The Rose Man

by Cheryl Dragon

  Ross glanced at his watch then hit the key fob to open the car. “You’re right. We should head over. I always lose track of time talking to you.”

  “Quit flirting with me,” Ben said firmly.

  “Sure.” Ross said with a smirk on his lips.

  Ben could read Ross like a book. Sure really meant never.

  * * * *

  Ross parked at the dive bar and exited. He shrugged off his jacket and rolled up his long shirt sleeves. It was a warm night and the A/C at the rundown club was unreliable at best. Then again, it might be being around Ben that was making Ross warm.

  Of course, Ben was out before Ross could get the door. Old-fashioned manners never went out of style. He locked the car and they headed inside.

  The bar had changed very little in his time away. A few new repairs, but otherwise it was like coming home. Ross felt ten years younger. The movie posters and odd street signs on the walls hadn’t changed. The upright piano in the corner still looked barely used.

  Charlie sat behind the bar, as usual. He was too cheap to pay for a bouncer or a bartender. Guys who couldn’t pay their tabs could get it cleared or partly paid off by cleaning.

  “You okay?” Ben asked.

  “Just a lot of memories.” Ross headed for the bar. The same old bar stools were a lot harder than he remembered.

  Charlie came over. “What’ll you have?”

  “Beer is good. Whatever’s on tap,” Ross said.

  Charlie cocked his head. Ben sat next to Ross, and that seemed to be the clue Charlie needed.

  “Ross Burns?” Charlie laughed. “It’s been a while.”

  “FBI is helping with the case,” Ben explained.

  “Good crowd, considering,” Ross said quietly.

  “We’re not advertising that. They didn’t put up any crime scene tape,” Charlie said softly.

  “It was all cleaned out and removed,” Ben added.

  Ross nodded. “Any other men you notice missing?” he asked Charlie.

  “Not that I know of.” Charlie put out a dish of nuts. “How’s the big city?”

  “Fine. Anyone mention finding a rose on their car?” Ross asked.

  “Never saw that around here, but no, haven’t heard anything new.” Charlie shrugged.

  The bar started to get busy. Charlie hit a button on his computer behind the bar. He was his own DJ. That was new. Ross chuckled as the music changed to a slow song.

  Ross finished his beer and grabbed Ben’s hand.

  “What?” Ben asked.

  “Let’s dance. I’m annoying Charlie,” Ross said.

  “Slow dance? Really?” Ben didn’t fight it despite the complaint.

  Ross took the lead. “I still feel overdressed.”

  Ben grinned. “You left your suitcoat and the tie in the car. Not bad.”

  He’d also rolled up his sleeves to try and appear more casual, but Ben’s jeans and polo shirt were far more fitting. Heck, a ratty T-shirt would work.

  “All the times we snuck out here in high school,” Ross said.

  “It’s just memories. I’m sure you have more fun at the big city bars,” Ben countered.

  Ross inhaled as he nuzzled Ben’s neck. The woodsy smell was enough to bring Ross to his knees right there, but he resisted making a move. Ben tensed for a split second then relaxed.

  “The big city doesn’t have everything. It’s not even that big. It’s a lot more impersonal and all about hookups. That or the apps now. I miss small towns and the quirks,” Ross said.

  “Like my dad?” Ben asked.

  “Oh, like when he threw a knife at me? He missed.” Ross shrugged it off.

  Ben leaned in a bit more. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t be. You were worth it. Still are. Maybe someday you’ll believe it.”

  Ben sighed. “I’m fine. Why is making a different choice somehow about low self-esteem?”

  “Sorry. Good. I’m glad you’re fine.” Ross nodded, not believing a word. Ben always put himself second. Serving the community as a deputy was a good job for him, but Ross always suspected Ben’s dad had done such a number on Ben that he didn’t think he deserved to find real love or be happy. He was supposed to suppress his wants and needs out of shame—his dad still seemed to believe it.

  “We should go in the back and see if anyone recognizes the missing guys, at least,” Ben said.

  “Okay, just one thing.” Ross slid a hand behind Ben’s neck and pulled him into a kiss.

