“Yes, that’s exactly what I meant. You need to eat.”
Toby didn’t argue with her and soon had his own sandwich. Mitchell and Reightman watched him eat as he worked his way slowly through his meal. “You were right,” he acknowledged when he finished. “I do feel a little better.”
“I told you so.” Reightman watched as he took his plate to the sink and then grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. “Toby, the next one may be challenging. Lamont is a mean son of a bitch from all accounts, and the Chief said to be really careful.” She waited until she knew she had his full attention, and continued, “I know it may be difficult, but do what he says and remember where the panic buttons are in the room. Keep their location in mind the whole time you’re with him.”
“You think he’ll try and hurt me?”
“I don’t know what to expect. Toby, but I want you to be cautious. Mitchell and I’ll be listening, and if you press the button, we’ll be there as quickly as we can.”
Toby screwed the cap back down on his water and grabbed a couple of additional bottles. “I think I’ll go get the room ready.”
After he had gone, Mitchell put his own plate in the sink. “Do you really think things could get bad, Detective?”
“For Kelly to warn me about another cop is a huge red flag. I want us all to be ready for the worst, Mitchell.” She took her own plate to the sink and rinsed her hands. “I wish Toby was better able to defend himself.”
“If he was cornered I think he’d put up a pretty good fight. He’s in great shape and he’s a lot stronger than he looks.”
“Yes, but he hasn’t been trained to defend himself and Lamont, on the other hand, has years of experience.” She dried her hands and folded her arms across her chest. “I wish he was trained with a firearm as well.”
“You do think this could get really out of control.” Mitchell felt a tingle of fear inch up his spine.
“What I think is if things don’t get bad tonight, they might some other night.”
Mitchell didn’t like what he was hearing. “I can’t do anything about it now. But tomorrow, I’ll take him out to the range and start teaching him what he needs to know.”
“I should have thought of that myself. If he seems to be getting the hang of it, stop at one of the sporting goods stores and have him pick out a weapon. This is the only time I can think of when I’m glad there’s not a waiting period in this state. Under the circumstances, it’s better to be safe and have one, than not have one if he needs it.”
“I don’t know if he’ll agree to buy a gun, Detective Reightman.”
“Oh, he’ll agree, or will by the time I’m through with him.” He shivered at what he heard in her voice. “I’m heading out to the garage to get myself situated. You better do the same. Thanks for the sandwich, Mitchell.”
He walked back to the bedroom and looked through the door to the guest room. Toby was sitting on the table with his legs hanging off the side. “I heard you in the kitchen. I heard you and Detective Reightman talking and you don’t have to worry about me causing a big scene about getting a gun or learning to shoot. I’ve never wanted one, but I do need to learn to defend myself. Just teach me the very best you can.” Before Mitchell could respond to Toby’s comment, the doorbell rang. With one worried looked at Toby, Mitchell hurried into the next bedroom.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Officer Fred Lamont, long-term member of the City Police’s vice squad, stood just about five foot ten inches tall. He was powerfully built, although there was a thin layer of fat covering his body. As Toby ushered him through the door, he noticed Lamont’s leering mouth and the hard dark eyes undressing him where he stood. “Aren’t you just the sweetest thing,” Lamont drawled. “I bet you’re even sweeter without all those clothes. Where are we headed, Bailey? I’ve been looking forward to this all day, and I’m ready to get started.”
“I have everything set up in the back Mr…?”
"Just call me Sir,” Lamont suggested with a hint of command. “I’d like that. It won’t take you long to get into the habit – I promise.” His face hardened when Toby didn’t immediately respond as instructed.
Reightman’s warning lashed through his mind and Toby felt a thin layer of sweat break out beneath his shirt. “Yes, Sir.” Toby could feel the hair on the back of his neck rise at a cruel satisfied expression settled in to place on Lamont’s face. “If you’ll just follow me to the back, I have everything ready.” Toby could feel the other man’s eyes on his back as he led the way to the room at the back of the house.
