Chance Encounter

by Alex Tempera

  Evan put his arm around Chance, as Chance put his head on his shoulder. “Is that what you’ve been thinking about for four hours?”

  “Some of it, and there is still a lot in my head that I haven’t figured out yet.”

  “Oh, I completely understand,” Evan said. “There is something I wanted to talk with you about, but it can wait.”

  Chance lifted his head up and gazed into Evan’s eyes. “Boss, tell me.”

  “It’s about the money,” Evan said.

  “Oh, right. If you can’t do it…” his voice trailed off.

  “No, it’s not that,” Evan said. “I’ll do it. I want us write up an agreement and have the fucker sign it so he will never come around you again.”

  “We can do that, whenever you want,” he said. “Oh, does this mean that you’re my attorney, too?”

  “I’m your everything,” Evan said. “And you are mine. We are a couple. Always have been. Always will be. Is that a problem?”

  “Nope,” he kissed Evan’s mouth softly. “So, Boss, what did you want to talk about?”

  “Can we go back to my office? We can pick up lunch at the diner and eat at my office.”

  “I’d like that,” Chance said as they both hopped off the cement barrier.

  Evan took Chance’s hand and interlaced their fingers. “When you are ready to discuss the rest of the stuff that’s on your mind, I’ll be here to listen.”

  “Thanks, it’s not just about what’s in my mind, but I think my heart is opening up.”

  “It is?” Evan smiled.

  Chance kissed Evan’s cheek. “I’m starved. Let’s eat.”

  15

  Evan spread out a blanket on the floor of his office and slipped off his shoes. He sat down on the blanket as Chance pulled out the containers of food, as he sat down on the blanket.

  “So, was it important?” Evan asked.

  “What?”

  “The call you just made,” he smiled.

  “I called in the rest of the day and night,” he said.

  “Oh?”

  “Well, I know you have to get this place set up and I thought I could help. The truth is, I need a distraction. I don’t think I could focus on work and it wouldn’t be a good idea for me to work when I’m distracted.”

  “I can see where that would be dangerous. It’s not me that’s your distraction, is it?”

  “Well, being with you is not a distraction,” Chance took a bite of his hot sandwich. “I just have a lot of thoughts that I’m trying to sort out and I will. I have the weekend off, too. So, I’m all yours unless you have other plans.”

  “I’d like your help. I just don’t want to be the reason you’re not working,” Evan said, taking a sip of his coffee.

  “You’re not. I swear,” Chance said. “It’s just dangerous for me to be distracted. I already had the weekend off. I take a weekend a month off, and am only called in cases of emergencies.”

  “Aren’t all police calls emergencies?”

  “Mostly, but for a Chief to be called in, well, in this small town, it needs to be a robbery of a business, a rape of any citizen, or murder of any citizen.”

  “Does that happen a lot?”

  “What?”

  “Murders.”

  “We haven’t had a murder in about six years,” he said “At that time, it was a murder suicide, kind of solved itself.”

  “I guess so,” Evan said.

  “So, were you serious?”

  “About?”

  “Being my attorney.”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh, well, good. I do have some things that I need handled, but you mentioned putting together an agreement for Todd.”

  “Right,” he smiled. “You had a lawyer before? I mean, with your divorce?”

  “Yes,” he sighed. “Ed Joyner. He helped me with my divorce. That’s pretty much it. He’s only a divorce attorney.”

  “But you need one now?”

  “Just some real estate stuff,” he sighed. “I usually use whoever Janet recommends.”

  “You close to her?”

  “Pretty much. She’s a good person and my brother was so stupid for letting her go. But he hurt her too much. Not physically, but emotionally. Sometimes, that hurts worse.”

  “I know that one,” Evan muttered.

  “Do you want to talk?” Chance asked.

  “Um, about what?”

  Chance put his hand on Evan’s. “You’re so confident and sexy, and I love that about you. You also have been very quiet about something. I think it has to do with the scar.”

