“This is me. Of course I am,” Grey replied with a grin. Then, after stepping inside, he asked quietly, “How did it go?”
“The good guys won,” Vin said, “and came out of it in one piece.”
“Mostly,” Davie amended. “I mean your ribs are only fractured, not shattered.”
“Smartass,” Vin muttered. “Grey, tell Ran we’ll be there in ten.”
“Will do.”
“I guess we’re in for a debriefing,” Davie said when Grey was gone.
“Not that we’ve got much to tell that Slade doesn’t already know.” Vin finished his sandwich then carefully got to his feet, taking the plate to the sink. Davie did the same then they headed out to see Ran.
* * * *
Davie wasn’t terribly surprised to see Maddox was there when they got to Ran’s cabin. Slade wasn’t, having returned to the city as soon as he’d dropped Vin and Davie off, according to Ran.
“We want a blow-by-blow of everything that went down,” Maddox said. When Davie protested that they’d already told Slade and the police, Maddox still insisted, so between them Vin and Davie gave them what they wanted to know, from the moment the slavers had picked them up until the final minutes before the police had arrived.
When they finished, Maddox tapped his fingers together. “You did a good job,” he finally said.
“We could have done better, and learned about what other men were working with the slavers,” Vin replied.
“I’m certain you would have, if Paulie hadn’t shown up when he did,” Ran said. “It was unfortunate, but it’s too late to do anything about it.”
“Now comes the big question.” Maddox looked squarely at Davie. “Do you want to keep helping us?”
“I think so,” Davie replied.
“You have to be certain,” Ran told him. “This isn’t a kid’s game. You can’t back out in the middle of an assignment because you’re afraid of what might happen next. You can decline one, if something about it bothers you, but if you don’t, you’ll be in it to the end. Understand?”
“Yeah, got it. If I say no, I’m back on the streets, right?”
“No,” Maddox replied. “We’ll send you somewhere else and set you up with an apartment and a job. Neither one will be great, but it’ll as least give you a chance to stay off the streets. What you make of things after that is up to you.”
“As long as I keep my mouth shut about what’s going on.” Davie knew that was the case, but needed to say it aloud.
“Obviously,” Maddox agreed. “I know you’re smart enough to do that. If you didn’t, you’d be endangering guys like Vin who are working for us.”
“If I say yes, will I be paired with Vin?”
Maddox looked at Ran, who said, “You made a good team this time, so unless the situation requires only one of you, I don’t see why not.”
“Safety in numbers,” Vin said.
“More like watching each other’s backs.”
“Do you always go after people like the slavers?” Davie wanted to know.
“We do our best to stop anyone trying to use the homeless for their own purposes. Dealers, pimps, sex traffickers, you name it.”
“I can’t go back on the streets here. Neither can Vin. Slade was stupid to let him.” Davie looked defiantly at the two men.
“Easy, Davie,” Vin said, gripping his arm. “It was my decision as well as his, and we all knew the risk.”
“I don’t give a damn. After Paulie’s arrest, your dad’s going to be looking twice as hard for you, whether he’s the head of the slaver gang or not. He lost a man because of you.”
“Because of us.” Vin’s mouth tightened. “He’s got a point, Maddox, and he’s in as much danger as me right now if you give us a job down in the city.”
“We’re aware of that,” Maddox replied. “Before anything, though, Davie has to make up his mind if he does want to be involved.”
Davie stood, walking to look out of the window. He saw several of the guys who lived at the Encampment. Each one of them is here to keep them safe, like me, like Vin. If I can help eliminate even one threat, like the dealer Ace is hiding from, or the pimp Ten’s friend got away from, thanks to Slade, wouldn’t it be worth it?
Turning to look at the others, Davie said, “What have I got to lose? I’m in, as long as you send us out of the city. Hell, I’ve never been to Chicago or Albuquerque or…or anywhere interesting.”
Ran shook his head, obviously amused. “That was a very divergent set of choices. Not sure we’ll send the pair of you to either one, but I think I can guarantee that wherever you do end up you won’t be bored.”
