Fire and Granite

by Andrew Grey

  Clay bumped Pierre. “Really. I can’t see why.” He grumped at him for a few seconds before smiling.

  “Asshole,” Pierre quipped without heat. “Anyway, Brad….” He sighed.

  “Of course, it’s no problem. With everything everyone brought, I think we have enough food for an army,” Kip said. “So please, all of you, eat and have a great time.”

  Others arrived, and the yard filled with people and conversation. Clay eventually disappeared to help Kip and Josten with the grill. Sheriff Hunter put in an appearance, and he spent time with Andrew discussing the case and what they were doing to locate Harper. Sheriff Hunter seemed embarrassed about the entire situation.

  “I think we’ve all learned just how dangerous Harper Grange is,” Andrew said, “and that he has resources none of us expected. Or access to someone with a great deal of influence and power.” He turned, facing the large, imposing man. “It’s pretty obvious that someone planned his escape, and I doubt it was Harper from inside his jail cell. They got word to him somehow, but he was broken out by someone on the outside.”

  “We’ve thought of that,” Sheriff Hunter said. “But there isn’t a trail to anyone.” He was clearly frustrated.

  “Talk to Clay.” Andrew had a feeling in the pit of his stomach that the answer to this mystery lay within Clay’s family somewhere.

  “We’ll do all we can,” Sheriff Hunter said.

  “Damn right we will,” Red agreed as he stood next to the sheriff, the two of them sharing a look of determination. “That fucker is unpredictable and dangerous.”

  “I doubt he’s still in the area. I’d be long gone,” Sheriff Hunter offered.

  “That’s why he’s still here,” Red said for certain. “He’s going to do the exact opposite of common sense and what everyone else would do. All it’s going to take is one break, one piece of information to come to light. I can feel it. We know a lot, but just not quite enough.” Red gave Andrew a hell of a lot more confidence than Sheriff Hunter did. “Why go after Andrew and increase his profile?” Red asked. “He wants something. His name in the news… attention… fear….”

  “Who knows?” Sheriff Hunter shrugged.

  “But it’s our job to figure it out.”

  Dang, Red was impressive. Andrew’s opinion of the sheriff had never been stellar. He wasn’t an investigator but a law enforcement bureaucrat. He had a job to do, and as long as things went as they were supposed to, he was fine. But situations like this took more than force and paper pushing; they required skills the sheriff didn’t seem to have. At least in his opinion.

  “Don’t worry, Judge, the Carlisle Police Department is on the job.” Red smiled and walked away.

  Andrew nodded to Sheriff Hunter and turned away to keep from grinning. He recognized Red’s actions as a challenge, an attempt to knock away the sheriff’s complacency. It seemed to have worked.

  “Okay, kids,” Josten called. “We’re going to have dinner soon.”

  All the youngsters raced to their parents and lined up for hot dogs off the grill.

  “Andrew,” Carter said as he approached. “You might know my husband, Donald.”

  “Of course.” They all shook hands. “Eventually I see just about everyone come through my courtroom for one reason or another.” Donald worked for child services, and if his reputation was anything close to the truth, was an amazing advocate for the children in his care.

  “It’s always good to see you.” Donald humphed as a youngster barreled into him. “Alex….”

  “They’re about to eat, Daddy.” Alex practically jumped up and down. “Isaac says that there are only twelve hot dogs, and I want one.” He took his hand.

  “Then go get one. You’re big enough.” Donald smiled. “Once you have it, I’ll help you with the rest of your plate.”

  “But, Daddy…,” Alex pleaded.

  “Come on, big guy. I’ll take you.” Carter zoomed Alex into his arms to squeals of delight. “Excuse us while I get this big boy a hot dog.” Carter flew him away, and Donald grinned.

  “Excuse me.”

  Andrew nodded and watched as the family headed off together. That was what he wanted, what Carter and Donald had. The connection and care that flowed off both of them like water, encircling Alex and touching everything around them. They didn’t even touch each other, but the way they leaned just a little closer as they stood together was enough to say they were a couple.

