Page 13 of Secrets at Dawn
Toby sighed and shut his computer lid. He pushed back the blanket and stood.
He was still no closer to knowing what to do about Dickwad and his threats, but he’d learned a bit. He would save that woman again and again, exposure or not. Dickwad and his friend traumatized that poor woman. What they did to that woman was terrible.
Toby refilled his coffee mug and grabbed a box of crackers that were supposed to be good for the body and packed with protein. They tasted terrible. A little like what Toby imagined cardboard would taste like.
He sat on the couch again and put the blanket over his legs.
He grabbed his computer, intending to do some homework, but he found himself on social media. He typed in Griffin Palmer as if his fingers had a mind of their own.
It wasn’t difficult to get the right Griffin Palmer. Toby had memorized Griffin’s smile. Between that and the fact that he had one mutual friend in common with Griffin, who was obviously Riley, he was pretty easy to find.
He clicked on his profile and did some not-so-low-key snooping. Nothing stood out as odd. In fact, Griffin wasrelationship material. It was clear he loved his family, what with the number of pictures he’d posted, and he wasn’t so full of himself as to post a multitude of selfies.
There was one picture of him that Toby wanted. It wasn’t a selfie. Someone besides him had taken it for him. He was crouched next to what appeared to be a big log. Toby was positive it was a black walnut. He had his back to the camera, but he’d turned partway and grinned at the person who took it. His mop of dark curls fell partially onto his forehead.
Griffin was beautiful.
Before Toby could think, he pressed the message button.
Hi, this is Riley’s friend, Toby. Do you mind if we talk?
Toby didn’t think Griffin would answer right away, especially since they weren’t friends on social media. But the bubbles popped up next to his profile picture.
I’d love to.
Toby bit his lip and ignored the churning in his gut that told him it was a terrible idea to engage in conversation with his mate because Toby wasn’t safe. Not with Dickwad’s threat following him around. Griffin could get hurt.
He typed his number in and almost took it back, but then his phone rang.
He closed his computer lid and picked up his phone, answering it.
“Hello.”
“Hey there. I’m glad you want to talk.” Was it him, or did Griffin sound a little relieved?
“I’m sorry about the way I acted in the bakery. I—”
“Just don’t want Riley to know. Yeah, I think it’s a good idea if we keep it from him for now, too.”
“Oh.” That wasn’t at all what Toby was going to say, but he would roll with it. “Yeah. Right. Okay.”
“He’s got a thing about losing friends. Has a lot to do with his past and nothing to do with you directly.” Griffin sighed. Toby imagined him sitting back on his couch, much like Toby was doing.
“I think I understand. I grew up in an isolated area. I didn’t have friends back then. So I cling to the ones I have now.” Toby hadn’t had any friends growing up unless he counted his dad, which he did, and the salamander who lived under the porch that one summer. He’d lived inside the cover of books, becoming someone else, and in those moments when he lost himself in the pages, he felt less isolated. “Riley is my closest friend.”
“I’d like to be your friend. At least for now, while we get to know each other.” Griffin’s deep voice wrapped around him as though it were a warm hug.
“I’d like that, too.” Toby bit his lip, unsure how vulnerable he should be with Griffin. He couldn’t tell Griffin everything about himself. Doing so would open up a Pandora’s box that needed to remain closed. It would put Toby on alert. People vanished when he was scared. Toby wasn’t sure he could keep Griffin at a distance. He hadn’t been very successful so far, and they barely knew each other. He had a feeling it would become even more difficult once he got to know Griffin.
Toby plunged ahead as though he had nothing at stake. He’d worry about the consequences later. Right after he ended the call. He’d tell himself how stupid he was for letting Griffin in. But really, as long as he didn’t draw Dickwad’s attention to Griffin, he would be fine. He didn’t trust Dickwad and his wolf crony as far as he could throw them.
“Would you maybe like to come over? Or I could come to you.” Toby heard rustling around.
“What’s your address?” Griffin sounded a bit surprised.
Toby heard keys clink together and then a door closed.
He rattled off his address. “Apartment 302. Just buzz my apartment and I’ll let you inside.”