“Both of us,” Vin said. “Together. I know you said so, Ran, but I have to make sure.”
“Yes.” Ran looked at the pair and smiled. “I’ve got the feeling we’d have a problem if we tried to separate you.”
“You would,” Vin replied succinctly, clasping Davie’s hand. Davie nodded in agreement.
“Then it’s set,” Maddox said. “Ran and I will talk with Slade to decide where we need you.”
Davie almost pumped his fist then thought better of it. This is serious. Like Ran said, it’s not a child’s game. I…we may not be adults in the true sense of the word, but Vin and I aren’t kids, either. Not after all we’ve gone through.
“All right,” Maddox said. “You two get out of here. I’m sure Ran’s got plans for you, but not until tomorrow.”
“More training?” Davie grumbled, although he didn’t really mind the idea.
“Yes,” Rand replied. “So get a good night’s sleep. Vin, I’ll go easy on you because of your ribs.”
“You don’t have to,” Vin protested. “The painkillers the hospital gave me…”
“Mask the pain,” Ran said. “That could cause more damage to them if you overdo it, since you wouldn’t be aware it was happening. So, like it or not, you’ll get to watch while I work with Davie.”
“Got it. I know you’re right but…” Vin shook his head.
“You’ll do it, like it or not,” Davie told him emphatically. “No real exercise until they’re healed.”
Vin gave him a disgusted look as they got up. As soon as they’d left the cabin he said, “There’s exercise and there’s exercise. I don’t plan on having you staying in my cabin and remaining celibate.”
Davie grinned slowly. “Well, when you put it that way. But—” he held up a finger, “—we’ll stick to what we did the first time. Okay, the only time, so far.”
Vin replied, “I can live with that, for now.”
They almost made it to the cabin when Jude and Fox stopped them, both of them carrying what Davie figured were bundles of dirty clothes. Jude eyed Davie, shaking his head. “Whatever you did to your hair, I hope it grows out fast.” He reached out to touch it, pulling his hand back with a laugh when Vin glared at him. “Okay, I get it. He’s yours so hands off. When did that happen?”
“The hair?” Davie asked, trying to avoid what Jude really wanted to know. “A couple of days ago. I had to go down to the city to take care of something and Maddox thought I’d be safer if I didn’t look like I used to.”
Jude smirked. “And Vin went along to keep you safe.”
“You could say that.”
“Uh-huh. By throwing his body over you every chance he got.”
“Jude…” Vin growled.
“Okay, okay.” Jude took a step back. “Anyway, good to see you made it home.”
“Did you plan it so you wouldn’t have to work on the garden?” Fox asked, grinning.
Davie winked. “You bet we did.”
“Figured. I spent all morning weeding. If I never see another one I’ll die a happy camper.”
Davie saw Vin’s expression darken and had the feeling his had as well. He forced a laugh, replying, “You and me both, Fox. Right now, though, I’m going to deal with supper. I’m starving.”
“Laters,” Fox said, flipping a wave over his shoulder as he and Jude walked to
ward the laundry cabin.
“My bet is the word will be out about us before the evening’s over,” Vin said when they were inside the cabin.
“Does it bother you?” Davie asked.
“Fuck no. Why would it?”
“Just wanted to be sure.” Davie was going to give him a hug, thought better of it and kissed him quickly instead.
Vin returned it then asked, looking intently at Davie, “Are you really hungry?”
“Why? Did you have something else in mind?”
“Yes.” He took Davie’s hand, pressing it against his groin.
Davie could feel his erection and his cock hardened in response. “I guess it’s time see if there’s room for two of us on you bed.”
There was, although it was a tight fit. Not that it mattered, given what they were doing. Davie kept a close eye on Vin at first, ready to call a halt if it looked as if he was in pain. Vin noticed and told him in no uncertain terms, “I’m okay. I’m lying on my good side, damn it.” He put his hand on Davie’s ass to urge him closer before taking his cock in his mouth. After that, the only thing Davie could think of was giving his lover as much pleasure as he was receiving.
