Partners

by Kira Chase

  “Dammit! Enough with this beating around the bush! What the hell is going on?” Trey demanded breaking the uncomfortable silence and startling Will. “What is the little secret from your past?” He glared at Will. “Tell me!” he shouted.

  Will's lips trembled and he seemed incapable of meeting Trey's eyes. “I…I—” he began.

  “For God's sake, Will!” Kyle interrupted. He looked at Frankie and Johanna and then sat looking directly at Trey. “He has a kid. My wife Brenna and I have been raising Bobby.”

  Chapter 6

  Will's face fell. “I didn't know,” he whispered hoarsely. “Trey, I swear, I didn't know,” he cried.

  Kyle looked at him and slowly shook his head in disgust. “Quit crying like a baby, Will. Good thing the guys on the high school team didn't know the real you.” He smirked. “Now you know his little secret and why he owes me.” He looked at each of them for a full minute, and then spoke again. “Does that answer your question?”

  Johanna's jaw dropped as she looked in shock at Will. He'd gone white and sat stiffly as tears wet his face. Kyle sat relaxed and self-satisfied while Trey looked like he'd just been kicked in the stomach. When she looked at Frankie, the sparks in Frankie's eyes told her she was ready to erupt. Frankie didn't buy it and neither did she. Something was off and she was determined to find out what.

  “You want us to believe that your wife and you are raising Will's son,” Frankie stated. She slowly shook her head back and forth. “So, we just take your word for it?” Her eyes blazed and her voice was steely. “Where's the proof?”

  “We are raising Will's son and I don't care what you believe.” He sat back with a smug look on his face. “We have all the proof we need.”

  Johanna was infuriated and wished she could slap the look off his pompous face and had to force herself to stay seated. She looked at Frankie and lifted an eyebrow. Frankie now had an amused expression on her face. Johanna was confused about Frankie's anger and now sudden amusement, but trusted Frankie's judgment in her sudden change.

  “So,” Frankie continued, “you really want us to believe that you and your wife are raising your high school teammate's son?” She laughed. “Incredible!”

  “It's the truth and personally I don't give a damn what someone like you thinks. Stay the hell out of it. It's none of your damned business.”

  “I'm making it my business,” Frankie said flatly. “Trey and Will have been our friends for years. Something doesn't smell right here. There are too many unanswered questions.”

  “Maybe I didn't make myself clear,” Kyle said glaring at Frankie. “Why don't you and your girlfriend get the hell out of here now! Or do I have to throw you out?”

  Kyle started to rise, but before he got half way, Trey was on his feet, and before anyone could stop him, rushed at Kyle, grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him the rest of the way out of his chair. “Get the fuck out of my home!” he snarled.

  Frankie and Johanna were instantly on their feet, grabbing at Trey's arms, but not before Trey swung his arm back and then brought it forward and with a closed fist, smashed it into Kyle's mouth. Kyle propelled back into his chair. Blood spurted from his lip and he quickly covered his mouth with his hand. The women held Trey's arms while Kyle got back to his feet and stood threateningly in front of them.

  Kyle turned to Will who still sat in his chair staring, as though dazed, at the scene that had just unfolded in front of him. “Call the police! I'm filing charges against your boyfriend!”

  “Go ahead. I want you out of my house now!” Trey shouted.

  Will made no effort to make the call so Kyle pulled his cell phone from the front pocket of his pants. “I'll do it myself,” he snarled.

  Johanna knew she had to act fast. Before he could punch in what she assumed would be nine-one-one, she slapped the phone out of his hand. It clattered to the hardwood floor. Johanna didn't know if it had broken and at this point, she didn't care. She wasn't going to let Trey be arrested by the police for defending his home and property.

  Kyle panted as he glared at her. His chest heaved up and down and the coldness in his eyes sent a shiver down her spine. His eyes looked demented. There was so much he wasn't telling them about why he was really here. Will's lack of defense for his partner disturbed her deeply and she didn't know if Trey and Will would ever be able to repair their relationship. She believed Will was innocent of fathering the boy, but there was more to it and she was determined to find out what else Kyle was holding over him. It had to be crushing for Will to turn his back on Trey.

