“Why don’t you say it, Saul? We’re all thinking it. Then we can figure out the next best step for Colin’s benefit.”
Saul let out a long, morose sigh. “This is the exact thing I was afraid of when that gadabout first arrived here and latched on to Colin so fast.”
Aaron couldn’t help but feel responsible for at least some of the anguish caused by the current situation. “I’ll admit it does seem as if you were right all along. I sympathize with his family situation, the anguish of losing his mother, but enough time has passed that he could at least have given Colin an idea as to when he’d be back.”
“Or if he’s coming back. That’s the worst of it there, old sport. That he’s too much of a coward to face the poor thing with the truth.”
“What about the rent on their house? Should we pack up Colin’s things, just in case?”
Saul gave another harsh pull on his stogie before answering. “I asked him about that, and he said Roddy had already paid for two months, so there’s still a little time before that becomes a concern.”
Aaron perked up. “Well, that seems like a good indicator. If he paid rent in advance, perhaps there’s another reason for his non-communication.”
“Or, he rented a house as opposed to buying one, then paid for two months’ worth of playtime with the virginal Colin. The unfortunate event of his mother’s passing may have merely cut his pleasure quest short.”
“Yes, but he also paid for a full membership here and worked with you and Theo on his Master training.”
Saul stubbed out his cigar, smashing it to bits as he did. “He seems to have plenty of liquid assets. The training and shows here have only likely enhanced his repertoire for future carnal pursuits.”
Aaron had run out of scenarios to explain why Roddy would’ve practically disappeared on them. They didn’t even have the farm’s number. The only clue to his location was the return address on the letter Colin had received. Aaron had suggested they call the town’s sheriff or the police station to get a message to Roddy, imploring him to call. Colin hadn’t wanted to pester him so they’d let the idea drop. It’d made his heart clutch the day he’d driven Colin to the post office to mail a reply to Roddy. None of the spark that everyone had always associated with the young man had been present.
“In the past week, Kenneth has taken to crying as well. This has greatly upset him.”
“Oh dear.”
Aaron frowned. It wasn’t fair to everyone involved to remain in mystery over Roddy’s intentions. He made up his mind. If there was no further word from Roddy by the end of the week, he’d take it upon himself to contact the authorities in Louisville. He might even enlist Chief O’Brien’s help if necessary.
A knock sounded on the door.
“Come in.”
Javier entered the room, closing the door behind him. “Excuse me for the interruption, Sirs, but it’s Colin. He seems to have gone missing.”
* * * *
Colin wasn‘t very proud of himself, but he’d reached the conclusion that he had no other choice than to go to Roddy in Kentucky. As he hurried down the dark sidewalk in the cold November air, he rubbed his thumb over the envelope stuffed in his coat pocket. He didn’t want to wear off the address, even if he knew it by heart, so he forced himself to leave it alone.
It hadn’t been very difficult to slip away unnoticed from the submissives’ room while Javier had been distracted by a new boy who’d punched Francesco and caused quite a ruckus. Colin felt bad over what’d happened to his friend. The new submissive hadn’t known what to make of the feisty Francesco.
But when the opportunity had presented itself, Colin had impulsively grabbed it. He’d been mulling the idea over for almost a week. Even though Master Aaron had suggested they send a sheriff or someone over to the farm to give Roddy a message to call, the better idea in Colin’s opinion was for him to go to Roddy. He knew the Masters didn’t have much faith in his and Roddy’s love, but Colin did.
Ever since Roddy had left that day a month before, Colin realized that what he should’ve said to him that day was ‘I love you’. Those words were too important to be said over the phone or in a letter. He needed to tell Roddy face to face. If for some reason, Roddy was afraid to return to California because he didn’t think Colin really loved and wanted him, then Colin would make sure he knew by showing up in person.
Once he’d been presented with the perfect diversion, he’d rushed to the other side of the floor then picked the lock of his old room. Saul had told him that it’d been left unused, and that he could retrieve the rest of his belongings whenever he wished. So he’d quickly dressed in the warmer things, stuffing a comb and toothbrush in one pocket and the letter with what little money he had in the other.
Colin glanced behind him as headlights drew closer. He hunched his shoulders, pulling his newsboy cap lower on his head. The car motored past him without slowing and he relaxed again, straightening his posture. By his calculations, once he’d taken out the sixty-five dollars he needed for the train fare to Louisville, that only left him a little over twenty dollars for food and car fares to and from the train station.
Once he reached Colorado Boulevard in downtown Pasadena, he’d see about hiring a taxi or maybe sleeping on a bench for the electric railcars so he could take one of those in the morning. It was the cheaper option, but Saul and the other Masters would likely be searching for him soon, so the quicker he got out of town, the better.
The rattling engine of another approaching car skipped his heart rate up a notch. He didn’t like running and hiding from the people who’d always been so good to him, but he also knew they would’ve tried to talk him out of going after Roddy. He loved everyone at Hampton Road, especially Master Saul, but they didn’t understand how powerful the bonds were between him and Roddy.
