From Drab to Fab
Chapter 1
Rating: Adults Only
Category: Fanfiction
Pairing: Brian Kinney, Justin Taylor
Genres: AU, Romance
Warnings:OOC
Summary: Justin is a successful fashion designer who is employed by an old English company to bring them into the 21st century. He wants Brian Kinney, an equally successful model to be the face of his company. Working together will prove challenging for both of them. Thanks to Aida for the bunny.
Disclaimer: All characters and situations from Queer as Folk are properties of Russell T. Davies, Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman, Showtime, and others. No copyright infringement is intended. This story is rated by the author and not by any independent body.
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Justin Taylor sat on the terrace of his house in Angel. The garden was fabulous at this time of year and he was very lucky to have one in London. Deciding to do both the house and the garden at the same time was worth it. The garden was established now the renovations were complete. Justin was pleased he’d put in the extra effort.
Remodeling his house and working on a collection at the same time was exhausting but now the show was finished and so was the house, it was worth it. Justin smiled. Many other days it had been just a huge pain in the ass but today, he was happy. Moving so far away from home had been a difficult decision but when the career opportunity presented itself, Justin's desire to make his mark had him leaping towards it. He missed his Mom and Molly but the job was too good to pass up. Making the final decisions and being his own boss was something Justin had always craved but having total artistic license for the first time in his career was a real rush.
The fashion industry was demanding, a far cry from the relaxed art world he’d come from originally. Ten years ago, if anyone had told him he would be designing clothes for a living, he would have laughed at them. When he finished at PIFA, he wanted to go to Italy to further his studies. He wanted to be a serious artist and conqueror the art world.
Justin poured another cup of tea and sat back in his chair. It was beautiful in his garden, his own private haven. The pace his life moved at these days made a place like this essential, a place where the world could stop and allow him to enjoy some quiet, private moments. The phone rang and Justin frowned.
He looked at the caller ID. “Yeah.” Justin hated his Sunday mornings being interrupted. “I know that Bernie but I don’t care,” he growled. “Just get him.” He listened for a moment to the excuses his agency was giving him. “You obviously didn’t understand me the first time. I want him. No, no one else will do.” He slammed down the phone, his peaceful demeanor destroyed.
It wasn’t difficult. Get on a fucking plane and talk him into it. Why was it so hard?
********
Bernie put the phone down and sighed. Justin was being unreasonable. The guy just wasn’t interested. How was he supposed to get someone who wouldn’t even return his calls? He picked up the phone and tried again. “Yes, this is Bernie Davis again. Is he in? Thanks.” Bernie heaved a sigh of relief. He was there. “Josh, its Bernie again. What’s going on there? Is your client crazy? This is the deal of a lifetime for him.” He should have been more tactful but he’d been trying to pull this deal together for six weeks and he was getting nowhere fast.
Josh sighed. “I know that, Bernie but he just isn’t interested.”
“Is he mad?” Bernie roared into the phone.
“No. He doesn’t want to be based in London. He hates the weather there.”
“Is that his only problem? He doesn’t have to live here. We can organize the locations of the shoots so he won’t need to spend any more time here than necessary. Come on Josh, this will be great exposure for him.”
Josh sighed. “I’ll talk to him again and get back to you.” He hung up quickly before Bernie could hassle him any more. He'd been ducking and weaving Bernie's phone calls for days. Of course it was a great deal, he knew that but Brian was a spoiled child when it came to choosing what work he would and wouldn’t do. Ever since he had the cover of Vogue twice last year, there was no reasoning with him. Brian knew he was hot and he knew everyone wanted him. Being the face of Burberry’s would catapult him to the next level and Josh knew it. There had to be a way to get through to him, at least Josh hoped there was. Brian could be a real ass sometimes. He reached for the phone but changed his mind. No, he should do this face to face. Josh booked his flight on the net. Brian had a shoot tomorrow in New York. He’d show him the site of the New York store and see if having a store in the States would make a difference. Construction was well on the way now. It was due to be finished in September.
********
Justin took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. He was determined for Brian to be the next face of Burberry. His look was perfect and Justin couldn’t imagine anyone taking his place. Bernie had to bring this deal home, he just had to. He thought for a moment. Maybe Elise could help? They had worked together at Donna Karan and they were still close. In the five years they worked together, they’d become good friends. He dialed her number and a sleepy Elise mumbled into the phone.
