by Megan Slayer
“You’re sure? I’m not going to lie. I’m thrilled. I hated being a secret. After the crap with Nicolas, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to date again. I’m not a secret any longer?”
“I am very sure I don’t want you to be a secret. I want everyone to know.” He’d never get out of the closet if he didn’t take the first step. Too bad that first step was scary as hell.
Chapter Eleven
Colin stared out of the passenger window of Jordan’s truck. His mind buzzed with the revelation from Jordan. He wanted to go on a date in town. Colin had dreamed of being seen around Cedarwood with his boyfriend but doubted they’d go through with that kind of date.
Jordan stopped in the driveway. “I had a good time today.”
“I did too.” Gage nudged Colin. “I want to see Uncle Farin.”
“He’s not here. He went to the store today.” Colin opened the door. “Give me a second, and we’ll go up to see him.” He turned his attention back to Jordan. “He loves his uncle.”
“I can see why.” Jordan gripped the steering wheel. “I’m rather fond of his dad.”
Colin grinned. He scooted out of the truck long enough to let Gage by, then leaned back into the truck. “Call me later.” He kissed Jordan. “See you.”
“See you, handsome.” Jordan’s grin widened. He paused in the drive until Colin unlocked the front door of the house. Once the door opened and Gage tore into the front room, Jordan backed down the driveway. He waved before he zipped down the road and out of sight.
Colin sighed and closed the front door. “Change your shirt and bring it back downstairs so I can put stuff on it to get the ketchup stain out.”
He loved his son, but Gage and anything that could be spilled were dangerous together. He checked his phone, deleting the emails he didn’t need, then glanced at his status on his social network page. An email popped up. Farin wanted him to come to the store to run a deposit to the bank. He answered the email, then listened for Gage.
“Kid, where are you?” Colin asked.
“Right here.” Sans shirt, Gage strolled into the kitchen. “I couldn’t decide which shirt to wear. The one with the robots or the hairy monsters.”
“Monsters. Uncle Far loves that one.” Colin grabbed the soiled shirt and carried it to the mud room.
“Do you like Jordan?”
Colin paused. He hadn’t expected Gage to be right behind him. “I do. What about you?”
“He said he likes you.” Gage wriggled into his monster shirt. “He’s your boyfriend.”
“You’re okay with that?” He sprayed the anti-stain on the red spot. “Would you be okay if he came over?”
“No. I like him, but I’m scared, Dad. What if he leaves us like my other dad left?”
“I’m not sure. He might.”
“I don’t want a guy to be my dad if he’s going to leave.” Gage swatted his hands on the dryer lid. “I’m ready to go to the store.”
Children. One minute he and Gage were having a conversation and the next Gage was done. But he’d given Colin a bunch to consider. The split had affected Gage more than the kid let on. Maybe he was moving too fast with Jordan. Worry set in. He’d gone at warp speed and lied about his concern for his kid. Fuck.
Colin groaned and spread the shirt out on the washer lid for the stain to break up. “Get that drawing you wanted to take and we’ll go.”
Colin flipped the light on in the garage and opened the door. A shaft of light brighter than the sixty-watt in the opener stretched across the floor. Huh. Where was the light coming from? He leaned into the garage but hung on to the door frame. The smaller door to the driveway was open. How? He’d closed that door when they’d gotten home. Maybe Farin had needed something from the garage. He tugged his phone from his pocket. He shut the house door and twisted the lock, then headed through the house. He grabbed his keys as he passed the table.
Once outside, Colin dialed his brother’s number and crept over to the main door. He didn’t touch anything. Instead, he simply observed. The lock had been broken. Fuck. Farin wouldn’t break the locks. He’d call first or be standing there complaining until the door was unlocked.
Farin picked up after three rings. “You rang,” he said.
“I did. Hey, did you grab the booster seat or anything from the SUV?” Colin attempted to peek into the garage, but because he refused to touch anything he didn’t see much.
“Nope. Remember? I bought one in case this happened and I needed to take Gage to school.”
