A Secret Uncovered

by Edward Kendrick

  “I suppose. I wonder…” Theo chewed his lip. “The story of their deaths will be in the papers, and on the news. I wonder if Lilliana will show up at their funerals.”

  “I have no clue,” Ric replied. “She cut all ties with them, and with you. She may want to keep it that way.”

  Theo sighed. “I shouldn’t say this, but I hope she stays well away from the funerals and me. I meant it when I said I didn’t want to meet her if you were able to find her.” He took a deep breath. “But then I won’t be going to their funerals, so I suppose it’s a moot point. The only reason either of them wanted to find me was to kill me so they could inherit my great-grandfather’s fortune, at least from what Uncle Harrison—God, that sounds weird.” He shuddered and continued. “It’s what he said before he tried to stab me to death.”

  “It’s your choice, and to be honest I think it’s for the best.” Ric hugged him tightly. “There is one more thing you will have to deal with.”

  “What?”

  “You’re the heir to a considerable fortune. Once that hits the news, the vultures will come out of the woodwork. Okay, two problems. When that happens, you mother will find out everything.”

  Theo pulled away in dismay. “No one knows who I am. I mean in relation to them.”

  “Any competent lawyer will find out soon enough. Your name may not have been released in connection with Harrison’s death, but it is in the police reports.”

  “But not why he tried to kill me.”

  “Believe me, that’s in there, too. I’d bet my bottom dollar on it.”

  “Damn it, Ric.”

  Ric put his hands on Theo’s shoulders, looking hard at him. “Do you want to give up a fortune?”

  “You better believe it. It’s caused nothing but trouble. Besides, why do I need it? I’m quite happy with my life the way it is. I could…Yeah. I’ll get in touch with the lawyers and tell them to give it to charity. It’s mine to do with as I want, so they’d have to, right?”

  “I’m no expert but I think so. Of course you have to prove to them you are the heir.”

  “Blood tests,” Theo replied. “The whole DNA thing.” He chuckled. “Maybe I should have the clean-up crew save some of the blood they’re supposed to get out of the carpet—for testing.”

  Ric laughed. “I don’t think you have to go that far.”

  “They, the lawyers, better not try to contact Mom,” Theo muttered.

  “You make it real clear they’re not to or you’ll fire them and find someone else. They stand to make a lot of money, handling everything, and I bet they’ll do whatever it takes to keep you happy.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  Ric patted his leg. “I deal with lawyers as part of our business. I’m pretty sure I am.” He got up, holding out one hand. When Theo took it, Ric pulled him to his feet as he said, “Let’s eat dinner.”

  “Yes. And we won’t talk about any of this until afterward—or maybe not even then. I have to process it all.” Theo tapped his forehead.

  “I’m sure we can find something else to keep us busy for the rest of the evening,” Ric replied. “Something a lot more…entertaining.”

  Theo’s eyes widened, because he thought he knew what Ric meant. “It’s too soon.”

  Ric lifted an eyebrow. “I meant we could watch a good movie on Netflix? There are several that I for one haven’t seen, yet.”

  “Oh, yeah, well…”

  “Afterward, we can decide if you sleep in the guestroom again or…” Ric winked.

  Theo wasn’t certain how to respond to that—so he didn’t—taking a step back instead. He wanted what Ric was offering, but…Tonight? Am I ready?

  Ric obviously took pity on Theo, because he added, “I’m teasing. I know you’re not ready to take this—” he tapped his chest and then Theo’s, “—to the next level.”

  Theo harrumphed. “You’re putting words in my mouth.”

  “I was thinking more along the lines of food, not words,” Ric replied with a grin as they went into the kitchen. He opened the fridge, getting out a package of hamburger.

  “You’re going to drive me crazy,” Theo muttered.

  Ric set the hamburger on the counter and turned to Theo. “I want to be certain you know what you’re getting into is all. We’ve only known each other for a bit over a week.”

  “It feels like years,” Theo replied—and on one level it did.