  “You want charges against you, too?” Kyle sputtered as blood dripped onto his chin. “Don't press your luck, bitch.”

  “Shut up, Kyle!” Will said.

  Johanna was surprised he'd finally spoken. He joined the three of them who now surrounded Kyle.

  Kyle smirked at Will. “I was beginning to think the cat had your tongue. Of course, it's obvious to see that you’re the weaker link in your relationship.” His eyes narrowed. “One thing you'd better get straight, Will. Don't you ever dare to tell me to shut up again or I swear I'll break you in two!”

  Trey struggled against Frankie and Johanna who still had his arms tightly in their grasp. “I said get the hell out of my house,” he demanded.

  “Stop!” Frankie said. “I'll call George. He can straighten this mess out.”

  “Who the hell is George? I want to file charges.”

  “George is the local sheriff,” Frankie said.

  “I'd rather have the police.”

  “The sheriff has jurisdiction here,” Frankie replied as she roughly shoved Kyle back into his chair. “And you'd better think twice about the threats you made.” She grabbed her phone and moved to the other side of the room to call George.

  “This house will be mine when I get done suing his ass,” Kyle retorted. “You can count on that.”

  “Nice way to make a living,” Johanna mocked him. “Now sit there and shut up.”

  Kyle opened his mouth, and then quickly closed it, but his eyes simmered as he stared at them.

  “Sit down, Trey,” Johanna said gently as she led him back to his chair.

  “I want him out, too,” Trey whispered nodding his head in Will's direction.

  Johanna's gaze followed to where Trey nodded. She noted that Will had also moved back to his own chair and sat looking painfully at Trey. She tried to muster some sympathy for the man, but found it impossible.

  Frankie walked back to the center of the room. “George will be here as quickly as he can,” she said. She looked at Kyle. “May I suggest that you rethink preferring charges against Trey?”

  “Not a chance,” he said through gritted teeth. “When I'm finished with Trey Daniels, he'll be begging me for a job.” His eyes narrowed. “Brenna and Bobby will be arriving tomorrow.” He nodded toward Will. “Do you have Bobby's room ready?”

  Will ran a hand over his eyes. “No. I haven't told Trey they were coming. They can't stay here. Especially now under the circumstances.”

  Kyle lifted an eyebrow in surprise. “Excuse me?”

  “You heard me.” Will sat up straighter seeming to have regained some control of his emotions.

  “You owe a lot of back child support.” Kyle glanced around. “Also, your share in this house should net a nice sum. I think Bobby's set to come into quite a bit of money.” He leaned forward. “He will be staying here.”

  Will shook his head. “He's not staying here. None of you are.”

  “You would do that to your son? Throw him out on the street?” Kyle asked.

  “What proof do you have that Bobby is Will's son? We're supposed to take your word for it? How do we know who your sister slept with?” Frankie asked.

  Kyle's face flamed. “Are you calling my sister a whore?”

  “I'm just stating facts,” Frankie replied evenly. “Where's the proof that Bobby is Will's son?”

  “My sister was a virgin before Will got her pregnant.”

  �
��And you know that how?” Frankie rolled her eyes. “DNA testing will prove if Bobby is or isn't Will's son. That'll put an end to it. But let me tell you my personal opinion,” she said walking in front of where Kyle sat. “There's no way in hell that I believe you've been raising Will's son because I don't believe Will has a son in the first place.”

  “I don't give a fuck what you do or don't believe. My parents raised him for as long as they could financially afford it. My wife and I took him in a couple years ago, but we can no longer afford his upkeep nor should I have to when his father can well afford to provide for him.”

  “Which hasn't been proven without a DNA test.” Her brow creased. “Will, we'll set up the test as soon as your alleged son gets here.”

  “Not alleged. Bobby is Will's son!” Kyle shouted.

  Frankie smiled sarcastically. “You know, Kyle, extortion is a felony.”

  Kyle's eyes turned into dark slits. “It would have to be proven.”