“I did,” Colin said. “We—I know you don’t like Jordan, but we’re going to see where things go.” He turned on his heel and sprinted into the house. “You’re sure you didn’t go into the garage on my side? I closed the big garage door before I left for the day and didn’t reopen it when I came home.”
“I’m positive. What’s wrong? Something’s wrong.” Farin’s voice cracked. “Don’t fuck with me. What happened? Where is Gage?”
Ah, Farin. Always the first to flip out. “I’m not sure anything happened. The door to the garage from the outside is open, and I just went through the one from the garage into the house. Gage is inside and he’s fine. I’m going to check on the car. It might be nothing.”
“You never leave the door open. Never. You’re more meticulous about locking shit than I am. Even if you’d had a date, you don’t screw with home security. Do you need me to come back to the house? I’ve got Nelly and Lyle here to watch the store. I trust them. They’ve worked at the counter for us since we first opened a year ago.”
“I’ll be fine. Worse comes to worst, I’ll have Jordan come back. Stay on the line, though, okay?” He hated to have to need help, but Christ. This was his family’s security. Farin was right. No one should dick around with the safety of his or her family. He stuffed his keys into his pants pocket, then slid the tablet and his wallet into his messenger bag. He draped the bag across his shoulders. Once he left the house, he locked up and headed to the garage. He pressed the button on his keys to open the large garage door.
At first glance, he didn’t see anything wrong. The car was still there. The toys, bikes and box of lawn tools looked fine. Colin inched around the vehicle to the side and the breath wrenched from his chest. At some point during the night or early morning, his house hadn’t been empty.
“Daddy? What’s wrong with the car?” Gage shimmied into the garage. “Why would someone do that?” He pointed to the vehicle. “I want to go to Uncle Farin’s house.”
His blood chilled and he spoke into the phone again. “Farin, I lied. I need you to come to the house and get Gage. Someone broke into the garage and vandalized my car.”
His kid never should’ve seen the shit in the garage. If they’d just stayed in Indiana, they’d have been fine. People hadn’t messed with them when they’d lived in the apartment. Coming back to Cedarwood, for all its pleasantries, was beginning to feel like the wrong decision. Finding love meant nothing if he couldn’t protect his child.
* * * *
After stopping at his apartment long enough to change his clothes and grab a ball cap, Jordan drove to the station to check the schedule. For the life of him, he couldn’t remember what time Delaney had said to come in and he didn’t want to miss his shift. He prided himself on sticking to the schedule. When he walked into the building, one of the officers strolled past him.
“Could’ve used you last night.” Delaney stood behind the desk. “We had a mess. Big car accident. Multiple vehicles. No one seriously hurt, though.”
“Ouch.” Jordan glanced through the schedule logs. “I’m on at five. Cool.” He’d have time to grab a catnap and to shower again before he returned to work. The foyer doors clunked, but he didn’t turn around. People came into the department all the time. In his peripheral vision, he noticed Delaney leaning on the counter.
“Hello. How can I help you?” Delaney asked.
“Actually, I’m here to file a complaint.”
Jordan turned when he heard Colin�
��s voice. Farin stood beside Colin. A complaint? What the hell? He placed the clipboard back on the hook and focused on his boyfriend. He couldn’t involve himself in the complaint—unless he was part of the problem. He hoped not. Damn low self-esteem. He inched over to the counter. He wanted to know what had happened.
Colin cracked his knuckles. “My SUV tires were flattened and my paint has been destroyed. The security cameras in and on my home captured the act.” He slid a memory stick across the counter. “What do I need to do?”
Farin glared at anyone in the general vicinity. “This isn’t right,” he said in a loud growl. “It’s crap.”
“Fill this out.” Delaney’s gaze switched between Jordan and Colin. “You two look close.”
Jordan suppressed his frustration. What did Delaney know that he wasn’t saying? The shit. “I’m dating Colin Baker. Did you hear that? I’m dating him. I’m gay.” His admission ended up being a little louder than he’d expected, but he didn’t care. He’d come out. Finally. “I’ll be back when my shift starts. Colin. Farin.”
