by G. R. Lyons
Then he got a phone call from the boss.
Vic stared at his mobile, hesitating to answer it, then hating himself for hesitating. There were only two or three reasons Mace might be calling him, the most likely one being a new kidnapping or missing-person case. Of course Vic couldn't ignore that. Not a chance.
But the thought of leaving Colby, even for a few days, made his heart ache.
Vic set his laptop aside and stood as he answered the phone. “Lucius.”
“Hey, Vic. It's Mace.”
“Yes, sir?”
“I can't believe it took so long for this to happen, but I finally have a case for you.”
Vic gave Colby a quick glance. The boy was still curled up on the couch, riveted to his math game, one hand tapping the buttons while the other absently stroked Sharma's ears. He was about to respond to Mace, then did a double-take. Colby wasn't wearing all his layers, and Vic hadn't even noticed until that moment. All the boy had on was a t-shirt and pants. No extra shirts. No hoodie. No hands tucked away in his sleeves.
When had that happened?
Even surprised as he was, Vic felt a smile on his face. His sweet, beautiful boy was clearly getting more comfortable. There were suddenly no words to describe how lovely it was to see Colby sitting there like that, not hidden away, a hint of a smile on his face as he focused on learning something while enjoying the comfort of Sharma's presence.
“Vic?”
Vic gave a start. “Yes, sorry.” He headed for his office and shut the door. “So, the case. Where at?”
“Down near Westfield, just like the last one.” Mace paused, and Vic grimaced. His last case, before Colby, was a boy who had escaped the walled commune down near the southeastern tip of Agoran. Austin hadn't said much about what abuse he'd suffered in Westfield City, but at least he'd been brave enough to escape, and then Vic had been called in to help get him settled somewhere far away.
Scary, but not surprising, how many of Vic's cases came out of that area.
“Another kid?” Vic asked.
“Yeah. Hunter. He got himself out of Westfield and started to seek help, then ran off, then came back. Real skittish, this one. They've tried all sorts of things, but can't get the kid to trust them. They're hoping you can get through to him.”
Vic switched on his computer. If he knew Mace, all the preliminary case details as well as his travel arrangements would already be in his inbox. Sure enough, a new message popped up on his screen.
“Just got your email.”
“Good. But…are you gonna be able to do this? I've been reading you case notes on Colby as they come in…”
Vic looked toward his closed office door, picturing the sweet boy just down the hall. “I'll just have to deal with it. The separation might set him back a bit, but he's made some really good progress.” Vic paused, considering. “Might actually be a good test to see how he handles a disruption like that.” Though the thought of having to walk away from the boy still stung. Would Colby be able to handle it?
Would Vic?
Chapter 19
COLBY WATCHED Vic out of the corner of his eye as they did the dishes that night after dinner. Vic had been preoccupied with something all day. Ever since that phone call.
As soon as the kitchen was clean, Colby grabbed Vic's hand and tugged him out toward the living room.
Vic chuckled. “Where are we going?”
Colby pulled him over to the rocking chair and looked up at Vic from under his eyelashes. Vic smiled at him and sat, holding the chair still while Colby crawled into his lap, fast becoming his favorite place in the world. Colby leaned against Vic's chest, and let out a sigh when Vic's arms came around him.
“You doing alright?” Vic murmured, touching his fingertips to the back of Colby's hand, which was clutching Vic's jacket.
The hold was so automatic, Colby hadn't even realized he'd done it. He slowly let go and tipped his head back so he could see Vic's face as he reached up to trail his own fingertips across Vic's forehead.
Colby had no idea what had possessed him to do that the first time he'd tried it, but it had felt right, somehow, and Vic seemed to love it. Vic's eyes slipped closed, and Colby smiled.
“You are such a sweet boy,” Vic murmured, then his eyes flew open. “I'm sorry, I shouldn't call you that.”
