breath. Jayden leaned his head against his shoulder as Jared trailed off with gentle pressure. He continued to run his hand through his short hair, nuzzling his face into it as he breathed in the intoxicating scent of the other man.

"Do you want to spend next weekend with me? We can stay here or take a short overnight trip somewhere. I'm afraid we can't see each other until Friday because I'm flying out to the West Coast tomorrow for the book fair. Please say yes. I really want to get to know you better," Jared urged, blowing a kiss on the crown of his hair.

The man in his arms didn't move. "Jayden?" asked Jared hopefully. But the wrong first name seemed to have flipped a switch. The pliant body tensed. Finally, the man broke away from him and stepped back with a distant expression on his face. 

"I need time." Seeing the rebellious look on his boss's face, he quickly relented. "I'm not saying no. But this whole thing is moving a little too fast for me. You're my boss ..."

"We'll take it slow. At your pace. And my name is Jared." 

"Good," was the somewhat cool reply.

Satisfied, Jared looked at him. Just now he had kissed the real man and held him in his arms. Now the latter was back in the role of Jayden Miller. But Jared had caught a glimpse of the truth. Pure devotion and connection and green eyes. Cat eyes.

"Shit! Shit! Shit!" Jensen ticked angrily around his room. This new complication was serious and changed everything. He had a decision to make. Abort or go through with his plans until the weekend? Hmm. Basically, his preparations were complete. Jensen had hoped to leave without taking any money this time. Too bad. He actually liked Jared Padalecki and was disappointed. Like many others before him, he turned out to be a scumbag who stalked his employees and took advantage of their fear for their jobs. If they didn't want to lose their jobs... such bosses were all... Scumbags! They deserved to be stolen from by him. He would follow through with the theft on Wednesday. Period!

Once his mind was made up, Jensen began packing and cleaning the room. Meticulously, he checked his special equipment. Using the public library also served an alibi function, because normal people spent their time there and didn't thoroughly research safecracking and disappearing without a trace on the Darknet like he did. He had bought his password-secured and highly encrypted MacBook specifically for this purpose. It would never serve as evidence against him because no one could hack it or would need several decades to do so.

He lured himself in and looked for updated information about the vault at the publishing house. There was nothing new. So he programmed his little self-developed device, as usual, adjusted every single parameter exactly to the type of vault, and carefully stowed everything away for the taking. Jensen always went to work with a roomy dark brown briefcase. Another bag on Day X might attract suspicion or attention. He wanted to avoid both at all costs.

On Monday and Tuesday he checked everything again, mentally ran several escape routes, and decided on a longer route on which he could not be followed by a car and badly on foot. He left nothing to chance.

Wednesday he went to work completely calm. His boss had actually called him every morning at the publishing house because he didn't have a cell phone himself. They chatted about the book fair, the publishing house, the weather... Jensen bypassed any allusion to their relationship, only noting that the guy was looking forward to their weekend together. So he was expecting a call today, too. Promptly, the phone rang. Jared was talking about new bestsellers, upcoming trends in the book market, and that he would be flying back as early as Thursday afternoon. Jensen's heart stopped for a moment. Thank goodness it wasn't Wednesday! Tomorrow he would be gone forever. 'Goodbye, Mister Padalecki!'

Jensen had chosen Wednesday for Day X because Misha was attending an important meeting in the morning, which could not be postponed despite the boss's absence. The assistant was to report on it in detail later. The appointment, which could not be postponed, provided the perfect window of opportunity for the theft. Around 11 a.m., just before the lunch break, it was generally very quiet in the publishing house because everyone was busy with their daily tasks and the morning gossip was over. 

Jensen had already secretly made a print of Misha's key to the executive office last month and had a copy made. Looking around carefully, he got up, picked up prepared papers and his briefcase, and went to his boss's door as he did every day. Quickly unlocking it, he entered the office and leaned on the door behind him only to listen for approaching footsteps. 

He placed his briefcase and papers on the consulting table, ready to hand. If necessary, he could claim to lay out documents for the next consultation. Jensen pulled a pair of gloves from his side pocket and slipped them on. Then he took out his homemade safe-opener and attached it next to the safe's mechanical combination lock. He carefully taped the sensors all around and plugged the headphones into his ears. He turned the number wheel with practice. His device helped him find the combination of digits and within a few seconds, the safe was cracked. 

Jensen turned the handle wheel and opened the safe. He retrieved his briefcase from the table and stacked the bundles of cash inside. Then he properly relocked the safe, removed his device, put it with the money, and threw in the stripped gloves. Finally, he zipped up his bag. Calmly, he grabbed his briefcase, took the papers from the table, and left the executive office. After locking the office door, he sat down at his desk, placed the briefcase in the footwell as he had done in previous weeks, and continued to work as calmly as ever.

After the office closed, he rode down in the elevator with Misha, as usual, and they both said goodbye to each other outside before heading in different directions. Straight to the boarding house, Jensen grabbed his suitcase before leaving Louisville by train. In Indianapolis, he would get rid of his old clothes and go shopping.

Unfortunately, what Jensen didn't know or notice were the hidden cameras in his boss's office, recording everything from different angles. Nor did he spot the micro GPS tracker in one of the wads of cash.

Jared looked at the caller ID before answering the call. "What's up, Chris?"

"He's gone!" the private investigator growled.

"Hold on a second!" Jared steered his rental car into a parking space and turned off the engine. "There, now we can talk undisturbed. I take it from your vocal frustration that Jayden Miller outsmarted you and got away?"

"He emptied your safe in the middle of the day during office hours! Who's that hard-nosed? I had him under 24-hour surveillance outside the publishing house. And there was nothing. Not a clue. No deviation from his daily routine. My staff almost had a stroke when Mister Miller showed up in the evening with a suitcase and immediately disappeared into the crowd, never to be seen again."

"Just tell me the tracker works."

"Of course, the tracker works. I just didn't think we'd have to rely on it alone. This guy is really good."

"Is that admiration I hear in your voice?"

"Jared, why aren't you pissed? Your ex-future husband stole your money."

"Because I kind of expected it. You should have heard Morgan rant when he reported the theft. Jayden turned down his advances, but I guess his no fell on deaf ears and he ended up with an empty safe. And after Sunday's barbecue... my intended was dreading the coming weekend. That's why I asked you for the increased surveillance. That he would strike in broad daylight... no one foresaw this foolhardy move. Not even a hardened private investigator like you, Chris."

"You kissed him... when you showed him the stables? Or did something more happen? No, silly question. You were gone a long time, but no rumpled clothes, disheveled hair, or telltale straws."

"Perceptive as ever, Chris," Jared agreed before taking a resigned breath. "I thought the kissing was consensual, though. Jayden didn't seem averse to it. But now I'm not so sure if he'd rather steal from me and bunk." He ran a hand through his hair in annoyance. "Well, he picked the wrong boss this time. I'm not letting him go and I'm getting my property back. So where is Jayden headed?"

"He's on the train to Indianapolis. I checked the video footage and GPS tracker signal right after I found out about his Houdini trick. He went into your office at 11:01, opened the safe, took out all the cash, locked the safe, left your office, and was back at his desk at 11:12, calmly typing reports until closing time."

"Wait a minute, are you telling me he opened and emptied my safe in less than ten minutes? That's impossible!"

"I assure you, it is very possible. I even have the video evidence." Chris struggled with his next words, but he worried about his best friend. "Jared, listen to me. Jayden Miller is a notorious thief, a criminal. He's stone-cold committed at least three thefts and he's not going to stop. He's practically got one foot in jail. You can't fall in love with him. It will never end well."

"Too late, Chris. Long too late. That ship has sailed," Jared informed them dryly.

"Please, Jared. Think it over. I can inform the police and hand over all the evidence. They'll arrest him..."

"No! I want him, Chris. More than you can imagine. I just have to convince him to want me, too. And if he's in jail because of me, that's hard to do."

"How are you going to convince him if he keeps leaving? He won't stay with you willingly."

"Well, then I'll have to find some good arguments to make him stay, won't I? Like video evidence or other facts that I'm sure you'll dig up. I have every confidence in your abilities."

"Jared, please be reasonable..." Chris interrupted his appeal. It was no use after all. Once his friend set his mind to something, he followed through. He didn't care about the consequences. "Fine, I'm totally on your side. But don't cry to me late if it goes wrong." 

"Thanks, Chris," Jared said with relief.

"So, now that we have the destination clarified and firmly in mind - what do we do if all that comes out at the end of the trip is another alias?"

"Did I tell you that Jayden has green eyes? A bright velvet green, to be exact. Actually, I've only seen one green eye, but if we rule out heterochromia, then both eyes are green."

Christian laughed. "You are so smitten. All right, so we're looking for a green-eyed thief. Of course, that totally narrows down the search, since we already know he likes to use colored contact lenses and hair dye."

"Chris, stay serious. You admitted yourself that he's good."

"Gotcha," Chris grumbled.

Thoughtfully, Jared asked, "Wait, didn't your reports say that the three thefts always occurred in the fifth month after hiring?"

"What's your point?"

"Maybe he's not stealing from all of his employers, just certain ones. It's possible that a trigger is setting off these thefts." Jared had a good idea of what might have been the trigger this time - kisses and the prospect of sex the next weekend. He'd seen uncertainty and fear in the brown eyes when he suggested it. And trusted Jayden to slow him down or refuse if Jared got too brash.

"What kind of trigger?"

"Sexual harassment."

"Oh. That changes the facts, of course. Do you think he's specifically looking for employers with bad reputations? He works there for four months. And then what? He punishes them with theft if they don't pass his test?"

"Something like that. Almost like the sorceress in the fairy tale who disguises herself as a beggar. Only my intended uses his good looks to find out the truth."

"Twisted psychology. Fairy tales are for children. You really ought to get him another hobby if you're going to grow old together."

"I plan to," Jared said confidently.

"How do you want me to proceed now?"

"Keep monitoring him. No access! We'll keep him safe for now. No one can permanently impersonate anyone else. It's too exhausting and the risk of mistakes increases. A hundred thousand dollars can fund a relaxing break from a stressful office job. Jayden will eventually drop his mask and our trap will snap shut. Just don't lose sight of him again. If he finds the tracker, he'll be warned and go underground. Then we have a problem."

"I'll keep a close eye on him and keep you posted. Don't worry, Jared. I'll do my job and keep an eye on your future man."

"Thanks, Chris. See you soon." Jared ended the call and leaned back in his car seat. He hadn't thought events would turn so quickly. He saw Jayden Miller in front of him, debating at the Derby, working intently at his desk, gleefully devouring his food with his eyes and mouth, adoring the horses, in his arms... 'Jayden was the one!' Jared admitted to himself. 'And Jayden needed help, his help!' There needed to be some problems sorted out! Jared was very good at that. 

First, he got on the phone with his pilot and instructed him to fuel up the jet for the return flight tonight.

Second, he dialed his assistant's number. 

"You have reached the answering machine of Misha Collins. Please leave a message after the beep."

"Good evening, Misha. This is Jared Padalecki. Please cancel all my appointments for this week and next. I have an urgent matter to attend to. Tomorrow I'll stop by the publishing house to sign off on the revised contracts. Oh yeah, before I forget. Earlier today, Jayden Miller called me. There was a family emergency and he is taking a few days off. Please let the Human Resources Department know. See you then."

Third, he called his cousin Samantha, who was an assistant director at his local bank in Louisville. She was amazed when Jared explained the reason for his call. He needed $100,000 in cash from his personal account for a lucrative business deal and would pick up the money at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow. It would be nice to have it ready by then.

After the conversation, Jared tossed the phone on the passenger seat and started the engine to drive to the hotel. He quickly packed his things, checked out, and headed to the airport.

The ride had been wonderful. Mystery just flew over the meadows. Jensen had enjoyed feeling the wind on his skin. Now he rode leisurely back to the Meadows Ranch. He wondered if his father missed him at all. He was now officially looking after James and he was having a lot of fun looking after him, not a trace of boredom or stress, he had happily told him on the phone. Jensen would be staying in Lexington for another month. He had no desire for happy Jamie afternoons at home with his father.

So lost in murky thoughts, he let Mystery take the lead. She carried him safely to the ranch and stopped outside the stable building. He bent over her neck and patted his mare affectionately. As if from nowhere, two men suddenly stepped out of the shadows and grabbed the reins on either side of him.