When they finished and came down from their explosive orgasms, Davie started to turn around so that he could kiss Vin—and rolled off the bed in the process, evoking laughs from both of them. “Before we do this again, I’m getting the extra bed from Grey’s cabin, if it’s allowed,” Davie said.
“I’m all for that,” Vin agreed. “We’ll have to put the dresser in the living room to make room for it, but it’ll be worth it.”
“Tonight, and the hell with what anyone thinks.” Davie finally kissed Vin before stripping off their condoms. After he disposed of them, they got dressed and went to fix a late supper.
“Pills,” Davie reminded Vin, since his face was again lined with pain. “Then after we eat, you get to supervise while Grey and I being the bed over here.”
“Once I take the pills I can help.”
“Uh-uh. Remember what Ram said.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Sounding disgusted, Vin popped the pills, and when they finished supper they went to talk to Grey.
“You two could move in here,” Grey suggested.
Since they knew that Grey was aware of the other reason for the Encampment, Vin vetoed that. “If things go as planned, we won’t be here much longer, so why bother?”
“All right. But you’re supervising. No heavy lifting.”
Vin split the difference, holding the doors so Davie and Grey could carry the bed and mattress from one cabin to the other. By then, they had company as several of the guys had been watching with interest.
“We’ll take care of the dresser,” Ace said, which he and Will did once they moved the table in front of the kitchen area to make room for it. Davie and Grey managed to fit the bed into Vin’s bedroom with barely enough room to walk around both of them.
“Talk about cozy,” Buzz said with a grin when he checked it out.
“It works, though,” Davie replied. “That’s what counts.” For as long as we’re here. I guess we find out tomorrow.
Chapter 10
“Okay, I think you know as much as I can teach you,” Ran told Davie late Friday morning. “The main thing to remember is, whoever you go up against is going to fight dirty.”
“No shit,” Davie replied, wiping sweat from his forehead. Ram had put him through his paces and he was definitely feeling it. “I’ve never run into anyone who didn’t.”
“Then you know what to expect. Get dressed and we’ll go see Maddox.”
Since he hadn’t taken off his sweatpants, getting dressed meant putting on his T-shirt and shoes. As soon as he had, he, Vin, and Ram left by the back door of Ram’s cabin, taking a circuitous route behind the laundry and Ten’s cabin to Maddox’s. As they entered it, by the rear door, Davie asked why the apparent secrecy.
“A couple of the guys don’t know the reason some of you are here, other than for your own safety,” Ram replied. “No sense in having them wonder what’s going on with the two of you.”
“When we take off again…” Davie said.
Maddox looked up from his desk, saying, “They’ll be told Vin’s being moved to another Encampment, one for long-termers, and you’re going along because of your relationship with him.”
“Which is no big secret now,” Davie replied.
Ran chuckled. “Nope, although a couple of the guys were surprised Mr. Loner there hooked up with you.”
Davie grinned. “It’s because I’m irresistible.” That rated him a snort and a smack on his ass from Vin before Maddox suggested they sit, gesturing to the chairs in front of his desk.
Vin and Davie did, while Ran leaned against the wall to one side, his arms crossed over his chest.
“The two of you will be leaving Sunday afternoon,” Maddox said, opening the folder in front of him. He ruffled through the papers it held before handing two of them to Vin. “This is where you’re going. You’ll be met by Carl Tanner, a man who runs two shelters there for LGBTQ boys. He’s asked for Slade’s help. There’s a predator who offers good money for a blowjob and when the kid gets into his car he cold-cocks him and blindfolds him with a bondage hood. It usually happens late in the evening, approximately twice a month. After he has his victim subdued, he takes him somewhere where he and his cronies rape him until they get tired of their games. When they’re finished, he abandons the victim in an alley. Of course, since the victim is blindfolded, he has no idea where this happened or who was involved.”
“They must have seen the guy who picked them up,” Vin said.
