Gerald stood, slid his hand into Bur’s, and let Bur lead him upstairs. “My brothers and Lisa are in the guest rooms. Harper is with your mother.”
Gerald nodded, then asked, “What did you mean about Connecticut getting paperwork in gear?”
“There’s a warrant out for my parents’ arrest. Dante found out that Connecticut didn’t file the right kind of papers. If they had, they would have been arrested earlier. They were pulled over for a ticket. If Connecticut hadn’t fucked up, I would never have even seen them.” Bur shook his head. “I almost feel sorry for the person who messed up the paperwork. Dante and Del are already planning what they’ll do.”
“This is going to be a mess.”
“You don’t know the half of it. When the media gets ahold of this, it will be a shit storm. They will dig up info you don’t think they can ever find,” Bur said.
Gerald didn’t think it would be that bad. They entered Bur’s bedroom.
“I’m going to shower,” Gerald said.
“Everything you need is in there already. I had Lisa get you a change of clothes, and your uniform is in the closet.” Bur made his way to the bed.
Gerald paused in the bathroom doorway and watched as he slid between the sheets. He turned and went into the bathroom. Slowly, he took off his clothing, his mind filled with what Bur had revealed. He had to be strong for him. Karl was the one he could unburden to. In their group of friends, people either came to him or Karl. Karl and he leaned on each other. With him gone, Gerald had to depend on himself. Gerald strode across the spacious room, past the sunken bathtub and to the glass-enclosed shower. Inside, he set the water to hot and stood under it as the steam rose around him. He braced his arms on the wall.
“Damn you, Karl, for dying on me,” Gerald said softly.
“Tell me about him,” Bur whispered.
Gerald jerked, startled. He hadn’t heard him enter the shower. Bur placed a hand on his back.
“I’m okay. I’ll be out in a minute. I’ll be there for you.” Gerald blinked.
“Who’s there for you, Gerald? Who do you turn to?” Bur touched him more firmly.
Gerald shuddered. “Karl. But the bastard died.” He drew in a shuddering breath. “This isn’t about me. I’ll be there for you.”
“Have you mourned him, Gerald?”
He didn’t reply. Bur pressed against his back, sliding his arms under Gerald’s and spreading the palms over his chest.
“I’ve watched you be the strength for everyone else, but what about you?”
“I… you have so much to deal with right now. This isn’t impor—”
“It is. You’re important. Let me be your strength. Use my shoulders. They can be your comfort. Let go, Gerald.” Bur held him tight.
Gerald covered his hands with his own and shook. He lowered his head, the tears burning his eyes. Gerald sobbed, mourning his friend. All the months of pain he’d held in flowed with his tears. Bur turned him around, holding him. Gerald gripped him tight as water rained down on them and tears flowed. Bur reached behind him. The water cut off, and he led Gerald from the shower. He dried Gerald off gently, then quickly himself. Spent, Gerald waited. Bur threw the towel toward the hamper, took his hand, and led him to the bed. Gerald slid in, and Bur got in beside him. Bur pressed against his side, hand on his chest.
“Tell me about the Karl you knew.”
“You already know about him,” Gerald replied.
“From Harper’s and the others’ point of view. But not yours. Unless someone else tells a story and you join in, you never talk about him. Tell me about Karl as you knew him.” Bur lifted his head, putting his chin on his hand that lay against Gerald’s chest.
Unless someone else brought it up, Gerald knew he didn’t talk about Karl. It hurt too much. Gerald stared into Bur’s patient eyes.
“Karl was an opinionated pain in the ass. But he was the man you wanted by your side when you needed help,” Gerald stated.
“Like you,” Bur said.
Gerald shrugged, not responding. It was how he was. He haltingly started to tell Bur about Karl. As he spoke, it got easier.
GERALD SLOWLY came to consciousness. He blinked, not even remembering when he had fallen asleep. He and Bur had talked about Karl, then more about Bur’s abuse. Yesterday had been a traumatic, yet cleansing, day. Gerald noted it was still dark outside. He shifted, propping his head up on his palm, studying Bur’s sleeping face. The love he had for him surged. Today, he would find the cops assigned to find Bur’s parents and find out where the case stood to track them down. Bur blinked, and then his gaze cleared as he fully woke.