Surprised, Jensen straightened up and stared in horror at one of the two men, who glared at him menacingly. Jared Padalecki! He had found him! He had tracked him and tracked him down. Running away would do no good, he realized as he looked around. There were more men, and they were ... armed. Undercover agents? FBI?

"Get off, Mister Ackles!" Trepidatious and intimidated, Jensen slid off the horse's back. The second man led Mystery to a parked trailer. Only now did Jensen notice the large logo "Green Hill Stables, Stud G. & J. Padalecki" on the paneling.

Shocked, Jensen watched as strange men unsaddled his mare and began rubbing her dry.

"Mystery ..." he shouted in dissolution, wanting to run over. But a firm grip around his upper arm stopped him and he was dragged in the opposite direction to a waiting limousine.

As Jensen continued to resist, Jared pulled him close and growled in his ear, "You will accompany me, Mister Ackles. Or would you rather I call the police?"

So no FBI, but private security. But the police threat still worked. Without resistance, Jensen let himself be led to the limousine and loaded into it. Briefly, he glanced back, only to find that Mystery shared his fate. The ramp was just folding up behind her. Padalecki had taken his horse hostage to accomplish ... what?

Shaken, he watched as his boss got in and sat down next to him. A co-worker handed him a few more documents and things before the car door slammed with a finality that startled him. Jensen recognized his MacBook and personal papers. They had searched his room at the Lexington Carriage House! And Jared Padalecki knew his real name, which he only now realized.

While the man next to him silently reviewed the papers that had been handed over, Jensen squinted at the door handle. Should he dare?

"Don't even try. The doors are locked," Padalecki said dismissively, not even looking up.

As the trailer passed, Jensen tracked it with his eyes until it disappeared into the horizon. Mystery was gone! Would he ever see her again? Despair came over him. He didn't dare break the silence.

Jared had noticed the longing look of 'Jensen Ackles'. But he was still angry about the fact that Jensen had stolen from him and left him. Especially since the suspected reason didn't apply to him. He didn't harass his employees. Jared had hired Jensen in the beginning out of curiosity to observe him. Over time, his feelings changed from interest to sincere commitment. He wanted to help and protect Jensen. Not to be stolen from and jilted by him. It bruised his ego.

That's why he couldn't help himself from making the next spiteful remark. Yes, he was just a wee bit vindictive. "Mystery doesn't quite outweigh the material and especially emotional damage I've suffered from your breach of trust. But the money from the sale is better than nothing."

"Please, Mister Padalecki, you don't have to commandeer Mystery. I'll pay you back all the money... plus interest."

He got no response.

A vehicle pulled up next to the limo and a man got out. He was unloading luggage. Wait a minute... was that his suitcase? And the travel bag looked suspiciously like his, too. Both were stowed in the trunk of the limousine and shortly after they drove off. Jensen sat rigidly and looked cautiously at his boss.

He was just finishing his reading and threw everything on the opposite seat. Then he leaned back, emphatically calm, and looked at his 'prisoner' with cold fury.

Jensen swallowed, frightened. The silent treatment was wearing him down.

Wordlessly, Mister Padalecki took a remote control from the side compartment. A screen came up on the partition wall. One keystroke later, a video recording began to run. To his horror, Jensen knew the office shown with the safe very well. When the running time showed 11:02:00, he knew. His entire theft had been filmed and the noose around his neck was tightening. It was all over.

Jared stopped the video at a close-up of Jensen after he had relocked the emptied safe and was leaving the office with the loot. "This video, along with the investigative findings of my private investigator, is irrefutable evidence of your guilt."

The caught thief slumped, defeated. Padalecki had him completely in the palm of his hand.

"What do you want me to do with you, Jensen, hmm?" asked Jared rhetorically, looking at him searchingly.

Maybe an appeal to his magnanimity would help, Jensen reasoned. "Please. Please let me go, Mister Padalecki. You will get your money back in full. I haven't spent any of it."

"I know," was the curt reply.

How did his boss know...? Hell, he'd had him watched. Why? Because of a suspicion? Did he know all along? Was it all just a sick game? Think! What mattered was how much the man really knew? Maybe there was a teeny tiny loophole after all.

"What do you mean?" asked Jensen, his big green eyes feigning confusion.

Secretly amused, Jared enjoyed the spectacle, the corners of his mouth twitching telltale. He took the time to admire the beauty beside him. Now he finally saw the real man. Jensen had dark blond hair and, as already noted, green eyes. But the icing on the cake was the freckles that dotted delightfully across his nose and cheeks. He wonder if he had any all over.

When he didn't get an answer because Padalecki seemed distracted somehow, he asked uncertainly, "What are you going to do with me?"

Jared's smile turned wolfish. "J-e-n-s-e-n. It's a nice name. It suits you." His gaze drifted appreciatively to his hair. "And you're blond." Why was he suddenly ducking him? Jensen swallowed convulsively.

"We're going to Indianapolis." Because of Jensen's confused expression, Jared elaborated. "Before we talk about what's next, and get to our relationship, I'd like to get this pesky money issue out of the way. You offered earlier to give me back my stolen money for Mystery, right? So now we're going to your bank and you're going to get it out of the safe deposit box."

Shock paralyzed Jensen's limbs. His safe deposit box? He was indeed trapped. What did Padalecki not know about him?

Said man made himself comfortable. "Now that we have some driving time to kill, you can start explaining why you stole from me. Don't bother lying, I'll have everything checked out."

Jensen didn't want to upset his boss anymore and reluctantly started to tell the story. He was on the run from some unpleasant debt collectors. He had borrowed money for Mystery and couldn't pay it back because he had lost his well-paying job. Instead of a payment extension, he was threatened with violence and the removal of his horse. So he ran away, put Mystery up at the Meadows Ranch, and looked for a job.

Jared listened with amusement as Jensen skillfully wove truths and untruths into an adventurous story. He was going to be a writer. The book would be a bestseller.

When Jensen finally fell silent, Jared took over. "Good, that was a very nice and entertaining fantasy story. But now let's get to the truth. Your facts and figures are all wrong. Last fall you were working as Jayson Nichols for Jeffrey Dean Morgan in Cincinnati, that's where I saw you. Before that, you were Jaylen Baker at Bentley Cunningham in Charlotte. I'm sure you remember his pushy friend Stone that we met at Churchill Downs? In Memphis, you were employed by Newman & Schneider as Jayce Carter. I'm sure my friend Chris will find out more cases if he digs long enough. And believe me, he's really good at his job."

"And when you hired me, you already knew all this? You set me up to catch me and...?" Jensen could suddenly imagine all sorts of horror scenarios. Padalecki was a rich and powerful man who didn't put up with anything. He even hired a private detective and personally pursued a petty thief, even though the dollars stolen were peanuts given his wealth.

"I didn't know definitively. At first, I was just curious. Then I found you... nice and eventually fell in love. Unfortunately, I wasn't met with reciprocation."

What? Had Jensen heard right? Love? Maybe all was not lost after all. "Mister Pa… Jared, this was all a big misunderstanding. Of course, I liked you!"

"Oh yeah, you have a very funny way of showing it."

"Understand," Jensen said pleadingly, "I was afraid of that weekend with you. It all happened too fast for me. You were my boss. A no could have ruined my career prospects. And I wasn't ready for a yes. I didn't know what to do. That led to my short-circuit action of stealing the money and going into hiding."

Jared laughed out loud. "Jensen please don't insult my intelligence. You plan everything outright from the start - in life as in your day job. I'm sure you know what types of safes are in each company’s building and how to crack them before each hire. You're a habitual thief, stealing from your employers after four months."

"I'll stop! Jared, if you let me go, I'll never..."

"No, Jensen. You're going to keep going. I know it. You know it. Someday, someone's going to get their hands on you who's not as understanding as I am. You need someone to take care of you. Prevent you from going astray again. That's a job I'm going to take on in the future."

Outraged, Jensen hissed, "I don't need a chaperone!"

"Oh, I think you do. Or is there a boyfriend or girlfriend who can do that? What about your parents?"

"There wasn't and isn't anyone! My parents are dead."

"I'm sorry to hear that. No one ever? There must have been men as well as women interested in you?"

"I don't deny that. I've never been interested in anyone else."

"Never? There's not a husband or wife hiding anywhere, spending all that captured money?"

Visibly incensed by the intrusive questioning, Jensen hissed, "No one! I've never been married or involved with anyone!"

So much spirit. "So," Jared said elatedly, "when we get home, we'll tell my dad that we fought and made up. You ran off in a huff, and I went after you and got you back. My father believes that there has to be fighting and reconciliation in a relationship. It keeps love fresh and alive."

Jensen's eyes grew rounder with disbelief as he listened.

"On Friday, we're going to get married. All the official papers should be in place by then. After that, we'll go on our honeymoon. A cruise around the world for a few weeks. Then we'll have plenty of time to really get to know each other. And you needn't worry about your reputation in Louisville. I replaced the missing cash in the safe. So you weren't outed as a thief, but you were gone for a few days due to a family emergency. I went after you and comforted you, getting closer in the process."

Horrified, Jensen entrenched himself in his corner. "You're crazy. There's no way I'm going to marry you!"

"Well, if you don't marry me, I will turn you over to the police with all the evidence and facts I have gathered. What would be the sentence for a thief who stole several hundred thousand dollars and is a repeat offender to boot? I think you will be very graying and frail when you are allowed to leave prison again if you are sentenced to only fifty years. The judges in Kentucky are very strict."

Jensen was frozen with fear. His father. He couldn't abandon his father, his only family. And Mystery. Who knows what the man would do to her for revenge.

With a sardonic smile, Jared asked, "What's it going to be, Jensen? Prison or marriage?"

Jensen moistened his dry lips. "Why... why do you want to marry me?"

Jared leaned closer and said ingratiatingly, "I still like you." Coldly, he continued. "But don't be under any illusion that you can wrap me around your little finger again. I've caught you, and I'm going to keep you. By any means necessary!"

Jared straightened up again and looked sternly at the other man. "So make up your mind! Now!"

Eyes downcast, Jensen replied through clenched teeth, "I choose marriage. But it will only be a marriage on paper!"

Pleased, Jared exclaimed, "Certainly not!" and sealed their engagement with a stormy kiss as he pulled Jensen possessively against him.

Chad hid his anger behind a put-on smile as he and the family escorted the newlyweds to the waiting limousine. Why had Jared married this Jensen, a lowly clerk who had only been working at the publishing company for a few months? A nobody compared to Chad, who was always there for Jared, supporting and comforting him since his sister's death. 

They would be the perfect couple. Chad had hoped and worked toward taking his rightful place at Jared's side. And then came this pathetic... Damn! He had to admit without envy that no one could hold a candle to Ackles in terms of looks. But who could compete with someone who looked like the multi-crowned "Sexiest Man Alive."

Still, Jensen was just another fortune hunter like all the others Chad had driven away. Unfortunately, this time unsuccessfully. Somehow Ackles had figured out that his brother-in-law liked blonds and dyed his brown hair. And Jared had fallen for this fake blond.

And then the name thing and the harebrained stalker story to go with it, which was supposed to be the reason for this rushed wedding. My ass. Jared could have protected this guy without a wedding ring. There was something wrong with this Jensen-Jayden Ackles-Miller after all!

When it was Chad's turn, he didn't miss the chance to wrap his arms around Jared's neck and kiss him goodbye for real. Unfortunately, his brother-in-law immediately interrupted the kiss and dispassionately pushed Chad away. "I see we'll have to get you someone to kiss and cuddle too," Jared said smiling in his direction as both men looked to the other groom.

Jensen didn't seem to have a jealous bone in him. Indifferently, he looked back. Either he was very sure of his case with Jared, or it was indeed a mere sham marriage. In the latter case, Chad would be very active in getting an annulment. Fine, even in the first case. Who was he kidding?

Reluctantly, he stepped back and stood next to Samantha so the rest of the family and friends could say their goodbyes. Finally, everyone watched in jubilation as the new couple climbed into the limo and drove away with clanging tin cans.  

"Did you see the ring on that Jensen guy? What was that bling?" asked Samantha in awe.

"A 2.1-carat green diamond surrounded by black diamonds. 'It has to be this green diamond, Chad. Matches the color of his eyes.'" Chad mimicked Jared's voice. "Of course, both wedding rings were platinum, with Jared's ring being the exact opposite with a large black diamond surrounded by small green diamonds." Again, he disguised his voice. " 'Like yin and yang, Chad. Dark and light, we complement each other.' And he spent $1.2 million on everything. I was in on that. Oh, there's also the $120,000 for the world cruise on the Seaborn Dream."

