Chance Encounter

by Alex Tempera

  Chad glared at Chance and then dropped down in the chair. “Dad is here. He can’t know.”

  “Where is he?” Evan said. “Maybe Chance knows him, too. And who the fuck is Domino?” he looked at his brother, but all he saw was shame in his face. “I won’t judge you, Chad. I swear. I’m not like the General. I know what hiding does to you.”

  Chance sighed. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t here to out you. I didn’t even know you two were related to Evan. I swear. Dominick, I’m sorry. I was just surprised. Now, Domino, or Chad, I don’t think you need to hide from your brother. Neither of you do, but it’s your life.”

  “Who the fuck is this?” the man said from behind.

  Chance and Evan turned around. Evan looked at Chance to see if there was another member of his family that he recognized, but there was nothing but a look of contempt. “General, this is my fiancé, Police Chief Charles Endicott.”

  “Police Chief?” he sneered.

  “Yes, Sir,” Chance said. “And I was a Marine for 10 years, I retired a full Master Sergeant.”

  His eyes widened. “They like fags in the Marines?”

  Chance smirked. “Yes, sir, we suck dick better than anyone,” he looked at Evan. “I’ll be outside.” He walked past the General and headed outside.

  The General looked at his sons. “What is the meaning of this, Evan? You are not allowed in this home.”

  “Yeah, well, I just wanted you all to see that I’m happy, successful, and I’m getting married. I knew you wouldn’t care and that you’d try to insult him, but he came anyway.” Evan turned on his heels and looked at his brothers. “I guess I’ll see you ‘round. If you need someone to talk to that won’t … well, you know where I live.” He walked out of the room and down the hall to the exit.

  Chance was leaning on the car as Evan walked out of the house. “That didn’t take long.”

  “We suck dick better than anyone?” Evan laughed.

  “Well, we do. Oh, I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help it. I’m not really sorry,” Chance laughed. “Well, sorry if it caused you pain.”

  “It didn’t. It was an adventure. I need a drink,” Evan smiled. “Can we get drunk tonight?”

  “Yeah, Boss, let’s go home. We’ll visit mom soon,” Chance said as he opened the car door for Evan. “I’ll drive, you just relax.”

  “Wait,” Chad said, as he ran from the house over to the men.

  Evan turned around. “What?”

  “Don’t tell Dad.”

  “I don’t tell shit to the General.”

  “He called me Domino. Did he tell you why he called me that?”

  “No, I didn’t. It’s not my secret to tell. I’m sorry I outed you partly,” Chance apologized.

  “It’s OK, and thanks for not saying a word,” Chad sighed. “The Bartlett Club in Barrington?”

  “Yeah, what about it?” Evan asked.

  “I’m the headliner when I’m in town. Domino is my stage name. I’m Darla Domino,” he said. “I’m a drag queen.”

  “Oh, seriously?” Evan smiled. “Then why did you hate me because I’m gay?”

  “Little brother, I never hated you because you were gay. I hated you because…” he stopped.

  “Why?”

  “Because you were the only one who had the balls to tell dad the truth about yourself and to escape. I’m sorry that he hurt you and you had to stop being a surgeon.”

  “It’s all right. Don’t apologize for him. Tell Dominick that you two are welcome in my … our home … anytime. I meant it when I said you could talk to me. I may be your little brother, but I understand shame and you should never be ashamed of who you truly are.”

  “Thanks,” Chad extended his hand to Evan and he shook it. He then extended it to Chance. “Thanks.”

  “No problem. We’ll get word to you about our wedding. We’d like for you to come.”

  “Thank you,” Chad said. “I better get inside. I think it’s time I moved out.”

  “Well, if you’re looking for a place, there are two homes opening up in Round River soon,” Evan said.

  “Really?”

  “We’re building a home and we’ll be moving in as soon as we’re married. We live across the street from one another right now, but take turns staying at each other’s home.”

  “Thanks,” Chad said. “I’m just doing desk duty until my papers come in. I’m just about done.”

  “Well, I’m happy for you. Tell Dominick that I need to meet his Master soon,” Evan smiled.

