Page 19 of In Plain Sight

“So what’s the movie?”

“Cape Fear.”

Gary frowned. “Not sure if I’ve ever seen it.”

Dan shivered. “It’s a really creepy cat-and-mouse kinda movie. You know, one of those where you’re sure the bad guy has bought the farm, but then he turns up alive again and twice as dangerous as before.”

“And you keep dreaming about it?”

“Yeah. Not scenes from it. It’s more like… seeing it on the cover of a DVD or a movie poster.” Another shiver trickled through him. “I think I need that coffee.”

Gary filled the cups, then handed one to him. “Can I ask…? Why do I keep finding Brad’s sweater out of its drawer?”

Dan sighed. “Because now and again I sit with it, trying to see if I can pick up anything else other than the knowledge that Brad knew his killer.”

“And can you?”

Lord, the hope in Gary’s eyes….

“You know better than to ask that. I would never hide anything from you. Not now.” He understood the question. They were still feeling their way around each other, learning the ground rules. Gary was coming to terms with the fact that he wasn’t straight, but bisexual.

Dan was coming to terms with the idea that some higher power had determined he and Gary were meant to be together, something which he found both exhilarating and scary as fuck in equal measure.

“You’re right. I do know that.” Then Gary took him by the hand, and a surge of desire crashed over him, leaving him aroused and trembling, in no doubt as to what was coming next.

“Yes.” The word left his lips in a breathless whisper.

Gary stilled. “Yes what?”

Dan closed the gap between them until he could feel the warmth radiating from Gary’s body, the need rolling off him in waves. “I want you too. Now. Inside me.”

All thoughts of skeletons, cancer, corruption, and tunnel collapses were swept away as Gary led him to their bed. Work would still be there in the morning.

The night belonged to them.

Chapter Seven

Friday, July 13, 2018

“THIS ISa retirement home?”

Gary chuckled. “I know, right?” Springhouse Senior Living Community was nothing like he’d expected. As they followed the driveway that led to reception, all he could see were trees, flowers, and elegant white buildings.

“It must cost a fortune to live here,” Dan commented.

Gary approached the circular area at the end of the driveway and switched off the engine. It hadn’t taken long to track down Pete Raskin the previous evening, and Gary had called ahead to make sure they’d be okay to visit. Pete had been a resident of the community since his retirement and was now seventy-six.

They entered the building, and Gary was struck by how light and airy the interior was. A couple of residents smiled as they approached the reception desk, which was located near the entrance, and a young woman greeted them with a warm smile. When they told her they were looking for Mr. Raskin, her smile widened.

“You won’t find him indoors on a glorious day like this. This property is situated on thirteen acres, and Pete helps take care of the gardens.” Her eyes twinkled. “We’ve even tried to pay him for his services, but he won’t hear of it.” She pointed toward the door they’d used. “Go back that way, turn left, and follow the signs to the fountain. He won’t be far away.”

They thanked her and exited the building. Gary couldn’t get over the lushness of the lawns surrounding the accommodation. A path led them to a low stone wall circling a pond where water trickled down over tall rocks, and all around was the delicious fragrance of summer flowers heavy with perfume.

“This is a beautiful place,” Dan murmured.

“It is, isn’t it?” An elderly man knelt on a thick mat in front of a flower bed, his hands full of weeds. He tossed them into a dark blue sack and struggled to his feet, wiping his hands on the apron he wore about his waist. His hair was all but gone, but his eyes were still bright, a piercing blue that gave his face a youthful appearance.

“Mr. Raskin?”

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