  Johanna smiled self-righteously. “And that's what Frankie and I do best.”

  * * * *

  George thoughtfully scratched his chin. “Are you sure you want to file charges against Trey?” The sheriff cast a sharp look at Kyle Martin.

  “Yes. He attacked me!” He jabbed a finger in Trey's direction. “I want him locked up.”

  Trey sat with his head in his hands. “Anyone in my place would have done the same.”

  George looked at Frankie. “What happened here?”

  “Shouldn't you be arresting him for assaulting me? He needs handcuffs on. He's violent!” Kyle shouted.

  “I need to establish what went on here tonight. I'll get to you in a minute. Your outbursts aren't helping you,” George said sternly.

  Kyle clenched his fists. “Oh, I get it! You're all friends, so you'll just let him go. So much for justice!” he shouted. “I want the police.”

  Frankie observed George's changing expressions. Kyle had already made a bad impression on the man and he didn't realize or maybe he didn't care that he was making the situation worse. George's jaw tightened. That would play in Trey's favor. She'd be damned if she'd be a witness for Kyle Martin. He's the one who should be arrested as far as she was concerned. By mentioning the police, she knew Kyle had made a big mistake and that wouldn't go over well with George. This was his jurisdiction and although the Sheriff's Department and the police worked major cases together, this certainly didn't fit the criteria.

  George walked over to Kyle and stood in front of him. “You'd better get one thing straight. Don't you dare accuse me of showing favoritism.” He pulled out his phone. “Do you want the police? Are you sure? I'll give you a minute to think about it.” He paused. “But let me warn you. I have jurisdiction here and the first thing the police will want to know is why you’re calling them when I'm already here.”

  “So? What difference does it make?” Kyle shrugged. “It's a conflict of interest.”

  George eyed him carefully. “It makes a big difference. They'll assume I needed help here.”

  Kyle shrugged again. “So?”

  George exhaled loudly. “Since I don't know what's going on here, it might just be that Trey is defending his home and property.”

  “I was viciously attacked!” Kyle insisted. “If you don't arrest him I'll sue this whole fucking town!”

  George nodded. “So, you said, but by your demeanor, I don't know what happened here except what I can observe. And right now, if you still want me to summon the police, I will give them my assessment. You seem to be the only one out of control here.”

  Kyle seethed and his breathing grew heavy. “Just arrest him. I want this over with.”

  The Sheriff frowned. “Not so fast. First, let Frankie answer my questions.” He walked over to Frankie. “Tell me what happened here tonight, Frankie.” He turned and looked at Kyle. “Before you ask again, I'm questioning Frankie first because she made the initial call. Do you have a problem with that?”

  Kyle shook his head and sat glumly eying the man.

  Frankie glanced at Trey again. She wondered what was going through his mind. His whole world had been turned upside down and unless Will had a plausible explanation, she didn't see how their relationship could be repaired. Trey's heart had been shredded.

  She leaned back in her seat. “Johanna and I were invited to dinner. From the minute we were introduced to Kyle Martin he has been nothing short of rude, threatening and combative.” Her eyes narrowed. “He claims that Will invited him here because he is raising Will's son.”

  George's eyes widened. “Back up a minute.” He turned his attention to Will. “You have a son?”

  Will sighed. “I don't know.”

  George scowled. “What do you mean you don't know? You either have a son or you don't. Which is it?”

  Will ran a hand over his jaw. “I don't remember ever sleeping with her…or any girl for that matter.”

  “Who is the mother of the child? Is she in the picture?” he persisted.

  “No,” Will replied. “According to Kyle she's deceased.”

  “So far none of this is making any sense,” George said.

  “You were called because of an assault,” Kyle said exasperated. “I want Trey Daniels arrested. Look at my lip!”

  “You'll have to go to the Sheriff's Office to file charges,” George explained.

  “Well, arrest him and then I'll go file whatever I need to.”

  “I didn't witness the assault so you'll have to file a formal complaint before he can be charged.”

  “You're kidding me, right?” Kyle's jaw tightened.

