Page 8 of Slippery When Wet

“Start off?”

Ellery’s eyes were locked on his and Calvin drank in the beautiful pale blue, something he hadn’t been able to see in the dark club. Despite the odd circumstances, he found himself becoming more captivated by Ellery than he’d been originally. Not only his beauty, but how sweet and thoughtful he seemed.

“Was I being presumptuous? I was hoping to spend some time with you that didn’t involve buckets of water and near-death experiences.” Calvin narrowed his eyes as he glanced down at Ellery’s foot again. The boy still wasn’t putting his full weight on it. “But we can get into all that later. I must insist we go inside so I can have a look at your injury. Don’t worry, I’ll handle your boss.”

As if Calvin had conjured the very person he assumed was Ellery’s boss, an enraged man came bursting out of the store, his hands up as though he were surrendering before clutching the wisps of gray hair still clinging to life at his temples.

“What’s this? Oh heavens, ohdear.” His gaze darted between the ladder and fallen bucket, then at Calvin. His eyes widened before he scowled at Ellery, who visibly shrank against Calvin’s side. “Get away from him you good-for-nothing, worthless—”

“That’senough!” Calvin scowled right back at the old bastard who dared to speak to his boy that way. “I don’t appreciate your tone—particularly from someone who wishes to do business with me.” Calvin made a shooing motion with on hand. “Step aside. Ellery’s been hurt.”

Calvin supported Ellery as he guided his limping boy into the store, Ellery’s boss sputtering and choking out his words as he trailed behind them.

“M-my apologies, sir. Mr. Stewart, I presume? I-I didn’t mean any harm. I just wanted to…to reassure you that I’ll handle this matter to your satisfaction. Of course, he must be seen to. Then I’ll replace your suit, no charge, and if you should decide to give Uptown Men’s Clothiers another chance, I guarantee you he’ll be gone. No worries there. You never have to see him again. If you’ll only give me the opportunity to—”

“I need a chair for Ellery.” Calvin didn’t have the slightest interest in the desperate ramblings of whom he now knew to be John Shultz, the clothier his cousin had recommended he try.

“Yes, of course. Let me get one now.”

As Schultz rushed to the backroom, Ellery gazed up at him in wonder. “Wow. I’ve never seen him so flustered before. That was awesome.”

Calvin chuckled. “It doesn’t usually take much to get a bully to back down.”

Calvin’s chest tightened. A host of questions surfaced in his mind about Ellery’s circumstances, his heart hurting as he wondered how long Ellery had been being mistreated at his job.

Did Ellery fear losing what little money he was likely making, terrified that he might not be able to survive without this job? Had Schultz known this, then used that knowledge as a weapon against Ellery in order to take advantage of him?

At last, Schultz reappeared from the back, pushing a rolling desk chair in front of him like a wheelbarrow.

“I’m afraid this is all I have.”

Calvin pursed his lips. He’d already surveyed the room while Schultz was gone and noted the absence of chairs for customers. Did this also mean there weren’t any provisions made for employees when they took breaks? He could be wrong, but he seriously doubted this poor excuse for a human being allowed Ellery or anyone else to use his precious luxury office chair.

“Here you go, Ellery.”

Calvin helped lower him onto the chair, then shrugged off his ruined suitcoat. He took a cursory look at his reflection in a full-length mirror next to the dressing room and was relieved he didn’t look too horrific. He wasn’t as vain as some, but he did take pride in his appearance. He returned his attention to Ellery, who was rubbing his ankle and wincing.

Calvin crouched in front of Ellery, reaching for his shoe. “Here. Let’s take this off. I’ll have you remove the sock yourself because I don’t want to cause you unnecessary pain.”

Ellery winced some more as Calvin eased the loafer off and his grimace deepened as he slid down the sock to reveal a swollen ankle that was already turning blue.

“Oh no…” Ellery bit his lip, his eyes glistening as he examined his injury. “I won’t be able to work.”

Schultz wrung his hands then ran one through his thinning strands of hair. “Oh dear.”

Calvin peered up, locking gazes with Ellery’s boss. “I’m sure that won’t be a problem, since surely you carry workers’ comp insurance.”

Schultz tugged at the knot of his tie. “Well, uh, of course. But we’d need a note from a doctor first.”

“Yes,” said Calvin dryly. “I’m sure we can work out the details.” He regarded Ellery’s ankle again, propping up Ellery’s foot on his knee, but unhappy with his ability to properly care for his boy in the unhospitable surroundings. “I need an ice pack for him until my driver arrives.”

Schultz went back to loosening his tie, nervously glancing around at the few customers who had wandered in, the curious onlookers subtly taking in the proceedings.

“Certainly.” Schultz cleared his throat. “I’m sure something can be arranged. There’s a sliced pizza place two doors down where you can get a cup of ice.”

Calvin gritted his teeth. “You don’t have a first-aid kit in the back?”

Ellery interjected, “Mr. Schultz said we don’t need one, that he’s not running a medical clinic.”

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