Instead of yelling at him to get out, or grabbing him by the collar to throw him out, Theo smiled.
“Well, hello. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“You have to drive away, quick! They’re coming and I don’t want you to get hurt! It would be all my fault if something bad happened to you and I’d never forgive myself because you’re so nice and good, and, and...” All his air was gone so he had no choice but to pause so he could get more.
Theo furrowed his brow. “Who’s coming?”
“The fellas who work for the Traski brothers! Don’t you understand? They want to beat me and if they catch us, I don’t know what they’ll do to you!”
He’d have to run from the car if Theo wouldn’t listen. He couldn’t take the chance that something bad might happen to Theo, but if he could distract his pursuers, maybe they’d go after him and forget all about Theo.
“No one’s going to hurt either one of us, Francesco. I’ll make sure of it.”
“Oh no.” Francesco fought back tears. He really didn’t want to run from Theo, but what else could he do? “It’s okay, I’ll lead them away.”
“What? Don’t be silly, I’ll just—”
Francesco kicked open the still-unlatched door, but a car’s brakes squealed and the croak of its horn sounded twice as Theo yanked Francesco back inside by his collar.
“That’s enough, Francesco. I won’t have you harming yourself. Shut the door, then sit on the back seat and don’t move. Understand?”
Theo seemed sore, which made Francesco very sad, so he did what Theo commanded in the hopes he wouldn’t be mad at him anymore. As soon as he’d settled, Theo offered him another smile.
“That’s a good boy. Now, don’t worry about anything. We’re going to work everything out, all right?”
Francesco nodded with enthusiasm. It was important that Theo understand he agreed with him. For the most part. “Okay. But can I tell you about the Traski brothers and the bimbos they sent after me and what they said they’d do and why I think we should drive away right now because—” Francesco screeched at the sight of one of the thugs sticking his head in the passenger side window.
“Hey, mister. Looks like you got something that belongs to us.”
“Oh, really?” Theo snorted at him derisively and Francesco gritted his teeth in terror.
“Yeah. Really. So bub, I suggest you dump the lousy little cocksucker outta the vehicle so we don’t have to give you the shiv.”
Theo whipped out a small pistol from his jacket so fast, Francesco could only drop his jaw in response. The reaction from the thug wasn’t much different. Theo kept it aimed at the would-be tough who hadn’t even managed to get the knife out yet that he’d threatened Theo with. He stood staring at Theo with his mouth open, momentarily thrown off-guard.
“Well, I suggest you leave. Now.”
Theo had snarled it out and Francesco shivered. He’d sounded so manly. He wanted to cheer him on and stick out his tongue at his pursuer, but he had enough smarts to control himself.
The thug glared at Theo. “We ain’t kidding, bub. If you plan on living much longer, give up this piece of trash and we won’t bother you no more. Otherwise, Gregor and Stefan Traski will make you pay.”
“I’m growing bored of this subject. Fuck off before I put my derringer to good use.”
The thug screwed up his face in a grimace and jabbed a finger at Theo. “This ain’t over.”
“It is for me.” Theo cocked the pistol and Francesco’s eyes went wide.
Gee whiz.
The thug took off running and Francesco jumped up on his knees so he could peer out the back and watch him go. He’d wondered about the second man, but he’d apparently been leaning against a wall nearby the whole time. As his cohort raced past him, he glanced in the direction of Theo’s car, then picked up a trot to go after his retreating partner.
“That was swell!”
Francesco twisted around to see Theo with his arm leaning across the top of the bench seat, glancing over his shoulder with amusement. The hint of a smile ghosted his lips and Francesco couldn’t believe how calm he was after all that hullabaloo.
Theo wrinkled his brow as he regarded him. “Did he hurt you? You don’t seem bloodied, but should you be checked for other injuries?”
“Oh no, I’m fine. I can run faster than most fellas.” Francesco grinned. “You’re like a real tough. Are you a mobster or something?” He sure hoped not.
