by Kamisa Cole
Following him were two police officers and I stiffened.
“Xane, that burger order you had, the special one…” Of course, Alec came out of the kitchen at that exact moment and I made sure I moved my body in front of his, hiding him. I didn’t know how old or young he was, but I would not let the police get to him in here.
“Go back,” I hissed.
“What’s going on?” he asked, stubborn as always, and I wanted to snap at him, but the little procession was gunning for us. I swallowed, knowing the whole bar could be in trouble for having him here.
“Kash Matchington, we’re here to arrest you for aggravated battery, place your hands against your back.”
As the police officer continued his speech in a monotone, I turned and placed my hands on my back, meeting Alec’s wide eyes.
“It’s going to be okay, Alec,” I whispered, feeling the need to reassure him that everything was all right. In a way I was more than relieved they’d come for me and not for him, and I wanted him as far away from this as possible. “Go back into the kitchen, please.”
He shook his head, his lips parted, but Xane was there and took him away while the whole bar fell silent.
Of course, there was nothing better than a live-action-crime-show to people.
Once Alec was out of earshot, I glanced over my shoulder at the officer fastening cuffs around my wrists. “What’s this about?”
He barely lifted his chin. “You are aware what aggravated battery means?”
I nodded. “It’s a felony, meaning physical harm I’ve caused has led to a permanent injury. I just don’t understand what I did.”
He turned me around, my shoulders straining, and sighed. “You attacked a man outside of this bar two nights ago, ending up with him in a hospital and dealing with a lasting hip injury. This is what this is about.”
Alec’s father. This was why the police were here.
“Let’s go.”
I nodded, my teeth gritted. He wanted me away from Alec, knew I was going to protect his son from him no matter what, and this was the easiest way. If they got their hands on the security camera footage from outside the bar I’d be in even more trouble.
“One second,” I told the officer and leaned over the bar to Gage. “Keep. Alec. Safe. That’s what this is about.”
Gage jerked his chin once in a sign of understanding, then he licked his lips. “We’ll get you out.”
“I don’t care, okay? I can handle whatever’s coming as long as I know you’re keeping him safe. That’s all, okay?”
He grabbed my arm. “You don’t get it. If his father spreads any shit about you—and he had to have done that or you wouldn’t have punched him—you might be in trouble in jail too.”
I knew that. I also knew that aggravated battery could land me behind bars for up to five years, but what Gage didn’t get was that I didn’t care. “Keep Alec safe. Maybe I scared the asshole enough, but I doubt it. Promise me you’ll take care of Alec. You don’t like me anyway.”
I felt a jerk on my cuffs, knowing I had to go. Looking at Sav, I implored him with the same. “Alec.”
“You got it, boss,” he said once, then crossed his arms in front of his chest.
I was led outside, the flashing blue lights did nothing to scare me, but even as I got into the car, ready to cooperate as much as I could, I couldn’t shake the worry that Alec was in more danger than I’d anticipated. Luckily, if the police were right, his father would likely still be in hospital. If not, where was the evidence for the aggravated assault? Getting me away from Alec wouldn’t be permanent before the trial. I didn’t know how much the bail would be, but I had no prior charges against me so I was sure I’d be offered it and I’d get it posted, too.
I’d be back watching over my Baby Boy soon, and the next time I met his father, I’d be ready to make sure he knew what a permanent injury really was.
ALEC
I was shaking by the time I got back to the kitchen. Kash had done it again. Even after putting a stop to us, after agreeing we had to stay away from each other, his first instinct had been to shield me from the police. I didn’t think he’d have been able to deter them had they’d come for me, but that clearly hadn’t stopped him from trying.
However…
Aggravated battery… What did that even mean?
“I… The police just took Kash away. In the middle of the club,” I stammered, and Cam lowered his head, hiding his eyes from view.
“Yeah, I’ve been waiting for that.”