"About... 1.3 million? My cousin must have gone crazy. All for a runaway marriage swindler. We don't even know his family," Samantha grumbled.

"He has no living family members as far as I know. Jared didn't tell us much, and I couldn't sound him out. How could I when he's never been alone? The two of them have hung together like burrs since they got back. They even went to the publishing house together."

"Jared has always been different and done his own thing. His last move a few weeks ago was to call me in the evening and ask me to put up $100,000 in cash for him the next morning. When I asked Jared what he needed that much cash for, he just jokingly said that blackmailers always demanded cash. He kissed me on the cheek and then laughingly said 'I'm investing in my future happiness, Sam.' I've never been able to appreciate Jared's wry sense of humor."

Unknowingly, Samantha confirmed Chad's theories. Blackmail? Was Jensen a criminal?

"Did you just violate bank secrecy, Sam?" asked Chris seriously. He leaned against the wall of the house with his arms folded within earshot. Both had been so engrossed in their gossip that they hadn't noticed him. "I think what Jared does in a bank is between him and the bank. No outsiders!" At the last words, he looks pointedly at Chad.

Samantha's face paled and Chad felt caught.

"So if I hear anything anywhere about this money transaction... or any other malicious rumors about our newlyweds, I'll let Jared know which two birds were probably chirping. We understand each other?" Christian nodded to both and left.

"Shit!" said Chad. Samantha could only agree, concerned.

Depressed, Jensen entered the large luxury cabin with his husband. The whole week had been completely surreal. Except for the engagement and wedding kisses, Jared made no further advances. He had dressed him and taken him out. He spent the rest of the time at the family estate. His room was right next to Jared's premises, but the connecting door remained locked. He was only allowed to see Mystery under supervision. Jared probably knew full well that Jensen would ride off in a panic at an unguarded moment. 

Then they had married in a small family circle, driven to the airport, and flown to New York on a private jet.

They entered their accommodations and Jensen's mouth dropped open. Jared had booked the owner suite. In amazement, Jensen moved around the room. So much luxury and spaciousness for two people on a ship left him speechless. Exclusive furniture and exquisite materials everywhere. Nothing was spared here.

The living area was dominated by an oversized comfortable sitting area with countless cushions. There was also a dining area with a bar, two television chairs with an oversized flat-screen TV, and a desk. Floor to ceiling windows as far as the eye could see. Slowly, he walked into the bedroom. Sure enough, there was a huge king-sized bed. A bed! Jensen gulped in trepidation and continued to look around. Walk-in closet, spacious rain shower, and sprawling spa bathtub. What else!

Back in the bedroom, he saw Jared standing in the doorway. 

"The butler will unpack our luggage later. Do you want to relax a bit first or explore the ship right away? We're sailing soon, and we might as well catch the show from our deck." Jared looked at him questioningly. But Jensen saw only one man - tall, muscular and strong. His husband could easily overpower him and throw him on the bed. A shiver ran down Jensen's spine. Sexual intercourse? He felt sick at the thought.

Hastily, he ran to the windows and stepped out onto their private terrace made entirely of teak. Was this a Jacuzzi? Sun loungers and chairs invited him to linger and relax. The suite, as well as the terrace, encompassed the entire end and width of this ship's deck. Pure luxury.

He stepped up to the railing and gazed out over the water and then at the bustle of New York Harbor. The Atlantic crossing would take several days. No chance of escape. He felt so at the mercy of it all. Trapped on a luxury cruise ship and forcibly married. Tonight was their wedding night! What would Jared do or ask? He had Jensen completely in the palm of his hand. One word from him and he ended up in jail for a very, very long time.

"Jensen?", Jared's voice sounded behind him. His husband had followed him, waiting for an answer. The last few days, the wedding, the car ride, the plane ride - constantly Jared had been by his side. Distance! He desperately needed distance. Anything was better than being cooped up here with him. "Get out!" he blubbered gruffly. "I mean, look at the ship and experience sailing with the other passengers," he quickly improved his slip.

"Well, let's go." Frowning, Jared turned and ran ahead to hold the cabin door open for him in a very gentlemanly manner. Jensen had trouble dealing with his husband's different personalities. This back and forth between merciless blackmailer and amiable chivalry was getting to him. He felt like he was in "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." He wondered if Robert Louis Stevenson had a vision of Jared Padalecki's future back when he wrote the story.

Jared closed the door, but stopped and reached for his cell phone. Apologetically, he said, "I'll just quickly inform the butler that the cabin is free for the next hour. Do you want to eat here on our first night, or would you rather go to a restaurant and enjoy the ship's flair?" His husband looked at him inquiringly.

Was this a trick question? No matter. Anything that kept them away from the cabin and the one bed was fine with Jensen. "A restaurant would be nice."

A shadow flitted across Jared's eyes before he quickly typed something into his phone and then pocketed it. Was he disappointed with Jensen's answer?

Silently, they began their exploratory tour. Indoor and outdoor pools, conservatory, bars, restaurants, spa, gym, lecture rooms, library, and theater.

Later, they both dutifully stood on the promenade deck at the railing and watched the ship sail. All around, people cheered, but Jensen hung on to his own thoughts. Picturesquely, the evening sun sank behind the New York skyline. The Statue of Liberty was getting smaller and smaller. For the immigrants, it was a symbol of freedom. 

Jensen had lost his freedom to the man next to him, who now put an arm possessively around his waist and breathed a kiss on his temple. "You haven't eaten properly all day, Jensen. You must be hungry. Come on, let's go get a bite to eat." Unresisting, he allowed himself to be led away, for which he blamed solely his low blood sugar.

At the gourmet restaurant, Jared surprised him again. A festively decorated table with candlelight had been prepared in a private room. When Jensen looked at him in surprise, Jared explained with a smile, "Today is our wedding day. I wanted to please you with a princely supper befitting the occasion. I hear the cuisine on this ship is excellent."

Jensen was directed to a chair, which Jared obligingly pulled back. Then he took a seat in his own chair. "Ready to be pampered?" He glanced to the side and gave the waitress a wave.

"I took the liberty of ordering champagne for the toast." When Jensen pressed his lips together in refusal, he quickly explained, "Non-alcoholic for you, I haven't forgotten your preference."

The head steward himself brought the chilled champagne bottles and crystal glasses to their table on a serving cart. With a perfect show, he served the drinks and quietly withdrew. Jared stood up and raised his glass. Out of courtesy, Jensen did the same. They clinked their glasses together and a pure bell-bright sound rang out.

"To our marriage. I'm very happy you said yes, Jensen." Jared's eyes positively sparkled at his words. 

Jensen couldn't agree with that at all. He had not said yes voluntarily! So he just replied noncommittally, "Cheers," and took a small sip before they both sat down again.

"You've been planning all this for a while," Jensen accused him. "What would you have done if I had argued for dinner in the cabin?"

"Then we would have enjoyed this sumptuous supper in our suite." Again Jared waved to the staff and shortly thereafter dinner was served in several courses.

As Jared had expected, the exquisite delicacies soothed Jensen's displeasure with his situation. His husband gave himself over completely to feasting. It was simply delightful to watch his devotion to food. In this matter, Jensen was quite predictable, proving otherwise to be a closed book. Chris still didn't have all the pieces of the puzzle together. He was doggedly working on it like a pit bull, still convinced that Jared had made a mistake by marrying him. There wasn't even a prenup, despite Chris and Jared's lawyers pushing for one several times. But somehow Jared didn't believe Jensen was messing with their money, now his own. He couldn't explain it, but Jensen's twisted morals wouldn't allow it. In a divorce - which never happened - Jensen would give up everything and voluntarily go empty-handed. That's how good he was at sizing him up.

"What do I get to do later, when this honeymoon is finally over?"

"But Mister Ackles-Padalecki, we're not even on the Atlantic yet and you already want to go back to home sweet home and get to work?" Jared's eyebrow rose teasingly. "Such meaningful thoughts about the future on our first night as a married couple? I thought we'd figure it out over the course of this extended world trip. We have plenty of time for that."

As Jensen threatened to slip out of his blissful food coma, Jared stopped teasing him and said, " We'll be living at the mansion with my dad and Chad. What you do in your spare time is up to you. For all I care, you can keep working at the publishing house or somewhere else. Maybe you'll find a new hobby. Managing the stud farm at my father's side would also be a possibility. You love horses and you could do something in that direction. I will not lock you up or tie you down, if that is what you were afraid of. The only stipulation is our living together and a kiss here and there." When Jensen wanted to rebel, he followed up, "That's not negotiable. We're married and we're going to stay married."

After dinner, they paid a visit to the bar in the conservatory. Jensen sipped his drink agonizingly slowly, and when the glass was indeed finally empty, he promptly ordered the next non-alcoholic cocktail.

Jared left him alone and pondered Jensen's behavior. "Somehow I get the feeling you're trying to extend the evening to avoid our booth. I hate to say it, but we're on this ship for several weeks and the owner’s suite is our living and sleeping quarters during that time. Or is there some other reason for your avoidance behavior?"

"I don't know what you mean?"

"You really don't? Well, I could make a guess. There's only one bed in our suite."

Bummer. His husband was really perceptive, but oddly didn't seem angry with him.

"We will sleep together in said bed as a married couple. But nothing else will happen. Unless you yourself want more. I've never forced sex and I'm not going to start with my husband," Jared assured him. Jensen could hear the sincerity from his words.

"Good." Jensen drained his half-full glass in one go and stood up. "Then we can go." He turned and walked out the door.

Amused, Jared followed his husband, admiring his rearview. Especially the midsection. Touching it without permission was forbidden, but looking at it was not.

Back in their bedroom, Jared waited patiently for his husband, who had disappeared into the bathroom over three-quarters of an hour ago. Jensen had let him go first, probably hoping that Jared would have fallen asleep when he finally came out. That wasn't going to happen.

"Jensen, I'm not going to fall asleep until you're out of the bathroom and in our bed. So you might as well come out now. Your body should be pore clean by now," Jared called towards the bathroom.

A while after that, the bathroom door opened and Jensen stepped out. The dark green silk pajamas hugged his figure like a second skin. Jared was speechless and happy. This beautiful man was his. Invitingly, he flipped back Jensen's bedspread. After a moment's hesitation, Jensen slipped into bed and pulled the covers up to his neck.

Jared lay on his side, head propped up with one arm, watching his husband's demeanor with amusement.

"Remember what I said about kissing?" Alarmed, Jensen looked at him. "Well, since we're already not going to have sex, I insist on a goodnight kiss before each bedtime."

As Jensen made moves to jump out of bed, Jared flopped onto his back. "You decide where and who gives it! Every time!"

Jensen stopped shaking off his comforter and looked at his husband, dumbfounded. The latter lay there harmlessly, staring at the ceiling. "Just a little kiss, Jensen. Nothing too bad. We've kissed before and you didn't get turned into a frog," he quipped.

It was a challenge. Manipulation wrapped in humor. Jensen squinted his eyes in annoyance. He could almost see Jared's stubborn streak throbbing. Oh well. There was probably no getting around it. He knew his husband that well by now.

In a flash, Jensen bent over the other man and tickled the tip of his nose with his lips. Then he turned his back to Jared, pulled the covers back up to his neck, and said sarcastically, "Good night!"

A warm laugh rang out from Jared's side. "Good night, sweetheart! Sweet dreams about me." He turned off the light. 

Jensen actually fell asleep with his husband lying within reach beside him.

Bermuda, Madeira, Malta, Italy, Greece, Egypt, Oman... there was no way to escape. No way out. Either his passport had been surrendered at check-in or was in the inside pocket of Jared's jacket on shore leave. Cashless and with Jared glued to his side, he couldn't abscond in foreign lands. Without papers, he would have to visit the American embassy, and there Jared would simply collect him again. What his husband would do to him then, Jensen didn't even want to think about. Jared had this eerie aura whenever the subject of separation or divorce came up.

With each new country, Jensen's frustration grew. He felt trapped. Jared ruled his life. But he couldn't even complain about his husband. He was the consummate gentleman. Polite, courteous, attentive, witty, funny, generous - just perfect. Even the kisses scattered throughout the day gradually lost their terror. In this matter, Jared had remained adamant and would not be talked to. Jensen protested every time and bristled when he was pulled into a quiet corner. But he actually secretly enjoyed their skirmishes and the end result, if he was honest. Since when did he enjoy kisses? Kisses from Jared, the ruthless blackmailer who forced him into marriage?

