Out to Protect

by Amber Skyze

  Grant took two more steps when a shot rang out in the night. The burning pain pierced the back of his thigh. He went to bend to see where he’d been hit when another shot rang out. The second bullet hit Grant in the left shoulder. He fell over purposely. He had to take cover. How could he not see the ambush for what it was? Ralph had him exactly where he wanted him, and now he was going to kill him. Life as he knew it was over.

  Two strong hands grabbed him and dragged him into the bushes. Grant looked up to see Ralph. This was it. He would drag him to the rocks and toss him into the ocean. He couldn’t allow that to happen. He had to stop Ralph. He wouldn’t become one of his victims. He refused to die at the hands of a serial killer.

  Grant tried to wrestle out of Ralph’s grip, but the shooting pain in his shoulder prevented him from struggling too much.

  “Let go of me, Ralph,” he said through clenched teeth.

  “No, I’m not going watch you die, and I’m certainly not gonna get myself killed because you think I’m some kind of killer.”

  Confusion racked Grant’s brain. Ralph hadn’t shot him? Then who? Who shot him and…

  More shots rang out in the night. Ralph fell to the ground beside Grant.

  “What the fuck is going on? I thought you said you weren’t followed.”

  “I didn’t think I was. I looked for a tail but didn’t see one.”

  “Did you tell anyone where you were going?” Ralph asked.

  “No. You insisted I come alone. What about you? Did you tell anyone?”

  “Fuck no. I don’t trust anyone.”

  “Not even me?” Grant had to know if there was any trust left for the duo.

  “If I didn’t trust you, I wouldn’t have asked you to meet me.”

  “Do you know who the killer is, Ralph?”

  “I suspect it’s my new partner. My phone has suddenly disappeared a few times, and Stanley seems to find it. Once I found your number, and I know for certain I hadn’t called you.”

  “Shit, that explains some things.”

  “Then I got a call from a girl over on Ninth Street. I guess she found my business card. She tells me she’s seen the car. You’ll never guess whose car matches the description.”

  “Stanley?” Grant was shocked, yet things were becoming clearer. Everything made sense. Stanley had left clues to point the guilt at Ralph, and it worked. They believed Ralph had committed the murders.

  “Yes, Stanley,” a man said from about ten feet from them.

  Stanley? How did he find them?

  Now that he had found them, did he plan to kill them?

  “I have a gun in my leg holster, Ralph. Grab it and use it.”

  “I have my own, Grant.”

  Of course he did. What had Grant been thinking? He was a cop. They always carried their guns.

  “Right. Can you see him?”

  “No. You?”

  “Nothing.” Grant winced in pain. His shoulder throbbed, and the pain grew excruciating with every moment.

  Ralph removed Grant’s gun and placed it in his hand.

  “Here, if Stanley gets close, shoot,” Ralph instructed.

  Grant nodded, though he doubted Ralph could see in the darkness.

  “You won’t make it out of here alive,” Stanley said.

  “What the fuck is going on, Ralph? I don’t understand why he’s killing prostitutes.”

  “Mommy issues,” Ralph spat. “Apparently he has gay issues too.”

  “Apparently he isn’t the only one,” Grant snapped.

  “Nope, he’s not. But we’re not here to talk about me or you. We need to get out of this situation alive.”

  A bullet whizzed by their heads.

  “Shit!” Grant cried. He moved the best he could and started to open fire in the direction the bullet came from.

  Once he stopped, a cackling sound filled the night.

  “You’re way off base.”

  “Fuck you, Stanley.”

  Grant looked to Ralph, who was now on his feet.

  “You want a piece of me, come get me like the man you claim to be. Killing women isn’t acting like a man. And the way you decided to kill them is cowardly.”

  “What the fuck are you doing, Ralph? You have a death wish?” He certainly didn’t. He wanted out of the sticky situation and now. What he’d give to be asleep in his bed. His leg felt like it was on fire. Blood drained out of the bullet hole. The taste of nickel filled his mouth. Sweat dripped down his forehead into his eye. He lifted his right arm to wipe it away when another shot rang out.

