“Come on, Neil. If you were Zeke would you have been willing to meet her in a storage room? And why would she be at the reunion dance in the first place?”
“Looking for something to use against him for the divorce. She uses her phone to take pictures of him with all those women and…Hell, she could have pretended to be one of them, texted him to hint she’d like he meet her somewhere so they could get it on and then suggested the storage room—or he did.”
“How would he know about it?” Kev asked.
“The Student Union is a major gathering place for dances, meetings, you name it. Knowing him, I’m sure he would have known all the safe make-out spots. I remember…Never mind. Past history and I’m damned glad it is.”
Kev smiled, holding out his hand, pulling Neil close when he took it. “Now you can forget it and make a new past with me.”
Neil eyed him. “How about a new future, instead?”
“I think that’s what I was trying to say.”
“I like the idea.” Neil traced one finger over Kev’s lips before kissing them.
“Am I interrupting something?” an amused voice said from the doorway.
Neil pulled away quickly, turning to look at Ben. “Sort of? Ben, this is Kev. Kev, Ben. He’s the director.”
“I bet you’re the one who convinced Neil to let you play his boyfriend at the reunion. Looks like it’s become more than just acting, now.” Ben glanced at Neil. “I take it he’s not as straight as you thought he was.”
“Not quite,” Neil admitted with a smile at Kev.
“I was going to see if you had the color renditions for any of the scenes ready for me,” Ben said. “It can wait.”
“I have the main one,” Neil replied. He and Kev moved aside so Ben could see it. “One down and a billion to go. Okay, not that many.”
“I would hope not,” Ben said as he studied the design. “You’re going to have fun supervising painting this set.”
“No kidding.”
“Let me know when you have the rest ready. For now, I’ll leave you to it.” Ben winked at Neil and left.
“You supervise the set building, too?” Kev asked.
“Not the construction, but I make certain things are coming together the way they’re supposed to. In this case, painting what’s needed for the park scene is going to be an exercise it getting everything to look like Seurat’s artwork. The same for one of the other sets. So yeah, I’m going to be busier than normal.”
“Not that you’re complaining,” Kev replied, giving him a hug.
“Not really. It’s what I do, and I love it.”
“When do you start?”
“The construction, and painting the Park backdrop, begins as soon as Ben approves the final designs. Hopefully I’ll have the color renditions for the rest of the sets ready for him by the end of the day.”
Kev grinned. “Meaning I should get out of here.”
“Unfortunately, yes. Are we still planning on going to your dad’s restaurant for dinner?”
“Definitely. I’ll pick you up…Well, call me when you’re ready to leave.”
“I will.”
“Great.” Kev kissed him quickly—”Because you have a lot to do,”—and left.
Neil was smiling as he got back to work. Yeah, no doubt about it. I’ve finally met the perfect man. Now all we have to do convince the cops not to arrest him for Zeke’s murder.
* * * *
“Should we stop by my place so I can change into something a little more formal?” Neil asked when Kev came into his office just after five.
“No. You look fine.” He did, in Kev’s opinion. His jeans accented his tight ass, and he was wearing a blue shirt over the T-shirt Kev had seen him in earlier. “Do you have to check out with anyone?”
“I’m my own boss, so no.”
“Then let’s hit the road.”
The drive north took about half an hour, during which they avoided any talk about the murder, opting instead to discuss the other drivers on the road, since it was rush hour and “The usual crazies,” as Kev put it, were heading home from work.
The restaurant was in its own stand-alone building next door to a large shopping mall. Kev pulled up to the valet station in front, telling Neil it was easier to use it than to try to find a parking spot during the dinner hour.
When they walked inside, the host greeted Kev with a big smile, telling him his table was ready.
“You called ahead?” Neil asked as they followed the host out to the patio.
“Nope. It’s Dad’s table. He’s got one inside, too. They’re set aside for special guests.”
“And for you, when you bother to visit,” a distinguished looking man said as he joined them. He hugged Kev. “It’s been a while.”
“Yeah, sorry, Dad. Neil, this is my father, in case you haven’t figured it out already.”
“Nice to meet you, sir.”
“Arthur. Just Arthur. Okay? We don’t stand on formalities. Sit, sit,” he added as they were at the table. “I’ll keep you company for a few minutes, if you don’t mind. Kev and I need to catch up on what’s been happening in our lives.”
Kev tried not to wince as they took their seats. Thankfully, their waiter appeared immediately afterward, asking what they’d like to drink. Kev and Neil ordered beer while Arthur asked for coffee.
“Well?” Arthur said when the waiter left. He looked between Kev and Neil, smiling. “My guess would be the two of you are more than friends. Am I right?”
Kev chuckled. “You’d better be or Neil will be very embarrassed.”
“Sorry. That was a bit presumptive.”
“But true,” Neil said. “We’ve known each other for a couple of years but…” He glanced at Kev.
“What he’s trying to say, or not say, Dad, is he didn’t know I was bi. As far as he was concerned all we could be were friends.”
“Good lord. Why did you keep it a secret?”
