Stumptown

by A M Huff

  “Morning,” Harrison greeted. He stood facing the stove with his back to the foyer.

  “Morning,” Justus returned. He took his coffee mug from the cupboard and filled it.

  “Feeling better this morning?” Harrison asked.

  “A little,” Justus said and poured cream into his dark brew, turning it to a medium brown shade. He walked around the island and pulled out a stool, then sat down. The memory of last night was still vivid and so were the emotions. His hand shook when he raised his mug to take a sip of his coffee. He set the mug down.

  “So, do you want to tell me what happened?” Harrison asked.

  “It was nothing really,” Justus answered.

  Harrison turned around and looked at him. His expression told Justus he did not believe him.

  “I don’t know,” Justus said and looked away.

  “Maybe it will help if you talked about it,” Harrison said.

  Justus looked up. He remembered last year, when Thomas moved out, that Harrison had slipped into a silent depression. No matter how much Justus had tried to pull him out of it, Harrison stayed locked away in his head. In the end, Harrison had to be the one to get himself out.

  “Fine,” Justus relented, knowing that Harrison was not going to give up on him as easily as Justus had given up on Harrison a year ago. “I ran into Dean last night.”

  “Aha,” Harrison said and nodded. He turned back to the stove and stirred the scrambled eggs.

  “He was a bit too clingy and he caught me with another guy when I slipped away to use the restroom.”

  “What?” Harrison gasped and stopped scooping the eggs onto the plater. “You weren’t making out in the bathroom, were you?”

  “No. It was in a maintenance closet.”

  “Oh my god,” Harrison said and shook his head.

  “Well, you asked,” Justus said. He felt himself rising out of his anxiety. He smiled at Harrison’s expression. “Dean didn’t actually walk in on us. He saw Barry come of the closet—” He chuckled at the pun. “When he saw Barry, it was obvious what had happened.”

  “I see.” Harrison returned the frying pan to the cooling range top.

  “Dean was—I don’t know, not happy. He grabbed my arm and insisted I have another drink but I slipped away.”

  “Well, it’s over now,” Harrison said, sounding certain.

  Justus felt himself slipping. “I hope you’re right.”

  “Let’s eat.”

  Justus looked around the kitchen. Col. Mustard was finished with his breakfast and was now washing his face. The rest of the house was quiet.

  “Where’s Douglas?” Justus asked and followed Harrison into the dining room.

  “Working, I imagine.”

  “You mean, he’s not here?”

  “No.”

  “Is he coming over later?”

  “Don’t know.”

  Justus let the conversation drop. Harrison was not biting this morning. It’s no fun teasing when he doesn’t play along.

  Chapter Four

  Except for calls from Marcus, Scotty, and Dale wanting to know what happened Friday night at the club, Justus’ phone was quiet. No calls from Dean. Not even a text. Maybe he got the message. Justus watched the numbers above the door light up while the elevator rose to the twenty-eighth floor. The car stopped, a bell dinged, and the doors slid open.

  Justus followed Harrison out and into the office.

  “See you at lunch,” Harrison called over his shoulder and proceeded to his office.

  “It’s a date,” Justus answered and smiled when he saw Harrison’s back stiffening.

  He entered the file room and stopped. A numbing chill coursed down his body, causing his legs to feel weak and his feet to become like bricks. He reached out and grabbed the threshold to steady himself.

  Sitting on his desk was a single red rose in a vase. A large white envelope was propped up against it with Justus’ name written on it in a loopy script.

  Justus felt his pulse quicken and his breathing become shallow. This can’t be happening. He pushed himself away from the doorway and staggered back into the main office. The strength returned to his legs while he crossed the floor to Harrison’s office in the corner by the windows.

  “He did it again!” Justus announced.

  Harrison looked up from reading something on his computer.

  “What? Who?”

  “Dean,” Justus replied. “He sent more flowers.”

