“You asked for me, right?” Jordan nodded to the guard in the corner, then slid into the chair across the table. “Why did you want to talk to me?”
Johnny stared everywhere but Jordan’s face. “I…I don’t know.” His skin tinged pink. “You were always nice to me, and I kinda thought maybe…”
“Maybe what?” said Jordan gently. “You weren’t that nice to me the last time I saw you.”
Flushing a deeper red, Johnny bit his chapped lips, not even registering that he’d drawn blood. “I know. But you gotta understand. Selling’s all I know. And…and Donovan, he’s given me a place to stay and shit.”
“Donovan?” Jordan’s heart tripped. Finally a lead. Not wanting to scare Johnny off, he clamped down on the spurt of excitement that bubbled up in his chest. “Who’s he, the guy you work for?”
Realizing he might’ve given away too much information, Johnny’s eyes darted from side to side. “Uh…”
“Look. Johnny, you help us and we’ll help you. That’s the way it works.” Jordan knew he probably shouldn’t have said it that way, but to hell with it. This shit needed to stop now. “You have to come clean about the drugs and the guns. That man you’re working for is killing people all over this city. I lost someone I loved because of illegal guns. If you tell us what you know, the DA will probably let you off with probation and community service, and I can get you working at the Center or at my friend’s medical clinic.” He stood up and folded his arms across his chest. “If not, then I’m out, and there’s nothing more for me to say.”
Jordan held his breath. When no answer seemed to be forthcoming, he spun on his heel and walked toward the door, disappointment flooding through him.
“Doc?”
At the door, Jordan stopped, a huge wave of relief washing over him. “Yeah?” He strode back to the table and sat down.
“Okay. Call the cops in, and I’ll tell them what I know. It ain’t much but…” Johnny shrugged and picked at a bloody cuticle.
“Thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me.” He nodded to the guard.
“Tell Detective Allen to come in, please. The young man wants to talk.”
Jerry and his partner came in to question Johnny, and Jordan left the interrogation room. This part wasn’t his job. The chatter of the precinct faded into the background as he passed by the Wall of Heroes—pictures of police officers who’d fallen in the line of duty. There were men and women who’d died on September 11, and Jordan said a silent prayer for them. The last picture was of Keith.
“Hi.” Jordan reached out to touch the photograph. “I’m making it. Day by day, but it’s happening. And that kid in there? He’s going to make it too, because of you and your generous heart. I promise.”
His phone buzzed with a text, and he smiled when Lucas’s name flashed on top.
Hey, I’m finished at work. Lunch?
Still staring at Keith’s picture, Jordan texted back.
Love to, but I have someplace I’d like to take you after. Meet you at home.
He glanced back up at the picture. “See you later.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Maybe he’d made a mistake by taking Lucas here, but Jordan didn’t think so. The usual construction and tractor trailers hampered the drive into Brooklyn, but for once, he didn’t let it bother him. They’d had a nice lunch at one of their favorite cafés in Chelsea, and after expecting to spend the day alone with only the dog, having Lucas home early was a bonus.
Lucas’s warm hand covered his as he gripped the steering wheel. “You okay? You’re so quiet.”
Jordan’s mouth quirked up in a smile. “Hey, I can be deep sometimes.” His smile faded. “I was thinking of Johnny and all that he’s going to face in the coming months.”
Jerry had called during lunch and said the information Johnny had given them was going to help them to get a better handle on this Donovan person. It seems he’d originated outside of Philly and only came to New York around a year ago, but brought his people with him to expand his little operation. To look at the man, you’d never know he was a monster who used kids to do his dirty work. He was older and wore an aura of respectability around him as a businessman in the community. In fact, he owned a diner in downtown Brooklyn, and according to Johnny, that’s where he ran his business. Jerry promised that Johnny would in no way be connected to anything that went down.
“I’m glad you’re getting the kid some help. Working with Wanda and in Drew’s clinic will help him. Maybe he’ll even get his GED.”
Traffic started moving again, and Jordan made the turn into Greenwood Cemetery. The cemetery itself had become somewhat of a tourist attraction since many famous people were buried here, and Jordan had a bit of trouble finding a parking spot. Finally, he parked the SUV and they walked down the grassy path together. Keith’s was a simple monument—a gray granite headstone with his name, dates of birth and death, and the phrase, FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS.
Jordan knew Keith would never have wanted any mention of dying a hero or anything ostentatious or flowery. Lucas took the bouquet of lilies they’d brought and laid it on the bench nearby, then stepped back.
“Do you want some time alone? I can wait over by the path.”
There was sorrow and not a little pain in Lucas’s beautiful hazel eyes. Jordan held out his hand, and after a slight hesitation, Lucas took it.
“I’ve had enough moments alone to last me a lifetime. Over the past year, I wondered how it was possible for me to be surrounded by people yet be so impossibly lonely. Every day I died a little bit more, wanting what I could no longer have and pushing away everyone who loved me.”