“I like when you call me that,” Colby whispered, feeling suddenly shy even though he couldn't stop smiling. “I like being your sweet boy–” He ducked his head and went back to clutching Vic's jacket. The words were true, but saying them made him feel like he was missing something. For a moment, he thought it was because he ought to feel some sort of wrongness—since Bad Man had always called Colby 'boy'—but it wasn't that. Before he could work it out, Vic spoke again.
“Yeah? I like it, too.”
Vic hugged Colby tighter, and Colby's smile grew. He'd never thought it was possible to feel so happy, but he did. Vic had given him so much, and things just kept getting better. Bad Man was gone. He had Sharma. Cam had Patches. Colby was learning all sorts of new things. And Vic was always there, taking care of him.
Colby looked up again, eyeing Vic hopefully. Vic smiled, moved a hand up to Colby's jaw, and bent down to kiss him. Colby couldn't help but moan a little. Kissing had looked so weird the first time he'd seen Ryley and Asher do it, but now that he'd gotten to experience it, he loved it. Vic was right: It felt so good.
And though Vic kissed him whenever Colby wanted it, Vic had still never tried to do anything that made Colby uncomfortable. Nothing like that one night in Vic's bed had ever happened again, either. Colby had never asked, and Vic had never offered. It wasn't that Colby didn't want it, since there were plenty of times that his body had reacted to their kissing just like it had that night, but as the months had passed, and Vic had continued to be so careful with him—to say nothing of the haunting guilt Colby now recognized on Vic's face ever since Vic had told him what happened to Cam—Colby began to realize that Vic wasn't ready for more either.
Besides, there were still plenty of days when the nightmares haunted Colby enough to drive him back to the safety and darkness of his room. It was happening less and less, but it hadn't entirely stopped. Vic said it might never stop, not for the rest of his life, but that it would get better.
Colby kissed Vic again and smiled. He believed that. It already was so much better. Much more than he'd ever imagined. The fantasies of his mental darkness were nothing compared to the happiness and freedom he felt, thanks to this man.
Vic gently broke the kiss and stroked Colby's cheek with his thumb. “We need to talk, sweetheart.”
Colby drew his hands up under his chin.
“That phone call I got earlier?” Vic began, and Colby nodded. “That was from work. There's a boy I need to go rescue.”
Colby's eyes went wide. “Another boy like me?”
Vic nodded. “It's gonna mean I'll have to be gone for a few days,” he explained, and Colby tensed. “Do you think you're up for staying here alone with Cam and the dogs? Or you can go stay with someone. Ryley and Asher, or Zac and Adrian.”
Colby glanced at the front door, then back at Vic's face as he curled up tighter. “Bad Man…”
“Or they could come stay here with you,” Vic hurried to add. “It's up to you, kiddo. You know they won't hurt you.”
Colby slowly nodded. He didn't know, not exactly, but Vic trusted his friends, and Colby was slowly starting to trust them himself.
Sharma darted over and put his front paws across Colby's legs.
Vic laughed and scratched the dog behind the ears. “Besides, you'll have this big guy to take care of you.”
Colby found himself smiling. 'Big guy' was an understatement. Sharma had gotten huge over the past few months. And Colby loved him more than almost anything else in the world.
Then Patches started barking and ran over to join them, clearly not wanting to be left out. The smaller dog jumped about, wagging her tail and begging for attention. Ca
m must have been taking a rare break because he almost never left his dog alone, spending endless hours playing with the little ball of energy while Vic worked and Colby learned.
“Yeah, you'll look out for him, too, won't you, girl?” Vic asked with a laugh, trying to pet Patches while the dog continued to bounce around.
Colby giggled at the sight, then sobered when Vic caught his eye. The man was looking at him with a combination of fondness and worry. Colby took a deep breath and put on a smile. He didn't want Vic to leave, but he couldn't make him stay, not when he knew why Vic did what he did. Vic would never be truly happy until he could make up for Cam.
So Colby would be brave and let Vic go. If it meant another boy could be as happy and free as he was—if it meant another life could be saved—it would be more than worth it.