I grabbed his shoulder. “Why? If he defended himself there’s nothing they can pin on him. And battery… Isn’t that basically saying he threw a punch?” I’d say he even threw more but didn’t say that out loud. I wanted to go and help him, get him away from the police.
The door banged open behind me and when I turned I saw Gage standing in the doorway, shoulders vibrating with fury. I cowered without realizing it, and his expression softened. “Cameron, take Alec home. Now. The bar is closed today and will most likely be tomorrow, too. I’ll call you. Get out of here, now. And… Stay in.”
That was directed at Cam, and when I glanced at my friend, he just nodded.
“Kash would never throw the first punch, Gage. I’m very sure that he didn’t—”
“He did, and so would have anyone else. You know what? Maybe it’s better if you know. Maybe that’ll make sure you’re careful. It’s your father causing trouble. Kash is behind bars because he beat up your father. And yes, he threw the first punch but I’m pretty sure he had a reason to. I’m also sure the claims brought against him are all fake. However, we don’t know what your father wanted but, by the way K-Ass reacted to the talk, I’d say it was nothing good.”
I grabbed the counter, my head swimming. I should have known. Hell, I had and had just hoped it wasn’t true. “Why didn’t Kash tell me?”
“Because he wanted to protect you, and I’m thinking that’s a smart idea.” Savage’s voice came from behind Gage and I hadn’t even notice him enter. “Bar is cleared, I locked the doors, Xane is wiping everything down,” he reported. “I’m off to the station now, see what I can find out.”
Gage briefly nodded at him over his shoulder. “I’m coming. Wait for a second.” His eyes leveled on me again. “Don’t do anything stupid. You know, like go to the station or whatever. You’re not gonna make it easier on Kash. Let the grownups deal with this.”
Shame and fury seared through my veins. I wasn’t a goddamn child anymore. Before I could say something though a hand on my elbow stopped me. “Alec, you shouldn’t be in a bar, even if you only work in the kitchen. Being anywhere near police when you’re this upset won’t settle anything. Besides, you said Kash and you weren’t a thing any longer… Let’s just go home. We can…” He glanced at Gage. “…binge on crime shows and have lemonade.”
I nearly smiled at that.
Gage held Cam’s eyes. “Take some of the honey lemonade from the shelf, but only crack it open at home and stay there. You got me?”
He searched both our faces for agreement and I realized that I wouldn’t be able to do anything for Kash. I couldn’t help him at the station, couldn’t post his bail, couldn’t defend him. I hadn’t been there, hadn’t seen what had transpired and most of all, I was only nineteen. How much weight would they give my words anyway? Going home to get drunk with Cam was definitely the best decision.
“Promise me that this will be okay,” I pleaded with Gage, and my boss rolled his eyes.
“The two of you have issues, boy. Both praying to me that I can keep the other one out of trouble when you’ve been knee-deep in it from the second you were in the same room. Get out of here now, and don’t do anything stupid.”
I swallowed everything I wanted to say to that because what was my father going to do? Kill me? I doubted it.
“I’ll be going home with Cam for now,” I replied, not wanting to promise anything else. I didn’t know what I was going to do but it sure as hell wasn’t go
ing to be pleading with my father to take back the allegations against Kash. Whatever had transpired between them couldn’t have been good.
My friend grabbed my arm, urging me to move with him, and we went out the backdoor. It was only when Cam kept looking around and Savage suddenly appeared at the end of the alley we exited from that I realized they were worried about me.
Seriously worried about me.
“If Kash hurt my father badly enough that the police would interfere, I doubt he’ll be here,” I stated toward Kash’s best friend, and Sav rolled his shoulder carelessly.
“I’m not going to risk anything. Get in the car with Cam, and I’ll catch the two of you soon, okay?”
He didn’t budge until I’d closed the door behind me, suddenly feeling paranoid too. I didn’t like the feeling, had never before felt constantly watched, and yet here we were, my heart racing in my throat and every car behind us seen as suspicious.
Jesus, this all happened because I wasn’t into girls the way my father wanted it. I rubbed my forehead, a headache brewing, and wished that things were different.