  Chad nodded and headed into the house.

  Chance got in the driver’s side as Evan leaned back in the passenger seat. “So, you have to tell me one thing,” Evan smiled.

  “What’s that?”

  “I can see how you knew Dominick, but how did you know Chad or Domino?”

  “I saw his act a few times,” Chance started the car. “One of my deputies was also a drag queen. We used to see his act.”

  “Was?”

  “He was killed,” Chance said as he pulled down the long driveway. “He was walking to his car from the club one night and two men beat him with baseball bats.”

  “A hate crime?”

  “Yes,” Chance sighed heavily. “He was a good man and beautiful woman. Since it happened in Barrington and he was still in drag, they couldn’t charge the two assholes with the murder of a police officer, but they did get them for a hate crime, which added 10 years to their life sentences. You might’ve seen his photo on our memorial wall.”

  “Sam Reynolds?”

  “Yeah, our only officer to die by the hands of another and while still a police officer. We never had a death of an officer, except maybe after they retired.”

  “I’m sorry, Baby,” Evan said.

  “No, that’s OK,” Chance smiled. “Let’s go home.”

  “And someday, I do have to meet this Ed.”

  “Well, one night, after we’re married, I’ll take you to the club to meet him.”

  “Sounds interesting, but we’re not gonna …”

  “No, that’s not my thing,” Chance said.

  “What is your thing?” Evan smiled.

  “You, Boss,” Chance grinned.

  31

  Chance walked into the police station and over to the desk. He smiled at Emma. “I won’t be back until next week, but I thought I’d check in with you.”

  “Everything is fine, sir,” Emma said. “I want you to know that we all miss you.”

  “Really? Everyone?” he snickered.

  “Look behind you, sir,” she pointed.

  As Chance turned around, she walked around the counter and joined the line of officers who were standing in a salute form in front of Chance. “At ease,” he smiled. “Thank you.”

  The men stood at ease and nodded to the Chief. “Sir, welcome back,” Hank Philips, his deputy chief, said.

  “Thank you. I’ll be back officially next Monday. Now, the reason for the delay is that on Friday, Evan and I are getting married. I know it’s short notice, but you are all invited to the wedding. It’ll be in the park in at dusk.”

  The men took turns shaking his hand and walked away, but Hank stayed. He looked at Chance. “You’re happy, sir?”

  “Very,” Chance said. “I promise, I’ll be a better chief. The side still is sore but I’d rather be alive and in pain, then dead.”

  “Very good, sir,” Hank said. “I did my best to cover for you.”

  “I’m sure you did fine. I know you did fine, but there is one thing.”

  “What’s that?”

  “If you are going to solve fights between Tom and Lloyd, you really need to brush up on your trivia.”

  “I know,” Hank sighed. “I have no idea who played first base for the Yankees in 1905.”

  “Jack Doyle. He played for one season,” Chance answered.

  “Or who wrote The Star-Spangled Banner,” Hank said.

  “Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics and they put it to the music of John Staffo
rd Smith,” Chance grinned. “You don’t know that?”

  “Hell, it wasn’t like it was on the exam at the police academy. Sir, what do I do?”

  “First, use Google when all else fails. Put the damn app on your phone. Second, don’t let them know you googled it.”

  “Do you do that?”

  “No, but usually they argue sports and music. With sports, it’s always who played what in what year on the Yankees. It’s always the Yankees. Never mention the Mets, either. Don’t know why. Fists will fly between them and with you. I got tired of arresting them for simple assault. With music, I know my music. The sports stuff, I bought a book about Yankee trivia,” he said. “It prevents a lot of their fist fights.”

  “I’ll do that,” Hank said. “Sir, I can’t wait until you’re back.”

  “Me either,” he said. “Oh, Hank, would you do me a favor?”

  “Sure,” he said. “Anything.”

  “Be my best man,” Chance asked.

  “Sir, are you sure?”

  “Very. I’d be honored,” Chance smiled.

  “I’d love to, sir,” Hank smiled.