  Clay’s hand on his shoulder pulled him out of his thoughts. He wondered how long he’d been standing there staring. “They’re getting the kids fed. Did you get some nibbles?” he asked, answering his own question by handing Andrew an appetizer plate. “The steaks are just being started, so it will take a little while until our dinner is ready.” He bumped his shoulder, nodding at Carter and Donald. “Hard to believe those two used to hate each other.”

  “Huh?” Andrew said.

  “Yeah. It was one of those enemies-to-lovers sorts of things, I guess. Sort of like what we had.” Clay winked at him. “Carter found Alex in the attic of a drug house. It was really sad, and the two of them bonded over trying to help him.”

  Andrew’s eyes widened. “I remember that case. It was in the news for a while.”

  “Yeah. Carter told me once that Alex remembers very little about it now, thankfully. They were so afraid he’d be scarred by what happened, but he’s a happy little boy.” Clay smiled slightly. “Amazing what love can do for someone.”

  “It really is.” He took a bite of one of Clay’s deviled eggs, humming at the intense flavor. “These are great.”

  “I saved the last one for you.” Clay rubbed Andrew’s arm.

  Andrew ate the final bite and had a few nibbles of the chips and spicy sausage dip Clay had gotten for him. These guys could definitely cook.

  “Hey, Briggs,” Clay called. “Glad you could make it.”

  “Wouldn’t miss this for the world. This is my wife, Gretchen.”

  They greeted each other, but before they could start a conversation, Briggs got called away and they moved on. It happened sometimes at parties. Andrew didn’t take it personally, not when Gretchen came back over a few minutes later, talking with him until it was time to eat.

  “She’s a wonderful lady,” Clay said.

  “Yeah,” Andrew observed. “She told me they’re expecting a baby.”

  “That’s awesome.” Clay found Briggs and raised his glass in a salute.

  “Would you two help me with another table?” Josten asked a little frantically. “We had people who forgot to RSVP, and I don’t have enough spaces.” His eyes were a big.

  He led the way inside and down to the basement. Clay muscled out an old folding table, which Josten covered with a tablecloth, then set up the chairs Andrew had carried. By the time dinner was called for the adults, everything seemed set and the seating crisis had been averted.

  “THIS HAS been awesome,” Andrew said an hour later as he sat back in his seat, full and surrounded by conversation. “I haven’t done something like this in a while.”

  “I bet. You seem like such a homebody.”

  “No. I just decided that I wanted a career and to be successful more than I wanted friends… or someone to be with.” Andrew sighed. “I gave up all this because I thought that was what I needed to do in order to be a good judge. Without friends there were no entanglements or prejudices. I could hear cases without fear of bias or anything.” He shook his head. “I know, I was stupid, shutting myself away the way I did.”

  Clay snorted. “Andrew, you can say it. You were pretty much a dick to just about everyone.”

  Andrew nearly tossed a roll at him, but he couldn’t argue with his assessment. “So were you.”

  Clay rolled his eyes. “Maybe we both were.”

  “I’ll stipulate to that,” Andrew said and smiled, lifting his glass. Clay touched his with a dull clink, and they both chuckled softly.

  Clay leaned closer, his lips near Andrew’s ear. “Will you s
tipulate to coming home with me and maybe slipping into my bed? I liked it last night, but you were wearing way too many clothes, and I’ve wanted to get my hands on you for days.” He ran his finger up Andrew’s thigh, sending a wave of heat racing through him. Andrew swallowed hard, nodding.

  “Mr. Clay,” Isaac said, walking up to them.

  Clay pulled back, his fingers slipping away and along with them the source of heat. Andrew gulped his ice-cold soda desperately, needing to cool himself down or else he was in danger of making quite a display if he needed to stand up.

  “Alex says you can play the guitar and stuff. That’s really cool. Will you sing?”

  Clay shook his head.

  “Please,” Isaac asked.

  “Yes, please,” Andrew added with a touch of surprise. “I’d love to hear you.”