  “That's the procedure,” George replied. “It's nothing new.”

  Kyle rose. “Fine.” He looked at Will. “Give me a ride and I'll file right now.”

  Will shook his head. “No.” His eyes shifted downward, not meeting Kyle's.

  “Are you kidding me?” He gritted his teeth as he turned to George. “Take him to the Sheriff's Office and I'll catch a ride with you and get a cab back here when we're finished. You can book him and lock him up after I make the formal complaint.”

  George chuckled. “I don't think so. In the first place, I will not be arresting him. One of the deputies will return with the arrest warrant after you file. Though that could take some time.”

  “Give me a break,” Kyle muttered. “What happens then?”

  George looked evenly at him. “Trey will post bail and appear before a judge.”

  “You're not locking him up? Look at my lip! He's violent and shouldn't be let out on bail.”

  “It doesn't work that way. He has no priors and is an upstanding citizen of this community.”

  “I want him out of my house, George,” Trey spoke up. “He's not welcome here.”

  “I'm not going anywhere. Will invited me and I'm staying.” He glared at Trey. “Maybe I should get a restraining order, too. After all, you shouldn't be allowed to come back here after your vicious attack on me.”

  George held a hand up. “Hold on. You're going too far. This is Trey's house, not Will's.”

  “And Will owns half,” Kyle interrupted. “I saw the deed.”

  “What do you mean you saw the deed?” Trey demanded.

  “Your boyfriend showed it to me,” Kyle sneered. “Were you keeping it a secret from your friends?” he taunted.

  Frankie was tempted to say something, but decided against it. Still, she wished she could slap the smirk off Kyle's face. She had to give Trey credit for his self-control. She doubted she could have kept herself in control under the circumstances. She glanced at Johanna. From the expression on her face, she was seething inside, but like Frankie knew, an outburst in defense of Trey wouldn't help him. The only thing they could do was dig up whatever they could on Kyle Martin and his true motives for coming to Charlestown.

  Trey looked, with a pained expression on his face, at Will. “Unbelievable, Will. You can get out, too. We're done. Just go. I never want to see you again.”

  “It's half
his house,” Kyle smugly reminded him. “Maybe you should leave, Trey. Looks like it's two against one.”

  “It's my damned house! I worked hard for everything I have. I started my business before I even met you, Will. That was how I was able to build this house for us…you had nothing. You know that.” His lips trembled. “How could you do this to me?” he cried.

  “Who cares, you sniveling fool. Everything you have is half Will's…including your business.” Kyle continued to look at Trey and smirked.

  Frankie was quickly losing control. Why wasn't George saying anything? Surely, he could see that Kyle was egging Trey on. She glanced at George. Or was that part of his plan to prove Trey innocent? If it kept up much longer, though, she would put an end to it herself.

  Trey's face flamed. “You're wrong there. I want you out of my house and out of my company.” He looked at Will. “You no longer have any connection with my company.”

  Kyle laughed. “I don't think so.”

  “I'm talking to Will,” Trey said. “You're done. We're done.”

  Will glanced at Kyle who sat glaring at him. He cleared his throat. “I'm not done, Trey. Everything is half mine.”

  “I never gave you half of my company. If we had married, I was going to. Thank God I didn't rush into it. Show me proof that I did, because it doesn't exist.”

  Will's eyes narrowed. “What will I do without a job? What about my crew?”

  “Your job is replaceable…just like you. Now get out!”

  “He doesn't have to leave this house,” Kyle said. “And neither do I. Well, let's get these charges on record. I'll grab a jacket.” He looked at Will. “You will be driving me.” He walked out of the room.

  George's eyebrows drew together. “Trey, is Will's name on the house?”

  Trey's eyes filled with tears and he nodded. “I can't believe you'd do this to me, Will.” He drew a shaky breath.

  Will's eyes lowered. “Someday I hope you'll understand.” He swallowed hard. “I hope all of you will understand.”

  Trey emphatically shook his head. “No. There's no fixing this. You know this is my home. Would you be so low as to take it from me?”