When they entered the room, Lamont reached into the breast pocket of his rumpled jacked and pulled out a long narrow wallet. As he opened it and removed two large denomination bills, Toby caught a brief glimpse of the shoulder holster under his blazer. “I believe this is what you’re waiting for, Bailey.”
Toby reached out to take the money, but Lamont caught his wrist, holding it in a tight grip. “Aren’t you going to say thank you?”
Toby swallowed, tasting apprehension in the back of his throat. “Thank you, Sir.” Lamont slowly released his wrist and Toby had to work to keep himself from rubbing the skin. “Why don’t you go ahead and get undressed, Sir,” Toby suggested, placing the bills on the dresser on top of the money Carlton had given him. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he feared would be a very unpleasant experience.
“No. You undress first, while I watch,” Lamont instructed. “Make it good. I want to get all of my money’s worth.” As Toby started to remove his shirt, Lamont stopped him with another demand. “Move that damned table out of the way first. We aren’t going to need it for what I have in mind.” Toby moved it slightly out of the way. “No. Put it up tight against that desk.”
Toby moved the table as directed, realizing that the panic button was now effectively blocked. He turned back to the man who was closely examining the furnishings in the room as if he were looking for something. Lamont removed his jacket and threw it on the table, and rolled up his sleeves. Tony shivered again at the sight of the strong arms covered in coarse black hair.
Lamont turned back to him and narrowed his eyes. “Go stand in the center of the room and strip off those clothes. I want to get a good look at what I’m buying…Toby.”
Toby stopped in his tracks, shocked at the mention of his name.
Lamont’s smile of satisfaction was terrifying. “Yes, I know who you are. I did my homework. You’re almost a celebrity in some circles, although not as well-known as your friend, Guzman. I figured you were going to try to run the same scam on me Guzman did, and I have to tell you, boy – it’s not going to work out at all like you’d hoped.” While Toby stood frozen in the middle of the room, Lamont walked to the dresser and picked up the cash on top. He held the bills up so make sure Toby saw what he held before he rolled them up tightly and shoved them down into his pants pocket. “I think it’s time I got some of my money back – money that piece of trash whore Guzman squeezed out of me over the last few months, right up until he was killed. I was glad to see someone had the guts to give Guzman what he deserved.”
Toby tensed when Lamont reached up and unfastened the flap of leather that held his weapon in place. Lamont followed his eyes and laughed low in the back of his throat. “I told you to strip!” Lamont reminded him harshly. “You’d better get started if you know what’s good for you. You’re going to need to listen better, or I’m going to have to teach you to mind. You won’t like that at all, but I will.”
Toby began to undress, and Lamont watched him covetously as he removed each piece of clothing. “Just toss them on the table, boy – real easy.”
Toby did as Lamont instructed and tried to control his trembling. “Please let the recording equipment be working,” he prayed silently, hoping Reightman and Mitchell were ready to intervene if this got any worse.
“Now, you’re going to stand there real quiet while I inspect the goods and tell you how our little arrangement is going to work.” La
mont touched his gun to emphasize he meant business and then walked over to where Toby stood. He reached out and grabbed Toby’s chin, jerking it so Toby was forced to look him full in the face. “You’re pretty nice looking, but I’m not sure about those damned, pale eyes.” Lamont released his chin and rubbed his rough hands across Toby’s chest. When he reached the nipples, he pinched tightly and twisted them. “Here’s what’s going to happen, Toby. You can keep up this little racket – I insist you do – but you’re going to give me fifty percent of everything you make from your whoring. You’re also going to provide me with copies of any and all incriminating photos you manage to take, and I’m warning you, you’d better take some or I’ll slam your ass in jail with the other whores after I beat you to a pulp. You understand me?” He twisted the nipples harder, until Toby cried out in pain.
“Yes! I understand,” he answered, blinking in pain and powerless despair. When he saw Lamont’s eyes fill with hope he’d get to teach him a lesson after all, Toby quickly add, “Sir.”
