by Dirk Greyson
Forge thanked Agent Shepherd and sat down with Gage next to him. He folded his arms over his chest. “When do we leave?”
“JUST LET them take the lead and do what they say,” Gage told him as he drove downtown, following Agent Shepherd’s car.
“I will.” Forge smiled as they parked in the garage of the building of Granger’s law firm, met the agents, and rode up in the elevator. “Francis should be here now.”
Agent Shepherd nodded. “Do you believe he’ll come meet you?”
“Most likely he’ll be waiting for me in his office.” The doors slid open, and Forge exited with Gage and walked right up to the receptionist. “Francis is expecting us.” He continued to Francis’s office door. He opened it, poked his head inside to make sure Francis was in his office, and then stood back to let the agents in.
“What the hell is this?” Francis asked loud enough to alert the entire office, which was delicious.
“Mr. Peterborough, you’re under arrest.” Agent Shepard read the whole list of charges off, then read Francis his rights as Francis sputtered the entire time.
“Do you know who I am?” he asked indignantly just before Forge heard the clink of handcuffs. Now that was a gorgeous sound.
“Yeah, I know who you are,” Forge said quietly as he peered through the doorway at Francis. “A mob lawyer who’s going up the river.” He tried not to giggle out loud as agents swarmed the office with a series of warrants, ordering everyone around. It was a beautiful sight, though Forge was glad Granger wasn’t around to see it. The death of his legal practice was something that might have killed him. Granger had put his lifeblood into this place, and now it was sinking faster than the Titanic.
“You can come in,” Agent Shepherd said. “You have two minutes, and then we’ll take him away.”
Forge nodded, squeezing Gage’s hand, and entered the office. Two men stood on either side of Francis, who was dressed in one of his expensive suits. His hands were behind his back, and he glared at Forge with more hatred than he’d ever seen in his life before spitting out, “I hope you know what you’ve done to this firm, to Granger’s life’s work.”
Forge walked up to Francis, backhanded him on the left cheek, and then used the other hand to backhand him again. “I didn’t do anything. That was all you and everyone knows it. Granger didn’t let slime into his law practice. You did. His mistake was trusting a jackass like you. Well, you’re done.” He clenched his fists, wanting to smack Francis again.
“You saw him—that was assault,” Francis threatened.
“These good gentlemen didn’t see a thing,” Forge said with a smile. “And just so you know, you might not have pulled the trigger, but your actions cost Granger his life, so I’m glad I get to take yours.” Forge drew his hand back just to watch Francis flinch.
“I’ll get you for this. You know that.”
Forge turned to Gage, smiling, and then back to Francis. “That’s so cliché. I’d have expected something better from a lawyer. But I have something for you. When you’re in prison, maybe I’ll come visit just to see whose bitch you end up as.” He smiled. “Goodbye, Francis. I hope the rest of your life is pure hell.” Forge turned and left the office, his legs nearly giving out as soon as he was outside.
“You were amazing,” Gage told Forge as he gasped for air. “Maybe you should come into the business with me. You could be the one to extract information, because, damn, I’d hate to be on your bad side.” Gage put an arm around him, and Forge leaned into Gage’s embrace. This was truly over.
Forge watched as they took Francis away. “Oh, Francis, you’re going to need a good lawyer. Don’t call here, because this office isn’t going to answer.” Forge smiled. Hell, he truly grinned for the first time in a week. “Come on. Let’s go home.”
“And where is that?” Gage asked.
“Wherever you want to take me, as long as it’s with you.” Forge kissed Gage in front of the FBI and half the law firm. Not that he gave a crap. He’d been through hell and come out the other side with everything he could have ever wanted. Now it was time to rebuild and go on, and the best part was, he knew he didn’t have to do it alone.
Epilogue
Late December
“WELL, IT’S done,” Forge said as he came into the living room. “The law office is closed for good. Everything has been shuttered and the books finalized, attorneys, paralegals and other staff taken care of, and that’s a huge monkey off my back.” He sat in one of the large black chairs that he loved, putting his feet up on the ottoman. As expected, after the revelations about Francis and who he’d been doing business with, the law practice had imploded on itself. Forge worked with the other attorneys to get them through the fiscal year. He made sure everyone was taken care of and then went through the process of closing the business for good. Not that they were getting any new clients.
The attorneys all drifted away, along with their staff. The hardest part had been subleasing the space, but another firm, started by one of the lawyers who’d worked closely with Granger, had come forward with a plan to start a new practice. Forge arranged for them to take over the lease, and he’d left the furniture and other materials, including the law library, for them. That alone had made the deal sweet for the new firm and got the old firm out of its lease and its one major remaining financial obligation. Even after closing, the firm had had a stellar year, so Forge made sure Granger’s parents received part of the payout.
“That’s a huge relief,” Gage said as he sat on the edge of the ottoman. “What about work?”
“I’m not getting the thrill out of it I was a while ago, so I’m thinking of doing something else. I’m not sure what yet, though. I haven’t given notice or anything, but I wanted to talk to you first.”