  “I’m sure.” Ric pulled him into a loose embrace. “A hell of a lot’s happened since you first walked into the agency. I’m sure it heightened our emotions beyond what they would have been if we were two guys who met…at a club for instance.”

  “That doesn’t mean they aren’t real,” Theo countered, studying Ric’s face to see if he agreed.

  “No, it doesn’t.” Ric smiled, and then kissed him gently. “I like you a hell of a lot more than any man I’ve ever known. That said, I am not going to push for us to sleep together until I’m certain you’re ready.”

  Theo took a deep breath to calm his swirling emotions. Then he said, “If you don’t push, I will. I’ve never met anyone who cared about me the way I think you do.” He kissed Ric then pulled back, his expression serious momentarily before he broke into a wide grin. “We have to make sure we’re compatible in bed as well as otherwise, right?”

  “That would be a good idea,” Ric agreed, grinning back. “First, though—”

  “Dinner. We’ll need energy.”

  * * * *

  Theo felt as nervous. Not the way he had been the first time he’d gone to bed with someone, but because it was Ric and he didn’t want to disappoint him. He’d already taken off his shirt and shoes, as had Ric, and was about to remove his slacks, his gaze locked on the man who would soon be his lover.

  “Smile,” Ric said, stopping long enough to kiss Theo. “This is supposed to be fun, not scary. You look like you want to run and hide.”

  “I don’t!” Theo protested.

  “Well…maybe not that bad, but…” Ric moved Theo’s hands, flicked open the button on Theo’s slacks, and pulled the zipper down. “Plaid?” he commented with amusement when he saw Theo’s briefs.

  “Better than white,” Theo huffed.

  “Sure is.” Ric eased them and the slacks down. As they fell to the floor, he wrapped his hand around Theo’s erection. “Nice. Perfect, in fact.”

  Theo felt his face heat. In an effort stop it, he reached for the waistband of Ric’s jeans. It took no time at all before they and his dark blue boxers were in a pile around his ankles, revealing his thick member. Theo stroked it slowly, eliciting a moan of pleasure from Ric.

  “On the bed,” Ric said, suiting his actions to his words. When he lay back, holding out his arms, Theo went into them before resting on one elbow, tracing the line of Ric’s lips with a finger. Dipping his head, he kissed him. It began slowly, then became heated as their tongues danced, leaning the tastes and feel of each other’s mouths.

  “You snuck some of my mouthwash,” Ric said with a grin when they came up for air.

  “Better than tasting of garlic,” Theo retorted. “You sort of overdid it in the sauce.”

  Ric cocked an eyebrow. “You’re the one who said he liked it.”

  “Well, yeah.” Theo kissed him again. First his lips, then the hollow of his throat, and worked his way down to Ric’s nipples. Feeling emboldened, he nipped one lightly, loving the hiss of pleasure that evoked. He did the same to the other one, then licked it before sliding lower, tracing his tongue over the dark line of hair leading to the object of his desire. Cupping Ric’s balls in one hand, he licked up the length of his erection. Forgetting himself, he was about to take it into his mouth when Ric stopped him with a gasped, “Condoms. Drawer.”

  Theo got the message, found them, and sheathed Ric. Then he continued what he’d started, sucking his cock into his mouth. It wasn’t long before Ric was writhing in need. Theo released him before things went too far, sprawled on his back with his legs
spread, and murmured, “Your turn.”

  After rolling a condom over Theo’s hardness, Ric set to work to torment him until Theo gasped, “No more. I want, need you in me.”

  Getting to his knees, Ric smiled wickedly. “What makes you think I’m a top?”

  “Because you are,” Theo replied with a sharp nod of his head. “Aren’t you?” he added, praying he was.

  “Definitely.”

  While Theo rolled over onto his hands and knees, Ric got a tube from the nightstand, liberally spreading lube over his cock and two fingers. Spreading the cheeks of Theo’s ass, he pushed the fingers in, gently stretching him. After a few moments, he removed them, pressing his cock to Theo’s entrance, and eased in.