Lamont removed his hands and walked slowly around Toby, looking him over like he was a horse or dog for sale. When Lamont was directly behind him, he nudged Toby’s legs apart with his foot. Toby felt the cop place his hands on his ass and rub it appreciatively, before giving it a hard, stinging slap. Then, Lamont parted his cheeks and ran a finger down the cleft until it was resting against the opening. Toby felt his finger circle, and then tap him forcefully. “You do have a nice, sweet ass, Toby,” Lamont breathed into his ear. “You know what the other part of our little arrangement is? You’re going to provide me your special services anytime I want them. Understand?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“I knew we’d reach an understanding.” Lamont circled back around in front of him. He reached out and fondled Toby’s cock and then took his balls into one hand, squeezing them slightly. “You’ve got yourself some nice equipment down here, Toby. I’d hate for it to get injured over the course of our association.” Lamont gave a tighter squeeze to emphasize his point, before releasing him. “But, I think what I like best about you, Mr. Bailey, is your lips.” Lamont smiled and Toby didn’t like the look in his eyes. Lamont stepped away, unfastening his belt and opening the fly of his pants. “As a matter of fact, the very first thing you’re going to do for me is to get down on your knees and show me some appreciation with that pretty mouth. You’re going suck until I’m dry. Understand?”
Toby couldn’t bring himself to answer. Suddenly, Lamont pulled back and hit him in the gut, hard, with his closed fist. Toby cried out and bent double, trying to catch his breath. Before he could recover, Lamont grabbed him by the hair and flung him across the room until he hit the bed, sprawling against the headboard. Lamont was on top of him in a flash, pressing down on his chest and jamming one knee sharply between Toby’s thighs. Toby cried out in fear as Lamont pulled his gun and held it to Toby’s side.
“I told you not to make me have to tell you twice. Looks like you’re one of those faggots who have to learn things the hard way. I’ll ask you again – just once more – do you understand what you’re going to do with that mouth of yours?”
“Yes, Sir,” he whimpered, trying to shift his position on the bed. When Lamont jammed his knee in closer, Toby whispered, “I need to be able to move so I can…can do what you want me to do, Sir. I promise I won’t give you any more trouble.”
Lamont grinned in triumph, and eased his knee back. Toby struggled to prop himself up on the bed, slipping his hand behind the back of the mattress, trying to locate the panic button. “I need a little more room, Sir,” he croaked out, hoping Lamont would ease back just a hair more. Lamont let up on the pressure, and as he did, Toby’s fingers found the button.
A split second later, Mitchell was through the door with his weapon drawn. “Put down the gun and step away!” The cop’s voice rang out in the room.
Reightman hurried into the room right behind him. “Don’t do anything foolish, Lamont,” she instructed him in a deadly voice.
Two patrol cops entered the room with weapons held at ready. Lamont slowly laid his gun down and raised his arms. “Isn’t this a surprise,” he said, standing from the bed. “What do we have here?”
Reightman walked forward as one of the cops picked up the discarded weapon. The other circled behind and jerked Lamont’s hands behind his back and fastened cuffs to his wrists. “What we have, Lamont, is assault, assault with a deadly weapon, attempted rape, and extortion. I’m sure the DA and I will think of a few more charges to add before we’re done.” She nodded at the officers holding Lamont tightly. “Read him his rights and take him down to the station. I know that Chief Kelly will be delighted to see him. I’ll be along as soon as I’m able.” She holstered her gun, and stepped out of the way of the officers holding Lamont’s arms. He shot her a glare of absolute hate, but didn’t utter a word as he was led from the room.
Mitchell was helping a shaken Toby up from the bed. Reightman walked over and picked up his clothes from the table and handed them to him. “I’m sorry I had to let it go on so long, Toby,” she apologized remorsefully, meaning every word. “I had to make sure we had everything we needed to put him away for a long time.”