  “Fuck!” Ralph dropped to the ground.

  “You shot?” Grant asked.

  “Yeah. The motherfucker shot me. All these years with a clean record, and that stupid son of a bitch got me. I’ll kill the motherfucker.”

  Grant wanted to laugh at the irony of the situation, but couldn’t. They were in grave danger. If they didn’t figure out where Stanley was and take him down, they would likely die.

  “Where are you hit?”

  “My side. Getting shot hurts like a son of a bitch, Grant.”

  “Tell me about it.”

  “Ready to give up, boys, or do you want to share some anal loving first?”

  “Go fuck yourself, Stanley,” Ralph shouted.

  Grant couldn’t believe this was happening. How the hell had he gotten mixed up with this shit? If he hadn’t come out of the closet, none of this would be happening to them. Thanks to Ralph he still had his life, but for how long?

  “Ralph, you have to stop antagonizing him.”

  “Fuck him. He ain’t taking me alive.”

  “I believe that’s the point. He wants us dead.”

  “You’re right, Grant. I plan to take you out first, you homo. It will be one less fag with you gone.”

  “If your beef is with me, Stanley, then let Ralph go.”

  Three quick shots rang out; none of them were anywhere near him or Ralph.

  “You okay?” Grant asked.

  “Aside from the pain in my side, perfect.”

  Sirens blared in the distance.

  “Do you think they’re coming for us?” God, how Grant prayed they were. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could hang on with all the blood draining from his body.

  “I hope so. Someone had to have heard the gunshots.”

  “Stanley?” Grant called.

  “He’s down.”

  “Parker?” Shit, the kid had found him. Thank fucking God for Parker.

  “The one and only.” Parker appeared in front of Grant and Ralph. “Are you two okay?” He bent and looked over Grant.

  “I’m not sure how bad it is, but they hurt like nobody’s business.” Ralph was too quiet. “Ralph?”

  “Yeah, I’m here. I don’t feel so hot. I want to close my eyes and rest.”

  “Check on him, Parker. If it weren’t for him, I’d be dead right now. And you too.”

  Parker moved from Grant to Ralph. Grant watched as he used his flashlight to assess the damage.

  “It doesn’t look all that bad, but I’m not sure if the bullet hit any major organs. The ambulance will be here momentarily. He’ll be in good hands.”

  As if on cue the sirens blasted their eardrums.

  “I have to run out and tell them where you are. I’ll be right back.”

  Grant reached for Parker’s hand. “Thank you.”

  “It was you who led me here; if you hadn’t said you were going someplace to regroup, I wouldn’t have found you.”

  God love him. He got it. He understood the clue. Grant didn’t care what anyone thought of Parker; he was one sharp cop.

  “Thanks.” Grant let his head fall back onto the dirt and broken branches. The police, ambulance, and rescue squads were here. They’d get the help they needed.

  * * * *

  “Great job, Parker,” the chief said. “You saved the lives of two of my finest.”

  “Glad I could help, sir.” Parker’s arm felt like a rag doll, the way the
chief shook his hand.

  “You’ll be recognized for your bravery.”

  “No need, sir; it’s all in the line of duty.” Parker didn’t want any attention drawn to him from the department. He was only grateful that Ralph and Grant were likely going to be just fine.

  “Are you going to the hospital?” the chief asked.

  “I’d like to if we’re done here.”

  “Hit the road. I’m sure the guys would like to thank you again for saving them.”

  “Can I ask you a question, Chief?”

  “Sure, Parker, anything.”

  “Did you have any inkling that Stanley was guilty?”

  “Not until earlier tonight when I was talking with Ralph. He filled me in on his suspicions.”

  Parker nodded, thankful.

  “Thanks, sir. I’m gonna head over to see the guys.” He turned to leave and decided against it. “One last thing, Chief; I’m gay.”

  “Jesus Christ, Sloane. Did you really have to tell me this tonight? Get lost.”

