Page 30 of Winds of War

At that point, Bedrossian let out a long sigh and slowly shook his head, not realizing that the owner of the tea shop, who seemed to be very close to Evon and his friends, was watching him. I have to talk to Erwyn. Moving to New York City is not a decision I can make by myself, the Armenian thought, the image of his fiancé appearing before his eyes.

Unlike him, the man he loved had deep roots in the Windy City, his family's home for generations, and the organization he ran was one of the oldest, most reputable in Chicago. Just like Bedrossian himself, Erwyn Rochester was a loner with no close friends but a lot of trusted allies, associates, and subordinates.

His only living relative, a younger brother named Ravyn, had been kidnapped a few weeks earlier and. At the Armenian's suggestion, Erwyn Rochester accompanied him to New York City to ask Ardan MacNamara for help in finding the boy. However, once he and his little brother would be reunited, Bedrossian was sure his fiancé would go back to Chicago.

Choosing between the man he loved and the happiness of his son would be the hardest thing Arman ever did, but he was aware he had to make a decision. At that point, the Armenian let out another loud sigh and buried his face in both hands, not giving a damn that the other patrons were staring at him.

From her spot behind the counter, Miss Nicky, the tea house's owner who occasionally played the server, especially for the regulars, was examining the man that sat alone at a table in an obvious state of despair, an empty mug in front of him. There was something in his appearance and behavior that intrigued her, something very familiar but which she couldn't exactly put her finger on.

The man came to the tea house only on Saturday and Sunday mornings, took the table facing the door, and patiently waited for Ardan's younger son, Tarrin, and his group of friends to show up. Miss Nicky personally took care of her young patrons' orders and didn't miss the opportunity to examine the man from the corner of her eye.

She noticed the mixture of affection and yearning on his face every time he looked in Evon's direction, especially when the fragile teen burrowed himself in Leon's chest with a small, content sigh. Miss Nicky suspected the man lost a child or a close relative who was of the blond boy's age and seeing him brought back memories that were sweet and painful at the same time.

The tea house's door opened, and five blond, curly-haired boys in their late teens stepped inside, adding warmth and brightness to the place by their simple presence. A radiant smile appeared on Miss Nicky's face when she saw the blond kids sitting around their favorite table being adorable and grinning cutely.

From behind the counter, the tea house's owner waved at the boys and started the samovar, arranging the cookies, biscuits, and miniature sandwiches on five plates she put on a tray. After being part of the blond boys' life for almost a decade, she knew what each of them liked. Seeing the innocent, childish greed in their eyes while they stuffed their cute faces with the goodies she cooked filled Miss Nicky's heart with joy.

Suddenly, an idea crossed the woman's mind, making her beautiful, warm brown eyes shine. Taking the tray with both hands, she went to the blonds' table and, lowering her head, she started to whisper, pointing to the lonely man who was still covering his face with both hands. Nodding, one of the boys left his seat and went next to the man's table.

CHAPTER 24

“Hello, sir, do you mind if I join you?” The blond boy spoke in a low, polite voice, making the man raise his head. “Of course, I could go to one of the empty tables, but you looked like you could use some company, and I... Sorry for assuming things.” The kid backed down.

Of course, you can stay here, kiddo.” Guilt washed over Bedrossian at the sight of the somewhat pained expression on the boy's face. “It's only that I'm not the best conversation partner today.”

And I'm the quiet type.” The boy gave the man a small grin. “Evan Brentano-Ballard. Nice to meet you.” He extended a hand in the Armenian's direction.

“Arman Bedrossian, likewise.” The man took the blond boy's hand, gently squeezing it. “You have a beautiful and interesting name. It means young warrior. My son's name is Levon, but for some reason, the woman in whose care I placed him shortened it to Evon. Please, take a seat.” Bedrossian gestured to the chair.

“Thank you, sir.” Evan sat down and fell silent. After a couple of long minutes, he cleared his throat, swallowed hard, and started to talk in a hesitant voice. “I know what we did isn't very nice, but my cousin and I made a bet...about you. Lochlin seems very sure you lost someone very close, but I think you recently broke up, and...”

