Friendships — I.K. Rowland

Motorcyclist Stephen Paterson has at last visited the injured Chaz Ormerod in hospital, where they establish an instant rapport with each other. He continues to visit on a daily basis until Chaz is discharged from hospital. Throughout Stephen's own work makes considerable demands on his time, especially when he undertakes successive assignments for one particular client. While Stephen is occupied with these Rusty mentions to him another computer problem at his workplace, which has been caused by police once again visiting the premises, aarresting Rusty's operations direction and taking files away. This has left Rusty effectively holding the operational 'baby'. Stephen is not only able to rescue Rusty from his predicament but also locates other files which have been secreted behind the signing on protocol of Rusty's operations director. Rusty relates all this to Chaz on his next hospital visit which causes Chaz to wonder why the police are still watching the premises. This in turn sets Stephen thinking, as a result of which yet more files are discovered, this time hidden on another computer altogether. As a result the distribution director of a client of Rusty's firm is arrested. Rusty is then offered a considerable promotion, although it takes some considerable persuasion from his friends before he accepts. An unforeseen result of Stephen's discoveries is that several of the group of friends come into danger of being accosted by the leaders of the drug smuggling ring. Police action avoids any such confrontation and effectively keeps the friends from being identified. When Chaz is discharged Stephen brings him back to his, Stephen's, home to convalesce. Stephen ensures that Chaz carries out the hospital prescribed exercise regime by performing his own routine with Chaz watching. Chaz immediately and positively responds to this encouragement. Although the friendship between Stephen and Chaz was firm from the very first hospital visit it consolidates at Stephen's home and gradually develops into a much firmer relationship, especially after Chaz has been told by David that their partnership is over because David has turned to Rusty. Gradually, yet swiftly, the friendship between Stephen and Chaz develops and deepens into something more intimate; the rest of the group of friends are quick to notice. Eventually, Stephen and Chaz exchange revealing confidences.