Despite the chill in the air, the longer he marched down the street, the hotter and heavier his coat became. He was also exhausted. He hadn’t slept well in a long while and he figured he’d already walked at least a few miles. In addition, the soles of his feet ached.
Taxi. I’d rather go without food if I can get a nice ride to the train station.
He let out a sigh and kept pushing forward. He allowed himself to rub his thumb across the thick paper of the stationery one more time.
I’ll be there soon, Sir. I promise.
* * * *
“How in heaven’s name could we lose a half-naked boy? Has the staff checked all the rooms?”
Saul wanted to throttle someone, he just wasn’t sure who.
Roddy.
Why he’d ever let that rapscallion get anywhere near Colin in the first place, he’d never know. If only he’d come up with the idea of doing background checks before then, he could’ve at least known what he was dealing with.
He started at the feel of someone’s hand on his shoulder. He whipped around to face Aaron. His friend had a flush to his cheeks as he panted out quick breaths.
“I informed the guard and he put up the black wreath on the gate. We won’t have to worry about any more members dropping in tonight.”
“Excellent. Thank you.”
Saul took a deep breath to calm himself. He wouldn’t be of any help to anyone if he couldn’t get his emotions under control. Kenneth was with Sam and Evan, Theodore had taken a devastated Francesco home. Not only had he been upset over getting socked in the face, but he blamed himself that Colin had left.
“Saul, I think it’s safe to say that Colin has gone after Roddy. You said that when Javier checked his old room, the door was unlocked and the closet was open?”
“Yes. So why are we standing here? The staff can continue searching the club while we search the outside. As soon as we find him, then we can…well… We’ll bring him back of course.”
Aaron arched his eyebrows at him. “Will we?”
Saul gaped at Aaron. How could he ask such a thing? “We can’t just let him run off with that…that…” Saul threw his hands in the air. He’d
run out of adjectives to adequately describe his distaste for Roddy.
“With the man he loves?”
Saul let out an exasperated sigh. “Forgive me old sport, but I simply don’t have the stomach for riddles this evening. What are you trying to say?”
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but didn’t we go to great lengths to protect Sam, an adult man, from being dragged back home by his father?”
Saul huffed. “It’s hardly the same scenario.”
“In some ways, no. But in most ways, yes. We can’t stop him, nor should we try, from going to his lover, the man he sees as his Master. No matter our opinion, it’s Colin’s life, Colin’s choice.”
“This is preposterous!” Saul needed a cigar. A brandy. A glass to throw. “So what do you propose we do? Let him run around at night with only the clothes on his back as he heads to a strange city on a train all by him…” Saul’s face heated. “Don’t say it. I’m quite aware how he got to Los Angeles in the first place.” Saul pointed a finger at Aaron. “But that doesn’t mean he has to do it again!” He put a hand to his forehead. “Especially if we can find him before he leaves to make sure he has plenty of cash and how to contact us if he needs any help.”
Aaron patted Saul’s back, smiling. “I think that’s a grand idea. What if you and I take my car and Ned takes his car and we try different areas where he might be?”
“Sir? If I may?”
They both angled around to face Javier.
“Yes, Javier. Any news?”
“No, I’m afraid not. But I’d like to aid in the search for young Colin. Bruce and George can handle any security concerns and Michael has progressed greatly in his role here at the club. If there are any questions or needs for our remaining guests, I’m sure he’ll manage them just fine.”
“I see.” Interesting. He’d noticed that Michael and Javier had been spending a lot of time together recently. “If you’re confident in them, then I’ll take your word. But I want to get started right away. Javier, would you mind fetching Ned? I believe he’s still on the third floor.”
“Yes, he is. I’ll go get him.”
“Good. Once we’re all here, we can decide which way—”
“Master Saul! Come to the gate, quickly!”
They all exchanged glances.
What is Bruce yelling about from the front door? Has Colin come back?
* * * *
Once he’d reached the first bus bench he saw on Colorado Boulevard, he’d dropped onto the seat, his feet throbbing in his Oxfords. He’d changed into his best shoes so that he’d be nice and spiffy when he met Roddy’s family. Even if he’d have to pretend they were only friends, he didn’t want them to get the idea that he was some sort of ragamuffin.
So he’d decided to rest for a short while before he continued his search for a public telephone. He rotated his feet then wiggled his toes inside the stiff shoes. Gasping, he jerked his head up, momentarily disoriented. He realized he must have dozed off while sitting there. He shook out his hands then glanced around surreptitiously. It was getting later and even though he was on a main thoroughfare, it was rather quiet.
The noise of an approaching automobile caught his attention. The headlights blinded him, so he put up his hand to shield his eyes. His stomach seemed to climb in his throat as the vehicle slowed down more and more the closer it drew to him. Right as it came to a complete stop he shot to his feet, bracing himself to take off, sore feet be damned.
“Darling, wait!”
Colin fell back on the bench, his strength drained from him.
It can’t be.
All the doors of what he now recognized as Aaron’s red motorcar flung open, men pouring out. The only one he saw under the pitiful glow of the street lamp, though, was Roddy. His arms were outstretched as he ran toward him, but Colin still couldn’t move. He was transfixed, his heart and stomach twisted up to the point that he had trouble breathing.