Jordan left the department and trudged out to his truck. He grinned to himself. He’d come out. No more hiding. He flexed his hands in his pockets but stopped in his tracks when he spotted Farin’s vehicle.
He gritted his teeth. Gay or not, no one deserved to have their stuff destroyed. At least Colin had Farin there for help. Still, he hoped Gage hadn’t seen the damage and wasn’t hurt. Jordan turned on his heel and hurried back into the building. Colin sat with Delaney, in the midst of filling out the paperwork. Farin and Gage sat on one of the visitors’ area chairs. Gage swung his feet while Farin leaned over with his hands folded and his forearms on his knees. Jordan waved at the girl behind the desk, then sat beside Farin.
“I’m sorry doesn’t help much, but I am.” Jordan didn’t look at Farin. “We’ll get whoever did this.”
“I know you will.” Farin leaned back in his chair. He crossed his arms. “It’s just that this crap—this attitude is killing this town. There are good people here in Cedarwood, but we’re afraid to be ourselves. First, it’s the lady in the parking lot shouting at us and calling us names. The flaming shit on the porch, and now this. It’s got to stop.” He pressed his lips together. “Sorry, Gage.”
“It’s okay.” Gage leaned against his uncle and resumed swinging his feet.
“I agree.” He hadn’t fully realized until that moment just how much the antigay sentiment in a few people had poisoned a nice town. But if no one wanted to stand up for the rights of the few, then nothing would change. Kids were at risk. Not just Gage, but any kid who struggled with his or her sexuality. They all needed to know they’d be safe.
Colin rounded the desk. “I need you, kiddo. The officer wants to talk to you.”
Gage scooted off the chair and scurried up to his dad. He didn’t say a word. Instead, Colin glanced back at Farin and Jordan. “We’ll be back.”
Once Colin and Gage were out of earshot, Farin groaned.
“I hear you and my brother are an item. Gage said so. He also told me he doesn’t want another dad because he’s convinced you’ll leave them.” Farin flipped his hair off his forehead. “Your admission in the police department was a gigantic clue, too. Want to level with me? What exactly are your intentions toward my brother and my nephew?”
“I figured you’d heard it already through the walls, but yeah, I guess I did shout it rather loud.” Embarrassment ran down Jordan’s spine. They had been loud plenty of nights.
“Nah. The walls are pretty thick.” Farin chuckled once. “Besides your admission, I talked to Gage and Col on the way here. Gage and Colin are both pretty shaken up, so I made Colin talk about anything. He chose you, but he also mentioned a few things I think you two should discuss.”
“You already know I like him. We’re seeing each other, and I think I’m falling for your brother.” He’d whispered and wasn’t sure why. “What do you mean, he and I should discuss something?”
“I should’ve known when I saw you double-back at the store that this would happen. I’ve got an eagle-eye when it comes to my store.” Farin shifted in his seat to face Jordan. “I’ve always figured you and Col would find a way. He’s got Gage now. If you’re not all in, then tell him now. It’s not just his life that’ll get fucked up. Gage is affected by the relationships or lack thereof in Col’s life—meaning, don’t fuck with the kid’s head. He’s already got attachment issues.”
“I understand and I agree.” Jordan stuck out his palm and shook hands with Farin. “I’ll do my best not to screw with anyone’s head.”
“Deal. And I’ll do my best not to hurt you in every place you least expect if you break his heart.” Farin’s grin widened. “Got my deal?”
“Completely.” He could’ve argued with Farin, using the violence against police as his platform, but he understood Farin’s position. He needed to protect his brother. “How about on my first night off we have supper together? The four of us?”
“As long as it’s not a token gesture, I’m cool with it. Gage will love having a cop at the house. He’s crazy about police right now.” Farin sighed. “Don’t suppose you know a big, burly guy with a badge, do you?”
“Why?” Jordan asked. He knew a few burly guys who were all on the force.
“He’s coming this way and looks like he’s on a mission.” Jordan nodded in the direction of the desk. “See?”
