Page 5 of In the Name of the Father

Oh, the questions he wanted to ask. Malcolm gripped the steering wheel so tightly it made his knuckles ache almost as much as his heart.

“Perhaps…” He had no right to interfere. None whatsoever. But he couldn’t stop himself. “Perhaps, since you’re so new to the area, I could help you locate someplace…less dangerous. Somewhere that’s also affordable, of course.”

“That’s very nice of you, but I don’t want to be a bother.”

Jesus. This guy. “It’s not a bother at all. Let me ask you something. If you could help someone out by doing something that barely took any effort, would you?”

“Of course I would.”

Malcolm gave him a sideways glance. “Then why wouldn’t I?”

Seth lowered his head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything bad when I said that.”

“That’s all right, Seth. I’m only trying to reiterate that offering you help ismychoice and not an issue for me. Can I ask you something else about where you’re staying?”

“Sure. You can ask me anything you want.”

Oh boy. I don’t think he realizes what a potential can of worms he’s opened up with that statement. “Do you like staying there?”

Seth clasped his hands in his lap, worrying his fingers. “No. I don’t. And you’re right, it is dangerous. I sleep with a chair under the door because the lock is so flimsy. There’s not even a chain or anything. There’s yelling every night and…other things. The police show up almost every week. I’ve even been offered…”

When Seth didn’t continue, Malcolm stole a peek. Seth was turned away, gazing out of the passenger side window.

“You’ve been offered money for sexual favors?”

Seth nodded, but still wouldn’t look at him. Malcolm returned his eyes to the road.

“I would never do that. Ever. If I should decide to have sex, then it will only be with someone who cares about me and I care about them. I know there’s no such thing as love between gay men, that it’s only about sex, but it can at least be between people who like each other.”

Malcolm almost choked and barely stopped himself from hitting the brakes too hard. “Why…why on earth would yousaysuch a thing?”

Seth finally turned his way. “You don’t think I’ll have any luck finding someone who likes me as much as I like them? Because if that’s true, I’m okay with not ever having sex anyway. You know, since it’s a sin.”

“What?No. That’s not what I meant atall.”

Malcolm couldn’t take it any longer, so he pulled over before he swerved off the road. His heart pounded as his anger rose to critical levels.

Seth glanced around nervously. “What’s wrong? Are you mad?” As Malcolm cut the engine, Seth regarded him with pleading eyes. “I’m sorry, okay? I’m still trying to figure out how to belong in the gay world and if I insulted you, IpromiseI didn’t mean it. But please don’t leave me here. I don’t want to walk back to the Inn this late at night in the dark. I don’t know of any bus stops around here.”

Malcolm covered his mouth with both hands, his eyes rounded as it hit him what was going on with Seth.Fucking extremists. What did they do to this poor kid? God was supposed to be about love, not hate. That was what he’d never been able to wrap his brain around with those who held those beliefs. As Seth continued to stare at him in fear, Malcolm gave himself a mental shake. The urge to reassure Seth with touch was so strong, it was making him crazy. But given what he now concluded was Seth’s conditioning, he didn’t dare.

“I’m not leaving you, so let’s put that to the side. I swear never to do anything that would put you in danger, all right?”

Seth’s breathing was still elevated but he nodded shakily. “Okay. I believe you.”

Malcolm gave Seth what he hoped was an encouraging smile. “Now that we have that settled, I’d like to invite you to grab some coffee. It’s only a little after nine, so unless you have to get up early for work, would you like to join me? Then you can question me all you’d like about whatever concerns you have with being gay.”

Seth arched his eyebrows and his features brightened. “Really? That would be cool. I’m sorry I sound so dumb talking about it. It’s just that it’s only been a few months since I decided that’s what I am and can’t stop myself anymore, so…” He gave a one-shouldered shrug.

Malcolm shook his head in aggravation at whoever was responsible for destroying this man’s self-esteem. “Calling yourself dumb is as bad as calling yourself stupid.” Malcolm winked to take some of the sting out of his words. “Just saying.”

This time when Seth smiled, Malcolm was sure he could detect at least a smidgeon of happiness.

“I didn’t say I was dumb, only that Isoundeddumb.”

Malcolm chuckled. “That you did.”

He brought the engine to life then headed to his favorite late-night coffee shop in Eugene.

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