Roddy dropped on the bench next to him, then pulled him close. “Oh, darling, when they told me you were missing, I was frantic.” Roddy gazed around the area, undoubtedly verifying that no one else was about. “Where were you going?”
A sob burst out of him. He’s here. Roddy’s here and he’s holding me. He couldn’t control the tears, couldn’t let go of Roddy.
“Oh, sweet darling, let’s get you back to the club.” Roddy tightened his embrace. “Saul tells me I’m in big trouble, so let’s get where it’s warm and private, and I’ll explain everything that’s gone on.”
Colin could only nod, words failing as he hiccupped through each breath and tried to regain control of his emotions. Right as they were all about to climb back into Aaron’s car, Colin took a big breath then pushed out the words he’d been aching to say to Roddy for a month.
“I love you.”
He inhaled on a shuddering breath as everyone froze. A slow grin filled Roddy’s face and he leaned in next to his ear, Roddy’s voice husky, the air warm as it wafted over his skin.
“I love you too, darling. I would’ve written it in the letter, but it’s too important of a thing to say and I wanted to wait until we were together again to tell you in person.”
Colin gasped, his heart instantly lightened. “Yes! That’s exactly what I thought too. That was where I was going.”
Roddy furrowed his brow. “Where was that?”
“To tell you in person.”
* * * *
Roddy had almost balled everything up. He’d been so secure in the relationship he shared with Colin, that he’d wrongly assumed that he could simply set it aside temporarily until he’d handled all of his familial obligations. He’d made sure Colin was in good hands before he’d left, and while his letter had been short, he’d been certain to remind Colin that he missed him and would be back soon.
I suppose it wasn’t very specific.
Roddy lounged in a love seat in the club’s study, his feet propped on an ottoman. Colin slept soundly, lying across his body, his fingers curled in the fabric of Roddy’s shirt as if to keep him from disappearing. A wave of shame passed over him. He’d make it up to the little thing and then some.
A fire blazed in the fireplace, heating the room nicely. Saul would be back at any moment after he’d settled Kenneth in one of the private rooms. It was too late and they were all too exhausted to bother with going home. Roddy’s shame had been even greater when Kenneth had run to them as they’d returned, tears falling as he asked Colin if he was okay. It was obvious that during his absence, Colin and Kenneth had grown much closer.
The door creaked open and Saul entered. He no longer regarded Roddy with undisguised fury, so things had greatly improved. The light cast from the blaze was the only illumination, but it was plenty to get about the room. Saul held up a snifter.
“Brandy?”
“No thank you. I have my arms filled with boy.” Roddy winked.
Saul didn’t break his gaze as if pondering how he wanted to respond. At last, he nodded lightly, a small smile pulling at the corners of his lips. “Indeed they are.”
After he’d poured himself a healthy amount of drink, Saul dragged one of the wing chairs closer before taking a seat. Roddy assumed it was because he wanted to keep his voice low so as not to disturb Colin.
“So.” Saul leaned in, resting his elbow on the arm of the chair. “The only reason you didn’t contact him more was because you assumed it wasn’t necessary? That everything was fine?”
Roddy sighed. “In hindsight, I can see I was mistaken in my actions. But at the time, I felt that he was in excellent hands, I’d promised I’d be back, had sent him a letter to remind him how much I missed him and would let him know when I’d be back…I never thought it would be interpreted as a lack of interest on my part.”
“Hmm.” Saul swirled his drink in the bowl of his glass. “I have to take some blame too. I fear I was expecting the worst, so that’s right where my thoughts went to.”
Roddy swallowed hard. He adored the club and h
ad a great affection for Saul—after all, he’d been one of his trainers—but he worried that their relationship would be permanently damaged by what had happened.
“Then you have doubts about my intentions toward Colin?”
Saul glanced down, then took a sip of his drink before raising his eyes again. “I did. Then as you settled in together at the rental, and seemed so excited about buying the house, I decided I’d been judging you too harshly because I’m so overprotective of Colin.” He chuckled. “Aaron especially has been taking me to task for my behavior.”
Roddy was surprised at Saul’s revelation. “How so?”
“He’s reminded me, repeatedly, that Colin is an adult and that his affairs of the heart are none of my damn business.”
“But then you all thought I’d deserted him.”
“Can you see how it appeared on our end?”
“I do. Regrettably so. I plan to make it up to him over and over until the poor darling forgets it ever happened.”
“I believe you. Seeing you both together tonight, it eased something inside me. It’s obvious you love him just as much as he adores you.”
“Thank you, Saul. I’ll never be parted from him again if I have any say in it.”
They sat together in silence for a while, the crackling noise and flicker of flames from the fire almost hypnotizing him. Saul broke the quiet.
“So what happens now in Louisville? Are you taking him back there?”
Roddy shook his head. “I won’t pretend I hadn’t considered it, but I had a rather startling conversation with my father late one night.”
Saul arched his eyebrows, as if quite interested. “Oh?”
“I had mixed feelings about what he told me at first. But after some lengthy consideration, I’m glad he did.”
“Well? Out with it.”
Begging to Serve Page 15
