Page 26 of Winds of War

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“So, young Warthon.” Montemayor accompanied his words with a long burp, “When are we going to meet your little boyfriend? Some of us can't wait to see him up close.” The Mexican lecherously licked his lips.

“In a week, maybe less,” Seamus answered, much to Cahal's relief. “I sent my distinguished friend some photos and videos with his present smiling and even laughing, and he adored them. Since young Warthon is responsible for the gentleman's new pet's good mood, I'll send him to accompany the new addition to his collection to New York City.”

“I wouldn't do that if I were you, my friend.” Montemayor dragged his words, examining Cahal, who wasn't so thrilled about the subject of the discussion. ”People as young as our friend here can't be trusted with a package so fragile and valuable.”

“I'm aware of that.” Seamus's reply came in a flat voice. “That's why I'll send Spyros and my other guard, Xavier, with him. They will make sure Cahal comes back...and brings his boyfriend with him.” The man finished the sentence in an ice-cold tone. “Now, if you’ll excuse him, our young friend has to go and keep my distinguished friend's present entertained.”

Cahal cast a gratitude-filled glance in Seamus's direction, then left his seat. “Thank you for another deliciously tasting meal.” He bowed his head in Montemayor's direction. “I told Evon about your generosity, and he can't wait to meet you.”

“Is that so?” The Mexican gangster's eyes went wide with surprise. “I hope he'll be as pleasantly impressed when he meets me in person,” he continued in a sickly-sweet voice.

“I'm sure he will.” Cahal nodded, leaving the imposing dining hall and heading to the bedroom he and Ravyn shared. “When the hell freezes over, bastard,” the boy hissed through clenched teeth as he plopped down on the edge of the bed.

“What's wrong? Was it Montemayor again?” Ravyn peeked from under the blanket, his voice small and shaky. “No matter how hard he pushes, please don't let him get to you. He…he's like a shark, will sense your concern and worry, and will use them against you. He planned to do the same to my brother, but then Seamus bought me, messing his plans up.”

“Do you have a brother?” Cahal gasped in surprise at the younger boy's words. “Why didn't you mention him until now?”

“I...I guess I was afraid of both you and Seamus, who bought me like I was a piece of meat. I didn't know if the two of you could be trusted, and to be honest, I'm not quite sure now, either, but something tells me to take the risk. My brother is Erwyn Rochester. He runs a gang in Chicago and is Arman Bedrossian's fiancé.”

“That Erwyn Rochester is your brother?” Cahal gave the younger boy an incredulous look, shaking his head. “And he...is engaged to Bedrossian?”

Ravyn silently nodded, making the other boy let out another, louder gasp and fall to the bed on his back. The younger kid's revelation changed all Cahal's plans, opening a new horizon for him. The Rochesters have run things in Chicago since the dawn of time, even before Italians, Jews, or Russians knew the city ever existed, the boy thought.

Instead of encouraging that sleazy Mexican to go on with the war, I could very well join Ardan MacNamara's efforts to stop it, Cahal thought. This would be like spitting in old Nigel's face and shitting on all his efforts to build that goddamn organization he's so proud about. A smile stretched across the boy's lips at the thought.

The scumbag treated me worse than a dog from the first second I set foot in his house, Cahal bitterly remembered. It's time to turn my back on him for good, walk away, and make a new life for me and Evon. The Base. The more he was thinking about that place, the more convinced Cahal became that it was the key to his future.

CHAPTER 21

“Welcome back, Spyros. You were missed,” Elaine greeted the guard who’d just climbed out of the car and was opening the doors for the two young passengers. “Where is Van? You left him stranded?” The girl frowned when she noticed the black, massive guard was missing.

“No, he stayed behind with Seamus to take care of the last details of the plan. To be honest, I'm a little worried about him,” Spyros whispered in the girl's ear, glancing at the two boys who stepped out of the car. “I've brought two temporary residents,” he said aloud, pointing to the teens.

“Hello, cuties. I'm happy to see you. Wow, aren't you one of the sweetest boys I've ever seen?” Elaine cooed, wrapping Ravyn in a warm, sisterly hug. “Welcome to The Base. I hope you'll enjoy your stay here.”

“Hi, I'm Cahal. Nice to meet you...I think.” The older boy hesitantly extended a hand, examining the girl with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

“I can't believe it. You’re finally here. I'm Elaine, and I'm thrilled to meet the celebrity of the moment. You are all Evon talks about, and boy, he could carry on for hours on the subject,” she explained to a somehow confused Cahal.

“Don't be scared. She's pretty inoffensive most of the time.” Spyros smirked, earning himself a poisonous glare from the girl. “Elaine is the older sister all the kids at The Base need in their life.”

Cahal nodded automatically at the guard's words, his attention turned to the girl. “Do you know Evon? Where is he now? Is he okay? Why didn't you bring me straight to him?”

“Easy, big guy,” Elaine raised her hands in surrender. “Your arrival was kept secret, so your boyfriend doesn't know you are here. He'll find out when he comes back from the tea house and will find two sleeping beauties in the house. Speaking of, the two of you look dead tired, especially the sweet, cute thing here, so we better move our precious behinds and...”

“Welcome to The Base, dear children,” a man with sapphire-blue eyes filled with kindness and affection spoke, opening his arms in a warm, welcoming gesture. “I'm sorry if my sudden apparition scared you. I took a little detour to check something at the school's library with the principal.”

“The new book cataloging system. I completely forgot about it.” Elaine slapped her forehead. “Thank you for reminding me, Uncle Fabian. I’ll take the boys to the little house that will serve as their home from now on, and then I'll go straight to school to help poor Peyton.”

“Thank you for the warm welcome, sir,” Cahal offered the man a shy smile. “To be honest, I didn't expect to be greeted like that. You make me feel a part of your family. I've never experienced something like that...until now.”

“That's The Base, dear child; a big, tight-knit family dedicated to take care of and protect the innocent and helpless human-faced beasts prey on or mistreat, one way or another. Come here. You look like you need a tight hug and a long, deep sleep.”

Fabian's words were a soothing balm on Cahal's heart, and he felt the overwhelming need to offer something in return. “First, I want to know how I can help with the books or whatever the principal needs. It can be other work, too. I want to repay the kindness all of you are showering me with,” the boy said in a gratitude-filled voice.

“Don't worry about it, dear child. Peyton doesn't need help right now. They have plans of their own in the morning. Later in the afternoon, when the CrazyBunch comesback from the tea house, everyone will gather in the library, and you can join them, too, if you want. Until then...” Fabian gestured to his open arms, a kind smile brightening his face.

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