Page 33 of Rising Storm

“Well, that’s his problem then because that’s all I want from him.”

Sayer eyed him for several long moments, then nodded and picked up his burger again. “So, you’re a loner then?”

“Always have been.”

“Tell me what it was like for you after our parents died.”

“I ended up on the streets. Later on, I got a small apartment and worked odd jobs. I couldn’t keep them long because I was always having to disappear for Hayrick.”

“Sounds like your life was lonelier than mine and I didn’t think that was possible.”

“Well, he didn’t keep me sequestered in a house like he did you. I had freedom. Some, anyway.”

“No significant relationships?”

“No, how could I? Again, I was always having to drop everything to steal for the man. How would I explain that to anyone? I never wanted any relationships anyway.”

“Not even with the cop?” Sayer winked.

“Are you a secret romantic or something?”

“I suppose not all of that has been beaten out of me.”

At the reminder, Helix frowned. He picked at his burger, pulling out the tomato because it didn’t taste fresh.

“I’m sorry for saying that,” Sayer said softly. “But yeah, a part of me is a hopeless romantic so if I want to hope you have something good going with that cop, I will. Like I said, he doesn’t look at you like it’s a temporary thing. I’d love to have someone look at me like that and actually mean it.”

“Still? After all you’ve been through?”

“Sure. I just need to get away from Barnette and start over. Maybe someday, I’ll be ready to try again. Doubt it’s anytime soon though. He’s left a bad taste in my mouth when it comes to love.”

“You loved him then?”

“I did at first.” Sayer set down his food and picked up his drink. “I’ve never been the smartest man.”

“You haven’t even had a chance to be a man yet. You went from Hayrick to Kavaugh. I think you should really give thought to coming back with me to Maine. Start over.”

Sayer didn’t say anything then. He just bit into his burger.

They finished their food and talked for a while about inconsequential things before Sayer yawned and laid back down. Helix flipped on the television and they watched some silly comedy, neither of them laughing much. At one point, Helix looked over to find his brother sound asleep, so he quietly got his things together and went to take a shower.

Chapter 13

Shelli called when Helix was getting out of the shower. He peeked out the door to find Sayer still asleep on his bed, so he answered the phone in the bathroom.

“Helix here,” he said, keeping his voice low as he wiped steam off the mirror.

“Got another job for you while you’re there. It’s a quick one and with a real asshole. This guy has given me fits for years. Has a thing for comic books and he doesn’t care how he gets them. He has an original Spider-Man in his collection—one of Lane’s steals. I have no idea what it’s worth, but this guy paid several hundred thousand for it. The real owner is in North Carolina.”

“The re-steal is here in Oklahoma City?”

“North Oklahoma City near a town called Edmond. I’ve been monitoring his emails and he and his wife will be out at a fundraiser tonight, so it would be a perfect time to break in and get the comic back.” She rattled off the address. “We want the Spider-Man back, but if you can find a couple of others, grab those, too.” She went on to give him titles. “I know you guys are working on Rising Storm, but this will be just a quick break and grab.”

“We can do it tonight.”

He hung up and got dressed, then quietly tiptoed out of his room. He went to Gareth’s room and knocked.

The man’s smile when he answered sent warmth streaming into Helix’s belly. He wore a pair of tight jeans and a black Henley that matched his hair and beard. He looked damn good.

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