  Parker excused himself from the crime scene, surprised by his confession. He’d admitted that he was a gay police officer. What a day. He’d killed a man today. Not just any man, a fellow officer. If he hadn’t taken Stanley down, Stanley would have killed both Grant and Ralph. Parker felt justified in his decision to shoot Stanley; he just didn’t like the idea of having killed a cop. He didn’t have time to dwell on Stanley’s death. He wanted to get to the hospital and make sure for himself that Grant would be okay. They had a lot to talk about, and Parker wanted to make sure he’d be around for a long time to come.

  * * * *

  “I have to say I’m glad you finally experienced what it felt like to be shot.”

  “Thanks, Grant. I know I’ve been a prick, but really?”

  Grant laughed. Yes, he knew his comment was a bit harsh, but, shit, after all these years Ralph finally learned what it felt like to be shot. Besides, he would be just fine. His wounds weren’t life threatening.

  “Luckily for you the bullet passed through without hitting any vital organs.”

  “Fuck, yeah. It certainly was a close call.”

  Grant leaned his head back on the shabby pillow. They were both lying in hospital beds. The stark white sheets were stiff and itchy, the room a bit too chilly for Grant’s liking. He dragged the sheet up as far as it would reach with his right arm. His left was too sore to attempt any use.

  “I guess we’re both lucky.” Grant turned his head so he could look at Ralph. “I still can’t believe Stanley was a killer.”

  “Or that he’s dead.”

  “Mmmm.” Grant wondered where Parker was. He wanted to thank his partner for saving their lives. If he hadn’t shown up, who knew what the outcome would’ve been?

  “Look, Grant. I know I’ve been a total prick, and I’m sorry. I can’t say I understand what you’re going through, and I still have an aversion to homos, but I’ll do my best to overlook that part of you. We have been friends for a long time.”

  “Thanks.” Grant didn’t know what else to say. At least Ralph was making an effort. It was more than he could ask for.

  “I just can’t have you shoving it down my throat or any public displays of affection…if you know what I mean.”

  Grant watched as his friend visibly winced.

  “I’m not about making others uncomfortable, Ralph. I think by now you’d realize that.”

  “There you guys are,” Parker said, walking into the room.

  “Hey, it’s about time you showed up. I’ve wanted to properly thank the man who saved our lives. I’d offer you a beer, but as you can see, we don’t have any.” Grant moved his arm around.

  “Yes, thanks, Parker. You definitely saved the day,” Ralph added.

  “All in a day’s work.”

  “You are a hero. You not only caught a killer. You saved two lives.”

  “You sure did, Parker. I’m glad Grant had you as a partner. I’m not sure anyone else in the department would’ve had the balls to take down another cop.”

  Grant noticed the rookie was blushing. He was having difficulty making eye contact with either of them. He did walk over to Grant’s bed and take the chair next to him. Because Grant’s bed was closest to the door leading to the hallway, half his body was hidden from Ralph. Still, when Parker squeezed his hand, Grant was completely shocked.

  What a dilemma Grant found himself in. He knew he was damned if he did and damned if he didn’t, but in the end the decision he made would work out for the best. He felt it in his gut.

  Grant removed his hand from Parker’s grip. The other man’s face grew solemn. Nothing pained him more than to have to recoil from Parker’s advance. Grant knew better than anyone how much courage it took to make a move of that caliber. Parker risked being found out that he was gay too. Yes, it broke Grant’s heart to hurt Parker, especially when he was making an open effort, but he also made a promise to Ralph. Even though it wasn’t fully on display, he couldn’t risk Ralph seeing them holding hands. Not when they were finally making headway.

  Chapter Eight

  “Are you sure you want to try this?” Grant looked down upon his naked partner. Handcuffs were fastened around Parker’s wrists and another pair were cuffed to the bed. Parker was on his knees, his upper body stretched out. He looked every bit delectable.

  Grant licked his lips. In the months since the horrible shoot-out, they’d become closer. They talked about moving in together, but neither really pushed the subject too much.

  “I told you I want to experience more than vanilla sex.”

  “I’d hardly call our love life vanilla, Parker.”

  “True, but I’m ready to heighten the arousal.”

