Page 35 of Barrett

“Hell no, we aren’t. The event is almost over. I need to help my brother and go home.”

“Then I’ll join you.”

I groaned. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”

“No, Bear. This is a long time coming.”

16

REGHAN

The event wound down slowly. The organizers weren’t about to kick buyers out when they were still browsing and making purchases. None of the artists were trying to leave either. These sales could lead to potentially catapulting the artists into more money than they dreamed of making.

Marshall sold his other painting to an older couple, who had bought a house in the country after selling their condo in the city. The husband made his money in real estate before retiring. Now they lived comfortably but she wanted out of the hustle and bustle of the city. I’d been part of their conversation and knew far more about them than I should. I was just happy to see the smile on Marshall’s face when he was able to put the other sold sign on his art.

None of the buyers took their purchases with them tonight. Instead, they were to be delivered. I put down Hartley’s studio address for what I didn’t buy from Marshall. I’d already texted Hartley and Rory to let them know. It was much easier for a person to have access to do a drop-off there than Jordan’s building. Plus, I didn’t want to have the artist scared shitless when they showed up at Jordan’s building and had guns pulled on them.

Instead of Marshall putting his paintings in the back of Barrett’s sedan, I told him he could use my Jeep, and I’d drive carefully so they weren’t damaged. There was plenty of room behind the two front seats to prop them up. They weren’t massive paintings. If they were they wouldn’t have fit.

Barrett tried to insist Marshall put them in his car, but Marshall laughed and told his brother he needed to relax. I wouldn’t let anything happen to them or him since Marshall decided he was riding to their apartment with me. Poor Barrett’s jaw dropped, but he didn’t protest. I’d learned fast Marshall got away with a lot when it came to his brother.

The second I pulled out of the parking deck, Marshall started peppering me with questions.

“The drive isn’t long, so tell me everything. How did you two meet? How long have you flirted with each other? Why has my brother been hiding you from me?” He was full of energy, undoubtedly riding high from his sales tonight.

Where Barrett was fake when he was in front of others, there was none of that with Marshall. He smiled and talked, not letting me answer the questions fully before he pushed forward and started telling me stories about his brother and the things he’d done for him, even when they were younger and living with their parents. I didn’t bother cutting in, simply nodding along, not wanting to interrupt what he was willing to divulge.

Barrett guarded himself with me. He was learning he didn’t need to. Marshall had no such barrier up.

“We have to get this out now because once we’re home, Barrett won’t let me ask you questions,” Marshall said. “He’ll want me to give you two some space, which I will by the way. So, what do you do for a living besides spend every day in the gym?”

How did I want to phrase this? I wasn’t ashamed of my job or who I worked for, but I had a feeling Marshall wasn’t aware of the work Barrett did on the side for Jordan. “I work in personal security.”

“You’re a bodyguard?”

I nodded. I was that and more, but it was a good title for Marshall to know.

“That explains why you’re so big and why my brother is attracted to you.”

Grinning, I asked, “He hasn’t told you anything about me?”

“No, Barrett is a closed book in that area of his life. I get bits and pieces of his work. Some stuff I can’t know, and others I think he wants to keep from me. He couldn’t hide the kidnappings. One, I knew already. My job is in a mailroom in an office building. The way those people gossip is crazy. When my brother told me about what was happening, I’d already heard. I fit the profile of who’s been taken for the most part. I understand Barrett’s concern, but sometimes, he can be like an overprotective parent. Maybe my issue isn’t that he’s like that, but rather it’s a reminder he and I never had that when we were younger.”

“Well, if you need another person looking out for you, you have me,” I told him. I could have gone down the road about his parents and dug deeper into their past. Instead, I wanted Marshall to know he could depend on me. It wasn’t because of Barrett. Marshall was a good man who didn’t deserve the shit that happened in this city touching him. Jordan tried to make it a better place, but crimes still occurred.

I followed behind Barrett as he turned and went down a few side streets, keeping my eyes on his taillights as well as the other vehicles near us. My mind didn’t stop when I was out. There could be a threat anywhere. Having Marshall in my vehicle was the same as having Jordan in it. They were precious cargo I would give my life for. The difference was, Jordan would pull out a gun and kill any motherfucker who attempted to kill us.

“I have a feeling you wouldn’t go by the book if someone tried to hurt me,” Marshall said. “Not that I’m interested in another big brother.”

“I wouldn’t.” Barrett wouldn’t either, although I wasn’t saying that.

“There’s a bit of comfort in knowing I have more than Barrett looking out for me. And don’t go thinking that means you can follow me or any of that shit.”

I chuckled. “I wouldn’t dream of it. Besides, I have plenty going on so I don’t have the time to tail you.”

“Good. This is where we live.” He pointed to a building. I already knew where it was due to working for Jordan. Being informed about who he worked with was part of my job. “Now to find a place to park.”

He wasn’t joking. I ended up letting him out in the front as Barrett walked up. He’d found a place to park. I had to go two blocks before a space appeared. Barrett was waiting for me outside when I got to the building. I had the rest of Marshall’s things with me, minus the painting I was taking home.

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