  Theo emitted a sharp gasp, a combination of pain and intense need for Ric to fill him—which Ric did until his balls touched Theo’s ass.

  “So good,” Ric whispered.

  “Would be better if…” Theo retorted.

  “If I moved?” Ric chuckled softly, and did—slowly at first. With each thrust he sped up, gripping Theo’s cock in one hand, pumping it.

  Pleasure rolled through Theo, intensifying until, too soon he though distractedly, his body gave in and he came with a shout of release.

  Several moments later, Ric gave one last thrust and exploded, shaking from head to toe before collapsing on Theo. They landed in a well-sated pile on the bed, waiting to regain control of their senses.

  Eventually, Ric pulled out, slid off Theo, and embraced him. “That was all I’d hoped for, and more,” he murmured.

  “It wasn’t bad,” Theo replied seriously. Then he grinned. “It was fantastic. I was afraid it wouldn’t be; that I’d screw it up, but damn…”

  “There was no way that would happen,” Ric said. “When you care for someone, things go right, even when they don’t.”

  Theo shook his head. “I’m not sure what that means, but I get the idea, I think.”

  “It means…” Ric kissed his eyelids. “You and I belong together…” He kissed the tip of his nose. “So making love has to be great, no matter what.”

  “I can’t argue with that,” Theo said. Cupping the back of Ric’s head, he kissed him deeply. Ric returned it as given, with something Theo knew was close to love. Not full love. Not yet. They were still working on it he thought. But it will come. I know it will.

  They stayed as they were until, by mutual agreement, they decided they needed to get rid of the condoms and shower. Then, even though it was relatively early, they returned to bed, spooned together, and fell asleep.

  Chapter 12

  Theo leaned against the kitchen counter, watching as Ric fixed breakfast on Thursday morning. He’d offered to help, but Ric nixed it, saying he was a guest. “A special one, but a guest none the less…for now.”

  The ‘for now’ piqued Theo’s interest but he didn’t ask. He had something else on his mind. “The cleaners are supposed to show up at my place at nine.”

  “And?” Ric asked.

  “I should be there until they finish.”

  “Why? They’re more than competent to do the job without you overseeing it. Let them in; show them what needs doing, then head on to work. If you mom asks, tell her you spent the night here and had to go home to change clothes.” Ric smirked. “That should make her happy.”

  “No kidding,” Theo replied. Well, I hope it does. She’s been after me to find a good man. I think she thinks that Ric is one. He smiled to himself. I know he is.

  Theo found out whether he was right or not about Donna when he arrived at work half an hour later than usual.

  “Sleep in?” Donna asked, her concentration of her computer screen as he started across the room to his desk.

  “Not at all. I had to go back to the apartment to change clothes.”

  She spun around to look at him. “Do tell. And I mean everything.”

  Theo snorted. “I doubt you want the details. I went to Ric’s for dinner and ended up spending the night. The meal was good—” he paused dramatically. “The sex was better.”

  She grinned. “So I gathered. You have that well-sated afterglow. Very after, but it’s still there.”

  “Mom.” He ducked his head in embarrassment. “I don’t really, do I?”

  “I doubt anyone else can see it, but I am your mother. We notice things like that.”

  He paused, looking down at her upturned face, and then bent to kiss her cheek. Her smile when he did that, and the look of love in her eyes, cemented his decision. I’m not going to tell her. I won’t hurt her that way. She is my mother, in every way that counts. “Love you,” he said softly.

  “I know you do,” she replied. “I love you, too.” She patted his arm. “Right now, though, there’s an email from the Reynolds. They want to change their dates which means…”

  “I have to rebook everything for them,” he grumbled. “On it.”

  * * * *

  Ric called Detective Kane as soon as he got to the office—or tried to. The dispatcher said he was out on a case so Ric left a message asking him to call when he was free. That happened two hours later.

  “Did I catch you at a bad time?” Kane asked, since it took five rings before Ric answered.

  “Nope. A good time, in fact. I just finished doing background checks for a client and sent off the results. Do you know anything more, like has Lilliana surfaced, since her father’s death undoubtedly made the news back in Chicago?”

