Naked Hero - The Journey Away

obvious piece of nonsense that cast a shadow of doubt over everything else he’d said. So, tempting as it was - Lewis would not risk being a victim again. Once was bad enough – twice in the same week would be insanely careless.
    Lee could see the answer, and took it on the chin. He thought to leave it at that – let the opportunity pass by. There was a bad taste to it anyway having chatted to the lad. But having chatted to the lad and genuinely liked him – Lee couldn’t resist playing a final card.
    “Look, I know you won’t be back for the Mardi Gras, but if you want to see a bit more of Sydney before you leave, then I’d like to show you around. I’m getting to know my way about the city now.”
    “Sorry,” answered Lewis firmly, reaching out for his drink and draining it, leaving Lee’s discarded hand on the bar. “Thank you, but no. I’m going to Melbourne tomorrow.”
    And tonight obviously wasn’t an option. Accepting, Lee did likewise and drained the remains of his drink then got up to leave. “Sure. I understand. I’m probably the last person you should be seen with anyway – the paparazzi would really have a field day then. But thank you for taking the time to talk to me Lewis. It’s been good meeting you - it really has.”
    Savvy opportunist or master of seduction, call him what you like but Lee Porter always came prepared with more than just a condom. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card. “Here, take this. Call me if you ever need to talk again – nothing more – just a chat... with someone who understands.”
    Lewis got to his feet, and accepted the card with the same half smile as before.
    “Thanks.”
    They shook hands briefly, and then as Lee started to walk away he turned to ask one last question.
    “It’s in Melbourne then. What you want, Lewis... what you’re looking for. Do you seriously think that you’ll find it in Melbourne as opposed to here in Sydney?”
    Stunned into silence, it took a moment before Lewis managed to answer. “No,” he said with a shake of his head. “But who knows, I might be lucky. It’s where I have to go.”

Chapter 7
    Lewis had plenty to think about during the taxi ride back to his hotel, Lee Porter being the main thing that dominated his thoughts, most of which weren’t particularly noble and had him fidgeting for most of the ride. But on arrival he had strengthened his fragile resolve and instead of going straight to his room for some much needed relief, he went to the shared living quarters instead. As expected Jim Murdoch was there, whilst his wife Fiona had already gone to bed. Lewis knew the old bugger was waiting for his return, the vigil aided by some spies whose palms he would have greased - the hotel reception had undoubtedly already called up to confirm that Macleod was back safe and sound.
    Lewis cut straight to the chase, not giving Jim the chance to ask how the evening went and if he’d followed the advice of the ATP official. “I think we should leave tomorrow, mate. We both know that Sydney has too many temptations for the likes of me. Maybe we can do the training session in the morning and then head off after that. I need as much court time as possible now.”
    Jim looked up from the book he’d been half-heartedly reading, hiding his relief that Lewis was back at a decent time and wasn’t as drunk as he could have been. He also masked his delight at this decision... and the use of the term ‘mate’ which had been very rare of late in their conversations - or shouting matches as they too often turned into. “I’ll see what I can do,” he gruffly answered, knowing that he’d move mountains to make it so. “Are you sure you’re up for the court tomorrow, though?” Jim throwing in a little dig that he couldn’t resist.
    “No bother, mate,” answered Lewis dismissively. “I’ve had a few drinks tonight, I’ll grant you that, but I’ll be fine tomorrow... and Jim, that’s the end of the booze as well. I promise you.”
    “We’ll see, Lewis.”
    “No, I mean it... and it’s not the drink talking either, it’s me. I know what I’ve been like of late, and let’s just say - I’ve had my wake-up call... Can we try and put it behind us? Get our act together. Well, mine anyway… I want to, Jim, I need to… and I need your help to do it.”
    Jim looked at the lad intently. He’d heard this before and had always been disappointed, but instincts told him that Lewis was more serious