Theo chuckled. “Not even close. I’m a lawyer, so I’m an aficionado of legality.”
Francesco tilted his head. “You’re a fish of what?”
Theo barked out a laugh. “It means I prefer to follow the law.” Theo coughed into his fist. “When it doesn’t intrude into what goes on between adults in the bedroom.”
Francesco nodded. “Or the alleys.”
Theo pressed his lips together. “I should probably have added the word ‘privacy’ to my observation, but we can save that discussion for another time. For now, I’d like to get you cleaned up and fed. I’m wagering you haven’t eaten yet today?”
Francesco lowered his head, shoving a hand into his pocket where he fiddled with the last two nickels. I could get one of my usual sandwiches. He’d thought about saving the coins in case he didn’t get any more that day, but for Theo, he could make an exception so that they could sit together again. Then he remembered what Theo had said about him getting clean. He lifted his gaze.
“Do I smell bad?”
“No, you don’t smell bad. But you look as if you’re soaked through from running so hard.” Theo patted the upholstery next to him. “Come join me up front so we can move along.”
Francesco scrambled over the top then landed with a thump on the shiny cream-colored leather. After he’d untangled his limbs, he sat up nice and straight. He wanted to seem like a proper gentleman if he was going to ride in such a fancy motorcar.
“Francesco?”
“Yeah?”
“I wouldn’t mind if you used the door next time.” Theo winked.
Francesco thought about what he’d just done then flushed, biting his lip in frustration at himself. I’m not a proper gentleman, not at all. He started when Theo softly laid his hand on his shoulder.
“Don’t fret. I’m not angry about it. Will you allow me to drive you to my home? If you’d like, we can stop and pick up your things, and any extra clothing you might have so you can change into new ones. Would you trust me to do that?”
Francesco had to admit he was confused by what it was Theo was offering, because he didn’t understand what it was he wanted from him. He never went with men to their homes or a hotel room because it was too easy for them to try funny business, but he didn’t think Theo was like that. Theo had given him enough dough for ten sucks or hand-jobs and hadn’t asked him for a thing other than to make him promise that he’d take care of himself. He’d go wherever Theo wanted, and he might even want to do some funny business with his fantasy man, but he was more concerned about Theo’s assumption that he either lived somewhere or had belongings.
He’ll think I’m even worse off than he’d assumed. Worthless.
“Francesco? I can tell that I’ve upset you, and I’m very sorry. I just thought you might like to spend some time together. You sounded as if you wanted to see me again after our last meeting.”
“Oh, I do! I really, really do. It’s just that…” Francesco glanced around the vehicle as if it might give him a way to explain himself, or inspire an idea on how he could appear more proper. “Look.” He grinned and yanked up his collar. “I got a new shirt with the money you gave me, like I said I would.” He wrestled with one foot until he’d lifted it high enough so Theo could see. “And shoes with socks and everything.”
Theo frowned as he gazed down at the pinchy shoes. “They have a hole in the bottom.”
Oh rats. He wasn’t doing a very good job of proving himself worthy enough to be friends with Theo. If only I’d had more time. I wo
uld’ve tried real hard to impress him.
Theo rubbed his back for a moment then withdrew his hand. Francesco’s skin heated again. He couldn’t remember being touched with any fondness in quite a while. Although, because Theo was such a nice person, he might have done it as a way of sending him on his way without being mean about it.
He was desperate to convince Theo not to take his invitation back. “I tried real hard, honest. I wanted to spend the five bucks you gave me so that I kept all my promises, and I did—for the most part—so I bought this nice shirt, and I know it’s all sweaty and the shoes ain’t so good, then I tried to sleep somewhere, except the old coot who runs Sunshine Manor took my two dollars then kicked me out—not even an hour later—because Eddie lied and said I grabbed his pecker, but I didn’t.”
