Page 29 of Rising Storm

“Of course not. I was trying to find the humor here. Calm you down some.”

“There’s no fucking humor in this.” Helix cursed again as he leaned over to look at Sayer’s eye. “Is he home? Does he know where you are?”

“I turned off my phone. He tracks me on it. The man is suspicious of everything and you know what I don’t get? He loves my face, yet he does this to it? The one thing that man is proud of is my looks. Likes to show me off. This doesn’t make any sense.”

“I doubt anything he does makes sense.”

“I don’t know what I’m going to do. I have to go back and at least get some things.”

“Hell no.”

“I know a fence and there are a few things I can take that might get a little cash, but I don’t have access to any of the good things. They’re all at his office. Like that statuette.”

“You don’t have a key card? Because I need one.”

“No. But I could probably get one for you.” Sayer gingerly laid down on the bed, wincing as he worked to get comfortable. “You mind if I sleep here a little while? It’s nice to feel safe for a change.”

“Not at all. In fact, you’re staying with me while we figure this out.”

“‘Kay,” Sayer whispered before letting out a soft snore as he finally gave in to the painkillers.

* * *

This time,Helix knew the knock on his door was Gareth. He opened the door a crack.

“Hey,” Helix murmured. “Now’s not a good time.”

Obviously confused, Gareth stared at him. “What do you mean it’s not a good time? We had a good time not too long ago and I think we should talk.”

“I can’t right now.”

Gareth stared at him, obviously torn, before he sighed. “At least give me back my clothes, Helix.”

“Hold on.” He shut the door in Gareth’s face. When he came back, he shoved the clothes through a small opening, but Gareth pushed his way in. His gaze immediately went to the man in Helix’s bed. “Oh my God, is that your brother? What happened to him?”

“His asshole husband is what happened. But be quiet. He needs to sleep.”

Gareth stood stubbornly, unwilling to give up on this and Helix sighed.

“Let’s go to your room to talk,” Helix whispered.

Gareth nodded and led him to his room. Once inside, he turned to Helix. “Tell me what happened.”

“My brother apparently looked at a waiter too long, but I get the feeling it doesn’t matter what he does. Kavaugh is an abusive motherfucker who probably gets off on beating Sayer.”

“He can’t go back to him. Have you talked to him about going back with us to Maine?”

Helix nodded. “He seems reluctant. God, I’d like to get my hands on Kavaugh.”

“Me, too.” Gareth sat in one of the chairs next to the bed. “Too bad I don’t have any Jack in here. I bet you could use a drink.”

“No thanks, still nursing the remnants of a hangover.”

They were both quiet, Gareth staring at Helix, who felt completely defeated in that moment. When Gareth stood and walked to him, then put his arms around him, Helix tensed, then realized the touch was welcome and he melted against Gareth. He put his arms around Gareth and hugged him back.

“Thanks,” Helix said softly. “Didn’t know I needed a hug.”

“I get the feeling you need a lot of affection and I’m an affectionate guy.”

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