by K. Sterling
“You clean up well, Aiden.” Chief teased as they rushed by him and Clark on the way into the courthouse. Outside the courtroom Aiden pressed his hand to his stomach and frowned as he looked down his body. Lane knew that Aiden was concerned that Chief was implying he looked sloppy in his usual clothes. Lane rubbed Aiden’s shoulders, trying to reassure him. He’d had more of his outdoor panics and Lane was starting to worry that it was the trial.
“Are you worried about testifying?” Lane asked gently and Aiden’s head pulled back and he stared incredulously.
“Why would I be worried about that? I do this for a living.” He said as he ran his hand down his tie. “I don’t enjoy the clothes, though.” He murmured. Aiden frowned as he leaned close to Lane. “Is this that big of an improvement? From the woman at the store's and Chief’s reaction, I’m worried that my usual appearance isn’t as acceptable as I thought it was.” His eyes searched Lane’s. He smiled as he rubbed Aiden’s arm.
“Your usual appearance is fine, especially if that’s what you’re comfortable in. I never would have taken you for a doctor, definitely not one as accomplished as you are. But you’re not that hung up on your status and you don’t take yourself too seriously. I like that.” He said and Aiden smiled. Lane wasn’t sure if he missed Aiden’s light beard or if he preferred how sleek and polished he looked after he shaved. He looked younger and more potent. Lane lowered his head, letting his lips brush Aiden’s ear. “But I’m really enjoying this too. You look really hot and I can’t wait to take you home and rip all of this off of you.” Lane breathed against Aiden’s ear.
Lane noticed a soft blush creep up Aiden’s neck and felt Aiden’s hand press against his back. Heat rolled off of Aiden’s body and he hummed softly as he raised his lips to Lane’s ear to reply. Whatever Aiden was going to say was lost as his eyes focused over Lane’s shoulder and his body stiffened. Lane turned and saw Clark striding quickly toward them. Clark’s eye twitched and his lips were pulled tight. Aiden sighed.
“I just don’t get it. He’s attractive in a jock-ish George Clooney sort of way but he might be the biggest prick I’ve ever met, Lane.” Aiden muttered. Lane probably shouldn’t have laughed. From the way Clark scowled, Lane knew he’d made things worse.
“I’m calling you to the stand first. The sooner we get it over with, the sooner you can fuck off and get the hell out of here.” Clark said as he pulled the door open and stormed into the courtroom. Aiden shook his head as he looked back at Lane.
“For someone that insists he’s not gay, he’s quite a drama queen.” Aiden observed. Lane doubled over, laughing. Aiden didn’t make many jokes but when he did, they were witty and his flat delivery made them hysterical. Lane pulled himself together when he saw Chief walking toward them. He nodded at Lane as he patted Aiden on the back.
“I need to have a word with Lane.” He said softly and Aiden ducked his head as he stepped back.
“I’m going in, they’ll be calling for me soon.” Aiden smiled at Lane and Chief before he pulled the courtroom door open and slipped inside. Chief waited until it closed before he put his arm around Lane and guided him toward the end of the hallway where there was less traffic.
“How are things with you and Dr. Dreamy?” He teased. Lane felt heat flood his face and he looked down, avoiding Chiefs eyes as they reached the end of the hall. Chief laughed. “That good? From the way you’re turning red, I’m guessing you hit that.” He whispered before he released Lane. Lane shoved his hands in his pockets and shrugged. Chief punched Lane in the arm playfully. “Don’t get coy on me now, GQ. Not after everything we’ve been through and the talks we’ve had. I wouldn’t have been able to give my son the gay version of “The Sex Speech” without your help. You’ve been my gay sex guru for years.” Chief said as he leaned against the windowsill. Lane slid him a mischievous grin as he leaned against the wall, close to Chief.
“It's really good. He’s like a sexual savant. My bed looked like a wolverine was trapped in it last night, I fucking ripped the bedsheets.” Lane said incredulously. Chief looked impressed.
“Good for you, Lane. You work too hard and you need loosen up now and then.” His smile morphed and became tight as he searched Lane’s face. Lane narrowed his eyes as he read Chief.
“But?” Lane crossed his arms over his chest as he waited. Chief sighed as he turned and leaned on the marble windowsill.
