DWAYNE WOKE happy. It was still dark, and Robin lay in his arms, quiet and warm, his silky skin pressed to Dwayne’s. Dwayne smiled and tugged Robin a little closer. He loved it when Robin scooted toward him. He was still sated and content after their evening, which had turned out to be more athletic than Dwayne had expected. Apparently once Robin got over some of his shyness, there was a tiger crouching under the surface.
“Why aren’t you asleep?” Robin asked in a whisper, sliding his heated hand over Dwayne’s chest.
“I was thinking—” He rolled in Robin’s direction, squeezing him to him, and guided Robin’s lips to his. “—about this.”
“I bet you were.” Robin giggled and pushed back, pressed Dwayne onto his back, and straddled him. He leaned closer and kissed Dwayne, who had to admit he much preferred things this way. Dwayne was bigger and stronger than Robin; he could easily overpower him and impose his will. He didn’t want that. He wanted reciprocation. And from the intensity in Robin’s kiss, which Dwayne felt to his toes, the ardor between them was most definitely two-sided. “I think I’m hungry.”
“It’s early, but I can make some breakfast if that’s what you want.” God in heaven, Dwayne certainly hoped Robin meant something else.
It turned out Robin did indeed have other ideas, which included setting Dwayne’s body on fire with his lips and hands before devouring him in a move that stole Dwayne’s breath and left his head spinning.
“Robin, my God!”
“Not a god yet, but I am getting better at this.” He damn well smirked and then sank his lips over Dwayne’s cock once again.
Dwayne groaned deeply and kept his hips still, pushing down the instinct to thrust and giving himself over to Robin. It was better to give than receive, that was true, but there were times when it was best to give oneself over to someone else’s care and to just accept what was freely and happily given.
Dwayne was shaking with desire and his growing need for release. He gently tugged Robin upward, unwilling to come so quickly. Hell, he was beginning to think he was a teenager again, the way he reacted to Robin so hard and fast.
Dwayne kissed him, holding him tight, and stroked down his back before cupping Robin’s tight little butt. “You make me crazy.”
“Is that good?”
“It’s amazing.” He kissed him again. “We made love before going to sleep and I wake up in the middle of the night, ready for more.” It was like Robin was a drug and he had been written the perfect prescription. He didn’t want to think about what he would do if things didn’t work out between them or if Robin decided he was ready to go out on his own again. Dwayne would let him, but the idea was enough to send a chill up his spine. He reached to the bedside table and managed to get the drawer out without it falling on the floor.
“You have condoms in there?”
“Yeah. Hope springs eternal, or something like that.” Dwayne reached for one and pressed it into Robin’s hand.
“You want me to….” Robin’s mouth hung open. “I’ve never done that before.”
Dwayne tugged Robin a little closer. “Have you ever done anything like that before?”
Robin shook his head.
“Do you want to do the driving?” Dwayne followed Robin’s gaze as he looked down. Oh yeah, Robin was very into doing the driving. Dwayne found the lube and handed it to Robin. “Just use a lot of it and take your time.”
“But what if I do something wrong?” Robin nearly dropped the lube, his hands were shaking so badly.
“As long as what you’re doing is with care and concern for what’s going to make your partner happy, you can’t go wrong.” Dwayne leaned forward to kiss Robin deeply. “You want this, I can tell. So just do what feels good.” He lay back down, then slowly rolled over.
Robin straddled him once again, and his cock pressed to Dwayne’s butt. Dwayne wriggled his rear end, and Robin groaned before slowly rubbing his back and down to his butt, massaging his skin.
“You’re like made of stone.” Robin lay against him and kissed his shoulder. “Everywhere I touch you, you’re hard.”
Dwayne twitched his hips. “I think that’s all because of you.” He turned his head to the side, and Robin kissed him. It was sloppy, wet, and damn good.
Robin pushed up off his shoulders and began massaging once again, this time concentrating on his ass. He added some slick, and his fingers danced around Dwayne’s skin, getting close to his opening and then backing away. When Robin slid his fingers along Dwayne’s crack, teasing his sensitive flesh, Dwayne groaned and closed his eyes, letting the heat wash over him.
“Robin,” he moaned, his voice deep and low.
“You’re the sexiest man I’ve ever met,” Robin whispered. “I could look at you all day.” He slipped a finger inside him, and whatever Dwayne was about to say dissolved into a series of groans and whimpers. He shook like a leaf when Robin found that spot inside him, sending fireworks shooting behind his eyes.
“Damn….” He pressed back against Robin’s touch in a silent beg for more. He needed it, and Robin provided.
“That’s good?”
“It’s amazing.”
“Then how is this?” Robin twisted his fingers, driving Dwayne out of his mind. It was clear Robin had some sort of magic touch, at least with him.