“Because I was stupid? Anyway, when I finally opened up, and he let me live,” Kev grinned, “we moved on to admitting we wanted to be more than friends. That happened a couple of days ago, so we’re still in the initial phase of our new relationship.”
The waiter arrived with their drinks at that point and asked if they were ready to order. Since Kev knew the menu by heart, and Neil was going to have the étouffée, it only took a minute to tell him.
As soon as the waiter left, Arthur said, “So you decided to bring Neil up here to meet me before he changed his mind.”
Kev laughed. “Not quite. He’s never had étouffée.”
“Ah. I see where I stand. Food before family.” Arthur feigned dismay.
“Right, Dad.”
“I was kidding. It’s nice to meet you, Neil. I’m glad he brought you in, no matter the reason.” Arthur patted Neil’s shoulder before returning his attention to Kev. “What else is new in your life?”
“Well…You’re not going to like this, but you’ll find out sooner or later. Neil and I went to his class reunion.”
“Why the hell would I mind that?”
“Because…” Kev went on to tell his father what had happened, ending with, “The detectives seem to have made me their prime suspect.”
Arthur reminded quiet for a long moment. “With reason?” he finally asked.
“They have two witnesses who say they saw me going in the direction of the room where he was killed. Not to the room, specifically, but into the hallway. I didn’t, Dad, but the police seem to believe them over me because they think I had a motive to kill him. As I told you, we had two confrontations, both times when he came on to Neil.”
“Do you know who these witnesses are?”
“No. The detective wouldn’t tell me.”
“Have you considered that one of them might be the killer and they’re using you being in the right place at the right time to cover their tracks? Especially if he, or she, overheard your arguments with Zeke.”
Kev looked at Neil and
they both shook their heads.
“Perhaps I can help by finding out who they are.”
Neil looked at him in question.
“Several of my customers,” Arthur explained, “are on the force here. Two of them, detectives, are friends. Now, I can’t guarantee they can get any information on your witnesses, Kev, even if they’re willing to try. I will talk with them and sort of prod them into doing it.”
“Thanks, Dad,” Kev replied. “It could be a wild goose chase, but if they can, it might tell us something.”
“Especially if you, well we know either of them,” Neil added.
“Chances are I won’t,” Kev pointed out.
“Whether you do or not, names could help you,” Arthur said. He finished his coffee and got up. “I’d better get back inside. People expect me to meet-and-greet, if they’re regulars. It was good to meet you, Neil. If you can, push Kev into coming to visit a bit more often.”
“I will. It was nice to have met you as well.”
Arthur paused long enough to give Kev a hug, reiterating he should visit more than twice a year, and left.
“He’s a nice man,” Neil said.
“I think so,” Kev agreed. “I really do come up more often than he implied. Next time, we’ll go by the house so you can get to know my mom. She’ll like you.”
“How do you figure?”
“Because you’re likable.” Kev winked. “At least I think so and if I do, so will she.”
“Uh-huh.”
“It’s true. Cross my heart.” Kev did, which made Neil laugh.
The waiter appeared with their meals, so they began to eat.
“How do you like it?” Kev asked after Neil had taken a few bites of his étouffée.
“It’s fantastic. I wonder if I can convince your dad to let me have the recipe.”
“Hey, he won’t even let me have it, so I doubt it. He keeps it a deep, dark secret.”
“Well, damn.”
It was just after eight by the time they finished eating. They were stuffed, so they passed on dessert, at which point Kev suggested they head back home. They did, after stopping to say goodnight to Arthur. Kev grinned at the look of surprise on Neil’s face when Arthur gave him a hug and told him he expected him to come back soon—”With or without Kev.”
“Definitely with him,” Neil replied.
Arthur nodded. “I hope, because I have the feeling you’re good for him.”
Neil smiled at Kev. “I think we’re good for each other.”
Forty-five minutes later, they pulled up in front of Neil’s apartment building.
“Do you want to come in for a minute?”
“You have to ask?” Kev replied.
“Apparently not.”
When they got upstairs, Neil went into the kitchen to make coffee. Kev followed, leaning against the counter next to him while they waited for it to brew.
“You’re staring,” Neil said.
“I’m memorizing you.”
“That sounds either romantic—or stalkerish.”
Kev smiled, putting his arms around Neil. “Go for romantic.”
“Gladly.”
For a long moment they looked at each other, then Kev kissed him. It became explosive when Neil opened to his questing tongue—and might have led to something more if the coffeemaker hadn’t started beeping loudly.
“Damn, that could wake the dead,” Kev grumbled.
“It’s my second alarm clock,” Neil replied as he got down cups and filled them. “I set it to start about five minutes after I’m supposed to get up in the morning. Like a snooze alarm except I can’t turn it off from the bed.”
“It’ll sure do the job.” Kev took his coffee when Neil handed it to him and they went into the living room, settling on the sofa. “It’s almost ten. Do we want to watch the news?” he asked.
“Not even. I’d rather neck.”
“Neil!”
“What? You asked.” Neil grinned.