  “Well, thanks. I’ll call you later with details. Class A dress blues will be fine,” Chance said, looking at his watch. “I have to pick Evan up, he’s meeting my mother.”

  “I thought you did that a few weeks ago,” Hank said.

  “She had plans to go on some tour bus thing that went to the city. Like she’s never seen Manhattan before,” he shrugged. “Yeah, he hasn’t met her yet.”

  “But you met his family right?”

  “Oh, yeah, not something I’d wish on anyone,” he said. “I’ll call you tomorrow with the details.” He shook Hank’s hand and walked out of the building.

  Hank walked over to Emma. “Now, that’s our chief back.” He smiled.

  “And all it took was falling in love with the right man. We should all be so lucky,” she smiled.

  “What about you? You’re married.”

  “Yeah, 19 years, and we get along when I’m at work,” she smiled. “That’s why I work double shifts now.”

  “I thought it was for the money.”

  “Yeah, for my divorce fund,” she laughed slightly.

  Chance took Evan’s hand and led him into the large building that looked like a regular apartment complex. They walked down a long hall and stopped in front of the door that had a large black number 6 on it, and underneath that, a nameplate that just said Endicott. Chance knocked on the door and took a deep breath.

  Jane Endicott opened the door and smiled at her son. Her silver hair was neatly pulled back into a long ponytail and her large hoop earrings sparkled and swung from her lobes as she hugged her son. “Charlie, you look so good.”

  “Charlie?” Evan smiled.

  “Yes, only my mother calls me that,” he said. “Mom, this is Evan. My fiancé.”

  “Nice to meet you, Ms. Endicott,” Evan said, as they followed her into her apartment.

  “Nonsense, call me Jane,” she smiled as she leaned up and kissed his cheek. “Please, you two, sit at the table. I have coffee or tea.”

  “Coffee,” Chance said. “Mom, I know you’re busy but I wanted to talk to you.”

  Evan looked around at the small, but spacious apartment. The walls were covered in framed photos of Chance, Janet, and another man he figured was Edgar, as well as paintings of flowers and still life. A brightly afghan was spread out on a worn but stylish sofa.

  Jane poured them all a cup of coffee and then sat down. “Listen, Charlie, I’ll be at that wedding, with bells on. Your brother won’t be there, so don’t worry about it.”

  “I know, Mom, and thanks for not letting Edgar know. He’d try to ruin it. I swore Janet to secrecy.”

  “She’s a lovely girl. Too bad she married that damn bum,” Jane said. “And you,” she looked at Evan. “What do you do for a living?”

  “Um, I’m a lawyer and the mayor of Round River,” Evan said.

  “Hmm, a politician?” she raised an eyebrow.

  “Mom, he’s a good one. Honest. Hard working. He took care of me …” he stopped.

  “When that bastard stabbed you? Yeah, I knew. Think you could keep it a secret. Famous police chief gets stabbed? I knew.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?” Chance asked.

  “You’d worry about me because I’d be worrying about you. Of course I worried. I just didn’t want you to be extra stressed over it. Charlie, you’re my boy. My pride and joy. I was on the phone every day with that nurse Mona. Such a lovely girl.”

  “Momma, she’s about 50 years old.”

  “Lovely girl, I say,” Jane said. “Charlie, at my age, any woman who has less wrinkles than I do is a girl.”

  Evan laughed slightly. “I like you, Jane,” he kissed her cheek.

  “So, you got a mother?”

  “Died when I was a kid,” Evan said.

  Jane patted his hand. “I’m sorry. Well, she loves you, you know.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Any mother would be proud to have you as a son,” she smiled. “And on Friday, you will be my son, too. Do you mind having an old lady around?”

  “You’re not old,” Evan smiled.

  “Bless your heart, but I know how many wrinkles I have and how many tries it takes for me to get out of bed in the morning,” she smiled. “So?”

  “I’d love it,” Evan said. “I really would.”

  “Good,” Jane smiled. “So, you’re building a new house finally?”

  “Yes, that’s the thing I wanted to talk to you about.”

  “Oh, sounds important,” Jane said. “You’re not pregnant, are you?”