“You have a great eye,” Gage said, looking around the living room of their large bungalow-style home. Forge had sold his house, and he and Gage had bought something smaller, but with immense amounts of character. “Do what you want to do. You have plenty of money.” By the time Forge had settled the estate and found out what Granger had squirreled away, there were millions of dollars that needed to be handled. Forge hired an investment manager, and his nest egg was growing at a rate that outstripped his salary.
“I want to travel and see things. I want us to be able to take trips and go places that are fun. I was thinking Australia in March if you can swing the time away. By then I’ll have made a decision.” Forge reached over to turn on the Christmas tree that stood in the corner. He loved how festive it made him feel.
“My parents are coming for dinner.”
Forge blinked. He had completely forgotten.
“Go ahead and get a shower. I have the gifts wrapped and under the tree for them. They called ten minutes ago to let us know they just crossed the state line.” Gage went back in the kitchen. It seemed that both Forge and Gage had discovered a love of cooking. “I have a job that will start after the first of the year.”
“What kind of job?” Forge asked as he went down the hall toward their bedroom to undress.
“Interesting one. A singer, famous and all, is going on tour, and they want extra protection, as well as a fresh set of eyes on their security plans, so they called me. I’m going to be spending three weeks on tour with them.”
Forge looked up when Gage came in the room. “Who is it?”
“Derrick McCarthy,” Gage told him, and Forge nearly fell over. “Yes, the one man on earth that you’d leave me for.”
“I don’t know about that, but I’d love to have his babies. Wait, that wasn’t what I meant.” Forge fell onto the bed in a fit of laughter. “See… I get all weird when I think about him.”
“Do you want to come with me? I told his people I had a husband who was an interior designer, and apparently Derrick also wants his coach interior redone, and he hates the inside of the house he bought in Saugatuck.” Gage stood still, eyebrows raised. It took a few seconds before Forge caught what Gage was trying to tell him.
“H
oly crap… I could design for Derrick McCarthy… and he’s gay?”
Gage shrugged and left the room.
Forge jumped into the shower, taking a quick one before hopping out, drying himself off, and dressing. He cornered Gage in the kitchen, plastering himself to his back. “He really wants a designer?”
“Yes. And if it works out, it could be a huge door opener. But if you aren’t interested in doing that any longer….” Gage was teasing, Forge knew it, and normally he’d have tickled him, but with all the hot stuff around, he just held Gage tighter and kissed his neck. “God, I love you. Tell him I’d be honored to work with him and try to make his home away from home feel more comfortable.” Forge didn’t move. “And of course I’ll be an extra set of eyes for your team.” Forge expected an argument, but before Gage could give one, the doorbell rang, and Forge hurried to open the door for his in-laws.
“Merry Christmas,” he greeted as Gage’s mom and dad walked inside. They came up about once a month, and he and Gage went to see them about as often. They were all working to improve their relationship, and it really seemed to be helping.
Harry greeted him warmly with a handshake, and Shirley hugged him. Gage shared a hug with both his parents, and it spoke a lot about how far they’d come.
“How’s business?” Gage asked his dad.
“Better than ever. We reworked a lot of our systems, streamlining things, and now we have more customers and are making more on what we have, so it’s a real win.” Harry sounded happy as all get-out, and Shirley sported a diamond necklace Forge hadn’t seen before, which Shirley kept fingering absently.
“A sparkly present?” Forge asked, and Shirley blushed and beamed at her husband. She then directed Harry to put the gifts under the tree, and they all sat down for a wonderful family evening that lasted well into the night. Forge had prepared the guest room for them, and after they said good night, he and Gage sat in the living room with wine and only the light of the tree.
“In this light you look just like you did when I first met you.” Forge leaned in, kissing Gage lightly. “I’ll never get over meeting you again… and just when I needed you most.” He leaned closer, sliding off the arm of the chair and onto Gage’s lap.
“Hey, that goes both ways.” Gage drew him closer, exploring his mouth, and the taste of wine and Gage mixed on Forge’s lips. “Do you want your present?”
“I already got my present.” Forge set his glass on the table beside the chair and drew Gage in for another kiss. He’d gotten the very best present of all, even if it had taken seventeen years and a trip to hell and then back to an amazing life.
More from Dirk Greyson
Wolf shifter Falco Gladstone knew Carter McCloud was his mate when they were in seventh grade, but school and the foster care system tore them apart. Years later, Falco is second in command of his Michigan pack, serving under an uncle who cares more about his own power than the welfare of their people. The alpha orders Falco to marry and produce offspring—but Falco’s already found his mate, and mates are forever.
Carter’s lonely life is turned upside down when he detects a familiar scent on the wind. The mates might have found each other, but their happily ever after is far from guaranteed. Falco’s commitment to Carter puts him at odds with his uncle’s plans, and when one of the alpha’s enforcers starts shadowing the couple, something must be done—something that will either cement their relationship or destroy it once and for all.
Jim Crawford was born wealthy, but he turned his back on it to become a police officer. Add that to his being gay, and he’s definitely the black sheep of the family.
