Mark was 43 years old and, due to his job, had a good portion of the summer off. He had a good buddy who was divorced and had moved to Florida shortly after his second marriage. Apparently the wife found a hot Cuban guy down there that she couldn't keep her hands off of and so the marriage ended just weeks after the "I do's." Mark had chatted on the phone with him a few times and he knew that his friend was hurting so Mark decided to go down and spend some time with him. His buddy in Florida was delighted to know that Mark was coming for a visit.
Since Mark had the time and a relatively new car he decided to drive and take a few days to get there. As he went through Kentucky he decided to get off of the main road (75) and just enjoy some of the scenery and a slower drive along the back roads. As he approached the Tennessee border his gas gauge was looking a little thirsty.
He came upon a gas station so he decided it best to stop and fill up. Not only was it a gas station but it was also a general store, car repair place and a U.S. Post Office. In addition there was no self service there either. A guy came out, greeted Mark and began pumping the gas.
Mark went inside the store to use the restroom. As he did he could not help but notice this young guy (looked to be about early to mid 20's) standing by the entrance of the store drinking a Coke. He was quite handsome with short sandy blonde hair and appeared to be extremely well built...especially his chest and arms. He also sported a very narrow waist which really accentuated his chest and shoulders.
Mark also noticed he was in what looked like a police or some type of security uniform. As Mark passed by him he smiled but the good looking hunk did not smile back so Mark figured: just ignore him. Mark came out of the restroom and started outside when he noticed the officer, who didn't speak to him, was talking to the man pumping the gas and checking the oil.
As Mark approached the car he tried again, smiled and said "Hello." This time the uniformed guy looked at Mark and said: "Not from around here are ya?" Mark told him that he was not a local but that he was headed to Florida. The young man looked at Mark intently and then said: "What are you doing way out here...miles from the main highway?" Mark explained that since it was a glorious day, but before he could finish his thought he was interrupted.
The young stud in the uniform repeated the word "glorious," and looked at the attendant finishing with Mark's car. Ignoring the interruption Mark continued saying "Yes, it is a truly magnificent day, sunny and almost 80 degrees and it just seemed like a waste to spend it on the highway and miss some of the beautiful countryside." He said nothing else but once again looked at the visitor and walked back slowly to the store.
As he walked past Mark he said: "Drive carefully and be mindful of the speed limits." Mark told him he would. As Mark followed the station attendant back into his office to pay for the gas and service the attendant chuckled and said: "You have to forgive Wayne. He's suspicious of everyone but especially out-of-towners. He could use some better manners." Mark told him not to worry about it, got in his car and left.
It was only 5-6 miles from the gas station/store and Mark just could not help but be amazed by the beauty of the hills and countryside. He soon saw a sign that indicated that the TN border was 10 miles away. Pulling the car over, he grabbed his camera and took a picture. While doing so Mark noticed a partially paved road so he decided to go down it and see if he might get some more pictures.
About a half mile down, the road turned to a dirt road and then seemed to come to an end at the edge of a large field/meadow and forest. Mark found a shady spot, pulled the car over, turned it off and got out to walk and explore a bit. It was extremely quiet (except for the occasional bird) and he found a clump of boulders to sit on to just take it all in.
As he sat there he heard a sound...like running water so he got up and walked further into the wooded area soon coming upon a crystal clear stream. It really was beautiful! Mark walked along it a few more yards and came to a spot where there was a small pond. The stream seemed to run into it and then continue on its way. He was amazed by the clarity of the water.
Mark crouched down and put his hand in. It felt cool and refreshing. Then he had a thought. The place seemed pretty devoid of humans and it struck him that it might be the perfect place to take a little swim. His suitcase did contain a swimming suit (he was headed to FL after all) but it seemed like miles away. So, he decided he could just use his underwear in place of the suit.
With a smile on his face, Mark stepped behind a big tree and undressed. He walked down to the water with just his white briefs on and was about to put a foot in when he had a change of heart. It might take his jockey shorts too much time to dry and he didn't want to be there all day so, looking carefully around once more, he took off his briefs, laid them on a rock near the edge of the pond and then entered the water.
It felt GREAT! After driving all morning, the water was so refreshing. The pond was not too deep so he just quietly floated enjoying the sun and the freedom of being naked in the water...outside.
When he had enough Mark stepped out, found a grassy spot in the sun and sat down to dry. He laid back, closed his eyes and felt more relaxed that he had been in a LONG time. As he laid there he heard a sound that made me sit up. Thinking it was an animal he looked around and saw a rabbit not 10 feet away. Mark watched it sitting there motionless and then heard the same sound again. This time he realized it was not the rabbit making the noise.
Looking over his shoulder Mark saw what appeared to be a person making their way down the incline. Fortunately, Mark was behind a small ridge which offered him just enough time to grab his jockey shorts. He was just about completely dry so he quickly pulled his briefs back on. Unfortunately for him, the rest of his clothes were securely behind a tree and out of his immediate reach.
He had just finished getting his briefs on when he heard a masculine voice say: "Who's down there?" Mark stood up and standing there was Wayne, the police/security guy from the gas station. Mark was beyond stunned. Standing there in just his underwear he gave a weak smile and said "Hello again."
Wayne walked down to the ridge and, standing directly in front of Mark, said: "Just what do you think you are doing?" Mark was honest and said he had waded into the water as it was such a nice day and was about to get dressed and leave when Wayne had surprised him. The uniform clad man stepped closer staring directly at Mark as he did. "You didn't see the posted sign?" he asked the surprised swimmer. Mark shook his head "no," although he had passed it coming down the hill.
However, he wasn't sure how far honesty would get him at this point. Wayne raised an eyebrow and said: "Kinda hard to miss, ain't it?" Then he inquired: "Where are your clothes?" Mark pointed to the tree and started to go in that direction when Wayne barked: "Just stay right where you are." He asked Mark his name and Mark told him. Wayne then asked if he had ID and Mark pointed to his jeans hidden by the tree.
Wayne stepped closer to Mark again so they were only inches apart. He was on a bit of an incline so he looked like a giant when in reality he was only an inch or two taller than Mark. He started to ask why Wayne was detaining him and when Mark asked when he might be able to leave Wayne responded: "I'm the one who'll ask the questions and you'll answer em." He then pointed to the silver name tag on his shirt pocket and informed Mark that he would address him as Mr. Colton.
He instructed Mark to turn around. The nervous Mark was about to ask why but decided not to. He turned around and stood there for a moment when he suddenly felt him grab his left arm. He felt something go around his wrist. Mark tried to pull away but Mr. Colton had grabbed his right arm and in a flash he had handcuffed him.
Mark turned back around and angrily demanded: "What's this all about?" He poked Mark in the chest with his index finger and said "What did I say about questions?" He then told Mark to remain in place. Mr. Colton walked over to where Mark had placed the rest of his clothing and brought it all back to where the nervous Mark was, setting it on the ground.
"Now," Mr. Colton said, "your responses will determine what happens next." He asked Mark if he had any weapons in his clothing or in the car.