“According to two of the victims who were willing to talk to Tanner, but not to the police, the man had a large, bushy mustache and shoulder-length hair. You know as well as I do that was a disguise.”
“Not sure I’d talk to the cops, either,” Davie said sourly. “They’d say I got what I deserved.”
“Unfortunately, you’re probably right,” Maddox agreed. “In some cases, anyway. Not all of them are that bad but…” He sighed.
“How do you feel about this,” Vin asked Davie. “Is it going to give you flashbacks about what happened to you?”
Davie swallowed hard. Listening to what Maddox was telling them already had. He could feel the bastard’s hands on him, and shuddered.
Vin gripped his shoulders, staring into his eyes. “If it does, we’re not doing it.”
Taking a deep breath, Davie admitted, “It already has, but I can handle it. This man has to be stopped. Between the two of us, we’ll do it.”
“Davie,” Ran said, “don’t say yes just to prove you’re in control of things. Or out of some misguided idea that if you and Vin don’t do this no one will. I’m sure Slade can find someone else.”
“Probably, but will they have someone like Vin to back them up?”
“In terms of being in a personal relationship that would give them the impetus to make certain their partner gets out of it before anything serious happens? Doubtful,” Ran replied. “Remember, the guy could choose Vin, not you, leaving you to do the tracking to find out where he ends up.”
Davie smiled bleakly. “I had the feeling the damned implants weren’t only for the slaver job and I was right.”
“Because you’re smart,” Vin said, hugging him.
“Do the two of you want some time to talk it over before deciding?” Maddox asked.
“Yes,” Vin said before Davie could reply.
“Then get out of here. Let me know your decision in the morning.”
“Let’s take a walk and talk,” Vin said as soon as he and Davie left the cabin.
“About what? We both know we’re going to take the assignment.”
Vin didn’t reply, only taking Davie’s hand to lead him into the trees. It didn’t take long for Davie to realize they were heading to the stream where they’d gone fishing a couple of weeks earlier.
Once there, Vin settled on the grass. Davie sat bes
ide him, staring out at the water for a long moment before turning to look at Vin. “I’m okay with this. With what we’re going to do.”
“I know. I’m not so sure I am. If anything happens to you. If I can’t stop it until it’s too late.”
“Then we have to figure out what we’re going to do to keep it from happening, whether it’s you or me.”
Vin nodded. “What we don’t do is get into a car unless we know it’s our guy. We’re not giving random blowjobs to any john willing to pay.”
“No shit! I think that’s a given. If he does approach us, or I guess if he pulls up where we’re…We need to find out where the regular pick-up spots are and hope there’s not much competition.”
“Tanner will know. It won’t be both of us. Only one of us will be out there while the other one stays well out of sight until the last second.” Vin tapped a finger to his lip. “Yeah, that would work. Say it’s you. You go to the car, negotiate the deal if it’s our man, then get in. It’s going to take him at least a minute or so to make sure no one’s watching and pretend to get out the money, right?”
“Right,” Davie agreed. “Then, he attacks and…I’ll act as if he’s knocked me out.”
“Which he might have. He’s done it often enough he’s probably got it down to a science by now. Either way, that’ll give me a chance to get there and deal with him while he’s trying to put the hood on you. I’ll have to get into the back seat since his window will be up.”
“If the doors aren’t locked.”
“Good point.” Vin frowned. “Doesn’t matter. I’ll use something to break the window, get the door open, and deal with him. Or you will, if things are reversed.”
Davie shook his head. “They won’t be. He’ll take one look at you and move on.”
Vin cocked an eyebrow. “Are you saying I’m too ugly?”
Snorting, Davie replied, “Not even. You’re too muscular. He wouldn’t want to take the chance you’ll fight back and win. Me? I’ll dress the way I did on our last job. It makes me look smaller, skinnier, like I couldn’t defend myself if I tried.”
“Boy, would he be wrong,” Vin replied, patting Davie’s leg.
“Yeah, but it’s all in the…what do they say? The presentation?”
The Encampment Page 10