Hell, I would’ve given anything at that moment for a supportive family, a dad standing proudly behind me. I didn’t expect anyone to wave the gay flag for me but, man, how hard could it be to just love your son unconditionally, huh?
KASH
They put me in a holding cell, surprising me with how fast the whole thing had gone down. I’d requested a lawyer and called him but, because he’d need about an hour to show up, they decided having me in with the rest of the rowdies was a good idea.
I couldn’t have cared less. I just hoped Gage would make sure Alec wouldn’t be anywhere risky.
“What are you in for?”
I glanced up from where I sat, twisting a ring around my finger repeatedly. The guy who’d spoken was maybe twenty, his neck hanging with gold chains, one thicker than the other, and from the tats across his neck I assumed he was either in for drug dealing or something gang related.
“I’m a security guard and threw the first punch,” I answered, not caring what they thought.
“Guy probs deserved it,” the dude replied.
I shrugged. “Guy is my…boyfriend’s father and threatened his son, called him names. Didn’t exactly like that.”
Some others took interest now, eyeing me up and down.
“You’re into men?” a gray, long-haired man asked, rolling his shoulders under his leather cut. I couldn’t believe how clichéd the group of people in here was.
“I’m into him. Not that there’s anything coming out of it. Won’t stop me from protecting him though,” I answered honestly. I didn’t care what he thought about me, either.
Gang leaned back. “I can respect that.”
Biker crossed his arms in front of his chest. “I can’t if his boyfriend is not up for it.”
I stood because I wouldn’t ever force anyone to do anything against their will. Still, my tone must’ve caused him to believe that. Or maybe it had been the hesitation just a few seconds ago. “I’m thirty-one and, when I met him, he was beaten up and bloody, his face swollen because his father had laid into him for him coming out. He told me he was nineteen. It’s been a struggle already, but now… He might actually be a minor, and that’s why nothing comes out of it. Because I won’t do that to him.”
Biker cocked his head, watching me for a long moment. He was wider around the shoulders, heavier around the middle, but I wasn’t worried. I’d be able to take him if he decided to have a go at me.
Instead he held out his hand. “That I can respect. Sucks if it’s true though. Colt is my name.”
“Kash.” I shook it, and then settled back down.
“Well, at least if you land in prison there’ll be a pretty ass for them,” a guy in a suit announced and I arched a brow at him. He was skinny, the suit fit well and emphasized how slim he was. His face was youthful, but the expression in his eyes seemed ancient. No way I could pin an age on him.
I ignored him while Colt turned. “I don’t think he’ll go to prison unless he killed the guy. Looks too put together.”
Keys rattled, and an officer stepped to the door. “Matchington? Your lawyer is here.”
I stood, glad things hadn’t taken that long after all. Or maybe it was just the way it felt. Before I stepped through the door, Colt grabbed my arm. “Hey, if you need help putting your boy’s father in his place…” He glanced at the officer who looked rather bored. “I mean, if you need someone to talk to him properly, go to Jax’s Ink Plays on Grafton. It’s my brother’s shop. Ask for me and I’ll make sure you have help.”
I arched a brow, surprised and oddly touched. “I’ll keep that in mind. Although I have an amazing team, and he’s mine to protect.”
Colt leaned in even closer. “Guys like us need to stick together even when sticking out.”
I got the drift and then smirked. I was curious, wanted to ask so many questions about him and his group of bikers, but didn’t in the end. “Got it.”
I held out my fist and he met it with his, then I followed the officer out and to the front of the station. I spotted Gage and Savage, along with Nash, before I saw my lawyer. He was someone I’d been assigned through Craig It Down Security the first time I’d gotten in trouble on the job and, somehow, we’d become friends.
Sav scowled at me while Gage discussed something with an officer near the front of the room. The one leading me in waved my lawyer over and then escorted us into a mirrored room.
“Gus, good to see you,” I greeted him.
He smirked. “I would’ve preferred to see you at the bar you work at now. But hey, long time no see.”