  Ben froze momentarily then sank into the moment, pulling Ross down to him even more. The heat made the entire world fall away as the present dropped away and Ross fell under Ben’s spell. If James Bond had kryptonite, for Ross it would be Ben.

  Someone nudged Ross and he wanted to pistol whip them. Instead, he turned. Charlie had a smirk on his face. “Sorry to interrupt, but I got someone to cover the bar. Meet me in the back to talk.”

  Ben nodded. “Thanks.”

  Charlie worked his way through the crowd. Ross had to admit to himself that this little bar was more popular than it had been in his youth. Whatever grungy hipster crap Charlie had done to the place, it was working.

  “Back room? I’m not doing a three-way with anyone,” Ross warned.

  Ben chuckled. “We never were interested in sharing.” Ben grabbed Ross’ hand and started toward the rear.

  “Hang on.” Ross grabbed Ben and planted a deep kiss on him. No dancing around, no feeling it out—it was them. There was plenty of mutual tongue as he slid his hands down Ben’s back and groped his ass.

  A soft moan and Ben pressing close was Ross’ approval and reward.

  “We’re here for work,” Ben whispered in Ross’ ear.

  “I can multitask,” Ross said.

  “Charlie could have a suspect or clues. The case must be the priority. Not a nostalgia sex-capade.”

  “Fine.” Ross released Ben. “You win for now.”

  They headed to meet Charlie, but Ross had accomplished step one of his personal plan. He’d made it clear who and what he was after.

  Chapter Four

  The rear section was partially lit and used for hookups. But there was a door to Charlie’s office that was always locked. Ben followed Charlie into the room with Ross right behind.

  There were no windows, but it had a big safe, an old desk with a desktop computer and several security camera screens. Charlie was clearly more tech savvy than anyone thought.

  “Know anything about who’s doing this?” Ben asked.

  “No, have a seat. I’m fine with you asking questions, but I can tell you that the three guys in question didn’t have a common ex or anything that I know of. This isn’t going to turn into a witch hunt because they all happened to be gay, I hope,” Charlie said.

  “It’s not a witch hunt. The red rose suggests this isn’t a platonic motive. Maybe they were all hit on by the same guy and rejected him?” Ross suggested.

  Charlie shrugged and took out a bong and a lighter from his desk drawer. “Maybe, but I don’t miss much.” He flicked on the lighter.

  “Really, you’re blazing up in front of two law enforcement agents?” Ben asked.

  “It’s medicinal,” Charlie claimed.

  “Still illegal in Kentucky,” Ross said.

  “You two were always a couple of Goody Two-shoes. If you didn’t suck dick, I’d say you were a pair of altar boys…wait. Didn’t that church charge priests because of that? Meh, I forget. Only thing rebellious or interesting about either of you is you’re gay. Be rebels, fight for natural medicine,” Charlie said.

  Ben leaned forward. “You want to end up dead, Charlie?”

  “Hell no, but no one is leaving me a rose. All the guys were young and attractive. But hell is probably one great party.” Charlie leaned back and exhaled.

  “We’re not trying to hassle anyone on a minor drug possession charge. I don’t care if you’re selling a little home-grown crap. Just not to anyone underage,” Ross warned.

  “Never. Eigh
teen and up to drink or toke. Them’s the rules. State law says a man can vote or die for his country at eighteen—he should be free to drink then too. Fair is fair.” Charlie shrugged.

  Ben and Ross shared a smiled.

  “You should run for governor. What did you bring us back here to tell us?” Ben asked.

  Charlie frowned. “Oh, yeah. Just those three people didn’t have many connections. That was it. Not into the same types of guys or other stuff. All three might not be connected.”

  “True enough, but they might be. We’re looking for any clue on any of their cases,” Ben replied.

  “Talk to Xander. I let him watch the bar when I need to check on the back or outside. He’s going to beauty school, so that bitch knows all the gossip,” Charlie said.

  “Xander and you okay if we show the pics around of the missing guys?” Ross asked.

  “Sure, just don’t announce that one is dead or was found here. It’s not fun to party alone.” Charlie sighed.

  “Got it. Let’s get back out there.” Ben nodded.

  Charlie held up his hands. “I’m not pushing you out. If you two want to use the back room…or use my office if you don’t want to be watched or interrupted.”