When Dwayne couldn’t take any more and swore he was going to come with just one more touch, he slowly rolled over and helped Robin get into position.
Robin’s hands fumbled and shook as he rolled on the condom, and then Dwayne rested his ankles on Robin’s shoulder and helped guide him forward. Dwayne wasn’t usually the kind of guy to bottom, but he wanted to show Robin how special he was, and when his body bloomed to allow Robin inside, Dwayne gasped for breath.
“Oh, God,” Robin groaned, and Dwayne concentrated on his face. Robin glowed, his mouth hanging open just a little. When Dwayne clenched his muscles, Robin quivered and pressed forward, sinking farther into Dwayne’s body. “You have to be kidding.”
“What?” Dwayne asked, suddenly concerned that something was wrong.
“This is like the best feeling in the whole world.” Robin held his shoulders and slid in deep. Dwayne stilled him for a few seconds, hands on Robin’s hips. He needed a minute to adjust to being this full, and then Robin began to move slowly.
Dwayne pulled Robin down to kiss him and wrapped his legs around his waist. “I know it is. You feel pretty amazing right now.” He moved back and forth, helping Robin set a pace, and damned if Robin didn’t moan just loud enough to send a thrill of electricity running through him.
“Is this okay?” Robin asked.
“Sweetheart.” Dwayne stroked Robin’s cheek. “I’m not made of glass. You aren’t going to break me or hurt me, so do what feels good.” He kissed him again, and Robin moved faster, sending more and more thrills running through him. He’d given his advice, and Robin seemed to take it to heart. Robin’s eyes darkened and he tossed his head back, hips rolling in a way that drove Dwayne wild as he managed to touch that ever-sensitive place inside him, sending his body into overdrive.
Dwayne clutched the bedding, half expecting it to rip at any second but not giving a damn. He was flying and needed something to keep him earthbound.
“Is it possible for something to feel too good?” Robin moaned.
“No,” Dwayne squeaked and swallowed to wet his throat.
“Good.” Robin captured Dwayne’s gaze with his, and his pleasure increased tenfold. To have Robin look at him as though he’d just hung the moon was spectacular.
Dwayne groaned and kept eye contact as Robin stroked him, the pressure already building inside him. He arched his back, pressing to Robin, meeting each of his movements in a dance that put the two of them in complete harmony, like he knew what Robin was going to do. The connection between them seemed palpable and intensely strong. He never wanted it to end, but his own body betrayed him, and within seconds Dwayne tumbled into release. Robin gasped as he stilled, throbbing deep inside him. Dwayne didn’t dare move and held Robin close as he flew through billowing clouds of white that cradled them in bliss. The sensation only lasted a few seconds and then began to fade as they fell back to earth.
“Now that was definitely the best way I can think of to start the day.” He cradled Robin’s cheeks in his hands. “You were incredible.”
“So were you.” Robin leaned closer, their lips meeting in a deep kiss that warmed Dwayne’s soul. He shuddered as Robin slipped from his body, then got a cloth and cleaned them both up, took care of the condom, and returned to bed. Dwayne had his shift later but it was still early. He dropped off to sleep with Robin in his arms.
AFTER A quick breakfast, he took Robin to work and then used the time to run some errands and do the last of the shopping for the week. He wouldn’t have time to take care of it later since he was on shift for the next four days. Terry had said to pick Robin up a little after noon, so he was out front waiting for him when his phone rang, displaying a strange number.
“Hello?”
“Oh. I’m sorry. I’m looking for Robin, and he gave me this number and….”
“It’s all right. Is this his mother?” Dwayne heard the frantic tone to her voice.
“Yes.”
“I’m Dwayne, and he’s at work right now. But I expect him to be out any second.” God, he hoped she was calling to help Robin. Lord knew he didn’t need any more grief at the moment. He smiled when the glass door opened and Robin stepped out into the sunshine. “He’s on his way.”
“Hey,” Robin said after opening the car door.
Dwayne indicated the phone and passed it to him. “It’s your mom.”
Robin instantly tensed and took it. “Hi, Mama. … Yes, I’m okay.” He sank into the passenger seat and closed the door. “Well, what do you expect when you let Asshole Stan run everything?”
Dwayne lowered the window to let in a little air, figuring he might as well let Robin talk.
“No. As far as I’m concerned, that’s his name now: A. Stanley Gusterson, Asshole.” Robin clenched the phone tightly, and Dwayne wondered just how much progress they could possibly make like that. “I know, Mama.” Robin sighed. “You didn’t say anything, and he kicked me out just like that. It isn’t even his house. It was Dad’s. The jerk.” He scrunched down in the seat and listened for a while. “Mama, I expect you to take my side. I’m your son. Look what he did to me and to Gretchen. Don’t you think you’ve lost enough?” Robin listened and a tear ran down his face. “I know, Mama. You need to decide what you want. Because as long as he’s around, both your kids and your grandson aren’t going to be.” Man, he was pulling out the big guns. “I know he’s your husband and all, but have you ever thought that he was a mistake, and…?” Robin sniffed. “I know… I know. I just want you to be happy, and how can you be with him?” He wiped his eyes. “I know you have to go, but call me when you can, okay?” Robin sniffed once again, ended the call, and handed Dwayne back the phone.