  “What?” Harrison stood up and was heading for the file room before Justus could answer. It was obvious to him that Harrison had heard what he said. Justus followed.

  Harrison did not hesitate, walking into Justus’ file room and heading straight over to the flower. Without asking, he picked up the envelope and tore it open. Glancing at Justus, he pulled the card out and read the inscription out loud.

  “I’m sorry for the way I acted last Friday night. I was stupid and, yes, jealous. It won’t happen again, I promise. Love, Dean.” Harrison looked at Justus. “That was nice of him.”

  “That’s creepy, you mean.”

  “What? The guy likes you, what’s wrong with that?” Harrison put the card back on the desk.

  “I don’t know. It gives me the creeps,” Justus said and looked at the flower again. “Take it with you, please.”

  Harrison grabbed the bud vase.

  “And the card.”

  Harrison picked up the card but did not look pleased. He walked over to Justus. “If you don’t want this guy, then man up and tell him.”

  “I’ve tried,” Justus said and felt a little resentful at Harrison’s tone.

  “Well, he’s not getting the message,” Harrison said.

  “Duh,” Justus answered. He found himself gritting his teeth at the way Harrison sounded like his father.

  Harrison took the card and flower and left Justus alone.

  Friday came quickly, or at least it seemed like it for Justus. Dean had texted several times but he ignored them. He thought about blocking Dean’s number but the uncertainty of how Dean would react scared him.

  “Pop!” Dale gasped and grabbed Scotty’s glass. “Oh no, no! No wonder you are so uptight. Tonight, you’re getting a real drink.” He turned around and raised his hand to get the waiter’s attention.

  The shirtless server stood at a nearby table. He glanced at him and his smile vanished. He flicked his head in a disdainful gesture as though telling Dale to wait his turn.

  “We’ll get you liquored up and relaxed in no time.”

  “I really don’t want anything,” Scotty protested.

  “Nonsense.”

  Justus sat back and sipped his drink while he listened to the two of them. He really was not in the mood to get in the middle of their banter, not yet anyway. Maybe after a couple more drinks.

  The waiter sauntered over and Dale ordered a drink for Scotty amid Scotty’s objections. When the server returned, he set the drink down in the center of the table. Dale quickly paid for the drink and the server went on his way.

  “I’m not drinking that,” Scotty objected and reached for his soft drink. Dale pulled it away.

  Marcus emerged from the crowd. He rushed over to the table and sat down in the empty chair between Dale and Justus.

  “That for me?” he asked and grabbed the drink from the center of the table.

  “No!” Dale gasped and reached for the glass but Marcus took a sip and pulled it away.

  “That was for Scotty,” Dale snapped.

  Marcus looked at Scotty with a shocked expression. Scotty shook his head.

  “Scotty doesn’t drink,” Marcus said, glancing back at Dale. “Scotty, may I have your drink?”

  “Sure,” Scotty answered.

  Dale’s mouth dropped open in a silent protest.

  “You said it was his and he can do with it what he wants,” Marcus said and took a long, flaunting sip.

  “What are you doing here so early?” Dale sneered.

 
“Oh, I heard some news and I had to tell you guys,” he answered and leaned toward the center of the table. “I just found out another person is missing.”

  “What?” they all echoed.

  “Yeah, some guy named Alexander was last seen leaving Embers over on NW Broadway and Burnside with a dude.”

  “When was that?” Justus asked.

  “It was after their New Year’s Eve party.”

  “And no one has seen him since?” Justus inquired.

  “Nope.”

  “Does anyone know who he left with?” Scotty asked.

  “No.” Marcus frowned. “His friend said he hadn’t seen the guy before or since and doesn’t know his name.”

  “Did his friend go to the police?” Dale asked.

  “He did but the Beaverton Police said basically the same thing the Portland Police said.”

  “Why’d they go to Beaverton?” Dale asked.

  “According to his friend, Alexander lives in Beaverton.”