The door closed behind us and I settled down while he threw the file he was carrying onto the table. “I assume you know why I’m here?”
“He’s the father of one of the employees at the bar.” I wasn’t surprised he knew where I worked now, especially when it was most likely the information was in the very detailed report he’d just had in his in hand. I’d always envied the way he could take in a situation by reading within only a few seconds. It was as if his brain was wired into keywords and found those first in any paper.
“Okay?”
“He’s…young. And gay. His father was using slurs about him and then…”
I swallowed, and Gus leaned forward. “Kash, you need to tell me what’s going on. By the three outside I’ll assume you’re in here even though it’s not right, but I need to know what’s going on.”
“Even if I incriminate myself in another crime?” One that would be far worse than the aggravated assault I was accused of.
Gus didn’t even flinch. He wore his mask of calm perfectly. “I’m your lawyer and what is said in here is staying in here.”
“His son and I were an item, and Mr. McGowan might have implied I defiled his not-yet-of-age son. I tried to talk to him, to make him leave because I saw Alec when he first walked in after telling his father about his sexual orientation and…” I fisted my hands on the table top, making it obvious to Gus what I meant.
He sighed and then leaned back. “Okay, how about you start from the beginning and then we’ll get you out of here?”
I could definitely get on board with that plan, and so I started at the moment I’d first laid eyes on Alec—realizing how much I longed to see him just that moment then.
“Your bail was posted while you were talking to your lawyer. You’re advised to not leave the city, or you will be put back in a cell until your trail.”
I nodded my understanding even while Gus shifted his briefcase. “I’ve already told my client that. He will be available for any further questions you may have. I’ll have his statement concerning this case with you tomorrow morning. He’s not going to say any more about it tonight. Gentlemen?”
He nodded and then nudged me forward. “Thank you for posting my bail.”
He shook his head. “I didn’t.”
“I did.” I looked up, meeting Gage’s dark
eyes. “We’re going back to DiverCity. Bring your lawyer,” he ordered and then turned on his heel. Sav smirked, but it vanished rather quickly.
“Gus, haven’t seen you in forever.”
Gus grinned at Sav and there was a flash of something sparkling in his eyes. “Just means Kash stayed out of trouble. Or trouble stayed away from him.”
I playfully punched his shoulder. “I never threw the first punch, and you’ve always gotten me out easily enough. Stop complaining.”
My lawyer grinned. “Until this time. Either way, can I follow you guys?”
Savage nodded and then walked over to his car while I realized Nash was waiting behind me. I’d forgotten that I’d seen him earlier. “What are you doing here?”
He shrugged, forcing his hands into his pocket. “Heard you got in trouble for protecting Alec and wanted to be here in case the police needed someone to vouch for you. You belong to the family after all.”
I arched a brow. “I bet Gage sees that differently. But I’m glad you’re here. It’s nice knowing I have people in my corner. Come on, or did you come in your own car?”
He shook his head and I slipped into the passenger seat while he got into the back. “I can’t believe that piece of trash went to the police.”
“You do realize though that clearly Alec is not a minor, right?” Nash asked from behind me and Sav jerked the wheel.
“Minor? That would make Kash an abuser. Don’t throw that around like that,” he fussed, and I shook my head.
“It’s what Alec’s father said to me. It’s why I couldn’t stick to my rule of letting him throw the first punch. He implied I was a rapist and I… I couldn’t… Fuck.”
“You do realize though that clearly Alec is not a minor, right?” Nash asked again, and I turned to him.
“I don’t. What does that have to do with anything here?”
Nash rolled his shoulders while stroking his beard. “If Alec was under eighteen his father could’ve just shut down the bar. He’d have hurt his son the most that way, considering he’d lose his job and put his friends out of theirs, too, but that only would work if he’s not of legal age. By going and accusing you of what he said to you that night, he proved that there was nothing else he could bring against the bar. I should’ve realized that already when we talked about it yesterday.”