Page 47 of His Middle

The detective closed his small notepad. “That’s really all I need from you for now, but I’m sure we’ll be in touch when it’s time for Earl to go on trial. We already have enough on the guy to send him away for a helluva long time, but we’ll need your testimony when he goes to court.” Detective Liu regarded Noah. “You’re very fortunate. Earl has more than one murder and assault charge being levied against him.”

Noah’s eyes went wide, and Arlen gasped. Sawyer placed a gentle hand on his shoulder as if anchoring him. The detective rose then paused.

“Oh, one other thing. Were you missing your father’s cell phone?”

Noah’s jaw dropped. “Yeah, totally. Did you find it?”

“Yes. Jonathan had it.”

Noah frowned. “He did? I don’t get it. Why would he want it?”

The detective shrugged. “He wouldn’t say. That was around the time he insisted on an attorney. Apparently, he snatched it after the paramedics took your dad to the hospital. From what I understand, your dad died here?”

Noah swallowed hard. “Yeah. I still don’t understand why Jonathan wanted it, though. That’s just mean.”

“Perhaps he thought he could somehow get a contact in there to give him money before they discovered your dad had passed, or maybe he simply didn’t want you to have it in case you did something similar.”

Sawyer’s hand tensed. “Or so Noah couldn’t reach out for help from his father’s best friend. Maybe he thought if Noah was desperate enough, he’d simply hand the club over to him. I’m wondering if he was already worried about what Oliver’s will contained.”

The detective tucked his notepad into his jacket pocket. “Could be. Anyway, it’s in evidence right now, but you can put in a claim for it once it’s been cleared.”

Noah could barely believe what he was hearing. Yeah. He’d need a minute to wrap his head around this unexpected revelation.

“Wow. Okay.”

As soon as the detective began to walk away, Noah started shaking. He’d been shaking earlier, but that time it had been related to the trauma of his ordeal. This, however, was pure anger.

Arlen plopped down on the chair next to him. “I can’t believe that shitbag managed to outdo his own shittiness! I hope he gets what’s coming to him.”

Sawyer rubbed Noah’s shoulders and placed a kiss on the top of his head. He let out a sigh. “I imagine it will depend on what they can realistically charge him with. I’m not sure taking someone’s phone will lead to hard time.”

Arlen pouted. “In his case, it should.”

Noah appreciated his friend showing up to lend support, but he needed to get away from the club, needed to get his thoughts focused on Daddy and nothing else.

“I’m sorry. But I’ve gotta get out of here.” His anger had morphed into exhaustion. “I can barely keep my eyes open.”

“Of course, sweetheart. Let me get everything wrapped up here, then we can leave.”

Arlen jumped to his feet. “Oh hell no. You two are leaving right now. I’ll handle things here.”

Noah sighed. “Thanks, but I already feel bad you came down here when it isn’t even your shift.”

Arlen crossed his arms and turned to Sawyer. “Make him behave.”

Sawyer chuckled. “Will do.” He patted Noah’s back. “Come on. Listen to your floor manager. With great power comes great responsibility, and Arlen is ready to handle it.”

Noah snorted. “Okay. You guys got me there.” He allowed Sawyer to help him to his feet. “Thanks Arlen. You’re the best.”

Arlen grinned. “Aren’t I, though?”

Noah gave him a big hug. Arlen was the best friend a guy could ever have and when Monday arrived, he planned on having him over for some playtime. Noah had the strong suspicion he’d need a full day’s worth of middle space to banish the horror of the night’s events.

Chapter Sixteen

Noah grabbed the joy con controller from Arlen, interrupting the mini game from Mario Party they were in the middle of playing. “No, dummy! You shake it up and down like this, not wave it around.”

Arlen snatched it back. “You’re a dummy! I can do it by myself. I don't need your stupid help.”

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