“Morning.”
“Not quite. It’s”—Gerald glanced at the alarm clock on the nightstand on Bur’s side of the bed—“3:30 a.m.”
“Wow. That’s early,” Bur said.
“Let’s make good use of it.” Gerald covered him.
Bur kissed him, holding his shoulders. Gerald rocked, moaning as his cock slid alongside Bur’s erection. He rolled his hips, moving faster and faster.
“Gerald,” Bur moaned.
“Bur.” He gazed at his face.
Bur’s skin was slightly flushed, and his breathing accelerated. Gerald ground hard against Bur, and he held him. A groan bubbled out of his lips as the sensitized flesh of his cock met Bur’s. Gerald arched as he came. The hot splash of liquid touched him as Bur shuddered, joining him in release. Gerald kissed Bur while they slowly relaxed.
“Wanna get an early breakfast?” Bur asked.
“Sure.” Gerald rolled off him.
They went and took a shower, enjoying another interlude before they headed downstairs. Descending the stairs, Gerald heard sounds from the living room. He and Bur glanced at each other and headed toward it. Gerald was surprised to see everyone Bur mentioned was there, up and in the living room. The occupants of the room glanced toward them briefly before focusing back on the television. Gerald listened as the reporter spoke.
“Bur, lead singer of TrebleBur, was arrested yesterday, but quickly released once it was discovered that his father, who he attacked, was a wanted fugitive.”
As the reporter spoke, an image of the group flashed, then changed to pictures of Bur’s father.
“His mother is also wanted on multiple charges. In Connecticut, where they are wanted, it appears one of the charges was filed by Bur.” The lady reporter paused.
Gerald tensed. Bur gripped his hand, squeezing it.
The woman spoke again. “Currently, we cannot confirm the exact charge. Since his release, Bur has been unavailable for comment. As for the rest of the TrebleBur band, we have been unable to reach them for comment. However, the jet for the TrebleBur Corporation, the company the band members founded and run jointly, left early this morning. It is confirmed that the members are on their way to Mapson. Once we have further information, we wi—” The reporter paused, then smiled. “A statement has just been issued by Bur. At this time, he is asking for privacy as he handles what is a family matter. We will keep you up to date on the happenings of this story. Back to you in the studio.” The screen went to the anchors.
Gerald stopped listening, glancing at Bur. “When did you issue a statement?”
“I didn’t,” Bur said.
“I did.” A voice spoke behind them.
Gerald turned, studying the man in the immaculate suit who strode in like he owned the place. Behind him was the man from yesterday, as well as two other men.
“Ramsey,” Bur said.
The members of TrebleBur surrounded Bur and Gerald.
Ramsey glanced at everyone in the room. “This is going to be a media frenzy. No one speaks to the media unless you go through me.”
Del’s cool tone interjected. “I don’t take orders from anyone.”
“Del, I realize you have more know-how here than me. But I know how to spin the media. You know how to use your clout and power to get what we’ll need.” Ramsey spoke to the general room again. “This will be home b
ase. The good thing is, when Bur bought this place, he buried who really owns it below so many layers, no one will find it.”
“Learned from the best to cover your knees.” Bur grinned.
Gerald looked at him in question.
“Who do you think I got the kick out the kneecap from? It was him.” Bur gestured at Ramsey. “Even if you’re not the biggest, fastest, or strongest, you always have a chance when you do one thing. And how does it go, boys?” Bur gestured at the men of his group.
“Kick out the kneecaps, and then get to the good part,” Bur and his bandmates said together.
Gerald shook his head at the echo of Bur’s favorite saying.
“What’s the good part?” Gerald asked.
“Beat on them so next time, they think twice about messing with you.” The men spoke simultaneously again.
Gerald laughed as the others in the room joined him. From what had already started in the media, Gerald realized Bur was right. It was going to be a storm. They would just have to weather it together. They all sat in the living room and planned. Gerald left to get ready for work. He smoothed his uniform.
