The Detective’s Apprentice

by Edward Kendrick

  Paige laughed. “Sounds good to me.” Since they were in the parking lot by then, she said, “I’m presuming you don’t need me to drive you home.”

  “Nope. My chauffeur will take care of that.”

  Derek rolled his eyes, told Paige when they got to her car that it had been a pleasure to meet her, and then he and Joe went on to where Derek had parked a few aisles away.

  * * * *

  The moment they were in the car, Joe rounded on Derek. “What the hell were you doing there, and why? Didn’t you trust me to do what I was supposed to?”

  “Back off and breathe,” Derek replied. He’d had a feeling that Joe might be upset, but he wasn’t prepared for the anger that laced his words.

  “Back off? Are you kidding? I got the photos you wanted and for damned sure they show him watching us like he’d have killed us both if he’d had the chance.”

  “I’m sure they do, but I needed more than that to get the police to do something. I needed an actual threat from him.”

  “Then why didn’t you wire me or something?”

  “I did.”

  “What the fuck? And you didn’t tell me? How? Oh, shit. The knife, right? Or the sheath.”

  Derek nodded. “The sheath. I’m sorry. Maybe I should have let you know but as I said, I wanted you to act natural. More to the point, I didn’t want you to approach him and say or do something that would make him react. That’s called entrapment.”

  “I’m not a damned cop, so no.” Joe pushed back into the corner of the seat, as far away as possible from Derek. “Speaking of cops, how did the officer get involved?”

  “As soon as you left with Paige I called a detective I know, explained what we thought was going on, what I’d done, and asked if he could help. He trusts me, so he sent an officer to meet me at the mall. From there it was a case of us tracking your location and listening for anything that indicated Leon was around.”

  “You wanted him to threaten me.”

  “Not the way he did. I hoped, if he was there, he’d confront you and Paige and make it clear he considered her his property and tell you to back off if you knew what was good for you, or some such. That would have been enough for him to be arrested for harassment. It would also have shown Paige there was more going on with him than what her father said she called ‘playing games’ to try to win her back. Once she understood that, she could have filed a harassment complaint, too.”

  “I guess that makes sense, but damn it.” Joe scrubbed a hand through his hair. Then, finally, he smiled. “You got more than you bargained for because he attacked me. Okay, not like trying to take me out in a dark alley, but he did grab me.” He took off his jacket and pushed up his shirtsleeve. “There’s the proof, if you need it.” There was a dark bruise on his bicep. “I should have checked while the cop was there.”

  “He had enough without that,” Derek replied. He cautiously took Joe’s hand, glad when he didn’t pull it away. “Am I forgiven?”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  Derek smiled ruefully. “At least you didn’t say ‘no’.”

  “I still might,” Joe said, but the way his lips twitched up let Derek know he wasn’t going to…he hoped.

  The drive home was done in silence. Derek kept glancing at Joe as he stared out the window. Once or twice he caught him when Joe looked back and then quickly averted his gaze.

  It wasn’t until they were in the house, with Sherwat released into the yard and their coats hung up, that Joe finally spoke again. “You’re forgiven,” he said, resting his hands on Derek’s hips as he looked up at him. “But if you ever try something like that again…” He shook his head.

  “I won’t.” He resisted kissing him to validate his words. Instead he said, “I think you’ve moved well beyond being my apprentice at this point. If you want, if you’re willing, I’m going to make you a partner in the agency.”

  “You’re what?” Joe gaped at him. “Are you serious?”

  Derek nodded. “You’ve earned it. I’ll still have the last word, because one of us has to. Otherwise, we’ll be full partners.”

  Joe smiled brightly for a moment before sobering. “I’m going to have to sign papers and stuff like that, right? With my legal name.” He worried his lip.

  “Yes. Honestly, I think it will be safe enough after all this time. It’s not like Clarke Investigations is a big-time agency that makes the news once a week for solving some spectacular crime. I’m…we’re small potatoes, which is how I like it.”