* * *
VIC WENT downtown the next morning to run a few errands before he had to catch his flight the following day. He'd left Colby doing his lessons and playing with the dogs, curious to see how the boy handled the brief separation. Colby still slept through it every morning when Vic left for the gym, so this would be different: a last-minute test run to see how Colby handled being alone in the house. He'd offered again to see if Ryley or someone could come stay with him, but Colby had been insistent. He wanted to try it on his own.
His sweet boy was getting so brave.
Vic smiled to himself over the thought as he stepped into the electronics store. Part of his department budget included getting a prepaid phone for each of his rescues. Mace's idea, so that the kids would always have a way to reach Vic in case they needed it. Sometimes, a foster situation wasn't as stable as Vic had been led to believe, and the kid had to be pulled and placed somewhere else. Other times, the kids were too abused or jaded to trust even the best situations, and ran again, then needed the security of a familiar voice. Most of the time, though, the kids just wanted to stay in contact with Vic, looking for reassurance or wanting to thank him again for saving their lives.
He loved those calls.
But Vic was currently out of phones, so he had to grab a few before he went to find Hunter. The store owner knew him well, and quickly got him what he needed. Vic was back out the door in a few minutes, heading for his car so he could get back home and pack.
Vic rounded the corner and almost ran into someone in his hurry.
“Goodness, sorry–” He looked up and sucked in a breath.
The man and woman before him both stared at him in blank shock for a moment before they all stepped back away from one another.
Vic's hands curled into fists. He hadn't laid eyes on them in years, but his fury came back in full force. Clenching his jaw, Vic stormed around them.
“Victor–” the woman called.
“No,” Vic barked, whirling around to face them. He tried to find the words through the fire of his rage, but couldn't seem to say anything else. “Just…no,” he spat, then turned and strode away.
It wasn't until he was in his car that he realized he was gasping for breath, his heart racing with fury and fear.
* * *
VIC SAT in the garage for a long while before he felt calm enough to go inside. He didn't want to subject Colby to his anger. Or Cam, for that matter. Then again, his brother may have been witness to the whole thing. Vic had been thinking of him hard enough, that was for sure. Shit. He'd need to check on Cam. Make sure the kid was alright.
He took a deep breath and started to get out of the car, then stopped when his mobile rang. Vic pulled it out and checked the screen.
Vic cleared his throat, blew out a calming breath, and answered, “Hey, Athan. How are you?”
“Hi. Good. And you?”
Vic reached for Cam's bracelet, trying hard to drive away thoughts of his encounter in town. “Good. What can I do for you?”
“I hate to sound like we're inviting ourselves over, but Father offered to babysit tonight, and Summer is eager to finally meet your Tanasian rescue…”
“Oh.” Vic nodded to himself. They'd all been trying to get together for months, but between one thing and another—particularly after Summer gave birth to their second child—they hadn't been able to make it happen.
“It's probably a bad time–”
“No, actually…” Vic began. It was about time Colby got to meet another stranger, particularly one who shared his rare traits. Besides, Vic could certainly use the distraction, and he hadn't seen his friends in months. “Yeah, come on over. We'll have dinner.”
“Thanks, Vic. Summer will be thrilled.”
Vic rang off, pocketed his phone, then took another deep breath and went inside.
Colby looked up from his tablet and smiled. “Vic!” His smile faded, and he quickly set his tablet aside, scooting out from under Sharma—the big dog was draped across Colby's lap again—and running to Vic's side.
Vic caught him and lifted the boy to his hip. Colby wrapped his arms around Vic's neck and gave him a tight hug, then pulled back and kissed him.
All the tension in Vic's shoulders started to melt away, and he hugged Colby again, closing his eyes and rocking side to side as he soaked in the warmth of the little guy in his arms.
Colby gave a start, then leaned back to look at Vic. “Cam looks scared,” he whispered, nodding with his chin at something behind Vic.
