Page 31 of Lost Boy

“Hello boy. Are you out of court for the day?”

Just hearing Byron’s voice had the shaking stop. “Yes. Just got out.” He wasn’t sure if he should tell Byron anything or not.

“You doing okay? You sound upset.”

“Can I come to see you?”

“Of course. Do you need me to pick you up?”

Mitch slumped against the building. Byron would go out of his way, drive across town, just to pick him up. “No, I can drive to your house. Will you text me the address?”

“Yes,” Byron said. “But I also don’t mind coming to get you. If you are upset, I don’t want you driving.”

“I’m okay.” And strangely he did feel much better. “I just need to see you.”

“I’ll be waiting at the door for you. Don’t speed. Get here safely and I’ll take care of everything else.”

“Thank you, Daddy,” Mitch whispered.

“See you soon boy.”

Byron

Byron hated hearing how upset his boy had sounded on the phone. When they’d hung up Mitch had sounded better though. He didn’t know what happened, but Byron had a pretty good idea of how to help his boy.

He stood on the front porch of his house waiting for his boy to arrive.

It should take half an hour between Mitch hanging up the phone before pulling up to the house. Byron knew exactly how long the drive was from the courthouse to his home. Traffic might make the time fluctuate slightly but he’d know if Mitch sped.

So far so good.

Byron had everything prepared for his boy. The house was warm, dinner was in the oven, and clothes ready for Mitch to change into.

Headlights flashed across the trees that lined his property.

Growing up on a ranch Byron didn’t like living in the middle of the city. He didn’t mind Mitch’s condo, but he preferred the quietness of his house just outside the city.

Mitch pulled his black BMW onto the paved drive. Byron waited until Mitch had exited the car before he climbed down the steps.

He drank in the sight of his boy. A dark blue suit, thin tie, shiny shoes. The dreaded shoes. He’d been surprised by how much disgust Mitch had for his shoes. His boy looked every inch of the important lawyer he was. Byron couldn’t wait to strip all of that from his boy.

“Hey sweetie,” Byron kissed Mitch’s forehead before pulling him into a hug. “I’m glad you called.”

Mitch leaned into him wrapping his arms around Byron’s waist as he clung.

Giving him time Byron stood and held his boy.

Mitch sniffled before pulling back. “I needed that.”

“Come inside,” Byron beckoned. “Let me take care of you.”

“Please.”

“Good boy.” He took Mitch’s hand and led him into the house.

Byron locked the door behind him as Mitch looked around.

“It’s so quiet here,” Mitch said. “The drive was great once I got out of downtown traffic.”

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