  “That’s sweet, but we can wait. Work first,” Ross said.

  “Cool. I’m glad you two are still a thing. Random sex is fun, but knowing someone and what they like, being together for years—it’s like the best drug.” Charlie led the way out of his office and waited for Ben and Ross to leave before he locked it up like Fort Knox again.

  Ben caught a wistful smile on Ross’ face and wondered what he was feeling. The history was real and blissful, but what did that mean for them now? It was much more complicated and, unlike being a teen, the hormones couldn’t run the show.

  They headed for the bar and found young Xander shirtless and with plenty of tips. The guy looked like a twink straight out of Jersey Shore.

  “Charlie said we could talk.” Ben flashed his badge.

  “Sure. Who’s your boyfriend?” Xander asked.

  Ross slapped his badge on the bar. “We just want to know what you know about these guys.”

  Ben laid out the three pictures.

  “I’ve seen them all around here. Not together,” Xander said.

  “Hookups?” Ben asked.

  “Not between them. The one guy practically camped on the back porch when it was warm enough. He drank himself into a whiskey dick most nights. Jim was a player, liked to dance, screw and smoke some stuff.” Xander refilled a few glasses and came back. “You guys want anything?”

  “Ice water is good,” Ross said.

  “Same,” Ben added.

  “Shame you’re on duty. I have a fantasy about being in a cop sandwich.” Xander poured the water and added lemon wedges.

  “I’m FBI,” Ross said.

  “Doesn’t matter to me.” Xander winked.

  “Back to the men in danger. Did you ever see them argue or get in a fight with anyone?” Ben asked.

  Xander shrugged. “Nope. Drinking, dancing or hooking up. They weren’t trouble.”

  “What about Kevin’s tab?” Ross asked.

  Ben noticed someone down the bar staring at him. It wasn’t an old boyfriend or hookup.

  Xander laughed. “Charlie took it out in trade. Younger guy, would screw for booze.”

  “He was prostituting?” Ben asked.

  “No, no. I think Charlie had a soft spot for the guy. People saw him crashing on the back porch in good weather, but Charlie let him sleep in the backroom when it was bad outside. They could’ve been a couple if Kev could’ve managed his drinking. No one wants a boyfriend who’s always loaded unless it’s money or guns.” Xander smiled.

  “Ross, you see this guy down the bar?” Ben whispered into Ross’ ear.

  Ross glanced. “The guy ready to bolt?”

  Xander went over and the guy tried to pay his tab. With well-trained instincts, Ben blocked the guy’s exit.

  “We’d like to chat,” Been said.

  “I paid my tab. I’m done,” the guy said.

  Ross came up behind him. “Guys who run from the cops usually have a reason.”

  “I’m not running. I didn’t do anything. This place is supposed to be safe.” The guy shoved Ben and tried to make a run for it.

  Ross moved to back up Ben and, luckily, Ben kicked his foot out to trip the guy, who landed face down. Pinning the guy’s arm behind his back, Ross hauled the guy up and outside. He shoved the guy down onto the front bench.

  “You okay?” Ross asked Ben.

  “Fine.” Ben joined them out front and slapped one cuff on the guy’s wrist and the other cuff on the heavy metal and wooden bench.

  “I’m under arrest for what?” The guy gasped for air.

  “Calm down. You’re detained for questioning. Why were you eyeballing Ben then dashing off?” Ross asked.

  “How about a name first?” Ben said.

  “Paul. I recognized you as a deputy and I just thought it was best for me to get out of there,” he explained.

  “You’re clearly over twenty-one. What’s the problem?” Ben asked.

  Paul turned red and looked down. “I teach at the First Baptist school. I thought you might recognize me from the summer interfaith festival. I was working the Jesus Saves Dunking Booth.”

  “You just feel like a hypocrite? Everyone has to work,” Ross said.

  “If anyone at the school or one of my students found out I come here, I’d be fired.”

  “Drinking is a big deal with some of the Baptist groups,” Ben joked.

  Ross smirked.

  “You know what I mean. They find out I’m into men and they’ll accuse me of touching their kids or poisoning their minds so those kids will turn out like us. I need my job,” Paul said.