“You look sexy, officer,” Bur said behind him.
“Well, get your fill. This might be the last time I wear it,” Gerald said, and quickly explained what had happened yesterday.
“Congratulations.” Bur moved toward him, then stopped in front of him. “I’ve been meaning to give this to you.”
Gerald accepted the key with a chain that had a small box hooked to it. He recognized it was similar to the one he’d seen Bur use. He put it in his pocket.
“I’ll be back after shift.”
“Don’t mind what Ramsey said. Since no one knows you’re linked with me, you should be fine going home. You don’t have to hunker down here with us.”
Gerald would have to thank Monroe for his timely interruption last night. Gerald glanced at his watch, noting the time. He kissed Bur and hurried to the door.
“See you.”
Chapter Nine
BUR STROKED his fingers along the chords. The sweet sound of his guitar soothed him. It had been a long, stressful day. The report this morning had only been the first of many. It was all over the media, and they were clamoring for any info they could get. The media wouldn’t find them here, not with the layers under which he’d buried the ownership information about the land. Del was also used to having to be private about where he lived, and had done the same with his house, so the media hadn’t found his home. Although they hadn’t, Del was making arrangements to have gates put in and beef up the security for the house. Bernie and Tomas hadn’t fared as well as they had. When the media had flashed pictures of their home, Tomas had been furious, more so because they were wrecking his landscaping.
Earlier, despite Ramsey’s initial statement of them hunkering down here, they had decided against it. But an hour ago, with the latest news and pictures of Tomas and Bernie’s house, they had reconsidered and were staying here. Del and the boys were too. On the other hand, anyone associated with Bernie was being ambushed by reporters. Yesterday, while he was being detained, Bernie and Tomas had taken care of telling their family and friends what was going on and trying to warn them. Although so far, the media hadn’t found out where he had been staying at Harper’s, Bur had convinced Harper to stay somewhere else. Although he’d offered him space here, Harper had refused and was staying at Gerald’s with Lisa and Gerald until they were sure the media didn’t know Bur had been staying with him.
Bur was thankful there was no link from Gerald to him. He could only imagine what that would have done for Gerald at his job. Bur frowned as he thought about the nasty words he’d heard. Gerald hadn’t told him what he was going through. It was just like him to keep things to himself. Bur did too. They would have to work on sharing more. Bur changed what he was playing into another song. With his brothers and Tomas staying with him, and his bandmates in their own homes, there were people around, but not the one Bur wanted. He hadn’t heard from Gerald at all today. Bur had gotten used to getting texts when Gerald was on shift and at least one call when he was on his break. He knew Gerald would be starting in his new unit today and that he would be busy. But since he didn’t know when he would see him again, he would have liked to at least have had some contact from him today.
Bur noted the time. He wasn’t sure what Gerald’s new schedule would be. He decided to wait another hour before calling Gerald to see how his day went. Bur couldn’t wait to tell him about the conversation he’d had just before he came upstairs. Bur chuckled.
“What’s so funny?” Gerald asked.
Surprised, Bur glanced to the bedroom doorway. He noticed his brothers and Tomas behind Gerald. Gerald strode in with two bulging bags. He put them down on the floor close to the door.
“Put them there. Thanks.”
The men put down the two bags they each held and left. Bur studied the bags on the floor.
“What’s funny? God, I’m tired.” Gerald sat beside him on the couch, putting his arm across the back of the cushion behind Bur.
Bur turned his head. “Wh—”
Gerald kissed him thoroughly before sitting back. Bur licked his lips, then glanced at the bags by the sitting room door before meeting Gerald’s gaze.
“Funny. Share it with me. I need a laugh after the day I had.” Gerald rubbed his free hand down the bridge of his nose.
“Hard day?” Bur placed his guitar in the case by the side of the couch, then turned to Gerald.
“Long day. Getting used to a new unit and new guys to work with. We had lots of things to figure out. Derby, Miguel, and I will be partnered together for cases we do.”
“He’s one of the men who was with you when you arrested me?”
