Naked Hero - The Journey Away

better. That’s my view on the matter, and I’m sticking to it. He’s brought nothing but trouble, and he’ll bring more. You mark my words!”
    “You know fine well that’s not the case, Jim Murdoch. He’s helped Lewis a lot, or have you conveniently forgotten about the first round here? And he’ll bring in a new clothing deal hopefully.”
    “That would happen anyway,” retorted Jim, ignoring the first remark. “The agents would have sorted it out without him getting involved. He’s just trying to worm his way in here. It would be better if you told Lewis to send the scoundrel packing. That’s what I would do.”
    “Aye, and don’t I just know it! That’s why I’ll speak to him.”
    Lewis knew something was wrong as soon as he reached the house, returning from his jog with Mike. The journalists at the gate seemed more animated than usual, and fired a lot of questions at him about Lee. He shrugged it off, but had an uneasy feeling that something nasty was about to spoil his celebratory mood.
    The atmosphere inside confirmed it. The expression on Jim’s face would have curdled milk, and Fiona didn’t look too happy either. Nothing was said though until he’d showered and changed then emerged from his room to find Fiona waiting - Jim and Mike having retreated to the pool.
    “I’m sorry, Lewis. I wish it wasn’t the case, but I thought you’d best know,” said Fiona once she’s outlined the sordid details that the Herald had reported.
    Lewis wished it wasn’t the case either. He felt sickened. But he hardened himself as he knew he must – thankful he’d made his decision regarding Lee because this was exactly what he’d feared. “I’ve spoken to Lee about this,” he calmly said, pretending indifference. “Well, not this in particular! But he’s a free agent - he can do what he likes. I know he’s no angel - that’s why I won’t get involved with him. We’re friends, nothing more.”
    Fiona was surprised at his nonchalant response, but could tell that it bothered him more than he was prepared to admit.
    “They’re just trying to use him to wind me up,” Lewis continued, fidgeting with the newspaper Fiona had handed him, forcing himself not to look at it, betraying his irritation despite the words that followed. “But they’re not going to succeed. I’m not interested. They’ll get bored with him soon enough. As will I, no doubt. When was all this supposed to have happened anyway?”
    Fiona could barley bring herself to say the words that she knew she must. “Just before the tournament started,” she mumbled.
    “Well, there you go. I had only met him the once then, and that was for no more than ten minutes. What was he supposed to do - become a monk just because he had the pleasure of my company for a bit of an evening?”
    “Aye... he wasn’t to know you would become friends like you have done.”
    “It wouldn’t have made any difference!” shouted Lewis who was getting very agitated now. “I would imagine you’ll be reading the next instalment tomorrow. All about his adventures here in Melbourne. I’m sure he celebrated Australia Day with a bang! Probably more than one to keep his batting average up! It’s just his nature: he’s a classic example of the modern gay man. Other men are nothing more than pieces of meat to be used to satisfy a hunger. And fresh meat is needed for every meal! Who wants to regurgitate and eat the same piece twice? Doesn’t taste as good the second time apparently - or so I’m told... I’ve never had the chance to find out, so I can’t say for sure...”
    He came to a halt, realising what he was saying and whom he was saying it to: a woman that cared for him beyond any other and had no right to receive his foul-mouthed wrath.
    “Sorry, Fiona - I shouldn’t have said all that. Look, I know what Lee’s like and I’m not going to fool myself otherwise. That’s why we’ll only ever be friends. He’s free to do what he likes... and sadly, the people he does it with are free to blab it to the world. He’ll be gone soon, and that’s probably for the best.”
    “I think you’re being a bit hard on him...” Fiona wanted to say more, but knew this wasn’t the time. And perhaps Lewis was right - it might be best for Lee to go. She would choose her moment carefully to meet the promise that she’d made. More information, which she would gather intuitively, was needed before such a card would be played.
    “Hard on him? Not at