Their goodnight kisses had turned into a veritable cat-and-mouse game. Every night they would sneak around each other until one made his move. Sometimes they gambled or bet on it. Yes, some aspects of married life Jensen could get comfortable with. 

But like a sword of Damocles, the "consummation of marriage" hung over him, increasing his discomfort with each passing day. Jared was a man, and like all men, he would eventually push to satisfy his needs and urges. Whether Jensen wanted to or not. And Jensen certainly didn't want to. Sex was for an animalistic, violent, painful act. Where he got this knowledge he didn't know, but it was absolutely true. He was rock-solidly convinced of that. Jensen was afraid.

Jared was well aware of his husband's aversion to sex. At the same time, he sensed Jensen's growing unease in his presence. He had chosen the long honeymoon quite deliberately. Jensen had nowhere to escape to, but could avoid him if necessary. No relative or acquaintance interfered with their getting to know each other. Because that's what it came down to. They both needed to get to know each other properly, without distractions like work or family. Jared would have liked a more intimate get-together, too. Unfortunately, not all wishes came true right away and some ended up on hold. So for now, no sex. He smiled to himself. There were many other possibilities. Seduction, for example, was not forbidden. No one could resist Jared's charm and dimples for long. And he would put both to full use with his husband.

Kissing was a good start. Jensen didn't seem as averse as he pretended, and was getting more and more brash. Jared loved it when Jensen leaned against him in the process and his hands began to wander. Just fleeting fingertips now and then, then careful touches on his arms, a splayed hand on his chest, a random arm around his back...

Jared was a strategist and planned for the long term. For now, he enjoyed his husband's platonic company and gave him his needed space. But he wasn't stupid. While they also went their separate ways on sea days, Jared consistently stayed by Jensen's side on shore excursions and watched him warily. True to the motto: trust is good, control protects against never seeing.

Today there was a dance evening with an oriental touch. During the somewhat lengthy performance, both men had talked animatedly about all sorts of things, emptying both of their champagne bottles. They didn't want to stay much longer, so Jared now only ordered a single glass of champagne for each of them. Finally, more current music was played for the audience, which had grown considerably younger in the late evening. Just then his favorite song sounded. Due to the long sitting still, the champagne had gone to Jared's head a bit and he had to move. Quickly he grabbed Jensen's arm and pulled him onto the dance floor with a cheerful smile. His husband didn't seem to have danced much in his Sturm-und-Drang days, because he moved rather stiffly, but was enthusiastic about it. Jared was happy to show him the proper dance steps and moves. They were really having fun with it.

After eight more songs, they boisterously returned to the table and thirstily emptied their champagne glasses. Both needed a brief respite and leaned back, exhausted. Jared admired Jensen's sparkling eyes and the little pink tip of his tongue, which unconsciously brushed across his lips. Jensen looked... happy. And now he was even smiling... at him. Suddenly he didn't want to share this sight with anyone. It was late anyway, and the lines of guests had thinned considerably.

"Shall we go?" he asked firmly.

Jensen's cheeks were slightly flushed as he nodded and they both stood up. Jared was caught completely off guard when his husband walked up to him, leaned over, and kissed him in front of everyone. Fingers slid into his hair as the kiss intensified.

With one last gentle kiss, Jensen finally pulled away. Jared opened his mouth, but no sound came out. He had to clear his throat first. "Wow," he groaned in amazement, rubbing his lips in wonder. He had not been dreaming! He looked in amazement at Jensen, who had already turned away and was running exuberantly in the direction of the cabin. Quickly he followed him. Whatever had gotten into his husband, he would accept it and not complain.

Tonight's goodnight kiss in their bedroom was an exhilarating experience that quickly evolved into more. Jensen's hands tentatively stroked up his arms at first and eventually landed on his chest. They didn't push him away, but wandered invitingly around his broad shoulders. Jared looked searchingly into Jensen's eyes. Instead of the familiar reluctance, he found curiosity and... cockiness? He lowered his head again and Jensen met him halfway.

When the kiss ended, they were both together on the bed. Jensen lay lithely in his arms. With red swollen lips, his big green eyes fixed on him. "Jensen," Jared breathed reverently, leaning down to kiss him again. Slowly, Jensen opened his lips as Jared's tongue tapped several times, begging for entrance. This time he plundered the oral cavity and their tongues performed a wild dance.

Passion overwhelmed Jared and he pounced on his husband. At last. At last, his most fervent wish was coming true. Jensen wanted him and he would have him. With pure adoration, he conquered the beautiful body beneath him, caressing, kissing, and licking every inch of skin. Ecstatically, they melted into one in the dim moonlight.

The rays of the morning sun tickled him and Jared reluctantly turned away. Reentering dreamland, he wanted to touch Jensen, but his hand groped at nothing. Suddenly Jared was awake, sat up, and looked around. Examining, he touched the bedding next to him - cold! Jensen had to have been up for a while. He had hoped for morning cuddles. 

But his husband had turned out to be an early riser and hadn't deviated from his routine today either. Too bad. He would join him in a moment. But for a moment he wanted to reminisce about the wonderful last night.

Unconcerned, he let himself fall backward and enjoyed the luxury of a super comfortable bed. He closed his eyes and involuntarily the images of their union flooded him. Jensen kissed him, Jensen wanted him. They were making love. Soon after the terrific climax, they both fell asleep, exhausted. Jared smiled as he remembered Jensen during their passionate lovemaking. But then he frowned. Something wasn't right. The thought wouldn't leave Jared's mind until it occurred to him. Jensen became more and more reserved at the end, letting him take the lead. Jared blamed it on Jensen's shyness. They also had to get to know each other physically first, and like kissing, his husband would be shy and unsure at first. So Jared increased his efforts to give the man pleasure in his arms. Jensen would have said it if he wanted to stop. Would he have?

Jared moistened his lips. They still had Jensen's taste. That last glass of champagne tasted funny yesterday, he remembered unawares. Like lemonade? Like non-alcoholic champagne! Jensen behaved differently yesterday. He wasn't himself... because he had finished the wrong glass. The waiter must have switched their glasses and they didn't notice because they were hurriedly quenching their thirst. If someone had never drunk alcohol... his alcohol tolerance would be low. Just one glass of champagne... Jared jumped out of bed. Where was Jensen? He really needed to talk to him. Hopefully, his fears wouldn't come true and Jensen had done something rash... unwanted.

In a flash, he got dressed when he realized that his husband was not in their suite. He became concerned and hurriedly searched the entire ship. Finally, he found Jensen at the front of the promenade deck at the head of the ship. Or at the exact spot farthest from their cabin, he noted dryly as he cautiously approached.

His husband was propping his forearms on the railing, looking out to sea. Jensen heard him coming, but did not turn to face him. "I didn't jump overboard, if that's what you were afraid of," he said coolly.

Jared stood next to his husband at a little distance and looked at him intently. Jensens absently played with his wedding ring, which sparkled in the morning sun. His profile revealed nothing about his mood.

"I think the waiter switched the glasses on our last order last night." Jensen looked up at him, but didn't understand what Jared was getting at. "You accidentally drank alcohol!" 

His husband continued to look at him uncomprehendingly. "So, what are you saying?"

"You were very accommodating last night - in every way. Completely different than usual. I was slightly tipsy myself. That's why I didn't notice until I woke up this morning. You were drunk."

Jensen laughed hard, then stared at him in disbelief. "You're insinuating that the only reason I had sex with you last night was because I was drunk and didn't know what I was doing? Did I get that right?" He straightened up indignantly. "I'm an adult, Jared! One glass of champagne doesn't knock me out. Maybe I was a little looser and more relaxed because of it. But I was master of allmy senses!" he groaned angrily.

"No!" Jared ran a helpless hand through his hair. "Now that came out all wrong. When I woke up, you were gone, running to the other end of the ship. I was worried that you'd see our first night together through different eyes the next morning, and that it had hurt our relationship rather than helped it."

Deadly silence was also a response.

"I was afraid you'd regret it," Jared finally got to the heart of the matter.

His husband turned away again and looked out to sea. "Regret that I slept with a man who used blackmail to force me into marriage?"

"Jensen, I've wanted you ever since you entered my publishing house. Nothing has changed in that regard. I only regret the circumstances that led to the marriage, but not our marriage itself."

His husband didn't seem to have heard him, for he continued his musing. "Last night... I couldn't stand this uncertainty of when you would finally claim your marital rights... the glass of champagne... maybe I needed that little push... I wanted to finally know..."

"Jensen, have you ever slept with a man? I mean, before last night."

"No. Of course not!"

"Of course..." Then Jared grasped the whole statement. His husband had not been shy, but a virgin. Damn it! He hadn't even considered it. After all, what man who looked like that was still a virgin at 29? To be on the safe side, he checked again. "You never..."

"No!" hissed Jensen.

Jared's gaydar was working fine so far. He had never doubted that Jensen liked men. The way he skillfully enticed and reeled in his bosses. Perplexed, Jared asked, "You're gay, though, right? Back at the publishing house, you didn't deny it to Misha. Besides, no straight man can kiss or sleep with a man as convincingly as you did."

"Of course I'm gay. I like men! It's just that I don't tie my sexual orientation on everyone's nosy nose."

"Then... what's the problem?" Jared frowned in confusion.

"I like men. But I don't want to have sex with them."

Boom. Jared looked as if he'd been struck by a blow. He had to hold onto the railing because he felt sick.

"Jensen...," he swallowed a huge lump several times, "... did... did I rape you last night? Is that what you think?"

The silence was deafening and prolonged.

"No," Jensen answered quietly. Jared hadn't forced him to do anything. He could have stopped it at any time.

Relieved, Jared took a deep breath. He hadn't realized he'd been holding his breath as he waited tensely for an answer.

"But I don't want sex - for the rest of my life!" Jensen was so confused. He didn't want to repeat last night's experience. Jared had kissed him, trapped him, blackmailed him, married him, defeated him in the last few weeks. He no longer had a moment's peace, and his resistance was weakening with each kiss. Yesterday, his curiosity had won out over his reason. He let himself be taken by surprise and carried away by his husband's exuberant passion. At first, it was hot and exciting. But later he felt dominated, no longer master of himself. He hadn't liked that at all.

Jared saw that Jensen needed time to process their physical union. If he applied too much pressure now, it would all backfire. That's why he stepped closer, took Jensen's left hand, and lifted it. The wedding ring sparkled unmistakably between them. "Then I'll spend the rest of ourlives trying to convince you otherwise." An anxious expression stole into Jensen's eyes. "Together and united forever. Yes, there will be a next time! But only if you unequivocally say yes and take the initiative." He tenderly kissed the tips of his fingers. "See you later, darling," Jared said goodbye and calmly walked away.

"You're back." Chad fell around Jared's neck, almost choking him. "Five months! Who goes on a honeymoon for five months, please. I was expecting you back after only two weeks. How could you have stayed away so long? I missed you." Jensen's eyebrow twitched in amusement at being left out of this tirade. Chad would surely have been jumping for air if he'd been lost at sea or eaten by a great white shark.

Jared released Chad's hands from his neck. "We had a wonderful honeymoon and would have loved to have stayed longer," he reprimanded him, disgruntled. "What kind of bad manners are these, anyway? I thought we taught you proper manners in this house? All returning family members are greeted warmly. Did you overlook Jensen?" He wrapped an arm around Jensen and pulled him close. "That's pretty rude of you!"

Contrite, Chad bowed his head briefly, then greeted Jensen artfully. Damage control was necessary to get back on Jared's good side. The past five months had worn him down. His fear of losing Jared to this run-of-the-mill marriage swindler had been confirmed. He couldn't find out anything about Ackles. He had no authority at the publishing house to tap any resources. Chris was not an option because the latter had never liked him and therefore was guaranteed not to help him. Chad didn't dare hire a private investigator either. Chris's threat on the wedding day kept him from doing so. But he had to do something. Jared might have been threatened or tricked because Jensen Ackles was a dangerous man. Why else would his brother-in-law suddenly marry a stranger? After all, he couldn't have gotten him pregnant, Chad thought venomously.

That left only this third-rate hacker a buddy of his knew, who unfortunately hadn't found any skeletons in Ackles' closet, either, except for a few big empty gaps in the last few years of his resume. That's when the ground had simply swallowed him up. Chad knew the man was hiding something. Only he couldn't prove it. And Jared wouldn't believe him without proof, dismissing it as a jealous spin.