“I'm quite flattered by you boys' interest. I never saw myself interesting enough to be the subject of a bet,” Bedrossian said, a spark of amusement appearing in his eyes. “Well, you and...Lochlin are partially right and partially wrong. I'm going to be reunited with my son after fifteen long years of separation, and I think I'm going to break up with my fiancé.”

“I can't tell you how happy I am hearing that you and your son will be together again.” Evan rubbed his hands together in excitement. “My twin brother Aidan and I were raised by a mean woman who lied to us about many things. Uncle Leon rescued us and took us to Dad, who loved us very much and was looking for us. Papa adopted Aidan and I and loves us like we were his own flesh and blood.”

“That's a wonderful story. I'm happy it had such a happy ending.” Arman gave the blond kid a warm, tender smile. “Now that you’ve made me curious, can you please tell me more about your plans for the future? I'd also like to find out a few things about your cousin Lochlin if you don't mind. After you finish spilling all his dirty secrets to me, you may tell everyone to come here and chat a bit.”

“Well,” Evan started hesitantly, “my biological father works for New York City's DA's Office, and at the time of his appointment, he was the youngest Assistant District Attorney. I want to follow his footsteps and break his record,” the boy said in a livelier voice. “As for Lochlin, he is going to be a forensic expert one day and strictly believes in things that can be scientifically demonstrated. That's strange for a guy whose boyfriend is into occultism and paranormal, don't you think?”

“Well, it's a classic case of opposites attract.” Bedrossian smiled, amused at the teen's tactic of bringing his cousin's boyfriend into discussion. “I know it's hard to believe, but the greatest fan of occultism and all things paranormal I ever met was a monk, Brother Adriano. You don't have any idea how many books on the subject can be in a monastery's library.”

Almost without realizing it, Arman started to evoke the period he spent in that isolated Catholic monastery outside Detroit, telling Evan about the great books he studied in the two years he spent there. One by one, the other blond kids came to the Armenian's table, listening fascinated to his words.

Aidan, Evan's shy twin, told Bedrossian about the impressive library his adoptive uncle Daniel had at his mansion in the follies, the-once best hidden, most secret neighborhood of New York City. Emery, Lochlin's twin, mentioned the one Daniel's great-uncle, Alastair, had at the family's imposing mansion in Connecticut.

At some point, Evan remembered Arman mentioning his son's name was Evon, and putting two and two together, he realized the man was the father of the fragile teen who hung out with Ardan's younger son Tarrin, his cousins, and their friends. Letting out a loud groan, he slapped his forehead.

Aidan immediately reacted to his twin's gesture, reminding the others about the promise they made to help the principal with the library. That was the start of another discussion that presented a great interest for Bedrossian, as Evon's name was mentioned multiple times, especially associated with that of his mysterious boyfriend Cahal, who everyone was looking forward to meeting.

Arman couldn't get enough of listening to the five boys talking about how much his son progressed since he arrived at The Base. According to Emery, the transformation Evon went through, from the scared boy who was terrified of the guards to the bubbly, confident teen who was friends with everyone, was simply amazing. Aidan approved with a dreamy sigh, mentioning the role Leon had in that spectacular change.

“I knew a man named Leo once. He loved me very much, and I loved him back. Unfortunately, the obstacles the Fates put in our way proved to be impossible to surpass,” Bedrossian spoke in a faraway, melancholy voice.

“I've heard once that Uncle Leon's real name was Leonard Nixon, and he wasn't the nicest person, on the contrary. However, I don't believe it. The change would be very radical,” Emery spoke in a doubt-filled voice.

“For me, he'll always be the family's guardian angel. End of the story,” Evan said, his voice firm. “Not to mention all the kids at The Base whose souls he heals by his simple presence. I mean, look at Evon,” he continued, earning everyone's approval.

“My Leo also kept me out of harm's way as much as he could, given the circumstances.” Bedrossian turned to Evan, his eyes shining with interest. “Why do you say your Uncle Leon is the family's guardian angel? Any particular reason?”

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