  “I need another drink,” Justus said and stood up. The current conversation was only adding to his anxiety. Before anyone said another word, he stood up, took his empty glass and headed for the bar.

  Squeezing between two guys, Justus set his empty glass on the bar and rested his hand near it to signal the bartender.

  “What can I get you?” the bartender asked, taking away the empty glass and putting it out of sight under the counter.

  “I don’t know, surprise me but make it strong,” Justus said.

  “Got it,” the bartender smiled.

  “Bad day?” the man beside Justus asked.

  Justus turned and looked at him. To his surprise, the man was quite handsome. Dark hair, blue eyes, neatly trimmed beard and mustache, and a nice build: exactly his type.

  “Sort of,” Justus answered.

  “You want to go somewhere quiet and talk about it?” the man asked with that familiar look in his eyes that said they would not be doing a lot of talking.

  “Sure, why not,” Justus answered.

  “Here’s your drink,” the bartender interrupted.

  Justus started to pay for it when the man in front of him beat him to the punch.

  “Thank you, but you didn’t have to do that.”

  “I know. I’ll consider it an investment.”

  “Oh, that’s smooth.” Justus took a sip of his drink. The taste of alcohol was strong, just like he had ordered, but was still more than he expected. It burned his throat and made him give a slight cough.

  “What do you say we go to your place?” the man suggested.

  “My—Oh, I can’t,” Justus replied. “My landlord doesn’t allow me to bring anyone home.”

  “Really? Why does your landlord care?”

  “I’m renting a room in his house.”

  “Oh, that’s too bad.”

  “Why don’t we go to your place?” Justus suggested with eager anticipation.

  “Can’t,” he answered and took a gulp of his beer.

  That’s when Justus spotted the ring on the man’s finger. “You’re married?”

  “Oh!” the guy looked at his hand and laughed. “Guess I forgot to take it off. Sorry about that.”

  “Me too,” Justus answered. “I don’t hook up with married men. That’s a line I won’t cross.”

  “But—”

  “I’m sorry,” Justus said. “Those are the rules.” He gave the man a last once-over look and sighed before heading back to his friends.

  The sun shining through the window awakened Justus. He looked around his bedroom, confused about how he had gotten here. The last thing he remembered had been sitting around the table at Stumptown. He looked at the clock on the small nightstand beside his bed. It read 10:21 AM. He quickly sat up only to have his head throb and feel as if it were going to explode. He leaned forward until the sensation abated.

  Slowly he walked down the stairs. The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the house. He took a deep breath and felt the pounding in his head. Gently, with the poise of Miss America, he walked into the kitchen.

  Col. Mustard began mewing loudly and wrapped himself around and between Justus’ legs.

  “Do you have to do that so loudly?” Justus groaned.

  “I thought I heard you up,” Harrison greeted, coming into the kitchen from the hallway to Justus’ left.

  Justus grabbed his head to keep it from coming off. “Loud,” he said in a way that sounded more like shut up.

  “Coffee?” Harrison offered in a whisper.

  Justus did not answer. He pulled out a stool and sat down.

  Harrison poured coffee into Justus’ large coffee mug and set it on the island.

  Justus ignored the creamer and took a sip of the brew.

  “You really tied one on last night,” Harrison said, pressing his palms flat on the island’s smooth top and leaning forward. “Good thing your friends called me.”

  “They called you?”

  “Yes. They weren’t about to let you drive in your condition.”

  Justus looked around the kitchen. “Where’s my car?”

  “It’s out front. Doug drove it home for you.”

  “Oh, good.” Justus relaxed and took another sip of his black coffee before grabbing the creamer.

  “Justus, what’s going on? This isn’t like you.”

  “I don’t know. Last night we found out another guy went missing about six weeks before Jack. He was last seen leaving Embers with some guy. Then this married guy tried to pick me up.”

  “How did you know he was married?”

  Justus held up his left hand and wiggled his ring finger.