  Rather than replying, Joe walked to the window, staring out as if the answer to his problem was hidden out there, somewhere. Derek knew he had to make the decision on his own, so he took out the makings for supper and set to work. He had the chicken and vegetables diced, ready to stir-fry, when Joe came over.

  “You’re right,” he said. “The bastards have better things to worry about than me, like surviving in prison. I was just one of hundreds of kids they used for their films. I didn’t testify against them so they shouldn’t feel they owe me.”

  “Exactly.”

  “Then I’m in.” He hugged Derek hard. “Call your lawyer; you do have one, don’t you?”

  “Of course. I’ll talk to him Monday morning to have him set things up.” He tipped Joe’s chin up to kiss him. “Welcome to the firm, Mr. Lawson.”

  Chapter 12

  Derek’s lawyer drew up the partnership papers, which Joe and Derek signed when they visited the man’s office late Tuesday morning. The one thing Joe insisted on was that the name of the firm would remain Clarke Investigations.

  “There’s no sense in tempting fate,” he told Derek, even though he was certain he had nothing to fear—at least in his conscious thoughts.

  Subconsciously was a different story. He began having nightmares again. He knew why they’d reappeared. His name and whereabouts were now out in the public domain. As much as he believed it didn’t matter, it seemed his subconscious didn’t agree. He didn’t tell Derek, however. If he finds out, he’ll worry. He’s got enough on his mind already between new clients and teaching me how to set up security so I can do it on my own.

  Things changed at the house as well. The Saturday following Leon’s arrest, Derek suggested over breakfast that it was time to do something with what had been Jace’s room.

  “Painting, to start with. Then…yeah, that would work.”

  “What?” Joe asked.

  “His bed is only a twin. The one in your room’s a full. We should bring it up here so you’ll be more comfortable.”

  “Huh?”

  Derek chuckled. “Close your mouth.” When Joe did, Derek continued. “Why let the room go to waste? It would be perfect for you and it’s bigger than the one downstairs. We could turn that one into, I don’t know, a media room, a library, or something. Before you ask, yes, I’m serious.”

  Joe was torn. On one hand, the idea of sleeping upstairs, next door to Derek, piqued his interest in a very personal way, even though he knew it shouldn’t. On the other hand there were his nightmares. If he hears me cry out…He knew he did and had been thankful his room was downstairs, well away from Derek’s.

  “Well, what do you think?” Derek asked.

  Joe hedged by asking, “What color for the walls?”

  “Your call, since it would be your room. Maybe beige or blue? You can choose when we go to the hardware store. So what do you say?”

  Taking a deep breath, Joe replied, “Okay.”

  The rest of Saturday and part of Sunday was spent painting while trying to keep Sherwat from ‘helping’—not an easy chore since the dog insisted on being in the middle of things. Finally, because the weather had begun warming up, the dog was relegated to the back yard except during meals and when they went to bed.

  Sunday afternoon, they took Jace’s bed apart and stored it in the basement. Then they wrestled the mattresses from Joe’s bed upstairs after putting the bed frame together in his new room. The shelves and desk stayed, although they had to be
moved to accommodate the larger bed.

  When they finished, Joe stepped back and smiled. “My room,” he said under his breath.

  “It is,” Derek agreed, wrapping his arms around him from behind. “I guess that means you have to stay.”

  “I wasn’t planning on leaving,” Joe protested.

  “Not consciously, but I think there was still some part of your mind that thought maybe you would, if things went wrong. It’s not called a guest room for nothing.”

  “I’ll admit, for the first week I kept that as an option.” He turned in Derek’s arms to look up at him. “After that, my staying here became a no-brainer for as long as you wanted me around.”

  “As far as I’m concerned, that would be forever,” Derek said softly before kissing him.

  Joe fell into the kiss, returning it as given, with feeling. “Then you’re stuck with a housemate, I guess,” he teased. “One who’s ready to help fix supper before we both perish from starvation.” He knew that wasn’t what Derek wanted to hear from the disheartened expression that crossed his face before he smiled and agreed that supper sounded like a good idea.

  I can’t promise him more. Not yet. Not until I get over my…my fear of physical contact beyond his kisses and hugs. If that doesn’t happen, we’re doomed to be friends and that’s all. Damn those bastards to Hell and back.