“Mmmm.”
“Elise, its Justin. Were you asleep?”
Elise Morgan sat up, surprised to hear Justin’s voice. “Justin, it’s three in the morning here, of course I was asleep,” she grumbled.
“I’m sorry, I forgot about the time difference. I’ll call you back in the morning,” Justin apologized.
“I’m awake now,” she sighed. “I take it this isn’t a social call.”
“Do you know anything about a model, Brian Kinney?”
Elise was awake now. “Mmmm, yummy,” she sighed. “We used him in fall of 2000 when he was first getting started, gorgeous then but a real ass now.”
“What else do you know about him?” Justin asked with interest.
“Gay and unapologetic about it.” She quickly corrected. “You know what I mean. His being gay has nothing to do with that gorgeous body. He looks almost as good in clothes as he does out of them,” she laughed. “What do you want, business or personal?”
“You know I have no personal life. I don’t have time for one,” Justin laughed. “Business, of course but keep it under your hat, okay?”
“Sure, besides he isn’t interested in us, we tried to get him but he was so demanding. He’s very popular now.”
“I’m having the same problem. His agent says he isn’t interested. How do I get him, Elise? I want him.”
“It isn’t very business like but he’s a player and you my dear are beautiful.” Elise smiled.
“I’m not getting involved with a model,” Justin gasped. The days of selling himself to further his career were over. When he was fighting his way up the ladder, he used to delude himself he was just increasing his contact list. Tricking was a fact of life so why not trick and improve your career at the same time? That logic was totally fucked. Now he was older and wiser, he knew it. He was successful, he knew what it was he was doing in the early days and he wasn’t prepared to do it again. He didn’t have to. He was Justin Taylor. Those days were long gone.
“Have you met him?”
“No, just seen his pictures.” Justin shrugged. “How well do you know him?”
“Pretty well.” Elise smiled. Justin would have the right effect on Brian. She had no doubt about it. “He hangs at The Sanbourne when he’s in town. By the way, Taylor, I haven’t seen you for a while. I heard the work on the new store started a few months ago. How is it going?”
Justin laughed. “Well you’re there, not me.”
“Just another hole in the ground,” she giggled. “I heard the new collection was great. Congrats. I always knew you were amazing. We miss you.”
Justin smiled. “I am supposed to come back next month.”
“Why don’t you come earlier? I haven’t seen you in forever and while you’re here you can have a look at him close up.”
“I’ll let you know when I check my schedule.” Justin already knew full well his schedule was clear. The house was finished and the collection was done. Maybe he could spend some time with his Mom and Molly before checking in on the new store? “Go back to sleep and I’ll call you tomorrow,” he smiled as he put down the phone. Bernie wasn’t getting anywhere with Brian’s agent. Perhaps he could talk Brian into it in person?
Justin wasn’t sure why but suddenly he felt excited. Getting a closer look was a good idea. Kinney was an ass, was he? Justin wasn’t the least bit surprised. He poured another cup of tea. He was addicted to this stuff now. Before he came to London, he was a die hard coffee drinker. Now, it was tea, tea and more tea, he chuckled to himself. Justin felt Leonardo brush against his legs and bent down to pick him up.
The white Persian purred with delight as Justin hoisted him onto his lap. His fingers gently stroked the kitten as it wriggled until it was comfortably settled.
“Don’t get too comfortable, I need to go out soon,” Justin laughed. This cat was a real baby. It would sit in his lap for hours if he had the time. It was good therapy for him. Another tool he used to crack the stress out of his days. An hour of patting the cat was like four sessions with his therapist, damn sight cheaper too, Justin muttered then laughed.
His mind wandered back to Brian Kinney. He had the look Justin had been searching for and he wanted that look for Burberry’s. It was only a raincoat company when he first accepted the position here eighteen months ago. Time had moved so quickly. They were cashed up and ready to spring into a range of markets. He’d taken them ahead in leaps and bounds. He had the Chairman’s confidence and trust and it had paid off for both of them.
Elise was right. He should look more closely at Kinney before proceeding. Justin lifted Leonardo down and the cat yowled in disgust. It continued brushing against his legs while he arranged his flight.