  “Oh, I see,” Harrison said and gave a nod. He took a drink from his coffee cup and then dumped the rest in the sink. Justus watched, but his head throbbed too much for him to focus. Harrison refilled his cup with fresh, steaming coffee. “What about this other guy? Do you know him?”

  “Who?”

  “The guy who disappeared.”

  “Oh,” Justus answered and grimaced. “No.”

  “Well, maybe it’s a coincidence? Maybe the two aren’t related.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “They both disappeared after leaving a gay bar, didn’t they?” Harrison asked.

  “Yeah,” Justus said, trying to focus his thoughts.

  “The same bar?” Harrison asked.

  “No. Jack was last seen at the Valentine’s Day party at Stumptown. Alexander was at Embers’ New Year’s Eve party.”

  “You think there may be a connection?”

  “I don’t know,” Harrison answered. “It was only a thought. The police will get to the bottom of it,” Harrison said.

  Justus took another sip of his coffee and reached for the cream. While his headache subsided, his mind began to think about what Harrison said. He never thought the two were connected. Now, it was all he could think about. Thanks a lot, Harrison!

  “So, what have you got planned for today?” Harrison asked.

  “Why?” Justus asked, giving Harrison a suspicious glance. Harrison never asked him about his plans for Saturday.

  “No reason,” Harrison said and shrugged his shoulders. “I was going to hang out here in case Dani calls.”

  “Still haven’t heard from her?”

  “No,” Harrison answered. He glanced at the telephone on the counter behind Justus.

  “How long has it been since you heard from her?” Justus asked while he tried to remember when Harrison told him about her going into hiding with her boys.

  “It was months ago. I thought she would have contacted me by now—”

  “She’s fine,” Justus said when he saw Harrison’s worried expression.

  “I know,” Harrison answered. “It’s just that her husband is a violent asshole.”

  “Didn’t you say he was in jail?”

  “They usually only hold a person for twenty-four hours, but he’s a cop. They get special treatment.”

  “True, but she got
away, remember?” Justus tried to sound reassuring.

  “I know, but. . .”

  Justus felt bad for him. He knew how close Harrison and his sister were and knew this was really bothering him. Still, he could not think of a thing to say to ease his anxiety.

  Col. Mustard began meowing in earnest. Justus looked down at the floor at the end of the island. Col. Mustard sat beside his water dish staring up at Harrison. He meowed again.

  “I know, I know, I haven’t forgotten you,” Harrison said. “Hang on, you’re not starving.”

  Col. Mustard mewed sharply.

  “Okay, okay, I’m hurrying.”

  Justus watched while Harrison grabbed a can of cat food from the pantry and began dishing up his pet’s breakfast.

  Chapter Five

  Justus parked his car on the curb across the street from The Roxy in downtown Portland. He checked his phone for messages before stepping out onto SW Stark. His heart was beating fast. Dean’s apartment was two short blocks down the street. It was too close, but Marcus had insisted they meet up at his favorite restaurant. Since he was buying, Justus agreed.

  Marcus was seated at a table beneath a movie poster with George Clooney’s image. Justus had not seen the movie but thought George was hot. After surveying the nearly empty restaurant and not seeing Dean anywhere, Justus relaxed and slid onto the pew bench. From that vantage point he could see the front door clearly.

  “Hi,” he greeted Marcus with an air kiss. He noticed another place setting on the table. “Are you expecting someone else?”

  “Yeah,” Marcus answered. “I called the guys to see if they wanted to join us.”

  “And?”

  “Dale said he was busy but might stop by and Scotty said he’d be here.”

  “Good,” Justus said. He smiled to himself.

  A waitress took Justus’ drink order and then headed across the room to the lunch counter. Justus watched her while she grabbed a coffee cup and the pot. She set the cup on the table in front of Justus and filled it.

  “When you’re ready to order, give me a call,” she said and returned to her guests at the counter.

  “How are you feeling today?” Marcus asked.

  “Better,” Justus answered.