Francesco was dismayed at the expression of pity Theo radiated back at him. Maybe it was concern, but either way, it wasn’t what he’d meant to happen. “But I also had some baked beans and bread—twice. I was real smart with your money, yes I was, I had the beans twice even though I wanted the hamburger sandwich because they’re my favorite and I hardly ever get them, but I didn’t waste it…” He grimaced. “Except maybe the two dollars for the room. But it wasn’t my fault, I swear.” He crossed his heart. “They were all mean. I didn’t make no trouble.” Francesco sucked in a breath to stop the tears he sensed were right around the corner. He wasn’t about to cry in front of Theo. “It’s just that the flophouse manager and my roomies didn’t like queers.”
“Oh, Francesco.” Theo’s voice had gone real soft and he figured that he was being pitied after all. “I’ve been so worried about you, and this breaks my heart. Please. Will you please allow me to help you?”
Francesco couldn’t fathom why Theo wanted to help him so much, but he’d asked so nice and everything that Francesco thought it couldn’t hurt. Maybe if they spent some time together, Theo might like him for real. And he could do other things for Theo besides being friendly. He’d find a way to pay him back.
“Okay. But only if you’re sure. And I won’t be a problem or embarrass you, but maybe we shouldn’t go into polite society right away, just in case.”
“I’m not embarrassed by you at all, Francesco. I don’t give a hang what other people think. But I’m glad you trust me to help you.”
“Gee, of course I trust you. You’re the best person I’ve ever known and you kept those thugs from hurting me. I’ll do something nice for you too, I swear.”
Theo smiled and Francesco no longer thought he was being pitied. It almost seemed as though Theo liked him already, but he had to be making things up in his head because he wanted it so much.
“The nicest thing you can do for me right now is come with me so we can get you settled.” Theo pushed the engine button and the Buick rumbled to life.
Settled?
It was so hard not to ask a bunch of questions and he had at least a million. But thankfully, he’d managed to avoid the conversation about his so-called things.
“Now, I’ll need directions to wherever it is that you store your belongings. We’ll get that out of the way first.”
Drat it all.
“Oh, uh, that’s okay. I don’t need anything else right now.” It wasn’t a lie.
Theo didn’t respond but gripped the wheel instead, the black leather of his driving gloves stretching across his knuckles.
“It’s all right if you don’t have any belongings other than what you have with you. I won’t be upset. But something that pleases me very much is the truth about everything, even things you’re afraid to tell me, or other people. I won’t make fun, or think badly of you. On the contrary, it will make me very proud of you.”
Francesco’s eyes went wide. “It will? Proud?”
“Yes. Proud. Honesty is the number one attribute that I need in order to be friends with another person. I need to be able to trust them, the way I want them to trust me.”
“I don’t lie. It’s just that sometimes I don’t tell everything if someone doesn’t ask. Then I don’t have to disappoint or upset them.”
“For me, Francesco, I consider that being dishonest. It’s important that I know everything that’s going on with someone I…”
The muscles in Theo’s jaw ticced as though he’d stopped himself from blurting something out. Francesco knew all about that. His jaw muscles didn’t work as good as Theo’s, though.
“Well,” Theo continued, “with someone I want to get to know very well. Do you think it will be a problem for you to share the things with me that you’re afraid might be a disappointment? Can you chance that I won’t hurt your feelings or get mad if you tell me?”
Francesco considered what Theo had said. It was scary. Not the same as being afraid of the Traski brothers, but in some ways, it was worse. Even though bad things had happened to him and most people had treated him like he wasn’t any more important than a gutter rat, that didn’t mean he didn’t have feelings. He had lots and lots of them. So, when he cared extra big about someone or something, it was terrifying to think it might get ripped away simply because he’d said the wrong thing.
And Theo’s the biggest I’ve ever cared, ever.
“Okay, for you I’ll do my best. But I’m real scared about it, just so you know.”
Theo reached over and squeezed his arm before returning his hand to the wheel. “That was perfect, Francesco. Thank you for sharing that with me. I’m sure it was hard for you to do, and I appreciate that you took such a risk.”