"Jared! Jensen! Welcome home." Gerald Padalecki rushed over and greeted the couple warmly. "It's good to have you guys back. How was the honeymoon? What did you guys experience? Why are you guys here already?" He looked at his watch. "Aren't you guys supposed to be arriving in two hours? I would have picked you up at the airport."

"We didn't want to cause you any trouble, Father. That's why I rounded up our arrival time a little."

"I should have guessed, son. But you don't need to fib about the reason. You wanted to drive back alone with your beautiful husband rather than have a threesome with him and your father," he quipped with mischief in his eyes.

"Gotcha!" admitted Jared with a smile, "Now let's get there first." He walked with Jensen to the stairs. "We'll shake off the travel dust, get changed, and be downstairs in time for dinner." They climbed the stairs and Jared stopped halfway up and looked mischievously down at the two men. "Getting back to your first two questions, Father. The honeymoon was wonderful and we experienced a lot. As of now, we're falling back into the daily grind." 

"The daily grind, my ass. You're married now, Jared. Everything is different and new there." Cheerfully, he turned away. "Jensen will keep you on your toes, my dear son," he called after him over his shoulder.

Jared sprinted up the stairs and caught up with his husband. Together they ran to their rooms. Jensen stopped outside his room. "You know how I feel about this marriage!" He opened the door, stepped inside, and slammed it in Jared's face.

Jensen heard noises from the rooms next door. Jared had gotten up and was getting ready. After five months on the ship, he knew the sounds well. So he entered their shared living room to find out what his husband was up to today.

Jared smiled when he saw him and approached. "Good morning, honey." Jensen was pulled into a hug and kissed. Completely overcome, he had no time to react and avoid it. The kiss dragged on and Jensen was soon thinking of nothing at all.

As their lips slowly parted, Jared continued to hold him in his arms. "I missed your snoring last tonight," he teased him.

"I don't snore! For me, it was very restful to finally sleep alone in a bed again." Jensen would never admit that he had slept poorly because his big bed was cold and empty. He actually missed removing his sleeping husband's squidgy arms and legs from his half of the bed at night, after all.

Again, a kiss was stolen from him. "Why don't I believe you? Oh, yeah." He tapped the tip of Jensen's nose. "It's gotten longer. Come on, tell me another lie," he goofed.

"You're out of your mind. You better tell me where you're going today," Jensen grumbled.

"Oh honey, I'm touched. I'm not out of the house yet and you're already starting to miss me." They left their suite and walked together down the stairs to the front door. "I'm going to the publishing house to check on things. It won't take long, Misha and my deputy have done a good job keeping me informed during our trip."

"Um, Jared," Jensen pressed on. "I need my own money."

Jared's body tensed, the arm around his waist becoming a steel band. "No Jensen! For now, you're not getting it. All expenses go through me. You tell me what you want, and I'll buy it. Or we can go shopping together."

"You don't trust me."

"Not a bit. You have a nasty habit of disappearing when there's money involved. I'm just being careful and making sure you stay with me, darling."

Arriving at the front door, Jared paused. "In our family, it's customary for the wife to see the husband off when he leaves for work. A kiss is mandatory." Promptly, Jensen was kissed again. "A longing goodbye wave is optional," he quipped.

'Woman' and 'wave' my ass. Exasperated, Jensen pinched his lips together, holding his arms tightly at his sides. Laughing, Jared walked to his car. Getting in, he looked back at his husband. "By the way, when you ride Mystery out later. I've had her chipped. So we can always find her again if she happens to break out with you on her back. I'll get an alert on my phone if she leaves our lands." He threw him a kiss on the hand, got in, and drove off.

Jensen stood seething at the front door. Jared had thought of everything. So no long ride off into the sunset with Mystery. That escape option was also ruled out. Looking for the chip and getting it out wasn't an option. He would never hurt his mare and his husband knew that full well. Jensen was stranded here for the time being. Angrily, he trudged back into the house. His stomach was making itself known. Breakfast first, then! 

Back in his room with his stomach filled, he picked up the phone and looked at it frowning. Would his husband trace the call? On the ship he hadn't dared; all billing went to Jared. But here, a lot of people in the house made phone calls. It had been over five months and he finally needed to talk to his father, hear how he was doing. Yesterday he had been too upset, even the money thing hadn't been resolved. Yes, well, not today either, but he would think of something in due time. 

He dialed the number. "Hello, father."

"Jensen, my son. Where have you been? Why haven't you called for so long? I've been worried."

"I was abroad, Father. My boss had been awarded the contract for a multi-million dollar project. We were working on-site the whole time. Because of secrecy, phone calls were forbidden. After completion, I fell ill. The doctor diagnosed a severe flu. Then I also got pneumonia. I was in bed for several weeks and took a while to fully recover afterward. My voice was gone, too."

"That's terrible. Why didn't your boss call me and tell me you were seriously ill? Or you could have written a letter!"

"I didn't want you to worry unnecessarily. The care on site was excellent. My boss took care of everything and paid the expenses. As of yesterday, I'm back in the States. I'm doing well."

"I'm glad to hear that. When are you coming home?"

"Unfortunately, I can't come to Nashville right away. A lot of work has accumulated due to my long absence. My boss is relying on me. I don't know yet how long it will take me to catch up on everything. Are you getting by? Is your money enough?"

Unnoticed by Jensen, Chad had been listening at his door. He had been on the lookout for Jared and had entered the couple's suite without a care in the world. After glancing into Jared's empty bedroom, he went to the other room door. Indecisive, he stopped in front of it when he heard someone talking. Was Jared with his husband? Curious, he put his ear to the door. After Jensen hung up, Chad slipped out with a smug look on his face.

Even as he drove by, Jared had noticed the lone rider. He parked the car in his spot and strolled over to the stud farm to wait for his husband at the gate. Jensen was an excellent rider. Riding Mystery for the first time in several months, he stayed on familiar ground and reacquainted himself with her.

"He's a really good rider." Chad stood next to Jared and both men watched horse and rider. "You know I'm your friend and I'd do anything for you."

"Chad, you're family. Nothing will ever change that."

"Family is above everything for us! Why would anyone say their parents were dead?" his brother-in-law pondered rhetorically.

"Spit it out Chad. What are you trying to tell me?"

"Nashville. His father lives in Nashville. I overheard him talking on the phone."

Jared looked at Chad skeptically. "By chance?"

"Yeah, I was looking for you. Then I heard someone talking." Apologetically, Chad shrugged.

Looking to Jensen again, Jared asked, "What else?"

"He said that he had been working overseas with his boss for several months and then came down badly with the flu. That he had a lot of work to catch up on and couldn't come to Nashville anytime soon. Why did he claim his parents were dead? Are they so awful that he was ashamed to invite them to the wedding?"

"Jensen tricked you. You haven't been very nice to him so far. He heard you coming and pretended to be on the phone with his dead father," Jared explained jokingly.

"Don't tell me fairy tales, Jared. I know for a fact that there's something wrong with that fake blond. Are you in trouble? Does he have you in the palm of his hand? Jared, talk to me. I'm on your side. I'll help you," Chad said forcefully.

"Chad, what makes you think Jensen's hair color is wrong?" asked Jared, amused. "He's a natural blond. The green eyes are real, too, in case you were wondering. And you could help by being nice and polite to Jensen. He's part of the family now, too, and especially a part of mine." Seeing Chad's petulant face, he continued speaking seriously, "It bothers me immensely when you cut him. Don't make me choose. You wouldn't like my choice!"

"Fine," Chad replied sullenly, leaving Jared alone.

Shaking his head, Jared watched him go and pulled out his cell phone. "Hi, Chris."

"Hey Jared, finally back on home turf? I was beginning to think you guys had emigrated and moved to Timbuktu."

"Yeah, we're back." Jared watched as Jensen rode up to him. "I can't talk for long. Have you found out anything more about Jensen in the meantime?"

"Nothing of substance. He's the darned needle in the haystack. Without any more leads, it'll probably take me years because I'll have to comb each town by hand," Chris growled.

"You sound a wee bit frustrated, Chris," Jared teased him cheerfully.

"I'll get you through the phone in a minute and show you what frustrated fists feel like," Chris joined in.

"Then it's only fitting that I can cheer you up with a new clue."

"What kind of clue?"

"His father lives in Nashville. Jensen talked to him on the phone today."

"Nashville? There were no thefts there!" said Chris thoughtfully. "Now I know why. Nobody in their right mind fouls their own nest."

Jensen had almost gotten to Jared. "I've got to call it a night. We'll talk at length later. See you then."

"Yeah. Don't forget. Meanwhile, I'll find out all about your husband's father. Take care."

Jared put his phone away and opened the gate. Jensen smiled brightly - for the first time in months. The ride had done him good. He nimbly jumped off and led Mystery by the reins beside Jared as they walked together to the stables.

"Judging by your smile, Mystery is doing well and you had a good time together?"

Jensen looked lovingly at his mare and patted her neck. "The grooms have taken very good care of her. Mystery is in top shape. Thank you for taking such good care of the hostage," Jensen still had to tease.

"You're welcome," Jared thanked him elatedly. At the stable entrance, he stopped and pulled Jensen into his arms. "Do I get a thank you for taking such good care of you, too?" Before Jensen could answer, he was being kissed tumultuously. Jared's hands began to wander, fingers stroking through his hair, holding his head. Reluctantly, Jared finally disengaged and took a step back. "I'll see you in a bit for lunch. I just wanted to give you a heads up. Father wants to talk to us about preparations for our wedding reception and the horse hunt that will follow. I'm afraid we can't get around that."

Jensen stared after his husband, flabbergasted. Since the night of sex, their fronts had hardened. Only Jared didn't mind and continued to kiss him diligently. More often and... more intoxicatingly than before. Jensen could get used to this.

A few weeks later, both men were sitting comfortably at the breakfast table in the morning room. "Have you ever thought about what kind of car you'd like to drive? With green paint, of course, if you don't want to upset your father-in-law. Although, the way he idolizes you and your horse sense, you'd get away with any color without a thunderbolt."

Jensen set down the coffee cup and teased, "Jealous?"

"Of my father? No. I'm glad you like him and he likes you. You've settled in really well and feel at home here."

Home? Here? Jensen was startled to realize that he actually felt at home here, despite his annoying husband, who just smiled lovingly at him again. This was... awful. "You want to buy me a car? Why?"

"You're not locked up here, Jensen. That's why you need transportation, because we live in the middle of the country here. Of course, you could get a limo to chauffeur you around. But that would attract unwanted attention, and I don't think you want that."

"I can't drive," Jensen interjected sadly.

"Not now, but if your car is here, you can leave right now."

"I can't drive," Jensen said louder. "I don't have a license?"

Stunned, Jared asked, "You can't drive?"

Jensen rolled his eyes as he clearly said for the third time, "I can't drive!"

"How can someone not have a driver's license," Jared asked, still incredulous.

"Because I like to ride the bus and the train," Jensen said, as if it were as clear as day. "You're in the system when you apply for a driver's license or register a car."

"Ah, yes. How could I forget your staying under the radar tactic? But now that you're flying over it, you can learn to drive without worry."

"That would be really nice. My dad drove an old Chevy Impala when I was a kid," Jensen recalled. Melancholy veiled his gaze. "I remember, out of boredom because the drive was really long one time, I carved my initials into the rear side trim. My father threw a huge fit and scolded me. He later felt sorry for his outburst and joked from then on that his car bore his son's YES seal of approval. I loved the Impala."

Jared's cell phone rang. He looked at the caller ID for a moment before answering. "Hey, Chris." His expression turned serious and closed off. "Yeah. Just a minute." Jared apologized to Jensen as he got up and walked out.

Jensen was no longer hungry. Childhood memories had hit him in the stomach. He was suddenly terribly homesick. He didn't see the point of waiting for Jared when he'd rather go make a phone call. So he left the table. A long ride on Mystery would surely snap him out of his gloomy mood.

Jared stood talking on the phone with his back to him in the entryway as Jensen walked up the stairs to put on his riding gear.

"What are you saying? He killed him?" shouted Jared loudly, abruptly. Jensen froze on the fourth step of the stairs. "With a paperweight? There was blood everywhere... There was a murder charge?" Blood was RED. "All right, send me a copy of the entire trial record." RED. "What happened to his son?" Murder victims were usually bloody. RED. Jensen's mind raced frantically and he staggered up the stairs. Jared started pacing as he listened. Then he saw Jensen, chalky white with an absent look, staggering up the stairs. "I have to go, Chris." Hastily, he pocketed his cell phone.