“Yes. About your arrest… we got word that there would be no pursuit of charges at this time. There’s speculation the DA is trying to cover his ass,” Gerald said.
“No speculation. There was a video-conference about an hour ago between the DA, Dante, and me. He apologized for the inconvenience of my arrest.” Bur mimicked the snide tone the DA used, then spoke in his own tone. “Dante wasn’t accepting his, as Dante called it ‘half-assed from an ass-hat apology’.” Bur shook his head. “I’m trying to reconcile the easygoing Dante with the one who came to get me and that I saw today. It just doesn’t compute.”
“I know. Like, what was that shit when he was leading you out. He and Russell seem like they have some bad history.”
“Oh… I told him to make it look good with you, so if you had mentioned us to anyone, it would seem as if we split. I didn’t know what was going on at your job, since you didn’t tell me.” Bur gave him a pointed look. “They must have known each other really well from before. Because even though it looked like it galled Russell, he did give a better apology.” Bur rolled his shoulders and said, “It’s been a busy day. I got calls from what seems like everyone today. The mayor even called to welcome me to Mapson.”
“I forgot my cell here this morning. I didn’t want to call from the work phone, just in case the media has someone in the station they get info from. They were sniffing around, trying to find out who arrested you and where you were picked up.”
“Shit. The vultures. Damn it, we’ll have to bring Lisa and Harper here. Your mother too. I’ve gotta send Cal to get them.” Bur stood.
Gerald pulled him back down to the couch. “They didn’t get anything. My name isn’t on the report. Derby and Monroe are listed as the arresting officers. They won’t be talking about the arrest, or where you were picked up. In some miraculous way, all references had been purged. That’s how Monroe stated it. He is one thorough man, and a little spooky. It’s going to be an adventure working with him.”
“Good. Then the media won’t find your house. Monroe sounds like Cal. He doesn’t miss anything. It’s unnerving and a pain in the ass,” Bur said.
“Oh, Monroe said to tell you that if you need a liaison in the department for Treble Duo, let him
know.”
Bur straightened. “What? How’d he find out about it? We haven’t even put out feelers in the police force yet.”
“I don’t know. He just told me privacy and discretion would be smart, and he could offer both. Said what you all are doing is admirable. That’s all he told me. Just passing on the message.” Gerald shrugged.
“Okay. I’ll mention it to the others.” Bur returned his attention to the bags. “What’s with the bags?”
“Needed some stuff, since we don’t know how long we’ll have to be here until the media storm passes and they find your parents.”
Bur frowned. The DA had provided them an update on the search for their parents. They just seemed to have disappeared. The DA stated they’d probably already left Mapson. With all the press, they would be stupid to stay. Until they got confirmation they were found, Bur would go by the belief they were still in the vicinity of Mapson.
“That isn’t nece—”
“You don’t have enough space for me in this big-ass suite of rooms?” Gerald stood, wandered the circumference of the sitting area, peeked into the office, the mini-kitchen, and the bedroom. He turned and headed for the door. “Fine. I’ll get the housekeeper to get me a room. She likes me.” He sniffed.
Bur rose and took the bag Gerald lifted out of his hand. “But I love you. Get your best feature in here.”
“You just want to have your way with me. Make it good and dirty.” Gerald chuckled.
“I do. Later, after we get you settled in.” Bur carried the bag into the bedroom.
“I’m going to miss my chair and TV.”
Bur knew which items he was referring to. “What is with you and that chair and TV? I have many comfortable chairs and much bigger TVs.”
“I get the satisfaction of victory every time I sit in my chair and watch the TV. Yours might be bigger than mine, but won’t give me the same feeling.” Gerald sighed.
They put down the bags and went for the others.
Bur snorted, grabbing the front of his pants. “You just want me.”
Gerald’s eyes widened, and Bur could see the realization of what he said dawn. Gerald laughed, leaning against the wall. Bur rested beside him, chuckling too. When they calmed a little, they headed to get the rest of his things moved to the bedroom.
Something in Common (Dreamspinner Press Bundles) Page 45