  Grant thanked his lucky stars Parker walked into his life. They were very compatible. They got along well and hadn’t disagreed on anything since the shooting. Grant still couldn’t believe he’d told the chief about his sexuality. That was huge in Grant’s book. The chief kept things under wraps. The three didn’t feel the need for word to get out and for Parker to suffer the way Grant had.

  Things were gradually coming around at the station. Grant and Ralph were cordial with each other at the office. It seemed Ralph didn’t want others knowing he bent a bit when it came to Grant. They weren’t partners, and Grant knew that would never change.

  “You know I’ll never argue with you.” Grant picked up the almond-colored wooden paddle sitting on the bed next to Parker’s leg.

  “That’s one of the things I like about you. We get along so well. There’s really nothing to fight about.”

  “No, there isn’t.” Grant raised the paddle. He decided it best not to give Parker any warning the first time. Kind of throw him off his game.

  The paddle came down with a whoosh, smacking Parker across his creamy white cheeks.

  Parker’s body lunged forward. “Ouch. You could’ve let me know.”

  “The unknown makes it better.”

  Parker had managed to get back up on his knees, when Grant smacked his ass again.

  The oblong paddle left a tinge of pink on Parker’s skin, bringing a small smile to Grant’s face. His cock swelled as he imagined sliding his dick into Parker’s waiting hole. First he wanted to make his cheeks hot, so when he did finally fill his lover, the warmth would cover him too.

  “My cock is getting so fucking hard, Grant. If I fall down like that again, it’s gonna be painful.”

  “Expect the unexpected, and we’ll be good.” Grant cracked the paddle against Parker’s skin again.

  Parker managed to remain on his knees, but Grant noticed he’d balled his fists. Grant smacked him twice more, paused, and went on a roll. He switched from one cheek to the other, landing on each ten times. By the time he finished, Parker’s ass was a nice rosy red.

  Grant placed the paddle on the bed and moved behind his lover. Parker’s ass was in the perfect position for Grant to take him doggie-style. He rubbed the palm of his hands over the burning cheeks.<
br />
  Perfect.

  “Are your cheeks sore?”

  “What do you think?”

  “No need for sarcasm, Parker. I get enough of that at work with Susy as my partner.”

  “Yeah, well, don’t think having Rita is any better.”

  “I guess that’s the price we have to pay for being gay.”

  “I don’t care. I’d rather spend the day with Rita than someone who can’t stand me.”

  “True. I love you, but you know the chief won’t even consider us being partnered up.”

  “Not after I announced I’m gay too. You should’ve heard him. Let’s not rehash this, though. My cock is throbbing, and my ass is dying for you to fill it.”

  Grant couldn’t argue with him. His cock strained with the need to nestle his dick inside Parker. He craved the feel of Parker’s ass clenching around his cock while it pulsed inside his tight hole.

  “Hand me the lube.”

  “Is that a fucking joke?”

  “Oh right. I forgot.” Grant laughed. He moved so he could reach the keys to the handcuffs. He’d release Parker from his restraints. Once Parker’s hands were free, he rubbed the red marks that had developed from the tightness.

  “You okay?” Grant asked.

  “Yeah.”

  Grant took Parker’s hand and kissed his wrist. “I didn’t mean to cause any bruising.”

  “It’ll be fine. No worries.”

  He was always trying to protect Grant. From the moment they were partnered up to today, and Grant was sure every day forward, Parker would feel the need to protect him. Grant loved him dearly for his loyalty to him.

  Grant pushed the other man down onto the bed and kissed a trail down his chest, to the hairline that traveled to his manhood. When Grant reached the purple head, he swiped his tongue over it. It flexed under Grant’s warm tongue.

  He wanted to tease Parker until he couldn’t stand it any longer, but that only succeeded in causing him torture. No torture tonight. Tonight Grant planned to bring them to a sweet, glorious orgasm without drawing it out needlessly.

  “Roll over,” Grant commanded.

  Parker did so without question.

  Grant tapped his ass so he’d nudge onto the bed more. Parker obviously understood, because he moved without hesitation.