Toby turned away from her, vulnerable and exposed until he tugged on his shorts and pulled the t-shirt over his head. He turned back around and stared at her with his blue eyes. His pupils were so large from recent shock and fear they blended into the dark rings around the irises. “I’m ready to go home now,” he told her with an unsteady voice. “I’m tired and I’m terrified and…I want to go home.” He picked up his bag and his shoes and then looked at the table. “There’s no reason to stay here any longer.” He smoothed one edge of the sheet on top. “I’m already set up for tomorrow.”
Mitchell fell in behind him as Toby walked out the door.
Melba Reightman slowly followed, turning off the light and gently closing the door as she left.
On Sunday, Toby slept so late that Mitchell thought he was going to have to wake him in order to meet Tom and Laurie at the spa. Just as he was about to knock on the bedroom door, Toby opened it and stumbled to the bathroom. Through the closed door, Mitchell heard the toilet flush and the faucet running. After a few minutes, Toby opened the door and went back into the bedroom. He stepped out of his sleep shorts and began digging around in a dresser drawer, looking for something to wear.
Wanting desperately to walk over and hug his friend, Mitchell held himself back, knowing better than to cross the divide he’d built between them. He couldn’t, not if he had to let Toby continue on with this plan. So, he just watched silently while Toby dressed. “Aren’t you going to shower?” he asked, hating the impersonal sound of his voice.
“I’ll do it this afternoon.” Toby replied, sounding apathetic and disinterested. “I don’t want to keep them waiting.” He shoved his feet into a pair of canvas sneakers. “Let’s go,” he said.
Toby said very little while Tom and Laurie went about their job, only speaking to answer a question or two. At one point Tom turned to Mitchell with slightly raised brows, inquiring what was wrong. When Mitchell only shook his head in response, Tom turned away and went back to his work.
They locked up and Mitchell followed Toby across the street and back up the stairs to the apartment. The minute they walked in the door, Toby slipped of his shoes and then began pulling his clothing off. He held the divested garments in his hands as he walked back to the bedroom and tossed them on the bed. Then he went into the bathroom and grabbed a large towel, a bottle of suntan oil and a pair of sunglasses. “I think I’ll get some sun,” he said as he brushed past Mitchell.
Mitchell followed him into the living room. “Toby, I don’t know what to do, or what to say to help.”
Toby stopped with one hand gripping the handle of the French door. “There isn’t anything to say and I don’t feel like talking anyway. I’m barely holding it together as it is, and I can’t afford to lose it. Not yet.”
He dropped his hand from the doorknob and turned back. “I thought I understood what could happen, but I didn’t until last night, when that man ran his hands over me like I was something cheap and dirty. And the worse part was, I couldn’t do anything about it. Now, I know exactly how dangerous this is, for me and everyone else. I thought I understood why you had to step back from our…from the way we were, but I realized last night that I didn’t really have a clue. I do now, and…I think you’re right. I need the cop now. Later, Mitchell, I’m going to desperately need my friend.” He turned around and opened the door, going out into the bright sunshine.
Mitchell watched him walk through the door, and pulled a chair out from the table to watch Toby through the door. Toby slowly stretched and began applying oil to his body. Mitchell had to look away when he saw Toby gingerly touch his bottom rib, tender and bruised where Lamont had hit him the night before. Toby lay down on the lounger and Mitchell stood up and took off his holster. He put on his sunglasses, and pulled off his own shirt. Carrying his shoulder holster and gun in one hand, he stepped out onto the terrace.
The young man raised his head up slightly. “I don’t want to talk, Mitchell.”
“That’s fine with me.” Mitchell adjusted the back of the lounger and took a seat. “But, where you go – I go. I said I’d be beside you every step of the way, and that’s where I am – beside you.”
They stayed in the sun for an hour, When Toby turned over and oiled the front of his body, Mitchell watched through his sunglasses, following the movement of Toby’s hands as they covered every inch. When Toby lay back down on his back, Mitchell briefly closed his eyes.
Finally Toby said, “I think I’ve had enough for today. I’m going to shower.” He stood up from the lounger and gathered up his things. Mitchell stood and followed as he went through the doors. “Do you mind fixing us something to eat while I shower?”
Hard Job Page 16
