Page 63 of Barrett

He scoffed. “I’m always armed.”

“I never heard him walking toward me,” Marshall whispered. “I didn’t see him coming. His hand covered my mouth and he lifted me from the ground.”

27

BARRETT

I heard what my brother said. While it was horrible, and I was glad he got away, Jordan’s words about Marshall living in his building were rocketing around my brain.

“I’ll go pack a few things,” my brother said.

“Hold up,” I interjected. “You’re seriously going to live with Jordan?” Was he out of his mind? I understood the reasoning behind it, just not the reality of my brother doing it.

“You heard what he said,” Marshall replied. “Whoever this guy is knows my name and where I live. Soon, he’ll know what your job is. We’re not safe here. You should come too.”

Before I could say hell no to that, Jordan jumped in. “Barrett’s not allowed to sleep in my building while he remains employed by the East Dremest PD, unless his life is on the line, and even then, it’s debatable. Don’t forget who I am. I cannot have him staying under the same roof as my family, not because I think he'll hurt them. It’s because of what could happen should people he works with find out.”

Jordan was buffering his words for my brother’s sake. The truth was he couldn't trust me. I didn't blame him since I couldn't fully trust him either.

“Then I’m not going.” Marshall crossed his arms.

I was close enough where I could see he still shook from his encounter with that motherfucker. My brother was trying to put on a brave face.

I didn’t know what to do. If he stayed here, he could be hurt or worse. If he went with Jordan, I couldn’t be with him.

I was startled as a hand slid into mine. Looking down, I noticed Reghan was closer and offering me comfort.

“Do you trust me?” he asked. There was so much more to his question though. It went far deeper than this one topic.

Did I think we were going somewhere?

Was I able to put my life in his hands and that of my brother?

Could we really do this? Have a relationship?

Could I trust Jordan to protect Marshall?

I’d heard what Jordan said earlier about there coming a day when I’d have to make a choice. This was the first step, me putting my trust in Reghan, not Jordan. Reghan wouldn’t allow anything to happen to Marshall, nor would he put him in danger.

I squeezed his hand. “I do.”

“With your brother?”

“Yes,” I answered without hesitation.

“I have my own apartment in Jordan’s building. No one goes into it except my brother and me. Marshall can stay there. He’ll be safe.”

I tried pleading with him with my eyes, tried to express what I couldn’t say, all of my vulnerabilities. “I won’t be there.”

“But I will, and if I’m not, Raiden will be. He’ll protect him with his life.”

There was no good answer here. I wouldn't be the one to look out for Marshall. A lot of good I did tonight when he was taken from in front of the building.

“Don’t I have a say?” Marshall asked. “I’m the one being talked about like I'm not even in the room. The thought of not being with my brother isn’t a good one. While I understand why he can’t be with me there, am I just supposed to not see him until this guy is found? My studio is here. I have to go to work. I can’t hide.”

If this had been anyone else, I would have told them they didn't have a choice, but this was Marshall. To take him away from his art would be the same as removing part of his identity. Some supplies could go with him, but not all. His room here was where he felt safe enough to let go and not worry about anything. He could drown out the world and get lost in what he created.

“You’ll have everything you need,” Jordan said to Marshall, softening his voice ever so slightly.

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