Oh. Theo was so different. It seemed like he had lots and lots of feelings too.
“You’re welcome.” Francesco grinned as he basked in the unexpected praise. Then he remembered the part about his belongings and he slumped his shoulders.
“I think we’re off to a wonderful start. How about I share something with you first, something I’m worried might make you disappointed in, or upset at me?”
Francesco narrowed his eyes as he regarded Theo. He hoped it wasn’t anything too bad. But at the same time, being honest with each other sounded like a grand idea if it would help them be better friends.
“Okay.”
“That day I saw you? At first, I thought you were nothing but a little con artist, and I didn’t have very charitable thoughts about you at all. And even after I sat with you and realized I was wrong, that you’re a good person who only needed help and that I could probably find a way to get you some, I was so afraid to give in to my feelings that I handed you that five-dollar bill as a way to ease my conscience rather than better your circumstances. I wanted to get away from you as quickly as I could.”
Francesco swallowed down the emotions that rose from within at Theo’s words. “So, you don’t really like me? It was just for show?” Honesty didn’t seem all that swell after all.
“No, not for show. Just the opposite. I do like you. Quite a bit, actually. But I was afraid of the way I felt that day. Does that make sense?”
“I think so. Are you still afraid of me? Because I won’t be mean to you. I would never be mean to you.”
Theo smiled as he stared at the road in front of them and Francesco let out a sigh. Theo was happy again.
“I realize that now, Francesco. I’ve been searching for you these past few days, hoping we’d run across each other and worried I’d never see you again.”
Francesco couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Someone as amazing as Theo, wondering about him? He was sure he’d never stop grinning.
“I thought about you too. But I wanted you to see me after I’d become respectable and was maybe even doing a job where I didn’t have to, uh…” Francesco cleared his throat. “What I mean is, doing a respectable job. And I’d be wearing nice clothes and washing with Ivory soap every day and…” Just say it. “I’d have belongings.”
“Because you don’t have any belongings right now, is that it?”
“Yeah. That’s it. Are you worried that you promised to help me now? Because if you’ve changed your mind,
I won’t blame you.” But I hope you don’t. He didn’t want to share that with Theo yet. Maybe if they knew each other for a bit longer.
“I don’t care whether or not you have things, Francesco. I only asked because I wanted to get them from wherever they are because you won’t be coming back here. Especially not with those hooligans after you. If you don’t want to stay with me, we’ll find somewhere else for you to go, maybe a live-in work situation.”
Francesco didn’t say his rosary every day like his mama had taught him, but he figured that one of them along the way must’ve took, because he couldn’t believe his ears.
“Why wouldn’t I want to stay with you? You’re like razzmatazz and chocolate candies all rolled into one. I’ll stay with you for as long as you want. I’ll sit with you and I can clean for you… oh! And I know how to shine shoes real good. Almost better than the guys on the corner. Mama’s nasty fella made me do it every morning with my spit. But I won’t spit on your fancy shoes if you don’t want me to, no sir, if you have polish, I can use that too.”
Theo let out a noise that Francesco couldn’t figure out. It sounded like it was half of a laugh with the other half being a snort.
“I’m sure we can come to an amenable agreement. But before we make too many big decisions, there’s one very important thing I need to know. How old are you?”
He’d tried so hard to be a grown-up gentleman, had tried to copy the men he’d seen in the few picture shows he’d snuck into. But he didn’t know people like that in his everyday life. I really need to stop reading those adventure books. Stories like Treasure Island and Huckleberry Finn weren’t helping him to stop talking or acting like a kid.
“I’m sorry I don’t speak well, or behave like a proper gentleman yet. I’ll learn. I promise.”
“Francesco?”
“Yeah?”
“You didn’t answer my question about how old you are.”
“Oh! You’re right, I didn’t. I turned nineteen on June eighth. I’m not even nineteen and a half yet, so really, I think I have a little more time before it’s too pitiful that I’m not behaving like a gentleman.”
Finding Sanctuary Page 6