********
Carlo Rossi licked his lips. Brian was a dream to work with. He required little instruction and he always delivered exactly what was required. Brian had a way of making love to the camera, it was a gift. He really had ‘fuck me’ eyes. Working with Brian was torturous though. Carlo was hard almost the entire time. The way Brian smirked into the camera drove him and his cock crazy. The shots were fabulous. He held out his camera to his assistant. “Reload,” he ordered. He smiled at Brian. “Take a break, Brian.”
Brian smiled but stayed lying on his back. “What did you have in mind? I could always use a diversion,” he smirked at Carlo.
Before Carlo had a chance to respond, his assistant shoved the camera back into his hand. Carlo smiled and shrugged casually. “He who hesitates…” He laughed.
Brian loved to flirt but Carlo knew there was no way Brian would let him fuck him. He knew Brian’s reputation, it preceded him. Brian tricked but not with the people he worked with. He had more respect for money than that. Brian would never put his livelihood at risk. It was far too important to him.
The shoot lasted for another hour giving him everything he needed. “That’s a wrap,” Carlo smiled. “I’ll send you a copy of the proofs tomorrow.”
Brian sat up and removed the Prada belt from around his waist. When he climbed off the bed, his assistant handed him a robe. He didn’t mind being naked. They wanted the shots to be cut low and briefs would have shown. It was better to go without, Brian didn’t care. He knew he had a great cock and he trusted Carlo to keep the shots as per the client’s instruction. Carlo’s appreciation of his nakedness had been obvious throughout the entire photo shoot. Brian smiled thinking, so much for photographers being immune to their subject matter. Carlo was far from immune, his hard on being more than obvious. He glanced over and saw Carlo and his assistant arguing at the back of the room. So, he thought, Carlo is fucking his assistant. It was always a mistake to mix business with pleasure; Brian shook his head as he strolled to the other room to change.
Even though it was a long day and he was exhausted, Brian needed to let off some steam. He gave socializing at the Sanbourne a miss and went straight to the club for some serious fucking. Hundreds of hot sweaty males to choose from always made Brian smile. A renewed energy swept over him as he happily tricked the next few hours away. Releasing tension was an essential part of his daily unwinding process. It kept him looking youthful, guaranteeing he could do it all again tomorrow. Tomorrow was the name of the game.
********
Justin didn’t tell Elise when he was coming. He wanted to call in and see his Mom for a few days first. It would give Bernie one last chance to handle the matter himself. Regardless, of Bernie’s outcome, Justin was determined to have Brian Kinney…..one way or another.
He tried to sleep on the plane but with no luck. It was a long flight, particularly when he couldn’t dismiss Brian from his mind. Whether he would admit it to himself or not, he was intrigued by Brian’s chiseled good looks and flirtatious reputation. By the end of the flight, he was so horny he had to make straight for the bathroom to jerk off.
When he emerged from the bathroom, he grabbed his bag and jumped into a cab. This was his first trip home since he’d left eighteen months ago. He knew his Mom would go crazy when she saw him. She had been divorced from his father for twelve years now and hadn’t shown the slightest interest in anyone since. His father was an asshole. His mother was better off without him.
Craig Taylor was a doting father and by all counts a faithful husband until he discovered his pride and joy was gay. When he found out, Craig turned into a complete stranger to his family. He disowned his once very favored son and went on a womanizing rampage to prove his masculinity shouldn’t be questioned because he’d spawned a fag. Five years ago, when Justin first started getting a lot of press about his work, his father had tried to contact him. Apparently, it was okay to be gay if you were famous. Justin could still feel the homophobia in his father’s impassioned pleas for them to reconnect. Justin decided to save his heart the rollercoaster ride and politely declined to reinstate their relationship. His father hadn’t tried to contact him again.
Justin paid the cab driver and walked up the path to the front door. He rang the bell and was startled when a young stranger answered the door. They stared at each other for a moment and then the man began to shout out.
“Jen, you’ll never guess who it is,” he yelled.
The stranger obviously knew who he was but who the fuck was he?
“Jen, quick.” The man called out again.
“Tucker what’s wrong?” Jennifer Taylor came to the door. She stared at her son. “Justin, oh my god, Justin,” she squealed as she hugged him passionately. “You didn’t say a word about coming.”