  “This isn’t a raid,” Ross replied.

  “I know, but most people in this town won’t notice if a few gays go missing. If I’m associated with the case at all, my career is over.”

  “So you do know something?” Ben asked.

  “I may have hooked up with a couple of them. Not the dead one. He was gross,” Paul admitted.

  “Gotta grudge?” Ross asked.

  “No,” Paul insisted.

  “Any idea who’d want them dead?” Ben pressured.

  “No, they were nice harmless guys. Good in bed, no weird shit. Wore condoms and all that.” Paul shrugged.

  “Any jealous who’s-screwing-who crap?” Ross asked.

  Paul looked down. “Some guys hook up and some guys are looking for things to maybe turn into more.”

  “Feelings can get hurt, sure. Who got upset?” Ben asked.

  “I was interested in more with Jim, but he was the type who wanted what he couldn’t have. He crushed hard on Tony, who never got serious with anyone, ever. Jim thought he’d be the exception. I tried to show him that. I tried to give Jim whatever he wanted, but he just wanted Tony.” Paul sniffed.

  “You got the grudge,” Ross said.

  “No, it wasn’t Tony’s fault. We all knew how he was. Jim was obsessed a bit. When I first heard they went missing, I thought maybe Jim took Tony on a vacation or something…trying to prove his devotion. But with Kevin dead, it creates more questions than answers. He doesn’t factor into that group of missing guys, so maybe it’s not connected,” Paul said.

  Ben sighed. “What’s the craziest thing you did for Jim?”

  Paul blushed but shrugged. “Three-way with Tony and Jim. It was hot until…you can tell who a guy really loves when it comes to cuddling. I swore I was done with this place and trashy guys. But the city gay bars are scary. If I’m found out there, there’s no denial. No, just meeting a friend at the bar.”

  “Okay, calm down. When was the last time you talked to Jim?” Ross asked.

  “We had a holiday event at school. I picked up the deli trays from the grocery store since it was on the way from my home to the school. He threw in some extras and we may have had a
quickie in the walk-in freezer. It didn’t mean anything.” Paul took a deep breath. “It was right before the Christmas break. Months ago.”

  “Nothing since then?” Ben pressed.

  “I saw him here, but no, no chats, no sex and no nothing. I’ve gone on a couple dates with guys here. We go to the city for that. It’s hard to find the right guy, in or out of the closet. I’m sorry they’re missing, but I don’t have any other info.”

  “Tony wasn’t seeing anyone else?” Ross asked.

  “He was seeing lots of someones, as usual. Jim was lying in wait for him to be free or willing to dip back in the same well again.”

  “No other guy for Jim? Best way to get a guy’s attention is to get yourself a new one,” Ross said.

  “The only other guy I ever heard Jim talk about was Jason Pierce. No idea if he was an ex or the one that got away or someone Tony was after. I just know he had strong feelings about that guy.”

  “Jason Pierce. You didn’t google?” Ross asked.

  “I didn’t want to know. I’m not looking for drama, just the right guy,” Paul said.

  Ross smiled a bit. “But what happens when you find him? Settle down and live together, the school will find out. Public schools can’t fire you, but the private ones have their own rules.”

  “I know. I figured I have to find the guy first. He’ll be worth going all out for. Who knows, might mean moving to the city for that guy’s job and me going to another school. Or going to the public school here. Change is scary one way or the other,” he admitted.

  “You’ll figure it out,” Ben said.

  “Anyone creeping around the bar here? Anyone new or suspicious?” Ross asked.

  Paul shrugged. “Always new guys from the city checking it out. Cheap drinks, lots of guys and a remote location. Word of mouth is big. I see a lot of them are younger. Nice to look at. I don’t get a bad vibe from any of them.”

  “Can you imagine if one of your former students walked in?” Ross asked.

  “Don’t be mean,” Ben scolded.

  “That’s my nightmare. But if I’m still single at forty, I might just start drinking like Kevin.” Paul tugged on the handcuff. “Can you please take this off?”

  “If you hear or see anything that feels off or makes you do a double-take, you call.” Ross handed Paul a business card.