Shit. Vic glanced over his shoulder even though he knew he wouldn't be able to see Cam. He set Colby back on his feet. “I need to go talk to him for a minute. Is that alright?”
Colby nodded, and watched with those big, beautiful eyes as Vic reached out, squeezed Cam's hand when his brother grabbed him, and headed down the hall to his office.
He pulled Cam in for a hug. “Were you there?”
Cam nodded against his chest.
“I'm so sorry, kiddo.”
Cam pulled away and snatched up one of his notepads. I hate him. I know it's been almost three years, but I still hate him for what he did.
Vic sighed and put an arm around his brother's shoulders. “I don't blame you, kiddo. And I'm so sorry. I guess I couldn't face him yet, either.”
I don't think I'll ever be able to face him. What kind of father kills his own son?
Cam dropped the pen and burrowed into Vic's embrace again. Vic held him tight, swallowing down his own rage and grief.
“I'm so sorry, Cam. I'm so, so sorry.”
Chapter 20
VIC SAT in the rocking chair with Colby in his lap, the pair of them watching Patches play with Cam. The dog had been hard-pressed to get Cam to throw her toy at first, but now it seemed like the ghost had managed to push his anger aside for the time being.
Vic wasn't sure he could say the same.
Colby reached up and trailed his fingers over Vic's face. The touch worked its magic, though Vic was still surprised at the sudden relief he felt. He'd started to think nothing would ever make him feel better again.
He looked down at Colby, and the boy stretched up to kiss him. Despite how unsettled the day had made him, Vic found himself smiling. It was so perfect. He couldn't explain it, but something about having that little guy in his arms made everything seem right in the world.
A bittersweet pang shot through him when he realized this wasn't just physical attraction anymore.
Before he could follow that thought, the doorbell rang. Colby tensed, then slid off Vic's lap and darted over to the couch, curling up with Sharma and sinking his hands into the dog's fur. Vic gave the boy a reassuring smile as he got up to answer the door.
Summer tackled him with a hug before he could say anything. “Hi, Vic!”
Vic chuckled and hugged her back. “Hey, Summer.” He looked up and gave Athan a nod of greeting.
“Vic.” Athan shook Vic's hand.
“Come in, come in,” Vic said, standing aside.
Summer darted over the threshold, but Athan called after her. “Sevgani–”
“Oh, right.” Summer stopped and clasped her hands in front of herself. “Sorry, I got e
xcited and forgot.”
Vic tilted his head in question.
“It's–” Athan started to explain.
“Athan said your friend looks like a grownup but is fragile like a baby,” Summer cut in, “so I have to be calm around him like I am with my babies.”
Vic glanced at Athan, who shrugged. “It was the best I could come up with at the last moment.”
“Ah.” Vic gave him a grateful nod. Summer could be overwhelmingly cheerful when something caught her interest, and Vic wasn't sure how Colby would handle that. “Come on. I'll introduce you.”
They headed for the living room, and while Athan and Summer stopped several feet away—Summer almost vibrating with excitement as she stood there—Vic continued across the room to help ease the boy.
“Athan, Summer, this is Colby,” Vic said, hugging Colby to his side when the little guy clung to him. “Colby, these are my friends.”
Colby eyed them carefully, then looked up at Vic and whispered just loud enough for Vic to hear, “He's so big.”
Across the room, Athan breathed a laugh. Besides being taller than Vic and having unusually pale skin, the man's keen senses could pick up just about anything.
“He's a Falsiner,” Vic explained. “Falsiners are especially tall, and they have really sharp eyesight and hearing.” He paused, then said, “You know, Sharma here comes from a kind of wolf that lives on Falsin.”
“He does?”
Vic nodded. “You think Athan can meet him?”
Colby gave a shy nod, and Athan slowly walked over and crouched down, letting Sharma sniff his hand.
Athan murmured something to the dog in his native tongue, then looked up at Colby. “Your kuryavsu is beautiful.”
Colby frowned, and glanced at Vic, who gave Colby an encouraging nod.