Justin hugged her quickly and then wriggled out of her grasp. “It was a last minute decision,” he mumbled. He stared at the stranger and held out his hand. “Justin Taylor and you are?”
“Tucker,” the man smiled. “Jen talks about you all the time, pleased to finally meet you.”
Jennifer recovered quickly and realized what Justin was thinking. She hadn’t told her son she was seeing Tucker.
Justin looked up at his sister who was running towards them. “Justin,” she screamed from the bottom of the stairs and jumped into his arms. He took two steps back and started to laugh. “At least let me get in the door before you knock me over,” he scolded. He put her down. “I have a surprise for you.”
“Who?” Molly gasped.
“Versace,” he smiled and picked up the box he dropped to the ground.
“Ohhhhh,” she squealed and took it.
“Molly, let Justin come inside,” Jen grumbled. “Tuck, take his bag upstairs, honey.”
Tucker picked up Justin’s bag and ran up the stairs with it.
Justin looked at his mother, slipping his arm around her waist as they walked to the living room. “Anything you want to tell me?”
“I’ve been seeing Tuck for a while now. I know he’s young Justin but I care about him. He makes me happy,” she smiled.
Justin could see his mother cared about this Tuck person. She was positively glowing. “How old is he?”
“Twenty eight. I’ll make coffee,” Jennifer disappeared nervously into the kitchen.
Fuck, Justin thought. The guy involved with his mother was four years younger than him. God when his mother ended a dry spell, she went all out. He hadn’t realized the shocked look on his face until Molly nudged him in the ribs.
“Cut it out, Jus. She was so unhappy before she met Tuck. He’s a nice guy and he cares about Mom. If she’s happy, so am I and you should be too,” she growled. “I remember a time when she defended your right to sleep with whomever you wanted.”
Justin sighed. “He’s good for Mom?”
Molly smiled. “Yes, he adores her and she’s hopelessly in love with him.”
A voice boomed for behind them. “She is the kindest, sweetest woman I’ve ever met and I’m crazy about her.”
Both Molly and Justin turned to see Tucker smiling at them. Well he isn’t afraid to say how he feels, Justin thought. He smiled at Tucker. “As long as my Mom is happy then so am I.”
Molly heaved a sigh of relief. “I’ll let you two get better acquainted while I help Mom in the kitchen.”
Tucker and Justin sat down.
“Molly says Mom is happy.”
“We both are.”
“How long have you been seeing her?”
“I met her a little over a year ago. She helped me find an apartment. I moved in three weeks ago.”
Justin was taken back. His mother seeing someone was one thing but living together? He took a deep breath.
“Jen should have told you Justin but she didn’t know how to,” Tuck explained.
Molly’s words kept ringing in his ears. His Mom had never questioned his sexuality, now it was his turn to be supportive. “So, Tucker, what do you do for a living?” Justin prayed Tucker did something professionally.
“I’m a high school teacher, art history and English Lit,” Tucker smiled. “Don’t worry, I do work.”
Justin hadn’t realized he was being so obvious. “Sorry, you and Mom just took me by surprised that’s all. I’ve been encouraging her to put herself out there for ages.”
“She told me. Your Dad did a real number on her confidence,” Tucker said sadly.
“I know,” Justin said softly. He felt responsible for his Dad’s attempts to prove he was a He- Man. The one who was hurt by it all was his Mom.
Jennifer carried the tray in and set it down on the coffee table. She looked at both men, nervously. Tucked reached out and took her hand. “You must be so excited to have Justin home for a while. How long are you staying Justin?”
“Not sure yet, maybe a few days, I’m on my way to New York to check on the new store and while I’m here I want to get a look at a model I’m interested in.”
“Oooo, who?” Molly squealed.
Justin rolled his eyes. “I’ll let you know if I get him. I want to make him the face of Burberry’s but he is apparently resisting,” he laughed. “They’re usually highly strung but this guy has the look I’ve been searching for. It will be worth all the delays if we can get him.”
Tucker laughed. “I know what you mean. My best friend is a model and he can be a real ass sometimes. He wasn’t like that at all until he went into modeling. He’s is a great guy away from the scene. We went to college together. When he starts the pretentious bullshit, I tell him to pull his head in and he remembers it’s me and stops. Your mother has a secret crush on Brian, don’t you, honey,” Tucker smiled at Jennifer.