“He’s only here for a few more days. I know you, you’re too good to treat him like a fling and you’re always all in when you care about people.” Chief cringed as he looked at Lane. “I don’t want to see you hurt when he goes back to D.C..” He said softly. Lane looked away as pain streaked through him and his stomach clenched. He’d been trying not to think about it. Lane waited until the pain settled, cold and hard in his gut before he looked back at Chief.
“I know. I’m not sure what will happen when he leaves. It’s complicated.” Lane said. Chief nodded as he stared out the window.
“I’d say so. There’s a restraining order, Lane.” Chief clenched his jaw as he looked over at Lane. Lane frowned as he looked in the direction of the courtroom.
“Against Aiden?” He asked incredulously. Chief shook his head.
“No. Aiden has one against someone named Burgess. I don’t have the details yet.” He explained. Aiden frowned.
“Why were you checking up on him?” He stared at Chief.
“Something didn’t feel right and I could see that the two of you were getting pretty intense. I wanted to make sure you didn’t have a lunatic under your roof.” Chief explained. Lane nodded, he would have done the same thing.
“Ok. So, Aiden’s not the lunatic. Do you feel better?” He started to smile but it died when Chief shook his head.
“No.” His eyes were hard as they stared at Lane. “There’s something wrong here and I know you’ve sensed it. I think you’re ignoring your gut because for once you aren’t the smartest man in the room. You’re letting him think for you and you’re better than that.” Chief waited as Lane fumbled for excuses. He’d had moments and he wasn’t listening to his instincts. Lane sighed as he pushed his hand though his hair.
“It’s hard to know when to push with Aiden. He’s not as random or irrational as he seems. When I do, I end up feeling like shit because he’s dealing with things that I can’t get my head around. I don’t know how he does it, but it has to be really fucking hard, Chief.” Lane explained. Chief nodded.
“I don’t doubt that but don't confuse pity and admiration. Admire the hell out of him but don’t let pity cloud your judgement. Besides, I don’t think Aiden has a lot of use for pity.” Chief clapped Lane on the back. “I need to get to the station, I actually have to do my job now that you’re busy with Aiden.” He teased. Lane chuckled as he gripped Chief’s shoulder.
“I’ll talk to him tonight.” Lane promised.
Lane slipped into the courtroom just before Aiden took the stand. Aiden looked composed and relaxed as he answered Clark’s questions. Lane would have been relieved if it weren’t for the fact that Clark looked like he wanted to rip Aiden’s face off and kept emphasizing the word “Doctor” every time he said Dr. Sharp. What the hell are you doing, Clark? Why are you treating this like a cross examination of a hostile witness? Lane wondered as he looked around the courtroom. Everyone else noticed and was confused. Aiden wasn’t taking the bait. Aiden remained unflustered and despite Clark’s bizarre attempts to discompose and discredit him, Aiden had the room enthralled.
“So, what is your final conclusion in regard to Mr. Jeffries, Dr. Sharp?” Clark asked. Aiden pressed his fingertips together and looked at Jeffries.
“Mr. Jeffries suffered some sort of trauma as a child. Probably between the ages of six and eight and most likely sexual molestation. Because of his…” Aiden stopped when Clark held up his hand, cutting him off.
“That’s nowhere in any of Mr. Jeffries’ evaluations or statements, Dr. Sharp. Where did you see that
?” Clark glared as he crossed his arms over his chest. Aiden blinked three times before he continued.
“Because of his inability to perform sexually with women…” Clark cut him off again as he turned to the judge but directed his question to Aiden.
“You didn’t answer my question, doctor.” Clark spit the words at Aiden. He gave Clark a condescending smile.
“It’s not in any of the files, counselor.” Aiden returned. “I saw it because it’s my job to see it. I’m considered to be an expert in my field. A respected expert. It’s in everything he’s said and the way he stabbed his parents 126 times. It’s in every account from everyone that knew him. It’s in the way he speaks and the way he dresses. Look at him, counselor.” Aiden said. Lane’s eyes followed Clark’s to Jeffries. The man was turning purple and sweating. His knuckles were white as he gripped the armrests of his chair. Clark slowly turned back to Aiden. “Would you like me to continue?” Aiden asked softly. Clark nodded weakly.
“Please.” He mumbled. Aiden nodded.