He took both of Lucas’s hands in his. “I wanted you here with me because Keith should see I’m happy and recovered.” Lucas tightened his grip on Jordan’s hands. “I’ve learned to be a survivor, and it taught me that no matter how hard the fight, it’s afterward that the real work begins.”
“You’re much stronger than I ever imagined when we first met. Whenever Keith spoke about you, I thought you were a pretty, rich snob, and I always wondered what he saw in you. He told me of your generous spirit and kind heart, but I guess I didn’t believe him.” Lucas rubbed his thumb over Jordan’s fingers. “I prejudged you on your looks and background, and I was wrong. You surprised me.”
“I surprised myself,” admitted Jordan. He searched Lucas’s face. “You became my strength. Even when I pushed you away, you came back at me, refusing to let me wallow and drown in self-pity. I owe my life to you.” Jordan walked over to Keith’s headstone and dropped to his knees. He ran his hand over the carved letters. “I loved you hard and with everything I had, babe, but it’s not fair to Lucas. It’s time I let you go. Let go of the past.”
“No.” Lucas knelt beside him. “You don’t need to forget the past in order to live the future. Before I met and fell in love with you, I never believed I’d find love, or deserved it. I have no doubts about you or us and the commitment we have to each other. Even knowing how much you and Keith loved each other, I also know there are only two people in this relationship. You are who you are because of everyone who’s touched your life. I wouldn’t have you any other way.”
How lucky could he have gotten in his life to be loved by two such very special men? “I do love you, Lucas. You’re stubborn and too walled up sometimes, and you work way too damn hard, but you get me like nobody else. Never doubt for a moment you’re the only man I’ll ever want.”
“I love you too. You’re opinionated and impossible, with an ego as wide as the sky, but I wouldn’t have you any other way.” Lucas rose and placed his hand on the headstone. “Bye, Keith. I miss you, buddy.”
Jordan kissed his fingers, then touched the engraved letters of Keith’s name. “Forever in both of our hearts, babe. See you soon.”
Drew once told him that in the Jewish tradition, when you visited someone’s grave, you put a small rock on top of the headstone to signify you’d been there to pay your respects
. He and Lucas each found a small stone and placed them next to each other on top of Keith’s grave.
He brushed the curls off Lucas’s forehead and kissed him. “Let’s go home.” Hand in hand, they walked back to the car and drove away.
Keep reading for a sneak peek of Embrace the Fire, Brandon and Tash’s story, coming March, 2017!
Embrace the Fire
Chapter One
Seven years earlier
In a futile attempt to shield himself from the pouring rain, Brandon Gilbert lay huddled in a doorway near the Port Authority Bus Terminal in midtown Manhattan. Thoroughly soaked and shivering, he squeezed into the corner of the large, now waterlogged cardboard box. The once protective box sagged over his head, allowing the cascading water to run like a river down his back. At six feet, Brandon had a hard time finding any place to keep dry, and it seemed at this point the battle had been lost.
Why he’d thought coming to New York City was a good idea, he couldn’t remember. Perhaps it was the anonymity he needed, or the fact that he could reinvent himself, now that he had papers and a new identity. But nothing had prepared him for the stark loneliness of this huge city; he had no steady source of food or shelter, hardly anyone to talk to day after day.
Brandon shifted in the box, and a fresh torrent of rainwater poured over him. The dank smells of the city coupled with the uncaring stares of people as they rushed by caused unwelcome tears to spring to his eyes. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. He and his foster brothers were going to stay together, take care of each other. The three musketeers, that’s what they’d laughingly called themselves.
Until Ash unexpectedly disappeared, leaving Brandon and Luke behind, never to be heard from again. Then in a night of frantic upheaval he still didn’t understand, Brandon found himself on the road to a new life, ripped away from the only person he knew truly loved him—Luke. Where was Luke? Brandon remembered long ago how his brother had dreamed of coming to New York City to live, so when he first got to the city, he’d foolishly tried to locate him. He went looking for a phone book but couldn’t find any. The few times he’d gone to the public library to use their computers, he’d searched for Luke Carini, but there were no listings with that name. Discouraged, he’d stopped.
And now he was alone. Not a single person who cared about him, plus he could never go home again. Why was he even bothering? If he was smart, he’d go to the river and jump in. No one would notice or care.
A tall silhouette holding an umbrella loomed in front of him, cutting off the dim light of the gray, dripping skies. Terrified, Brandon shrank back farther into the dark corner of the doorway.
“Don’t be afraid. I’m not here to hurt you.” The figure squatted in front of Brandon, and the face of a middle-aged man came into view. His smile radiated warmth and peace, emotions almost alien to Brandon.
“What do you want?” Brandon clutched his thin jacket around him. “I don’t have any money or anything.” At that moment a gush of water sluiced down over his face. In his eighteen years, Brandon had never felt so alone and lost.