  * * * *

  For the next few nights, much to Joe’s relief, he didn’t dream. Maybe it was the new bedroom and knowing Derek was right next door. Maybe it was the fact he was mentally exhausted from everything new Derek was teaching him when it came to work. Whatever the reason, Joe slept soundly and awoke feeling refreshed and ready to face the day.

  Thursday evening, they followed their usual routine, supper and then taking Sherwat for a long walk. It was a nice night, presaging the coming of spring. All the snow had melted and Joe could swear he could see the grass turning from winter’s pale green to true green, although Derek told him he was imagining things.

  “It’s almost April,” Joe pointed out. “Pretty soon we’ll see crocuses peeking their heads out, and buds on the trees.”

  “And an April snowstorm just to show us winter’s not giving up.”

  “Bite your tongue,” Joe grumbled. “Spring is here. Right, Sherwat?”

  The dog seemed to agree as he was bounding around like a puppy in the throes of spring fever. “If dogs get spring fever,” Derek replied when Joe said as much.

  “We do, why wouldn’t they?”

  “Good point, I guess.”

  When they got home, they found a show they both liked; settling down to watch it with Sherwat sprawled on the floor at their feet. The news followed with the usual political updates, disaster reports, and crime stories. Joe was about to turn it off when the reporter said, “In breaking news, three members of a sex trafficking ring based in Connecticut have been arrested in an undercover sting operation. They are accused of kidnapping—”

  Derek picked up the remote, turning off the TV, saying, “You don’t need to hear that.”

  “Yeah, but it’s nice to know there are a couple less of those bastards walking around free. I hope they hang them by their balls.”

  “I’m not certain that’s a legal punishment, but I agree,” Derek replied, giving him a hug. “How about we settle for life in prison without parole?”

  “I guess that works, not that it’ll happen.” Joe sighed. “At least a few more victims were saved.”

  “Are you okay?” Derek asked with concern.

  “I’m fine, honest.” He turned to kiss Derek. “I have you and Sherwat. Life is good.”

  “At least you put me first,” Derek replied with a laugh, returning the kiss. “Okay, we’d better get to bed. We have a busy day tomorrow.”

  “When don’t we?” Joe grinned as he got up and began turning out the lights. When they got upstairs, he said, “I’ll see you in the morning,” before going into his room. When Derek was finished in the bathroom, Joe showered, put on the pair of sweatpants he slept in, and got into bed. He began reading the next chapter in his book before drifting off into a restless sleep.

  * * * *

  Derek woke with a start, trying to figure out why. A long, terrified, “No-o-o,” coming from Joe’s room gave him the answer. He was on his feet and in the hallway seconds later. Sherwat was frantically scratching at the bottom of Joe’s door. When Derek opened it, the dog dashed into the room with Derek at his heels.

  Joe was sitting bolt upright in the center of his bed, his hands held out as if warding off something only he could see.

  Derek grabbed Sherwat’s collar to keep him from leaping onto the bed, pointing to the floor with the order, “Sit.” The dog did with obvious reluctance.

  With great care, Derek sat on the edge of the bed. “Joe, wake up,” he said, cautiously touching his shoulder. “It’s a dream, nothing more.”

  Joe jerked away, scuttling to the corner of the bed, his eyes unseeing. “No!” he cried out, curling into himself, his arms wrapped tightly around his knees as he shook with fear. “No more.”

  “Joe, it’s me. You’re home. You’re safe.” Derek said with quiet intensity. He eased across the bed, gently stroking Joe’s sweat-soaked hair. “Listen to me. You’re safe, I promise.”

  Joe’s eyes flew open, and for a moment they were filled with terror. Then he whispered, “It’s you.”

  Derek gathered him into his arms, rocking him. “It is. I’m here. No one will ever hurt you like that again.”

  “Promise?” Joe whispered.

  “Yes.”

  Derek continued to hold him until the trembling eased. When it had, he said, “Get under the covers. I’m going to get you—”

  “Don’t leave me.” Joe grabbed his hands. “Don’t…”

  “All right.” Keeping his arms around Joe, Derek lay back.