  “I really don’t wish to talk about it. I just can’t yet. Chance, I trust you. I really do, it’s like you said, a lot of stuff in my head that I have to sort out.”

  “I won’t push. I owe so much to you.”

  “You don’t owe me anything,” Evan said. “I like being with you. I think you’re sexy and amazing. I like having sex with you, as well as just hanging out with you, like this.”

  “I like this, too,” Chance said. “One day at a time, but serious, unless…”

  “No, Baby, I want us to be exclusive and get serious. I want you as my lover, my friend, and everything in between.”

  “So, just tell me one thing.”

  “Anything,” Evan said. “Anything.”

  “The money. Why are you paying Todd to leave me alone?”

  “Because he hurt you and I don’t want him to hurt you again. I have the money. I have some in savings. I don’t spend a lot and I have a good income. Well, I used to be a partner in the law firm and I worked way too much. I just never spent money. I help out when I can and you are one I want to help. I don’t give a fuck about money. If he asked for more, I would’ve given it to him just to make you happier.”

  “Well, I could sell some land and pay you back.”

  “Don’t. I don’t need it. I have too much for the way that I live.”

  “Then why do this?” he looked around the office.

  “I love the law and I love helping people,” Evan said. “It’s who I am and what I do.”

  “I get that about you,” Chance kissed his cheek. “I have to do something for you.”

  “You already offered. You can help me set up the office. I have a few more things I need to do and I have to hire an assistant. Emma mentioned that her sister is a paralegal.”

  “She worked for an attorney here and one in the city not too far away, but I think that she’s looking to find something local again. The attorney that had an office here, died. He was 95 and still practicing.”

  “That’s what I plan on doing,” Evan said. “I love what I do.”

  “Is that why you bought this office rather than lease it?”

  “Exactly. See? You know me very well.”

  “I know that I care about you. So, you’re sure about this money?”

  “Yes, Baby, I am. Now, let’s finish eating and then you can help me put the books on the shelf in my office. We can go over the agreement before we meet with Todd tomorrow.”

  “You sure you …” he smiled. “I’m sorry, Boss. Oh, and thanks for not saying that I was yours to him.”

  “I wanted to, but then he would get the wrong idea, and I don’t want that.”

  “I know,” Chance smiled. “You know me better than I know myself.”

  “You still have some more realizations about yourself, but I’m here to help you.”

  “And I’ll help you, Boss,” Chance grinned.

  16

  Chance took a deep breath as he sat at the big table in Evan’s conference room. He tapped his fingers on the mahogany table. He looked around the room and realized that yesterday, they did a lot of work to get the entire office into shape. He also noticed something special about Evan. He only picked the best quality for his office and for himself.

  Chance must be of some quality for Evan to want to be with him. He was feeling things he was afraid to admit. He was also nervous about this planned encounter with T
odd. He kept his sidearm holstered tightly against his hip. He knew Evan would handle the meeting, and all he had to do was sit back and watch his boss work. He loved calling Evan boss. It felt so wonderful, and he had no idea why. He also melted inside every time Evan called him Baby. From the first time, to every time.

  Evan walked into the room and leaned over the table. He brought his lips to Chance’s and pressed them softly. “Favor.”

  “Of course,” he said. “Anything for you.”

  “Spend the night with me tonight,” Evan brushed his mouth across Chance’s lips.

  “I’d love to, Boss,” he smiled.

  “Good. He should be here any minute. Please let me handle this. Now, I’m not trying to be controlling, but I think I can control this fucker and get him out of our lives for good.”

  “I understand,” Chance said. “I guess I’m not strong enough, right?”

  “That’s not what I mean. I just mean you two have a personal relationship and he treated you like shit. I won’t allow him to do that to you here.” Evan sat down next to him and took his hand. He kissed his knuckles lightly. “I don’t know exactly everything that he did to you, but whatever it was, you didn’t deserve it. I want to do this for you. I think you can handle yourself with him. You are finally realizing how wonderful and amazing you are. I do think that he’s gonna try to control the situation when he comes in. Don’t let him.”