  “But I don’t have my guitar. It’s at home, and—”

  Before Clay could finish his explanation, Isaac raced away and returned lugging a case almost as big as he was. “Daddy got this for me, and I’m taking lessons.” He grinned and offered the case to Clay. “Please.”

  “Sure,” Clay said, agreeing as he took the case. He opened it and whistled. “Your daddy got you this?”

  Isaac nodded, and Clay turned to Josten.

  “I found it at Bedford Antiques and bought it when he said he wanted to learn. Why?”

  “It’s amazing,” Clay said, gently lifting out the instrument, cradling it in his hands. He strummed it gently, then tuned the instrument. “What do you want me to sing?”

  “Twinkle star,” one of the little kids called out.

  Clay smiled and nodded. He played “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” singing in a low, rich voice that made the children’s song resonate like a love ballad. Andrew sat, mouth opened slightly, listening and getting swept up in the sound of Clay’s voice.

  When he finished, the kids clapped, and he went into another song. It was unfamiliar, beautiful and sad at the same time. In the middle, the name Denver appeared in the lyrics, and Andrew knew what he was hearing: a song Clay had written for his little brother. He blinked as the tune grew deeper and slower before trailing off to quiet. Everyone sat still, not a sound, not even from the kids… then applause. Clay smiled and waved.

  “Why don’t you play something, Isaac?” Clay offered and scooted over to give him room.

  Isaac sat down, very seriously, and played a simple tune that Andrew didn’t recognize. He got a few chords wrong but did a good job, and everyone applauded.

  “You were great,” Clay told Isaac and gave him a hug. Then they both stood and took a bow to another round of applause.

  Andrew’s phone vibrated in his pocket, and he stopped midclap to pull it out. A strange number appeared on the screen. At first he didn’t want to answer, but he pressed Accept, expecting it to be another threat from Harper Grange.

  “I’m looking for a Mr. Phillips. Mr. Andrew Phillips,” a harried female voice said.

  “I’m Andrew Phillips,” he said cautiously. “What’s this regarding?”

  “I’m Rayanne Chambers with Baltimore County Protective Services. I’m calling in regards to Auburn and Duane Phillips.”

  “My niece and nephew? What’s happened?” Andrew was on instant alert and stepped away to find a quieter spot to hear what she was saying.

  “Your sister, Mary, is under psychiatric care. I don’t know much about her condition, but it appears she will not be able to care for the children for some time. She had listed you as her emergency contact with her caseworker.”

  “Where are they now? The kids?” He swallowed hard.

  “I’m taking them to emergency care here in Baltimore.”

  “I’ll care for them and can be there in two hours.” Andrew looked around for Clay and motioned him over. Clay hurried to his side.

  “It’s not that easy. Our records indicate that you’re in Pennsylvania. There are cross-state and procedural issues that….”

  “You know those can be dealt with. What do you need? A judge’s order?” He wasn’t going to mess around, not with Auburn and Duane. He was going to get them, come hell or high water.

  “Sir—”

  “Your Honor,” Andrew corrected. He was quickly seeing red and needed to calm down.

  “There’s no need to be short.”

  Andrew took a deep breath. “Then let’s figure this out. Where can I meet you?” Andrew’s hand shook. “You have my number. Text me where you need me to be and I’ll be there.”

  “I think it’s best if we meet at their home. Do you have a key? I have Mary’s.”

  “I don’t. But I’ll meet you there in two hours. Bring whatever paperwork you need. And I don’t need Social Services payments or anything. So that should simplify things for you.” Cross-state payments could be a real pain in the neck. “Where is Mary?”

  “Right now, she’s at Johns Hopkins under heavy sedation, and it’s likely she’ll stay that way for a day or so. She tried to take her own life, as I understand.”

  Andrew found himself nodding as one of his worst fears seemed to be realizing itself. She’d been doing better, and a lot of things in her life were stable. All she had to do was keep her doctor appointments and stay on her meds. There was money to live on and care for the kids. Andrew wiped his eyes as he thought about her. “I understand. Please tell the kids that I love them and that I’m coming. You have my number if you need anything.”