  Joe sighed deeply, his head on Derek’s shoulder. “Stay with me.”

  “I will.” He smiled when Sherwat peered over the edge of the bed. “I think he wants to join us.”

  Joe shook his head. “Just you. I want you to…” He bit down on his lip, staring at Derek. “I want…I want you to help me forget.”

  Derek knew instantly what he meant. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. Please…Please show me what it’s like to have some make love to me who cares.”

  Derek’s heart soared as he gazed at Joe. He saw fear and hope warring for dominance and prayed he could erase the fear forever.

  “I should put Sherwat in my room,” Derek said. “But first.” He cupped Joe’s face with his hands, kissing him softly. “I’ll be right back.”

  The dog did not look happy when Derek took him into his bedroom. “Behave,” he told him. “This is important.” Apparently Sherwat understood the tone of his voice if not his words because he settled at the foot of the bed without protest.

  Derek got what they’d need from his nightstand, put them in the pocket of his cutoffs, and returned to Joe’s room, closing the door behind him.

  * * * *

  I want him to make love to me. I do. But what if, when he…?

  Joe closed his eyes, afraid to look at Derek as he approached the bed.

  “Hey,” Derek said softly, sitting beside him. “We don’t have to do this if you’ve changed your mind.”

  “It’s…I haven’t. But what if I panic, or freeze, or…?” The mere idea that it could happen was enough to make Joe wonder if he should send Derek away.

  “We’ll take it slow,” Derek replied. “If you say stop, I will.” He pushed a lock of hair off Joe’s forehead. “You’re the most important person in my life, bar none. I won’t do anything you don’t want me to.”

  “I know.” Joe touched the hem of the T-shirt Derek had worn to sleep in, but didn’t pull it up. “I want…Can I…?”

  “It would be a good start,” Derek replied, smiling.

  Joe sat up so he could pull the shirt over Derek’s head and then placed his hands on De
rek’s shoulders—whether to bring him closer or push him away, he wasn’t certain.

  “You can touch,” Derek said, taking one of Joe’s hands, pressing it to his chest.

  Taking a breath, Joe began to trace his fingers over Derek’s well-defined muscles and then touched his own torso. “You make me look like a kid.”

  “Not from where I’m sitting.” Derek brushed the pad of his thumb over one of Joe’s nipples. “You look perfect.”

  Joe gasped as a bolt of need went straight to his groin. “Do that again.” Derek did and Joe’s need intensified. “I didn’t know…”

  “I’m not surprised.” Derek pulled him close enough to kiss, easing them down onto the bed as he did. “I have the feeling there’s a lot you don’t know when it comes to making love. For instance,” He nipped Joe’s earlobe.

  “Damn!”

  “Like that, huh?” Derek nibbled it, then the other lobe, and Joe felt his cock begin to harden.

  “If I…?” Joe asked hesitantly.

  “Try it.”

  Joe did, licking Derek’s ear after biting it gently. He felt something hard pressing against his groin. For a moment it frightened him when he realized what that meant, and remembered what other men had done to him. He’s not them. He’d Derek. He won’t hurt me, he promised.

  “Joe,” Derek said softly, pulling away to rest on his elbows and look down at him. “We can stop now, if this is too much.”

  Joe shook his head vehemently. “No. I’m all right. I’m just…”

  “It’s all new to you. I understand.” Derek kissed him. “What happened to you before was screwing and nothing more. Men who, to put it crudely, were using you to get their rocks off in front of the camera to entertain creeps who liked to watch that kind of thing.” He kissed him again, a lingering kiss that Joe returned hungrily before Derek broke it, saying, “I will never treat you like that.”

  “I know you won’t.” Suddenly feeling bold, because it was Derek, he asked, “Can I see…?” He pushed his hand between them to touch Derek’s cloth-covered member.

  Derek smiled slowly. “Of course.” He rolled onto his back, raising his hips to remove his cutoffs. His cock came free, standing erect as if begging for attention.