When he reached the top of the stairs, his husband was just disappearing into their premises. Jared hurried after him.

Jensen was huddled against the wall behind the door between two closets. RED, RED everywhere. No matter which way he turned, everywhere was RED. KNOCK. He winced at every KNOCK. RED.

Jared had knocked several times, but got no answer. So he opened the door and looked around. "Jensen?" he asked quietly. He didn't want to startle his husband. The room seemed empty. But he had to be in here! Slowly he entered and looked around more carefully. Finally, he checked the bathroom. Jensen was not here either. He returned to the bedroom and from here saw the huddled figure in the shadow of the open door.

After today's phone call with Chris, Jared better understood why Jensen was having these panic attacks and what the possible triggers were. Kneeling down in front of him, he spoke softly, "Jensen? Jensen, you're safe. Everything is okay." Carefully, he took hold of one of Jensen's cramped hands and gently massaged it as he continued to gently talk to him. Finally, the hand was relaxed in his. Questioningly, he squeezed it and suddenly had the whole man in his arms, desperately pressing and clinging to him.

"I can't stand this color anymore," Jensen muttered against his neck.

"Color? What color?" Jared stroked Jensen's back soothingly. He was patient and didn't push. If the angst-ridden man wanted to tell him something, he would, or continue to quietly seek comfort. Jared was there for him.

Like a child revealing a terrible secret, he whispered in Jared's ear, "Red. Everything is red." Nodding in affirmation, he then nuzzled his head back into the crook of Jared's neck. At some point, he realized Jensen was getting heavier and had fallen asleep. In his arms! Gently, he lowered himself backward onto the soft carpeted floor so Jensen could sleep more comfortably on top of him and not have tense neck or shoulder muscles when he woke up.

Jared angled his left arm as a pillow while he gently stroked Jensen with his other hand. His husband's head now rested on his right shoulder. His features were relaxed in sleep. He was feeling well again. The panic attack was over. Relieved, he breathed a kiss on his hair.

"Jared, your father is looking for...," Chad called out loudly, but immediately fell silent when he saw the two men lying on the floor through the open door and Jared put an index finger to his lips.

Chad silently walked in, squatted down next to the two men, and looked questioningly at his brother-in-law.

"He's not well sometimes," Jared explained quietly. "That's why I asked you to be extra kind to him. I know you wanted to be more to me after Shannon died, Chad. But that's not how I feel about you. I love you like the annoying little brother I never had. That's not going to change. Brothers stick together." Jensen made a gurgling sound and Jared immediately looked at him. His eyes lit up with affection.

Shocked, Chad realized the truth. "You love him!"

"Yes," Jared said simply. "Why are you so surprised? I married Jensen! I wouldn't marry anyone I didn't love. Where did you get that crazy idea?"

"He was cold and distant. I could see he didn't like you. Yet he wanted to marry you. And you didn't seem to care about his dislike. I thought he was a matchmaker, and I thought he had you over a barrel somehow."

Jared smiled. If Chad knew just the opposite was true and he was blackmailing Jensen. "We have issues like any newlywed couple and we'll work them out. Are we good now, Chad?"

"Yes, we're good." Chad stood up. "Say hi to Jensen for me when he's awake. I'll tell Dad you guys need some more cuddle time." He left, closing the door behind him.

Jensen began to stir. He would wake up soon. How much would he remember? Would Jensen still know that he had jumped into Jared's arms willingly? Or would he deny it all? The man on top of him was no longer breathing. Jensen was awake!

The green eyes opened and wandered unfocused. Jared saw the exact moment his man realized who he was lying on. His pupils had abruptly dilated.

"Oh!" cried Jensen, jumping to his feet, startled. He did not continue to flee, however, because Jared made no move to stop him. Instead, he remained sitting astride his husband, looking down at him.

In slow motion, Jared raised his hand up to Jensen's face. When his husband didn't flinch, he tenderly ran his hand along his cheek. "Maybe you should sleep in the same bed with me again? You didn't have any seizures or nightmares on our honeymoon."

Together with the other riders and their horses, Jensen and Mystery waited outside the villa for a few stragglers who were still putting on their riding clothes. The horse hunt took place in the afternoon, probably to make sure that the last guest had slept off his intoxication.

The wedding reception held yesterday, a few months late, seemed to have been a resounding success. They celebrated with over five hundred invited guests. Relatives, close friends and acquaintances, and political and business figures gathered at the estate to finally meet the man who had captured the most sought-after billionaire publisher and widower in the States.

Jensen had never been able to stand curious people. Curiosity didn't jive with his previous lifestyle. Nor was his new life anyone's business, and he studiously ignored any questions about it as he moved through the crowd at Jared's side. Everyone wanted to congratulate the newlyweds. Stoically, Jensen listened to the praises about them and their appearance as well as about flower arrangements, décor, service, food, or music.

Jensen nearly had a heart attack when Jeffrey Dean Morgan stood before them with his wife and congratulated them on their marriage through clenched teeth. Jared smiled charmingly with a steely gaze and later told him everything was settled. Morgan was going to continue being Padalecki & Co's tax attorney and Jared was going to keep his husband. Win-win situation. After repaying the stolen money, everyone was more or less satisfied, judging by Morgan's sour expression.

Jared's poignant speech about the new man by his side made Jensen's eyes moist. The heartfelt words and the review of the past months made him realize that his husband really liked him. Unfortunately, he was also a stone-cold blackmailer who used his position of power to keep him around. Only he didn't behave ruthlessly and relentlessly. Jared was always looking out for his welfare-minus some restrictions like freedom to travel and lack of money. Absurd as it was, Jensen felt safe with him, and he was beginning to get the feeling that it wasn't blackmail that was keeping him here, but the big comfy bed in which he and Jared had recently started sleeping together again. Each dutifully on his half of the bed.

Cheers erupted when the multi-tiered wedding cake was brought in. A brawl almost broke out because everyone wanted a piece of the fantastic vanilla marzipan buttercream creation.

Afterward, the wedding dance was on the agenda. After dinner and lots of toasts, Jared asked him to do it and he couldn't refuse. The guests formed a large circle and Jensen felt like he was on display. All eyes were on him. His movements were stiff as Jared led him to the center. Then he pulled him in with that beaming dimpled smile. Jensen was so distracted by it that he wasn't paying attention to the dance steps as Jared twirled him around to a lilting waltz beat. They must have made a stunning dancing couple, because the audience whistled and clapped enthusiastically at the end.

Jensen looked at his watch. Now the big horse hunt would soon begin. Some guests had brought their own horses, others would ride Padalecki horses. Next to him, a groom held Black Demon on the reins, the stud's best stallion. Jensen was curious to see who would ride this fiery black horse. Mystery showed interest too, she snapped at him. Good girl! Show Demon where the hare was going in a minute.

All the riders wore traditional hunting clothes, consisting of a hunting skirt, or light-colored breeches, a white silk scarf, and black riding boots and cap. Jensen's black jacket and beige trousers were tailored and fit like a glove. He felt envious and covetous glances kept brushing against him. Where was Jared? He should at least be there for the opening of the hunt if he wasn't going to be a part of it. Jensen's gaze roamed over the decorated estate and the many happy guests.

The tabloids and social networks had reported extensively on their wedding reception today. Words like glamorous, extravagant, grandiose adorned the headlines. Below them was mostly the official wedding photo. Jared in a dark suit and white shirt, next to him Jensen in a silver suit and black shirt. Both wore the same silver-gray tie with a green paisley pattern and pocket squares. They were dubbed the new dream couple and there was wild speculation about their romance.

His father was not interested in the tabloids. But it was also reported in serious newspapers about the wedding of the year. If his father found out that way... or later? If Jared found out that his father was still alive... Jensen was very worried that everything would blow up or implode. He was nervous.

Finally, Jared appeared with the rest of the guests. Why was he wearing riding clothes to present? He also didn't walk to the podium like his father, but strode toward him. The dark brown hunting coat and white pants looked great on him. When he was with him, he embraced the back of his head and kissed it. Winking, he then strode past him to Black Demon. He checked the girth and then took over the reins.

Stunned, Jensen realized that Jared intended to join the hunt riding. "I thought you didn't like horses and couldn't ride?"

"I grew up on a stud farm, honey. Of course, I love horses and can ride. I just didn't make it my profession. Dad went a little overboard with his love of horses when I was young, so I looked for another, less stressful hobby and discovered the world of books for myself."

"You knew perfectly well that I thought..."

Jared smiled and leaned closer. "If you can love a horse hater, you'll adore a horse lover. Old Indian saying. But don't be in a hurry. You can go ahead and shower me with lots of love first and adore me later as a husband of the gods."

"You..." With so much arrogance and conceit, Jensen was at a loss for words.

"By the way, I love you, too," Jared laughed.

The hunting horn section blew its horn to announce the start of the drag hunt. Jared's father, as host, welcomed all the hunt participants. The pack of dogs barked loudly and excitedly. They would follow an artificially laid trail and be rewarded with rumen at the end. A team of doctors and veterinarians would follow the hunting pack in an all-terrain vehicle.

Jensen watched as Jared swung up on his stallion. No uncertainty, he had a firm grip on the fiery animal. Noticing Jensen's scrutinizing gaze, he grinned knowingly. "It's like riding a bike or swimming. You don't unlearn it."

"Riding out just once a year doesn't train the horse or the rider. Casual riders endanger themselves and others," Jensen lectured him and mounted up as well.

Jared steered his steed closer to Mystery. "Then I guess I'll have to ride out with you more often from now on, so you can guide and monitor my training progress." He grabbed his chest theatrically with one hand, "Your concern for me warms my heart."

"I was thinking more of the poor horse suffering under an untrained rider."

"Ouch!" With puppy eyes, he looked at his husband. "But to protect poor Black Demon," Jared patted his stallion's neck, "wouldn't you help with our training?"

Mystery just snapped back at said stallion. "Riding together would also help them both get to know each other much better, and who knows, even like each other in the end." Jensen looked sharply at Jared. He got the feeling that Jared wasn't just talking about the horses.

The hunting horns sounded again and the hounds charged, yelping. Immediately the riders started to move. First leisurely at a walk to warm up the horses. Then they all galloped across meadows and stubble fields, jumping over hedges and fences. Jensen felt liberated and flew along on Mystery. But the closer they got to the pack of hounds, the closer they galloped together. Jensen was surrounded by riders in classic red hunting robes. RED. Everywhere he looked, RED. Hectically, he reined Mystery in and fell back. Jared and Chad suddenly rode beside him. He felt relief. The beginnings of panic faded.

The hunt continued. After several stops for rest for the horses, dogs, and riders, the "game" was finally set. The riders formed a circle around the pack of dogs and Jared sat down to say a few words as host and master of the hunt. The dogs yipped and whinnied excitedly as they received their reward. Greedily, the pack pounced on the fresh beef rumen and tore it to shreds.

Jensen saw the shreds fly, heard the growls of the dogs and the laughter of the riders. Most of the hunting skirts were red. They formed a red wall. RED. Mystery noticed his restlessness and started prancing. Jensen, caught in a circle of RED, did nothing about it. An inexperienced rider was no longer in control of his horse. When the dogs argued particularly loudly and one yelped shrilly, it bolted and bucked. The next horse swerved and rammed into its neighbor. The animal neighed distraughtly and stepped backward onto a dry branch, which broke with a loud bang. 

Mystery reared up in fright and went through. Torn from his thoughts completely by surprise, Jensen lost his balance and could no longer hold on. He fell off his horse. Chad rode up to him, dismounted, and bent over him to check his body for injuries. Jared came running, too. But Jensen had eyes only for Mystery, who galloped cross-country in a panic. The reins fluttered loosely. Jensen was driven by fear that his horse might hurt itself. He hastily stood up, wiped Chad's helping hands off him, and jumped on his horse to chase after the runaway mare at breakneck speed.

He did not hear Jared's screams, nor did he see him run back to Black Demon. Anxiously, he watched Mystery leap over a hedge. She wasn't slowing down. Hopefully, she wouldn't get tangled in the reins. Jensen spurred his horse on to top performance, also jumped over the hedge, and caught up. Already the next obstacle appeared. Mystery jumped the pasture fence, but as she came up, the reins flapped around her legs. She lost her footing, stumbled, and fell head over heels. Wincing, the mare stayed down and screamed loudly in pain.