“Never let it be said I passed up an offer like that.” Kev embraced Neil, one hand cupping the back of his head, and planted a heated kiss on his lips. Neil gave back as good as he was getting while running his hands down Kev’s back. Pulling his shirt free, he traced his fingers up Kev’s spine. Kev shivered at his touch, wanting more. Wanting flesh against flesh. He broke the kiss long enough to unbutton his shirt, and then Neil’s, before returning to what he’d been doing—exploring Neil’s mouth, savoring its taste and texture.
“More…” Neil moaned long moments later. “I want, need…”
“To stop,” Kev said reluctantly. “If we keep this up we’ll end up in bed and it’s too soon.”
“Why?” Neil asked with a dazed expression.
“Because it’s too new. We’re too new, if that makes sense.”
Neil leaned back, brushing his fingers over Kev’s chest for a moment. With a sigh, he said, “You’re right, I know you are, but damn…”
“It will happen. We both know it will, but not tonight.”
Neil’s reply was a slow kiss, which Kev returned, and a murmured, “Soon.”
“Yes.” Kev hugged him tightly. “Very soon, I hope.”
Neil looked at him and nodded. “When all this shit is over and you can stop worrying.”
“Inelegantly put, but yeah.”
“Then we’ll have to find the killer fast, because I’m not sure I can wait much longer.”
“Or the cops will,” Kev replied.
“As long as someone does.” Looking disconsolate, Neil began buttoning his shirt.
Kev followed suit as he said, “Hey, keep the faith. What is they say? Murder will out?”
“I know it will.” Neil smiled weakly. “It better.”
“Between us and my dad, and the good detectives, whoever did it will be caught.” Getting up, Kev pulled Neil to his feet. “Right now, though, it’s time for me to go home.”
Neil walked with him to the door where they shared one more kiss. “Sleep well,” he said.
“Planning on it,” Kev replied, hoping he would. “You, too.”
“I will. Call me in the morning?”
“You bet.” As he walked down the hallway, Kev looked back and waved when he saw Neil watching him. “Get to bed.”
“I am, I am.” Neil blew him a kiss then stepped back into the apartment, closing the door.
He’s right. We’d better find the killer, the sooner the better. Maybe I’m being stupid, but I don’t want us to take the next step until I’m sure I won’t be the one ending up in jail.
Chapter 7
Kev did call Neil Tuesday morning, laughing when Neil said he made a great third alarm clock. They talked for a few minutes, making plans to go to a movie that Friday, Kev’s next night off.
Then Kev turned on his laptop and went online. He wanted to find some pictures of Zeke’s wife, Eileen, if he could. It turned out to be easier than he expected. There were photos of her attending several social events, with and without Zeke by her side.
“You are quite the social butterfly,” he murmured as he studied her face. In all the pictures she wore her dark hair up in overly-styled dos, so he couldn’t tell how long it was. Is it possible you’re the woman I saw in the hallway?
He tried to remember if the hallway had an exterior door at the far end. He thought it did, which would have made it easy for the killer to get into the building without anyone knowing. I suspect if it was Zeke’s wife, she definitely wouldn’t want him be aware she was there.
There was only one way for him to find out if he was right. He finished dressing, made a quick breakfast, and then took off for the Student Union. It was obvious from the number of students hanging out there that summer classes were in full swing. That made it easier for him to get into the hallway off the dining room without anyone paying particular attention to him.
He shivered as he passed the storage room. His ghost walking over my grave? A macabre thought. He’d been correct about the door at the end
of the hallway. It opened onto a small patio behind the building—and it wasn’t locked. Probably in case of fire, he thought. Meaning it wouldn’t have been locked Saturday night until everyone had left. Stepping outside, he closed the door then opened it again. Anyone could have come in while the dance was in progress, and if Mrs. Hale knew that…
He was aware it was all supposition and she might have spent Saturday evening at home or out with friends. I’m sure the detectives are smart enough to have checked to find out.
With nothing more he could do for the moment, Kev went back to his apartment to do what he normally would have done on Saturday—laundry and giving the place a good cleaning.
* * * *
Neil was in the scene shop Thursday morning—consulting with Len, the head of the paint crew, about the main backdrop for the upcoming show—when his phone vibrated. There was a text from Kev asking, When do you break for lunch?
He replied, With luck, in an hour.
Good, I’ll pick you up, Kev texted back.
Len was grinning when Neil ended the call. “From the look on your face, that was someone special.”
“Very special,” Neil replied. “My mother.”
“Uh-huh. Believe that and you’ve got a bridge to sell me.”
“Well, now that you mention it…” Neil laughed then told him a bit about Kev.
“He sounds like a nice guy.”
“I think so. Okay, back to what we were talking about.”
Kev was waiting in the parking lot behind the theater when Neil finally got away—ten minutes later than promised. As soon as he reached the car Kev got out. After a pause to kiss him, Kev asked, “Feel like hotdogs and a walk? I passed one of those carts about a block from here and my inner kid perked up.”
Shaking his head in amusement, Neil said, “Sure.”
They got a couple of hotdogs each, and sodas, then walked another block to a pocket park. It was full of lunchtime office workers, but they managed to find a vacant spot where they could sit on one of the low walls surrounding it.
“This takes me back to my childhood,” Kev said after devouring his first hotdog.
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