  “Yes, and no,” Kane replied. “Given who he was, his murder was in the headlines. The stories, in the paper and on TV, included what my contact out there called an impressive write-up about his family, which of course mentioned that his only surviving relative was a daughter who had disappeared many years ago.”

  “No mention that she was pregnant when that happened?” Ric asked.

  “No, so Theo’s safe, so to speak. To answer your original question, however, several women have contacted the police, saying they were Lilliana.”

  “Why am I not surprised?” Ric replied sourly.

  “For the same reason I’m not. Neither are his lawyers. The police out there have passed their names on to them. They’ll get in contact with each of the women, requesting they have a doctor take a DNA sample and forward it to the lawyers’ experts.”

  “That should make them think twice.”

  “No kidding,” Kane agreed. “It’s possible one of them is the real Lilliana, although I wouldn’t count on it. If one of them is her, the detective in charge of the case will ask the lawyers to notify me. Then Theo can make the decision on whether he wants to get in contact with her.”

  “He won’t. He’s already said so, more than once.”

  “Why don’t I call Theo and give him the lawyers’ numbers.”

  “Okay, lawyers as in plural. Why?”

  Kane shrugged. “He was rich, and considered himself entitled, apparently.”

  “Ugh.” Ric thought about it then said, “No, don’t call Theo. Give me the numbers and I’ll pass them on if he wants to get in touch them.”

  “He’s the heir to a fortune. I suggest that he does before they track him down and the public finds out who he is.”

  “I agree. He’s already said he doesn’t want the money, but…yeah, he has to make that clear to them and let them know what to do with it.”

  Kane laughed. “Have him tell them I’d be glad to take it. Sorry, I know it’s not a joking matter.”

  They ended the call with Kane promising to email Ric the names and phone numbers of the lawyers.

  As soon as the information hit his mailbox, Ric called Theo.

  “Are you free tonight?”

  “Of course, after I go home to see if my place is livable, now. It sure wasn’t this morning, but the cleaners promised I wouldn’t know anything had happened by the time they finished.”

  “Good. I’ll see around seven?”

  “You bet. Or you can come to my place. I’ll make dinner.”

  “Okay. As long as
you’re comfortable being there.”

  “Ric, it’s my home. If they got rid of the bloodstains I’ll be fine. Honest.”

  “Got it. Let me know one way or the other.”

  “Will do.”

  * * * *

  To Theo’s relief, his apartment looked exactly as it had before Harrison had shown up—except for the missing chair. The cleaners had called to warn him they were taking it with them so they could attempt to restore it. He told them they should throw it out, instead. He knew he could never sit in it without remembering the terror he’d felt when he saw the knife descending and knew he had only seconds to live.

  Pushing that to the back of his mind, he went into the bedroom to change into jeans and a T-shirt, before going into the kitchen to find something for the dinner he’d promised Ric. As he took out what he needed, he realized he’d forgotten to call to let Ric know they were eating at the apartment.

  “I was beginning to wonder if you changed your mind,” Ric said as soon as he answered his phone.

  “Nope. Dinner, here. Before you ask, I’m fine. The cleaners did a great job.”

  “I knew they would,” Ric replied. “Okay. I should be there in fifteen or less.”

  After they hung up, Theo put together the meal and stuck it in the microwave to cook. Any other time, I’d have done it in the oven, but that takes too long and I’m not in the mood to wait. He chuckled. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.

  He’d barely finished setting the table when the buzzer announced that Ric was downstairs—or Theo hoped it was Ric. Because of everything that had happened he had a flash of panic. He tamped it down, answered, and then buzzed Ric into the building.

  “Something smells good,” Ric said when Theo opened the apartment door to let him in.

  “Italian stuffed peppers.”

  “I didn’t know green peppers had nationalities,” Ric quipped before giving Theo a kiss.

  “Only you,” Theo muttered when the kiss ended.

  Ric shrugged, not looking the least bit upset. “I like teasing you.”