Chad's horse flew over the fence and before it came to a stop, Jensen had already jumped off and ran to Mystery. He knew immediately what was wrong, even before he examined the injuries more closely. Both front legs were broken. The death sentence for a horse! He knelt beside her in the grass and gently whispered soothing words in her ear while tears ran down his cheeks. She was in terrible agony. Abruptly Jensen got up and ran to the other horse. Some riders carried pistols for emergencies. Chad was one of them. Quickly he took the gun out of the holster on the saddle, checked it, and took the safety off.

With his eyes closed, he stood there for a moment, gathering courage. Mystery needed him. He would help her and put her out of her pain. At gunpoint, he backed away. His arm was shaking badly, tears dripping from his face.

"Jensen," someone called level-headedly. "Jensen, you don't have to shoot Mystery. The vets can help her."

Was he dreaming? Through the veil of tears, he saw blurred outlines and blinked. But the tall dark figure standing a few feet away was really Jared. What had he said? "She broke her legs. No one can help her now," Jensen said hopelessly.

"Yes, Mystery can be helped. If she is flown to a special animal hospital and operated on immediately. Her legs will be screwed or nailed, probably even fixed with plates and screws. She won't be able to leave her box for a while and will be pretty high on the sedatives, may even have to be suspended on straps. But she will live! I speak from experience. Whether you can ride her again remains to be seen. A broken leg is not a death sentence today. Jensen, she doesn't have to be put out of her misery. You don't have to kill her. Please believe me," Jared said seriously.

When his husband took that tone, he was telling the truth. He knew that by now. "She'll be able to walk again?" asked Jensen with a tiny glimmer of hope in his tear-soaked eyes.

"I promise!" Jared held out his hand and slowly approached him. "Now give me the gun, Jensen."

As if all strength had left him, he dropped the gun into his husband's hand without resistance. Jared put it in his jacket pocket. Then he stepped closer and placed one hand compassionately on Jensen's shoulder, wiping away tears with the other. He smiled encouragingly. "Now comfort and reassure Mystery until the vets get here. Meanwhile, I'll call for the helicopter from the vet clinic."

Jensen collapsed beside his mare. He nuzzled her neck, talking softly to her while combing through her mane with his fingers. The way she liked it.

Mystery would get well again. Well, as healthy as a horse could get whose front legs had been broken several times. She had been back at the stud for a few days and was in a specially converted stall, supported by a suspension system. To keep her calm for the next few weeks and allow the fractures to heal, she was given anesthesia. Jensen was in the stall as often as possible. But Mystery hardly took any notice of him, was sleepy and apathetic. That bothered Jensen.

He would probably never be able to gallop with her across meadows and fields again, either. The outlook was devastating. He missed his father. But he had gotten so deeply entangled in his lies and half-truths that he couldn't get out. Jared would despise him. 

Angrily, Jensen spit out the toothpaste and rinsed his mouth. When he looked at his reflection in the mirror, he found dark shadows and worry lines on his face. He had lost weight, too. Even the best shower couldn't wash away sorrow. He quickly buttoned up his pajama jacket and hid his lean torso. 

Jared was already waiting for him in bed. Jensen quickly closed the door and turned off the bright overhead light. But his husband still saw everything, his knowing gaze following him as he walked over to the bed and lay down with his back to it, the covers pulled up to his ears.

The mattress moved because his husband moved closer. A hand stroked his head. 

"You don't have to hide, Jensen. I know what's going on with you."

"I'm tired, Jared. Let me sleep!"

"There's something else bothering you that you're not telling me."

"Do you really think I would trust a blackmailing mastermind with my secrets?"

The hand pushed the comforter back a bit and continued the caresses on his neck and throat. Amused, Jared said "The evil mastermind who kidnaps the hero. Really? You and I both know that blackmail hasn't been the reason you're sticking around for a long time."

"Does hostage-taker fit better?"

Jared chuckled. "That's what got you the most at the time. As you so aptly pointed out - Mastermind. taking Mystery, chipping her, and placing her in the best stables in Kentucky was a smart move. Quite terrifying, I'm sure, is the fact that you can see her every day now, instead of just a few weeks a year between your thieving sprees. She's your Achilles' heel, Jensen. Since you no longer have a family. When and where did your father die, anyway? I know he raised you alone after your mother died?" He felt his husband freeze at the inquiry. Bull's-eye!

"I don't want to talk about that."

"In a nutshell: It's none of my business! Or: You don't trust me and still want to leave me. You just lack the means right now." He kissed Jensen on the ear. "Don't worry about it. Trust grows with your love for me and if you try the Houdini trick again, I'll just conjure you back," Jared teased his unruly husband.

Then he pulled back and flopped onto his back. Thoughtfully, he said, "Have you ever thought about letting Mystery cover. I mean, there's a big stud next door and surely your mare wouldn't push a stud or two out of her stall when she recovered. A foal from her could grow up to be a proud riding horse in a few years, especially if you raise and train it yourself. A part of Mystery would always be with you, persisting in her offspring."

Slowly, Jensen turned to Jared. "That... that's a wonderful idea. A foal from her and... Black Demon," he said, thinking.

Rolling his eyes, Jared muttered to himself. "Of course, it has to be my stallion."

"She likes him." Jensen paid no attention to Jared's mocking interjection. "Otherwise she wouldn't be playfully snapping at him so often, but biting him viciously away," he said with a smile. That Jared, of all people, snapped him out of his depressed mood was once again so typical. The man he wanted to get away from knew him better than his own father, knew exactly how to distract Jensen from his worries and take his mind off things. Turning to his husband, Jensen fell asleep a little later. A black colt stumbled through his dreams. 

Jared grinned. Jensen trusted him long ago, but didn't want to admit it.

Routinely, Jensen attached the sensors around the turntable. No modifications were needed to his little device. In the study of the Padalecki mansion was the same safe as in the publishing house. Jared had already returned to him all the seized belongings from his room at the Lexington Carriage House before the wedding. Even his electronic equipment.

Jensen hadn't seen his father in over ten months now. He had never been away that long. Surely he was worried about his son and would scold and reprimand him the next time he visited. Was his father well? In the cold season, his leg often caused him problems and he needed additional pain medication, which was expensive. 

The long uncertainty tugged at him. He imagined the worst scenarios. Finally, he couldn't take it anymore. He had to go to his father, and for that he needed money. As at the publishing house, some suppliers at the stud farm were paid in cash. Jensen was around often enough to catch a glimpse of the many bundles of cash stacked up when Jared opened the safe.

The Padalecki clan was not in the house today. Chad was visiting friends outside. Jared and his father were showing a high-profile horse buyer - some Arab sheik - around the stud farm and were busy for the day.

So no one would bother him. He put the earplugs in his ears and began concentrating to set the combination of digits. Done! Somewhat irritated, he noticed that it was his date of birth. No matter! He quickly removed the device, sensors, earplugs and threw everything next to his bag on the desk. Then he turned the handle wheel and opened the safe door. There was the money. Neatly stacked. At least $200,000. 

Jensen reached out his hand. But then... he hesitated. Shaking his head, he gave himself a jerk. But again, he couldn't take it. Not steal it! Because it was... Jared's and his money. Jensen's money. His own money - from the marriage. Damn it! He couldn't steal from himself and his husband. That was wrong.

"You could have taken it anytime," someone said behind him.

Startled, Jensen wheeled around. Jared was leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, glaring at him inscrutably. Jensen stared back, upset. "My birth date, my electronics, the large sum of money? You set me up?!" he shouted indignantly.

The corners of his husband's mouth twitched. "You've had that unsteady look on your face for some time, reflecting your inner turmoil, and this morning you couldn't look me in the eye. I knew something was up and suspected you were falling off the wagon. Actually, I had expected it much sooner."

Shock and anger ran through Jensen. Jared had caught him again - stealing his money. He certainly wouldn't get off so lightly a second time. Fear and iciness spread and paralyzed his body. He had difficulty grasping a clear thought. Shouldn't his husband be angry? Strange. He didn't look angry.

Jared pushed himself off the doorframe and came toward him. "Why don't we go see your father in Nashville right now? Then you can deliver our money to him today without taking any big detours through elaborate escape routes."

Owlishly, Jensen stared at him. His father? His father! Jared picked up the bag he'd brought from the desk and tossed bundles of money into it at random. Before he properly relocked the safe, his little device disappeared into it, never to be seen again. So there would be no third theft. There didn't have to be. Jensen knew the combination of numbers and could legally take the money at any time. Just like Jared had wanted from the start - to share everything with him, to have a real marriage. What's mine is yours. Damn. Why did Jared trust him so much - a habitual thief? Because he trusted him...

His husband casually slung his money-filled bag over his shoulder, put an arm around Jensen's middle, and maneuvered him out of the study.

A short time later, both men were sitting in Jared's Navigator. Jensen looked demonstratively out of the passenger window, his hands clenched into fists. Grinning broadly, his husband had loaded him into the car like a wet potato sack and activated the central locking system. Now he was happily humming along to the songs on the car radio. Jensen gritted his teeth angrily. His jaw was already aching. His efforts not to let anyone see into his life had been in vain. Jared knew everything about him.

"If you tell my father I'm a thief and a cheat, I'll kill you," Jensen growled deadpan.

"Huh. Jensen, I get all tingly when you're so bossy," Jared joked. "And no, I'm not going to tell your father about your criminal recreational activities." His expression turned grim. "He'll be the one with a lot of explaining to do." His hands gripped the steering wheel tighter. Silently, they drove on.

"Just out of curiosity? What was your escape plan? The staff had instructions not to take you and to inform me of any escape attempt."

"Ha. Who's bossy and controlling now? Fortunately, not everyone is on your payroll or under your thumb." He took a resigned breath. Nothing mattered now anyway. "Some suppliers take or bring back employees more often. As a favor or for a small gratuity. I'd talked to the drivers a couple of times. Today I had a beverage delivery coming up."

They lapsed into silence again until they reached the Nashville city limits. Jensen tried again to get Jared to turn around - unsuccessfully. During the drive, the weather service had warned of heavy rain and thunderstorms to the south. Now, glaring weather lights could be seen on the dark horizon. Jensen shuddered. They were heading right for it.

As the Lincoln stopped in front of the apartment building, the skies opened their floodgates. With rain, lightning, thunder, and squalls, a violent thunderstorm swept through the streets and urban canyons of Nashville. Jared struggled to pull a struggling Jensen from the car. This time, his refusal to cooperate wasn't because of the thunderstorm. He was afraid of the confrontation with his father and what his husband was up to. 

Soaking wet, both men entered the stairwell. Jensen allowed himself to be led in without resistance. Jared had won. He would also drag him over his shoulder to his father. Meanwhile, the storm was also tugging at his nerves.

Nothing happened at first after the doorbell rang. Maybe no one was home? That hope died when they heard noises and the door opened. 

"Jensen!" His father leaned heavily on his walking stick and limped to the side to let him in. He was about to close the door when Jared pushed against it and entered as well. Alan hadn't noticed the strange man behind Jensen.

"Hello, Father." Jensen wanted to hug his father. But the latter stepped back and just patted him on the upper arm in greeting.

Jared watched this aloof gesture and thought his piece. "Good afternoon, Mister Ackles. Jared Padalecki," he introduced himself. Not a knowing flash in his eyes! Jensen's father knew nothing about him or the marriage.

"Good afternoon." Alan looked back at his son. "Jensen, you're dripping all over the floor. Get towels for you and... your companion." Disapprovingly, he looked at Jared's expensive suit and went into the living room.

Obediently, Jensen disappeared into the bathroom and got two towels. They dried themselves off. Jared noticed that his husband winced at every clap of thunder, even though it was very muffled here in the windowless hallway. So Jared's first act upon entering the living room was to draw the curtains on all the windows to at least shield Jensen from the lightning. Meanwhile, his husband sat down on an armchair farthest from all the windows.

"What's the point? I like watching the storm and the glow," Alan Ackles said.

"Oh yeah. Apparently, you've forgotten that your son is terrified of thunderstorms. Otherwise, surely you would have closed the curtains yourself by now." He stood protectively next to Jensen, resting a hand on his shoulder. He would not take a seat in such an unpleasant place.

"What do you think you're doing? Who are they anyway? What do you have to do with Jensen?" the man fussed.

"Well, my full name is Jared Tristan Ackles-Padalecki. I'm Jensen's husband."

"No! My son would never mar... He's a decent boy. He would never do anything like that, not after...," startled, he paused his tirade.

"Not after what happened then? Go ahead and keep talking, Mister Ackles. Your son should finally know about the... accident, that's what you called it. He hasn't been well since that day and he doesn't know why!"