  “All right. I’ll see you in a few hours.” She hung up, and Andrew quivered as he turned to Clay.

  “What’s happened?” Clay stuck close.

  “My sister apparently tried to kill herself. She’s under sedation, and she listed me as her emergency contact. I need to get the kids or they’ll go into foster care, and I can’t have that. Baltimore County is so messed up. Once they get hold of the kids, they do their best to keep them in the system. I need to get down there now.”

  “Carter, Donald…,” Clay called, and they came over. He explained what was happening.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure things are set here,” Donald said. “Go get the kids.”

  Andrew nodded and turned to Clay. “We need to go. You say goodbye to the guys and meet me at the car. We’ll get going right away.”

  Clay took off, and Andrew found their hosts, explained briefly why they needed to go, and met Clay at his car.

  “Are we going to stay there tonight or try to bring the kids here?” Clay asked as soon as Andrew closed his door.

  “I don’t know.” Andrew just wanted to get to the kids. That’s all that mattered. “What do you think?”

  “Normally I’d say to bring the kids here, but you’re staying with me and there’s an unstable idiot out to get you. On the other hand, how big is your sister’s apartment? And we’re going to have to come back here eventually.” Clay drove to his place and pulled into the garage. “I say we bring them here only if we have to. You’re going to need to call in to work for a few days, and we’ll hole up in the house. Hopefully they’ll catch Harper by then.”

  Andrew huffed. “Everything happens all at once.” He tried to keep his head from spinning. “I wonder where they’ll be safest?”

  “Then throw a bag in the trunk and I’ll pack one as well. We can decide when we get there and see the lay of the land.” Clay’s suggestion sounded reasonable. They could decide once they got there.

  Andrew hurried inside, packed up a bag, and met Clay on the stairs. They rushed out and got back into the car, taking Petey along.

  “He’s great with kids.”

  Andrew wasn’t so sure that was a good idea, especially when Petey perched himself on his lap for the entire trip to Baltimore, prancing on his legs whenever they slowed down.

  “Get off here and head east,” Andrew explained when they approached the exit. They drove into Baltimore, and Andrew made sure the doors were locked. He’d only been to his sister’s during the day, and the longer they drove, the rougher the neighborhood seemed. �
�Make a right and then a quick left. It’s the third house on the right.” His leg bounced slightly as they got closer. The lights were on inside Mary’s place, and he jumped out as soon as Clay parked, and strode up to the door.

  The kids tramped down the stairs, and once he opened the door, they were both in his arms. Auburn burst into tears, and Duane followed.

  “Is Mama going to die?” Auburn asked between gasps for air.

  “No,” Andrew said gently, soothing them both as he guided them inside. “But you are going to come stay with me for a while.”

  Auburn burrowed close to him, but Duane pulled away.

  “Who’s that?” he asked, pointing.

  “A friend of mine. His name is Clay, and—” He never got the rest of the words out.

  “He has a dog.” Duane took off, fell to his knees in front of Petey, and petted him as he was covered in doggy kisses. “You’re a good dog.” He hugged Petey, holding him like he was a long-lost friend.

  “Mr. Phillips,” a tired woman in her early thirties said as she descended the stairs. She was dressed professionally, but her hair was askew and she looked like she’d worked at least sixteen hours by this point.

  “Mrs. Chambers. Thank you for doing this. I know it’s late and I appreciate it.” He’d decided that he was going to get a lot further being nice and he was going to try that approach.

  “You’re welcome.” She sighed. “Both kids have been fed. I need to get some information from you so we can make arrangements for you to foster them.”

  “Of course. But there is no need for foster care. I’m their uncle, family. My sister designated me to care for them if she can’t. After today, this is a family matter. I already have people in Pennsylvania ready to step in. So you can close your case.” He kept his voice gentle and soft, but firm. Andrew was not having these people in the middle of his and the kid’s lives when it wasn’t necessary. He knew he was well within his rights in this situation.