  “I won’t,” Chance gazed into Evan’s eyes. “I’m sorry I got defensive.”

  Evan kissed his cheek. “It’s all right. I just said it the wrong way.” He stood up when the outside door chimed. “Baby, I’ll be right back.”

  Chance nodded and took a deep breath. He slowly released it, and placed his hands on his lap, under the table.

  Evan walked in front of Todd and pointed to a chair that was across the table from Chance. “Sit,” he commanded in a low, dominant tone.

  Todd sat down at the table and glared at Chance. “Don’t fucking even look at me.”

  Chance crossed his arms and continued to stare at Todd without saying a word. He knew exactly what he needed to do. He would gladly follow Evan’s advice. He needed to realize what Evan said was true. He was something important and the truth is, Todd was the loser. He was worthless.

  Evan sat down next to Chance and calmly opened the folder that was on the table, as he continued to look at Todd.

  “So, when do I get paid?” Todd crossed his arms.

  “I have a check right here for twenty thousand dollars payable to you, and all you have to do is agree to the following conditions.”

  “Like what?”

  “The first item is that you cannot call or write Mr. Endicott. That includes emails, letters, texts, phone calls on either work, home, or cell phones, as well as any other form of communication.”

  Todd’s eyes diverted to Chance. “On your knees, slave.”

  Chance looked at Evan and then back at Todd. “Fuck. You.” Chance held his breath as well as his impulse to jump across the table and strangle the bastard.

  “You were always good at that,” Todd grunted.

  Chance held on to his gun grip in his holster and squeezed. He could feel the anger rising up out of his body, but he had to maintain his composure. He knew Todd would try to gain control, and he did not have it. Evan had it. Evan was the one who was amazing.

  Evan looked at Todd. “Agree or what?”

  “Agree,” Todd grunted.

  “Next item,” Evan said. “You cannot go anywhere near Mr. Endicott. Not his home, his work, or anywhere he would possible be. You should stay out of Round River. Do not have any contact with Mr. Endicott or his family.”

  “Agreed,” Todd grunted.

  “Last item,” Evan said.

  Chance wasn’t sure what this one was, so he waited for Evan to speak. He could just imagine what Evan would say to Todd. He knew there were two items to agree to, but he couldn’t figure out what the third one could possibly be. He covered everything already.

  “What’s that? Isn’t this enough?” Todd groaned.

  Evan stood up. “On your knees,” he commanded.

  “What?” Todd stood up quickly. “I’m not sucking your dick.”

  “I said on your fucking knees,” Evan ordered. “You want your money, get the fuck on your knees right now.”

  Chance leaned forward, nervously looking at Evan. Evan didn’t even glance toward Chance, but he gently touched Chance’s shoulder with his hand. Chance knew he could trust Evan. He just knew it. He felt the warmth of Evan’s hand on his shoulder and it enveloped his entire body. Something was happening and it wasn’t nerves. It wasn’t fear. What the hell was it?

  Todd looked at Evan and realized he was serious. He dropped to his knees in a huff.

  Evan walked over and stood in front of Todd. “Eyes on me, you son-of-a-bitch,” he looked down at the man. “Does this make you worthless?”

  Todd looked up. “No.”

  “Do you know what makes you worthless?”

  “No,” he said.

  “You call others worthless but you have no idea what it takes to be worthless?”

  Todd gulped without saying a word.

  “Exactly,” Evan said. “If you cannot say what makes someone worthless, you are not in the position to make others feel that way. You are a fucker and a bastard. I hope the next man you are with, you actually love. On your feet.”

  Todd stood up and looked at Evan. “Do I get my money?”

  “Sign here,” he slid the paper over to him and Todd signed on the line.

  Todd stared at the check as Evan put it in his hands. “Is that it?”

  Evan looked at Todd. “If you break the agreement, I’ll have you arrested for fraud. Do you hear me?”