"There is nothing wrong with my son. He is happy and leads a fine life. There is absolutely nothing wrong with him," he said aloud to defend his point.

"That's very interesting, Mister Ackles. So it's perfectly normal for Jensen to have a fear of thunderstorms, intimacy, and sex. With every man and woman! Even with me, his husband!"

Alan Ackles closed his mouth grimly and glared at Jared.

"Jensen needs your help. He needs to know what happened back then." When there was no response, he continued speaking. "Fine, if you won't tell him, I will! I've read the trial records."

"You know nothing, nothing at all, and now get out of my apartment. Get out!" thundered Jensen's father, pointing his cane toward the door.

Jared didn't move, just looked down at Jensen. "There was a murder trial twenty years ago in St. Louis. Your father worked for..."

"Stop it!" Angrily, the man came at Jared with his fists raised, who only grabbed his wrists and held on as they wrestled.

"Leave my dad alone," Jensen spoke in a childlike voice. "Let go! You're hurting my papa."

The struggling men froze and looked at Jensen. Jared caught himself first and stepped up to his husband, who was caught up in his childhood memories. "Who's hurting your dad?"

"The man. The sticky man Dad works for."

Sticky? "Why is the man sticky?"

"His hands are always sticky on Papa. Every time I walk by after school, I see it. Sometimes they stick to me, too. It's gross."

The living room was suddenly lit up by several flashes of lightning, even though the window curtains were closed. Then the sound of thunder rumbled. Jensen cried out and hid his face behind his hands like a child. "Was there a thunderstorm raging that day, too?" Jared stared reproachfully at the older man. "Is that why Jensen is afraid of thunder and lightning?"

Jensen continued in a child's voice. "The teachers are sending us home because of the storm warning. I go to Dad's work because that's what I always do on the short school days. But today... today..."

"What's today?" Jared knew from the records what had happened. But Jensen had to remind himself.

"There's a fight. There's crashing and rumbling in the office. Dad's screaming for help. He's crying. I have to help him." Jensen reached a hand forward. "Carefully, I push the door open. Dad is bent over the desk, thrashing about. His clothes are torn. The sticky man is holding him down. He's hurting him. So I yell at the man and try to drag him away from Papa. But he pushes me and I fall backward. Papa and the man start fighting. Then they both fall off the desk. The sticky man lands on Papa and something cracks very loudly. Dad screams in pain, his leg is covered in blood. Something white sticks out. They continue to roll on the floor and the man is still hurting him. I shout again for them to stop and pull on the men. But they don't listen and push me away. During the scuffle, the big bronze tiger has fallen down. I pick it up and hit the sticky man with it to make him stop hurting Dad."

Jensen's hands moved slappingly. "Finally it's quiet. I want to hug Papa... but there's... everywhere." RED. Blood. RED. Jared sat down on the arm of the chair and pulled him into his arms. As he had before, Jensen buried his head in the crook of his neck, finding comfort and safety.

"What's with the knocking?" If then, everything should be cleared up.

The elder Ackles sat down brokenly in a chair. "In the fight, we had rolled up to the office door. Employees had heard the screams and called the police. They knocked and tried to open the door. But my dead boss and I were lying in front of it. I couldn't move. They knocked louder and banged on the door. I flung the bronze statue aside so I could push my son away from the door. The firefighters finally broke down the door with a loud crash. Pieces hit me in the head and I passed out."

Jared felt Jensen's body tension ease. He listened.

"The prosecution, at the instigation of the dead man's relatives, brought murder charges. During the trial, it came out that this was not the first time my former boss had assaulted others. The other men reported the acts, but later withdrew their charges. It came out that they were massively threatened by the family, took hush money, or moved away. I was badly injured, the open fracture healed badly. My defense attorney pleaded self-defense. The jury saw it the same way, and I was acquitted."

"Jensen." Jared pulled him back a little by the shoulders so they could look at each other. "Your father told the police and the court that he committed the crime. He didn't want to add to your burden because you were already traumatized enough."

"You didn't say a word the first time and later never mentioned the incident again, son." Jensen looked over at his father as he continued with his narrative. "During the time until the trial ended, you were cared for by a foster family. After my acquittal, I got you back. You had forgotten everything. I took it as a sign and moved to Nashville with you. For a long time, I struggled with guilt. Had I caused the assault myself by my behavior? I was a fun-loving young man and liked to flirt. I didn't want something like this to happen to you. I took it upon myself to raise you to be a serious and decent man."

Jensen got up and went to his father. He squatted in front of him and put a hand on his leg. "You did Dad. I may be a liar, a thief, and a cheat. But I've stayed decent."

Briefly, it looked like Alan Ackles was going to put his hand on his son's. But then he didn't. "My leg hurts Jensen." Disappointed at his father's renewed refusal, Jensen took his hand away and stood up.

Jared could only shake his head at such cold-heartedness. He walked over to Jensen and hugged him. He stroked his head with his hand and smiled at him caringly. "You know, when a kid doesn't get love, the kid tries everything possible to get it. The kid also steals money to buy it. Come on," Jared said gently. "Let's go."

Jensen nodded in agreement. "Oh, Mister Ackles, we're going home now." Jared took Jensen's hand and together they left.

"Bye, Father," Jensen said goodbye. He had to think about everything he had heard today. His nightmares were based on true events. Fragments of memory returned. 

When the men stepped out of the house, the sun was shining. The thunderstorm had passed. Only puddles of rain remained. Obligingly, Jared opened the passenger door. Jensen approached the car but did not yet get in. The car door separated them both. Jared leaned on it with his forearms. "I've talked to all your former bosses, who you stole from, and paid back the money. All charges dropped, investigations closed. They all realized that pursuing it would be very damaging to their businesses and families. You are free, Jensen. No one will prosecute you. Neither will I. You can do what you want, go wherever you want," he said softly.

Jensen looked toward the apartment building, then looked Jared in the eye. "I want to stay with you, Jared. May I?"

A happy smile spread across his husband's face. "Of course darling. Anything you want." He nodded his head toward the car and Jensen got in. Jared closed the door. Then he retrieved the bag of money from the trunk. He went back into the apartment building and filled the Ackles’ mailbox in the hallway with bundles of money.

When Jared was back in the car, Jensen raised an eyebrow questioningly. "You would have blamed yourself later for not leaving anything."

The next morning, Jensen woke up in Jared's arms, in the middle of their marital bed.

The sun was shining. The sky was bright blue. Jensen lay in the grass in the pasture, a stalk between his lips, smiling at Mystic Demon's antics as he jumped around his mother. Mystery was grazing at ease. It took her over a year to literally get back on her feet and fully recover. The vets said she could be ridden, too. But Jensen didn't want to risk re-injury and only took her out on rides as a hand horse. Well, not now that she had a foal. 

Professionally, he had chosen to run Green Hill Stables with his father-in-law. When the latter retired, he would take over the entire stud management. Horses were in his blood. He had found his purpose.

Jensen lifted his head when he heard a car horn. A large dark car was parked at the paddock fence. Jared climbed straight out and waved at him. 

Curious, Jensen stood up, patted his pants, and sauntered toward his husband. He had bought an electric pickup back then right after passing his driving test. With green paint, of course. 

Puzzled, he looked at the car. Was this an Impala? Jared was standing by the fence, grinning like a Cheshire cat. 

Jensen stopped in front of Jared and kissed him in greeting. "Hi."

Of course, his husband kissed back. "Hello, too."

"So?" Jensen raised an eyebrow questioningly.

"Happy anniversary, darling."

"You're giving me a classic car?" asked Jensen excitedly.

"A 1967 Chevrolet Impala," he said.

"My dad drove one of those when I was a kid." Jensen hopped over the paddock fence and inspected the car up close.

"Hmm," Jared agreed.

But Jensen wasn't paying attention. He was just examining the interior. 

Leaning against the fence, Jared watched the other man. "I've been looking for this car for a long time and found it in a junkyard. It took some time to restore because some original replacement parts were hard to come by."

The car was a beauty. Jensen ran his hands over the dashboard, the seats. Then he opened the back door and froze. In slow motion, he reached out and ran his fingers over the initials: 'JA'. His lips quivered with suppressed emotion. Jared had spared no expense or effort to find his beloved Impala.

"Unfortunately, because of Dad, I had to paint it green. But I chose an iridescent color so that in the shade it would be black..." Jared was rudely interrupted as Jensen jumped into his arms and kissed him.

"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." Tears of joy ran down Jensen's cheeks. "This is the best gift I've ever gotten."

"Heh. I thought our honeymoon was your favorite."

Winking, Jared walked to the trunk. Jensen was amazed when his husband first spread a white table runner on the hood, then placed two filled champagne coolers and crystal glasses on top. They sat down on the hood and toasted their anniversary and the Impala with champagne. With and without alcohol.

"You know how all your alias first names started with Jay?" Jared winked mischievously. "Jay is my pet name."

"That was just a coincidence," Jensen dismissed the remark.

"No!" Jared pulled Jensen into his arms. "It was fate!" They both lost themselves in a hot passionate kiss.

Later, they both smiled happily at each other. "Joyride?"

Chapter Text

This is my first time participating as a writer and artist in the SPN Cinema challenge. My favorite movie MARNIE has been haunting my mind as a J2 version for a long time. I drew inspiration for my art from old MARNIE movie posters.

A big thank you to my dear beta jdl71/Jld71. She liked my first designs and encouraged me to do more.

Warning: spoilers in art!

AO3: Fic (german) | Author/Artist | Fic (english)

LiveJournal: Art (english) | Masterpost | Author/Artist

Dreamwidth: Art (english) | Author/Artist

Map with locations of action

Jensen with black hair and blue eyes in the hotel room

Jared and his green Lincoln Navigator

Jensen with dark brown hair and brown eyes in the office

Jensen sees RED in Jared's office

Jared and Jensen at the horse race at Churchill Downs

Jared on the cruise ship

Jared and Jensen on the cruise ship

Jensen at the Padalecki residence

Chevrolet Impala 1967, iridescent in black and green

Movie content: Mark (Sean Connery) marries Marnie (Tippi Hedren) although she is a habitual thief and has serious psychological problems, and tries to help her confront and resolve them.

I have always liked old movies. Among them are true classics. The movie MARNIE totally impressed me in my youth and still fascinates me today. And Sean Connery outside the Bond universe is really a feast for the eyes. So it's not hard to imagine Jensen and Jared as Marnie and Mark.

First, I watched the movie several times and took notes on the plot and acting. Then I scoured the Internet for old movie posters and scene cards. Three I liked particularly well and I set to work.

I had two more days at the end because I finished writing the story in time. So I created nine more scene pictures to make the story more vivid.

Where there is a safe on a cover, there is usually a theft. With the red cover, the contours of the safe disappear in the background. So I moved the rotating wheel and turntable into the foreground. With the green cover, the side hinges, as well as the lock and opener of the safe, come into play very well.

The background is black. Most thefts happen in the dark. Jensen is illuminated. Has he been caught? Or is it the light of his flashlight as he looks around scrutinizingly? Or it is simply the main character as well as his "work environment" that can be seen. Everything else disappears into the background.

The title name JENSEN is in prominent capital letters and clearly tells who the story is about - the main character, Thief Jensen. Then I adjusted the font colors. On the green cover, the title is white and on the red cover, it is yellow.

The description of the main character with three bullet points is added similar to the movie posters.

This time no chapter headings were needed because I wrote everything scene by scene like in a movie. So I only needed small dividers. I didn't like the first drafts. So I discarded them again. After thinking about it for a while, I chose Jensen's horse Mystery. The whole story is about horses, horse racing, horse betting, and money. I decided to go with symbolism. So I drew Mystery as a fiery horse silhouette and added bars of red and green (colors of the cover art). Jensen wears a schematic eye mask on the red cover like a thief (which he is) or Zorro (on a mission for justice). Other symbols include banknotes for wealth as well as loot, horseshoes for horses, luck, and gambling. The lettering JENSEN is very eye-catching because of the angular serif font. That is why I used it in the dividers.

I have discovered Procreate for myself. It is a great addition to GIMP. With the Pencil, I could draw the map and the horses wonderfully. Once Mystery galloped with her mane and tail flowing and grazing with her foal. I just couldn't let Mystery die like Marnie's horse Forio in the movie. Fortunately, veterinary medicine is more advanced today.

I created or edited the works of art with GIMP and Procreate.

I hope you enjoyed my art post.