“Because of his inability to perform sexually with woman and his history of violence towards homosexuals it is obvious that he was molested by a man. It would have been someone he considered an authority figure or member of the family. Possibly a close family friend. His parents knew but covered it up. It’s very likely that his father may have told Mr. Jeffries he was partly to blame for what happened to him. Mr. Jeffries will have started questioning his sexual identity during puberty. He is not a homosexual but he’s afraid that he could be, as a result of what was done to him. When his relationship with Ms. Dewet failed, Mr. Jeffries blamed his abuser. I suspect that he’s dead or lives too far beyond Mr. Jeffries’ reach. Therefor, he focused his rage toward his parents. They were the ideal surrogates. It was their job to protect him and they failed.”
A scream filled the courtroom and all eyes went to Jeffries. He collapsed on the desk, sobbing loudly.
“Why didn’t they protect me?” He wailed. “I was so little and I couldn’t stop him!” Jeffries cried. Aiden’s head tilted as he watched Jeffries.
“I don’t know, Mr. Jeffries. I’m sorry they didn’t. I’m sorry you didn’t reach out to someone that could have helped you, as a child or as an adult, before it was too late.” Aiden offered gently.
A recess was granted and Lane waited with Aiden in the hall. Clark burst from the courtroom and rushed toward Aiden. Lane immediately got between them.
“You realize he may not get the death penalty now? It doesn’t matter that it was premeditated, now that they know he was abused, they’ll want to give him life.” Clark seethed. Aiden shrugged as he leaned against the wall.
“A man stabs his parents like that and it never occurred to you that he was abused? There were no drugs or alcohol involved to explain the brutality. Did you imagine he just up and decided to break into his parents' house and stab them enough times and so hard he dislocated his shoulder because he didn’t like the way mommy cooked the pot roast last Sunday?” Aiden said flatly. Clark dove for Aiden and Lane blocked him. Aiden rushed from the wall and Lane had to hold him off with his free arm.
“Enough!” Lane hissed. Clark pushed against Lane’s chest and stepped back.
“You fucked me, Sharp!” He accused. “You could have told me instead of blindsiding me.” Clark swore as he turned and pushed his hands through his hair. Aiden shook his head.
“You could have asked me if you weren’t ass hurt about getting dumped. If you acted like a professional and tried to work with me, it might have come up.” Aiden said as he pulled out his phone, found a picture and pushed it in Clark’s face. It was the crime scene. “Did it ever occur to you that maybe this isn’t sanity? I don't think he should get the death penalty. If you had your shit together and didn't let your personal life get in the way, you would have seen this.” Aiden turned off his phone and put it back in his pocket. Clark shook his head as he started walking backwards.
“Fuck you, you sick asshole.” He said as he turned and went back into the courtroom. Lane groaned as he rubbed the back of his neck.
“What is it with you two?” He asked as he turned to Aiden. He looked down at his shoes and shrugged.
“He started it?” Aiden gave Lane a sheepish grin. Lane rolled his eyes.
“Let’s go, recess is almost over and you’re back up. McKeever is a twat. I hope you’re ready.” Lane said before he pulled the door open.
“He can’t be worse than Cabbot.” Aiden mumbled and Lane bit the insides of his cheeks to keep from laughing.
McKeever ended up being much worse than Clark. If Lane had any idea what was about to unfold, he would have moved heaven and earth to prevent it.
“So, you’re the renowned Dr. Aiden Sharp?” Dan McKeever said as he pushed his hands in his pockets and strolled toward the jury. Aiden nodded.
“Yes.” He answered as he watched McKeever.
“I have to say, you’re not what I was expecting.” He grinned at the jury box. Aiden blinked several times at McKeever.
“Do you have any questions for me, counselor?” He asked. McKeever chuckled as he approached Aiden.
“You’re rather unorthodox.” He said as he waved his hand toward Aiden.
“Still not a question.” Aiden looked at his fingernails as McKeever planted his hands on the stand and leaned toward Aiden.
“Where do you live, Dr. Sharp?” He asked silkily. Aiden’s eyes flicked to McKeever’s. He still looked bored.
“I spend most of my time traveling but my mail is delivered to Washington D.C..” He said as he tugged at the cuff of his sleeve. Lane frowned. Aiden was getting nervous. McKeever slid another grin to the jury.