  “Um, yes,” Todd said.

  “And one more thing,” Evan said.

  “What’s that? I signed your damn agreement,” Todd grunted.

  “When you leave, don’t even look at my lover,” he said.

  Todd raised an eyebrow and was about to speak, when he looked at the check in his hand. “I’m outta this town,” he hurried out of the conference room. The door chimed as it slammed shut.

  Evan snickered slightly and closed the folder. He looked over at Chance. “You all right? You’re awfully quiet.”

  Chance stood up. “Boss, do you remember when you said that there were places that we needed to be professional?”

  “Yes, City Hall and the police station,” he sighed. “Why? Is something wrong?”

  Chance walked over to him and took his hands. “What about here?”

  “Here?” Evan whispered.

  “Can I make love to you here?” Chance asked.

  Evan closed the conference door with his foot as Chance pushed him against the wall. He kissed his mouth hungrily and then Evan stopped. “Wait.”

  Chance gulped and stepped back. “I’m sorry, Boss.”

  “No, that’s not what I mean,” Evan said.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “You called it making love,” Evan said. “We’ve always called it sex or fucking.”

  “Oh,” Chance turned away and walked over to the window on the other side of the room. “I misspoke.”

  Evan walked over to him and pressed his chest against his back. He put his arms around him and pulled him closer. “Did you? Please, tell me,” he kissed his back.

  Chance turned around and faced Evan. “It’s too soon, right?”

  Evan looked into Chance’s eyes. “Tell me.”

  “I love you,” Chance whispered. “If you don’t…”

  Evan placed his finger over Chance’s lips. “I love you, too.”

  Chance dropped to his knees and Evan followed him to the floor.

  “Baby?”

  “You love me?”

  “Of course. You love me and I love you, Baby,” he said. “Haven’t you ever been loved before?”

  Chance looked into his eyes. “No,” he whispered.

&nbs
p; “Me either,” he said. “Not like this. Not like you. I’ve never had another man love me. Not ever. Not until you.”

  Chance took a deep breath, wrapped his arms around Evan, and hugged him tightly. “We kiss, make love, touch, embrace, but never hug,” he held on tightly as he whispered in his ear.

  Evan hugged him back tightly. “You’re right and this feels so damn good.” He slowly backed away. “Baby, you said you wanted to make love.”

  “Yes, Boss, I do,” he smiled. “I wanted to do it here, but now, I want to go home. To your home.”

  “I’d like that. It’s the weekend and we both don’t have to work so let’s spend the weekend in bed.”

  “I’d like that. I may have to feed Barney now and then,” Chance smiled as they both rose to their feet. “You kneeled with me.”

  “Yes, I did, Baby,” Evan said. “We just have to close up here and we can go.”

  “Sounds good to me,” Chance smiled.

  Chance and Evan walked out into the outer office and there stood Todd.

  “I thought you left,” Chance said.

  “Nah, I changed my mind. I want my cocksucker back,” he tossed the check on the floor. He held a knife in his other hand and lunged toward Evan.

  Chance pushed Evan out of the way and the knife entered his side. Todd pulled the knife out and raised it again. Evan quickly grabbed Chance’s gun out of his holster, aimed it at Todd, and fired. Bang!

  Todd held his chest as he dropped to his knees and then fell forward, dead.

  Evan pulled off his jacket and placed it against Chance’s wound. “Stay with me, Baby. Please. Don’t leave me.”

  Chance looked up at him and whispered. “I’m sorry,” he slowly passed out.

  Evan pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and dialed 911.

  17

  Evan paced outside the waiting room as Janet approached him. “Where is he?” Janet sobbed.

  “In surgery,” Evan sighed.

  Janet pointed to the waiting room and Evan followed her. “Thank you for calling me.”

  “I didn’t know who else to call besides the cops,” he said.

  “Yeah, they’re all in the lobby downstairs,” Janet said. “Evan, what the hell happened?”