Jennifer smiled. “He’s is certainly easy on the eyes.”
Tucker frowned. “Hey.”
“But not half as gorgeous as you,” Jen grinned.
“What’s your friend’s last name? Maybe I’ve seen some of his shots,” Justin asked with interest.
“Kinney, Brian Kinney. He’s doing very well and he’s really popular at the moment,” Tucker smiled. “He’ll be here tomorrow. We’re going out to dinner. Do you want to come?”
Justin could barely contain his excitement. A chance to meet Brian Kinney informally, what luck. He decided to not appear too interested. “I’m tired from the flight. Can I let you know tomorrow? Only if I’m not jet lagged, don’t tell him what I do, okay? I want this to be a pressure free trip. I’ll have enough to deal with when I go to New York.”
“Sure, I guess models hound you. It must be a tough life,” Tuck laughed.
“Someone has to do it. I guess it’s just my cross to bear,” Justin grinned.
“Don’t worry. Brian isn’t the hounding type. He considers companies are lucky to have him. That’s when his asshole side comes out.”
Jen watched her son pretend not to be interested and wondered what was going on. “You look exhausted, honey,” she smiled. “Why don’t you get some sleep and we’ll talk tomorrow?”
“Thanks Mom.” He was looking for a tactful way to take his leave, he was beat. No sleep on the plane had left him feeling wrung out and finding out Tucker knew Brian had his adrenaline pumping. He needed to calm own and get some sleep. Tomorrow was another day.
“Come on, I’ll walk up with you,” she smiled.
“I can go myself,” Justin laughed.
“I know but it isn’t often I get to tuck my baby in anymore,” Jen laughed.
Justin said his goodnights and wondered what his mother wanted to talk about. Tuck him in, indeed. He was thirty two years old and hadn’t been taken to bed for years, not by his Mom anyway. He stood up and they walked hand in hand up the stairs to his room. He opened the door and went inside. Jen closed the door behind them.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
“What do you mean?” Justin said innocently.
“Justin Taylor, I’m your mother and I know you.”
Justin smiled. “Tucker’s friend is the model I want. Don’t say anything, please?”
Jennifer hugged her son. “Well if you want Brian, I’ll show you how to get him. Get some sleep, we’ll talk tomorrow. I’m assuming you’ll be attending.” She raised her brow.
“Nothing could stop me,” Justin smirked. “Goodnight, Mom.” He kissed his mother on the cheek.
********
Justin slept through until eleven. He knew he was tired but the time differences really played havoc with him. When he rose, Tucker was at school, Molly was at work and his Mother was in the kitchen.
“Hey Mom,” Justin said, cheerfully. “How is you business doing?”
“Great,” she smiled. “I should have done this year’s ago. Property is a cinch. I just love it. I meet tons of people and the commissions are wonderful. I paid off the house six months ago.”
“That’s great. You know if you ever need anything….”
“Useless Jennifer Taylor who needed to be taken care of left when your father did. I am an independent woman who can take care of herself,” she smiled. “I like being independent, Justin. For the first time in my life I like myself.”
Justin smiled. He could see how happy she was. Finding her niche professionally was one thing but having Tucker had given her a quiet confidence she had never had before. “You love him, don’t you?”
Jennifer nodded. “He is such a kind person, Justin. He’s passionate about his work, he’s a good friend, a great lover and he makes me feel good about myself too.”
“Do you still cook or have you evolved away from that?” he smiled.
“What do you want, breakfast or lunch?”
“Eggs please, I’m ravenous and maybe a cup of tea?”
“You are a real Brit now, aren’t you?” Jennifer laughed.
“When it comes to tea, I am,” Justin smiled. “I’m really hooked on it.”
Jennifer made breakfast as they continued to talk about what Justin had been doing at work. She was so proud of his accomplishments.
After Justin had eaten, he put his plate in the sink thinking nobody made eggs like his Mom. “What time is dinner tonight?” He asked casually.
“Eight and then we’re going to a club afterwards. You know Babylon.”
Justin gasped. “You go to Babylon?”
“Of course,” she laughed. “Why wouldn’t I? A lot of Tucker’s friends are gay and I do have a gay son or at least he used to be gay.”
“Still am,” Justin laughed.
“Are you seeing anyone?”