“Hargrove.” Chief Gagnon rounded the counter. “A word?” He tipped his head to Farin. “Thank you for your patience.”
“No sweat.” Farin propped one foot on his other knee and remained with Gage. Despite his arms being crossed, he half-waved at Jordan. “See ya.”
“Thanks.” He followed the chief of police into his office. This couldn’t be good. “What can I do for you, Chief?”
“Shut the door.”
Jordan complied. His years on the force had taught him to always respect authority and to follow the rules. He didn’t mind. He preferred the structure. He waited behind the lone chair on the opposite side of Chief’s desk. Never sit until given permission.
“I’m told you and Mr. Baker are friends. You gave him a ticket, didn’t you?” Chief asked.
“I did. He sped in the school zone. The incident was registered on the dash cam and the radar gun. I had to ticket him.” Jordan clasped his hands together at the small of his back. “It was a routine traffic stop. No matter what—him being gay or my friend or my boyfriend or even without the dash cam video—the ticket would’ve been written.”
“I wasn’t doubting you. What I called you in here about is the rampant discrimination in this town. Whatever your sexual preference, I don’t care. If you’re able-bodied and can do the job, then fine.” Chief Gagnon sat on the edge of his desk. “But I’m tired of this crap in our town. Cedarwood is a good place to live, but not if you’re part of the LGBT community. It’s got to stop. The example out there sets me on edge. That guy has a kid. What is that kid learning? That his father can’t be himself because he’s got to worry about some individual targeting him.”
“I know.” Jordan clasped his hands behind his back. “I’ve been friends with him since high school. He’s a nice guy. Owns the books and comics store on Main. He ran the gay parents group, so people knew he was gay.” He expected Chief to find out about him and Colin and, honestly, he didn’t care. People dated all the time. Granted, his heart was a little more than a little involved. “We’re seeing each other.” He’d done it. He’d admitted his secrets all in one fell swoop.
“Delaney’s handling the investigation, but if you learn anything, you need to share the information.” Chief folded his arms. “So you’re dating?”
Jordan picked at his department ring. He’d pretty much come out to the entire department. He might as well continue to be completely honest and upfront. “We are.” He rocked on the balls of his feet. “Yes, I’m gay. Mr. Baker and I are seeing each other. It’s new, but yeah, we’re a couple.” Although he hadn’t
talked to everyone or come out to the world, a weight lifted from his shoulders.
“I’m proud of you.” Chief stood and clapped Jordan on the shoulder. “I wasn’t sure, but I had a clue. You just had a look in your eyes. Bet it feels good to let someone in.”
“It does.” He drew a deep breath into his lungs, then exhaled. “But this also means we’re targets—Colin, his son, his business, me…the department. People in this town don’t approve of the gay community. You know that. It’s why you and I are talking now. Do you have any suggestions on how to combat that?”
Chief rubbed his chin. The salt-and-pepper whiskers covering his chin flickered in the light. “Yes. I do. If you are both willing to participate, you and Mr. Baker need to be the face of change. Show the community that the LGBT members of our town aren’t people to be shunned. Go about your business, but don’t act out. You’ve got the police department behind you. We will sort out who is trashing Mr. Baker’s property and help you create change. Not everyone in town is a problem, but the small group is overactive. Think you’re interested?”
Being the change was the last thing he’d expected Chief to say, but the longer he thought about the idea, the more he liked it. Would Colin agree? He’d be putting himself, his business and his son in the line of fire. But weren’t they already being targeted? He needed to talk to Colin.
“Well?” Chief asked. “I don’t need an answer right now, but it’s something to consider.”
“Chief.”
“My son Bobby wants to move back here, but he’s not going to until this all ends. I want to see my boy. He’s got a kid of his own. Helene left him when he finally came to grips with his sexuality. Darcy, his little girl, has been handling it beautifully. I’d like for them to be close so my wife and I can help him out. Now you’ve got Mr. Baker and his family to think about. This is the change this town needs.”