  “Mom?” Chance raised an eyebrow and Evan laughed.

  “Well, you never know, New York gave you great men the right to get married, I figured having kids was next,” she smirked.

  “Not even funny or possible,” Chance laughed.

  “Well, who knows what these doctors will come up with nowadays,” she smiled. “It’s about time a man got pregnant and had all the joys that hemorrhoids, water retention, and labor have to offer.”

  Evan looked at Chance and then his mother. “I think I’m gonna like being part of this family.”

  “Oh, Boss, you’re already there,” Chance said.

  “Boss?” she raised an eyebrow.

  “Um,” Chance looked at his mother. “I, well, that’s just what I call him.”

  Jane laughed. “It’s fine, Charlie. I get it, and I like it. What does he call you?”

  “I call him baby,” Evan said.

  “So, was it love at first sight?”

  “No, but he was kind of cute,” Evan smiled. “All wet when he pulled me over.”

  “You pulled him over?” Jane sipped her coffee. “That’s how you met?”

  “He was driving too slow,” Chance said. “That’s all. It was raining and he couldn’t see. Anyway, Mom, I wanted to talk about the house.”

  “It’s your house now, Charlie. You bought it, remember?” she smiled. “What’s wrong?”

  “Well, I didn’t know what you wanted me to do with it.”

  “Tell me your options,” Jane smiled.

  “Well, one is to rent it out and the other would be to sell it,” Chance said.

  Jane looked at Evan. “Do you have a home?”

  “Yes, and I’m selling it to my older brother,” Evan said.

  “And this house you’re building, it’ll be done, when?”

  “By next week,” Chance said. “We designed it and I paid extra to have it done quicker. The builders are working around the clock.”

  “I can’t wait to see it,” Jane smiled.

  “You will. Once we get settled in, we will have you and your … um, friend Brian over.”

  “I heard he met you,” she said.

  “Yes, briefly. As long as he treats you well,” Chance said.

  “He treats me like a queen,” she smiled. “Of course, I deserve it. We all
deserve it.”

  “You’re right,” Evan said as he patted her hand. “We all deserve it.”

  Chance sipped his coffee. “Of course, Mom, thanks,” he said.

  “I love you, Charlie, and I’m glad you both decided to take a chance with each other,” she smirked.

  “Oh, you are so funny, mother,” Chance grinned.

  32

  Evan put the last of his books in the boxes. He looked around the room and sighed. “Hmm, so much has happened in the few months that I’ve been here,” he whispered to himself. “Yeah, now I’m talking to myself. Chance is really rubbing off on me, and hell, I love it. Oh, fuck, here I go again.”

  He taped up the box, as there was a knock on the door. He answered the door and smiled. “Elaine, great, thanks for coming.”

  “No problem, sir. What can I do for you?”

  “We’re only going away for the weekend for our honeymoon.”

  “Where you two off to?”

  “Have no idea. Chance said it was a surprise. I can just imagine,” Evan smiled. “But, anyway, there are three motions that need to be filed tomorrow morning and I don’t have time to do it.”

  “I can do that. You getting excited?”

  “Anxious. I can’t wait to be married to Chance,” he smiled. “Um, there is something else.”

  “Anything,” she smiled.

  “There are some final fliers that need to be mailed out for the campaign.”

  “Sir, if I may say something.”

  “What is it?” Evan asked as he pointed to the chair in the living room. They both sat down.

  “Why do a campaign if you’re the only one running?” she smiled.

  “It’s the law or whatever. We have to do an election and I have to officially campaign, and then be voted in. You and Emma have done so much for both Chance and me. And you, helping with the campaign and being my assistant.”

  “Of course. Thank you for allowing me to work for you,” she said.

  “Um, there is one more thing,” Evan said. “Now, I just found out but I think everyone saw this coming.”

  “What is it?”

  “Agnes wants to work for Judge Washington,” he smiled.

  “Oh, really?”

  “Yeah, she said she’ll stay my assistant until the election in three weeks, but then she wants to go to the courtroom and assist him there.”