“With what time? I just finished the apartment and a show. I have a store to get opened and another collection to start on when I get home. There aren’t enough hours in the day to have a relationship too, Mom. My job is very demanding. I do have a cat though,” he smiled. “Leonardo.”
“As long as you aren’t sleeping alone,” Jennifer smiled. “I didn’t realize how lonely I was until I met Tucker. It’s nice to have someone, Justin. I don’t want you to look back and discover you missed out. There are other things besides work.”
“How well do you know Brian?”
“I see him every month or so. He’s a nice kid.”
“A kid, huh?”
“Shut up,” Jennifer laughed. “I don’t think of Tuck as a boy. He is all man, believe me.”
Justin cringed. “Too much information, Mom. You aren’t going to do anything to creep me out tonight, are you?”
“If I do, don’t watch,” Jennifer laughed. “You’re coming into my life remember?”
Justin smiled. “You don’t go near the back room, do you?”
Jennifer frowned. “We have a house to come home to.”
“Now there is the prudish mother I know and love,” he laughed.
“Besides, they don’t allow women in the back room,” she winked. “Do you have anything you want ironed?”
Justin stood up and hugged his Mom. “When are you coming to see my house?”
Jennifer Taylor smiled. “How about Christmas at your place this year? Tucker has winter break and Molly will be on leave as well.”
Last year was so lonely. It was his first Christmas in London and he didn’t know anyone. It would be nice to have a family Christmas again. “Sounds wonderful. I’ll arrange the tickets.”
“Oh Justin, we can’t let you pay for us,” Jennifer objected.
Justin laughed. “That will be my present to each of you and your present to me will be coming to see my home. If you don’t mind, I will get you to press something for me.”
Jennifer laughed. This reminded her of when Justin was young. He always wanted something pressed. She wasn’t surprised at all when he was drawn to fashion. He was always so fussy about the things he wore. “What are you going to do until tonight?”
“I have a ton of calls to make,” Justin smiled. “I’ll get my clothes for tonight.” He bent over and kissed heron the top of the head. “By the way, thanks for breakfast.” Justin disappeared upstairs. He took the clothes down to his Mom and went back up to make calls.
*********
Josh flopped down onto the sofa in frustration. “You don’t need to be based in London. They said you could commute. When the New York store opens, some of the shoots will even be done here. It’s a great deal, Brian. You will be the face of Burberry’s, worldwide. They intend to splash your face everywhere.”
“But being exclusively attached to one company will be limiting,” Brian shook his head. “I like working for everyone. It boosts my fees.”
“Brian, the contract value is higher than you make at the moment and its regular. You wouldn’t need to work as often giving you more time to play. You would know in advance what you would be doing and where. No more waiting for the work to come in. It’s a great deal, Brian.”
Brian shrugged. “I dunno. The weather there sucks and it would mean long flights. You know how much I hate being trapped in the same place for long periods. I hate hotels. My apartment’s here. CK will be looking for someone next year. I heard they aren’t renewing Darryl’s contract. He’s looking tired and old. Talk is they want a fresh new look.”
“Burberry’s has come ahead in leaps and bounds since Taylor took over. He intends to put them on the world map and he wants to use your face to do it. Brian, it’s the deal of a lifetime. You will be a household name.”
“It’s a fucking raincoat company,” Brian grumbled.
“Not any more it isn’t. Their last show gave Armani a run for its money. Have you seen the stuff he’s designing? He’s being hailed as the new god in fashion. He is a genius.” Josh pulled out the catwalk shots from Justin’s last show. “Look.” He tossed the photographs at Brian who studied them with great interest.
Josh was right. The stuff was good but he still wasn’t fussed having to travel backwards and forwards to London all the time. “I’ll decide when I get back. I’m spending the weekend with Tuck and his Mrs. in the suburbs. I need to get out of here or I’ll miss my flight.”
Josh sighed. He wasn’t sure if he was any further advanced. “Think about it, Brian.”
Brian gave Josh his trademark smirk.
“That’s the look they want from you,” Josh smiled.
“If I decide to give it to them, it’s gonna cost them,” he laughed.
“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. They are cashed up and they want you.”
“We’ll see. Drop me to the airport?”
“Come on, let’s go,” Josh sighed. If Brian didn't make the right decision, Josh decided he would murder his client.