Dr. Barty Halloran grew up with lessons instead of friends and toys and as a result, became a gifted psychologist… with only an academic understanding of people and emotions.
When Jim’s pursuit of a serial killer goes nowhere, he turns to Dr. Halloran for help, and Barty thinks he can get inside the shooter’s mind. In many ways, they’re two sides of the same coin, which both scares and intrigues him. Together, Jim and Barty make progress on the case—until the stakes shoot higher when the killer turns his attention toward Barty.
To protect Barty, Jim offers to let Barty stay with him, where he discovers the doctor has a heart to go along with his brilliant mind after all. But as they close in on their suspect, the killer becomes desperate, and he’ll do anything to elude capture—even threaten those closest to Jim.
Yellowstone Wolves: Book One
When alpha shifter Mikael Volokov is called to witness a challenge, he learns the evil and power-hungry Anton Gregor will stop at nothing to attain victory. Knowing he will need alliances to keep his pack together, Mikael requests a congress with the nearby Evergreen pack and meets Denton Arguson, Evergreen alpha, to ask for his help. Fate has a strange twist for both of them, though, and Mikael and Denton soon realize they’re destined mates.
Denton resists the pull between them—he has his own pack and his own responsibilities. But Mikael isn’t willing to give up. The Mother has promised Mikael his mate, told him he must fight for him, and that only together can they defeat the coming darkness. When Anton casts his sights on Denton’s pack, attacks and sabotage follow, pulling Denton and Mikael together to defeat a common enemy. But Anton’s threats sow seeds of destruction enough to break any bond, and the mates’ determination to challenge the darkness may be their only saving grace.
Sequel to Challenge the Darkness
Yellowstone Wolves: Book Two
Fredrik is back from college and trying to stay out of his power-hungry brother’s way, until his brother takes a prisoner for his pleasure. Unable to tolerate his family’s cruelty, Fredrik overcomes his fear to help her escape back to her pack. There, he meets Christopher, and their instant attraction tells him Christopher is the one. However, since the threat of his brother remains, Fredrik is reluctant to pursue a relationship.
Christopher is still figuring out his place in the pack and has been living on his own to avoid making waves with his brother, Mikael. Now he’s met his soulmate, and he’ll do anything to take care of his love, including rejoining the pack.
With coaxing, Fredrik accepts his feelings, and Christopher’s pack gives him the home he’s never had. But Fredrick soon realizes he should keep running. His brother is on his tail and will stop at nothing to obtain the power he craves, especially when he realizes the source of the power could be Fredrik himself.
Sequel to Darkness Threatening
Yellowstone Wolves: Book Three
The last thing Tobias, alpha of the small Greenview Pack, expects is to find a lost human asleep in his storage building. As soon as he sets eyes on Pete, Tobias knows they are destined mates. But he cannot act on his attraction, no matter how much he feels compelled. Exposure to the human world could mean the end of their way of life, so he decides to help Pete get a room until he can reunite with the tour group he separated from.
But Tobias’s disgraced half brother, Zev, has other ideas. He takes a liking to Pete and decides he wants what Tobias has—both his position as pack leader and his mate. Tobias can’t let that happen, but protecting Pete means keeping him close, which only increases the mounting tensions between them.
Duty, protection, desire, and secrecy clash as the darkness within Zev rises to the surface, and only Tobias can save his mate—even if he never plans to tell Pete that’s what they are.
Readers love Dirk Greyson
Lost Mate
“Do yourself a favor and pick up this book or anything that Mr. Greyson has written. You will not be sorry.”
—Harlie Williams
Darkness Rising
“This book is filled with suspense, sex and amazing characters… I give five stars to this book, this series and Mr. Greyson.”
—Paranormal Romance Guild
“I can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed at all. This is a fascinating story that is very unique.”
—MM Good Book Reviews
Playing With Fire
“I highly recommend this book. If you love a true mystery that is hard to figure out and if you love a professor bookworm type paired with a hard-nosed with-a-heart detective, then you will love this book.”
—Gay Book Reviews
“Playing With Fire was a great read and fans of this author, as well as those trying him for the first time, are sure to enjoy the story.”
—Top 2 Bottom Book Reviews
DIRK GREYSON is very much an outside kind of man. He loves travel and seeing new things. Dirk worked in corporate America for way too long and now spends his days writing, gardening, and taking care of the home he shares with his partner of more than two decades. He has a master’s degree and all the other accessories that go with a corporate job. But he is most proud of the stories he tells and the life he’s built. Dirk lives in Pennsylvania in a century-old home and is blessed with an amazing circle of friends.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dirkgreyson
Email: [email protected]
By Dirk Greyson
An Assassin’s Holiday
Flight or Fight
Hell and Back
Lost Mate
Playing With Fire
DAY AND KNIGHT
Day and Knight
Sun and Shadow
Dawn and Dusk
YELLOWSTONE WOLVES
Challenge the Darkness
Darkness Threatening
Darkness Rising
Published by DREAMSPINNER PRESS
www.dreamspinnerpress.com