“I don’t want anything from you, except your promise to take my help. I’m with an organization that helps runaway youth.” The man’s calm smile miraculously settled Brandon’s racing heart. “You have no place to go, am I right? Let me take you someplace where you’ll be safe and secure.”
“Who are you?” Though hope flared hot and bright in Brandon’s chest, he knew enough to be wary of men offering help.
“My name is Gabriel, Gabriel Heller. I’m a New York City schoolteacher, and I volunteer on the weekends with the Department of Homeless Services.” He pulled out an ID and a pamphlet and offered it to Brandon. “Here, see?”
With some trepidation, Brandon took the laminated card and the pamphlet the man offered after brushing a hank of wet hair out of his eyes. The identification checked out as the man had stated. Gabriel Heller worked for the Department of Education. A teacher. Brandon bit his lip as he read over the mission of the organization and how they planned to help.
“Here.” He handed back the items, his thoughts racing.
All his life, Brandon had wanted to be a teacher; school had been the only outlet he had to escape his home life. Teachers had been his saviors, and until that last, horrible night with his foster father, his plan had always been to go to college and get a job teaching young inner-city children.
“So, have I passed the test? Will you come to the shelter with me?” Gabriel’s lips curved in a wry smile. “This isn’t a night fit for even a New York City rat to be outside. I’ll set you up with a social worker and get you a place to stay. What’s your name?”
A yearning Brandon had thought dead burst to life, almost choking him with its intensity. Things like this, good things, never happened to him. “Randy. My name is Randy.” Close enough to his real name, Brandon, Randy was the name he’d chosen when he ran away, making sure no one could find him.
“Okay, Randy, come on. I’ll get you out of those wet clothes, give you a hot meal, and a place to sleep.” Gabriel stood and held out his hand. “You don’t have to figure out the rest of your life tonight.”
The force of the pelting rain lessened, and the gray of the sky shifted to a lighter haze. Brandon stood and pulled off the wet strips of cardboard clinging to his hair and body. “I don’t have any money to pay, and I don’t take charity.” Some vestige of pride he’d thought long gone, emerged. “I’ll work for whatever I have to.”
A smile crept over Gabriel’s face. “How old are you?”
“Almost nineteen.”
Brandon heard Gabriel sigh. “What’s wrong?” Was he too old? Now that the chance was in front of him, so close he could reach out and brush it with his fingertips, Brandon wanted it. Desperately.
“I don’t suppose you have your high school diploma?”
“Yes, I do.” His chin lifted. “I was going to go to college.” He slanted a quick look at Gabriel through the wet strands of hair that hung in his eyes. “I wanted to be a teacher too.”
They’d reached the van Gabriel had left parked down the block. Another man waited behind the wheel.
“Antonio, this is Randy.”
“Hey, man. No night to be outside. You don’t know how lucky you are Gabriel found you. He’s a life changer.”
Brandon’s eyes met Antonio’s in the rearview mirror. Something tight loosened in his chest, allowing him to return the smile. “Yeah?”
Antonio nodded. “Yeah. Last year I was in your shoes: no home, no job, and no place to go.” He started the engine and put the windshield wipers on to clear the windows. “Today, I got a place to live and a job helping Gabriel getting guys like you off the streets. I’m even going to college now.” His voice rang with quiet pride.
Gabriel slid into the seat next to Antonio, and they took off downtown. “I’m glad you came with me, Randy. You have the opportunity now to help yourself and hopefully help others in the future.” White teeth flashed in the dim interior of the van. “The first step is the hardest, isn’t it? But it’s all worth it in the end.”
The warmth of the heater finally began to penetrate his wet clothes, yet Brandon shivered. The enormity of the second chance he was being offered overwhelmed him. If these men had faith in him, there was nothing he couldn’t accomplish. Could he do it? Could he start over again and achieve his dreams?
As Gabriel spoke, Brandon forgot his wet clothes and empty stomach and listened.
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About the Author
I have always been a romantic at heart. I believe that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending around the corner, My characters have to work for it, however. Like life in NYC, nothing comes easy and that includes love.
I live in New York City with my husband and two children and hopefully soon a cat of my
own. My day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. I practice law but daydream of a time when I can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there are bound to be a few bumps along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.
Website:
www.felicestevens.com
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facebook.com/felice.stevens.1
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Other titles by Felice Stevens
Through Hell and Back Series:
A Walk Through Fire
After the Fire
Embrace the Fire—Coming March 2017
The Memories Series:
Memories of the Heart
One Step Further
The Greatest Gift
The Breakfast Club Series:
Beyond the Surface
Betting on Forever
Second to None
What Lies Between Us
A Holiday to Remember
Rescued Hearts Series:
Rescued
Reunited
Other:
Learning to Love
The Way to His Heart—A Learning to Love Novella
The Arrangement
Please Don’t Go
After the Fire Page 29