“Your mail is delivered to Washington D.C.? Do you have a home there?” He winked to the jurors and Aiden swallowed hard.
“No, I do not.” He said flatly.
“An apartment?” McKeever asked. Aiden shook his head and tugged at his collar.
“No.” Aiden’s voice was hoarse and he looked to Clark. Lane leaned forward and tried to make eye contact with Clark but he was reclining in his chair and had his hands clasped behind his head. You piece of fucking shit, do something! Lane urged as he willed his body to stay still. McKeever was all teeth as he turned back to Aiden.
“Where do you sleep, when you’re not traveling, Dr. Sharp?” He looked at Aiden expectantly. Lane couldn’t help but lean forward again as his own curiosity peaked. Aiden squirmed.
“I have an office in the Hoover Building.” He said softly. “I sleep there.” Aiden said as he tugged at his collar again. McKeever rubbed his jaw and pretended to consider the matter.
“You don’t strike me as a workaholic and you’re a rather wealthy young man, Dr. Sharp. Why don’t you have your own place?” He asked as he turned back to the jury. Aiden clenched his jaw and looked down at his lap. Lane’s heart slowed as he watched Aiden’s panic crest.
“I stay in the F.B.I. Headquarters because I’m safe there.” He mumbled. McKeever chuckled.
“And where do you normally stay, when you travel, Dr. Sharp?” He asked as he leaned against the jury box.
“At the local police department.” Aiden’s voice was barely audible but the room was silent. Lane stared at Clark, silently imploring him to stop McKeever.
“Wouldn’t you be more comfortable in a hotel?” McKeever asked. Aiden shook his head as he stared at his hands in his lap.
“I wouldn’t be safe at a hotel.” Aiden said. McKeever snorted as he cocked his head toward Aiden and winked conspiratorially at the jury. Lane couldn’t wait to bury his fist in McKeever’s face.
“Why in the world wouldn’t you be safe, Dr. Sharp?” McKeever teased. Aiden’s head snapped up and his eyes were empty as he stared at McKeever.
“If I stayed in a hotel, there’s a very good chance I would be dead before checkout time.” Aiden said flatly and the hairs on the back of Lane’s neck stood up. McKeever rolled his eyes dismissively.
“And why is that, Dr. Sharp?” He mocked. Aiden’s expression remained blank.
“A man named Jonathan Burgess has spent the last three years making my life hell.” He said. McKeever’s head pulled back in surprise.
“Wait. Are you serious?” He asked incredulously. Aiden’s eyes were vacant as they stared at McKeever.
“Yes. Apparently, he loves me so much that he has to kill me. He has some glorious murder-suicide planned for us.” Aiden explained and McKeever’s face fell. Lane’s heart pounded violently against his ribs. His hands started to sweat as he held onto his seat. Rage and fear slammed into him and he wanted to drag Aiden out of the courtroom. McKeever floundered.
“Surely, you’re just being paranoid.” He murmured as he looked at the jury nervously. Aiden pulled his phone out of his pocket and set it on the stand in front of him.
“I have three years worth of text messages and emails on that phone and a restraining order against him.” The statement was free of any inflection, the pitch was low and flat. This was Aiden, free of his character defenses. He looked tired and hopeless. Pain ripped through Lane and he looked at Clark frantically. Clark was focused on Aiden but didn’t look like he planned to object. McKeever just stared at Aiden. Clearly, his plan had been to discredit Aiden by making him look like a paranoid lunatic and it had gone up in smoke. Aiden waited for McKeever to say something but he continued to stare. Aiden’s eyes narrowed.
“You’re trying to decide if I’m making it up or delusional, if you should call my bluff.” Aiden said. He reached for his phone and swiped and tapped at the screen. “The Windy City is windy. Where are you?” Aiden read. “You’ve been clever this time. You know I will find you.” He paused for a moment and swallowed. “We’re going to die drenched in each other’s blood. Then, we’ll be together forever.” Aiden’s eyes flicked to Lane’s. “I saw you running with him. You’re going to die screaming, you dirty fucking whore. I’ll make him watch.” There was a deafening roar in Lane’s ears as Aiden turned off his phone and put it back in his pocket. Lane stretched his neck as tried to get his emotions under control. McKeever cleared his throat as he looked at the judge.