“What did she say?” Dwayne asked.
“The usual things.” Robin closed his eyes as more tears fell. “I wish she had the strength to leave him. She goes along with what he does and says, and she isn’t happy. I can tell. But she says she married him for better or for worse, blah, blah, blah, and now she thinks she’s stuck.”
“Does she work?”
“Yeah, but Stan has control of the bank accounts so she doesn’t have money of her own. He keeps her under his thumb, and it really sucks.” Robin sighed. “I know she’d be happier without him. That’s the really sucky part. She’s smart and funny. Mom was always so much fun before she met that asshole. Now she works and worries about what he’ll think about things and how he’ll react if things aren’t right.”
Dwayne nodded. “You know those are the classic signs of abuse?”
“Yeah. I figured. But how can I help her?”
Dwayne started the engine and raised the windows as the AC kicked in. “There’s nothing you can do until your mother decides she wants to make a change. You can’t force her to leave him, and the police won’t step in unless there’s a crime. It really sucks, but she has to make up her own mind. Then she can get help and change her life. But it all has to start with her.” Dwayne patted Robin’s leg. “It’s the hardest thing there is.”
“I wish….” Robin put his hands over his face and leaned forward. “She’s my mom, and she deserves so much more than Stan. I know that.” He turned toward Dwayne. “How come we can see what other people need, but not ourselves?”
“That’s the bitch of it all the time.” And wasn’t that the truth.
He had less than two hours before he had to be on shift, so Dwayne drove to Hanover Grille, where they could get a quick lunch. He figured they could continue their conversation if Robin wanted, but it seemed he was talked out, at least for now.
“CAN YOU help me?” Dwayne asked as he took the extra seat at Carter’s desk. Carter was a great guy and as techie as they came, so searches and unusual requests were his specialty.
“What’s up?”
Dwayne scratched an itch on the side of his head, expelling a little nervous energy. “Robin’s stepfather,” he answered quietly. “Robin’s told me stories, and this morning he talked to his mother.”
“This is the kid who’s staying with you?” Carter looked up, his gaze boring into him. “I see.”
“What does that mean?” Dwayne asked, his defenses rising.
“Just that when it comes to this kid, your eyes give a lot away.” Carter smiled. “Anyway, what’s the deal?”
“From what I can figure out from what I’ve been told, Robin’s mother is in a classic abusive situation, and Robin asked if I could look into his stepfather. If even half the stories are correct, the guy’s a real douchebag.” Dwayne handed Carter the page where he’d written down the information Robin had given him.
“All right. We’ll start with general, publicly available information.” Carter began typing like a fiend. “Stanley Gusterson, fifty-three.” Carter glanced at the page. “Yes. The address you have is what’s available online.”
“Where does he work?” Dwayne asked, and Carter continued looking.
“Employment history…. Let me see if I can get a Social…. Yes. Here it is.” Carter typed away, knitting his eyebrows together as he worked. “That’s unusual and a little frightening. I’m not finding any employment records for the last five years. It doesn’t mean he isn’t working, but I’m not getting employment tax records on a regular basis the way I do when someone has held down a job. So….”
“Do you think the guy’s been mooching off his wife all these years? Robin said that Stan has her on an allowance and controls all the money.” The idea was disgusting to him. What a sleazy asshole.
Carter whistled. “If he is, the guy sure knows how to save.” He turned the screen. “He’s got money stashed in a lot of banks, and all in his name. I’d have to request bank records to get any more information, but just from what I can see, there’s a steady string of regular deposits of a few thousand dollars.” Carter returned the screen to its initial position and went back to typing. He let out a low whistle. “Well, I’ll be damned. This guy is good.”
“What?” Dwayne asked, leaning forward.
“The guy has accounts at every bank from the looks of it, and he makes deposits to all of them.” Carter sat back, thinking. “Banks have to report large cash deposits. It’s part of how drug money is tracked, though I’m not convinced it does a great deal, but still….” He put his hands behind his head. “Okay. The trick is to stay below those reporting levels and to keep people from thinking too much about what you’re doing. So it looks like Stanley has opened accounts at various banks, and he makes a deposit at one bank one week, and then the next week, he goes to a different one, and yet another, making small deposits that no one really pays a whole lot of attention to.”
“Okay.”
“That’s fine, but the guy doesn’t appear to be working, and I doubt his wife is making that kind of money.”
“So is it drug money he’s hiding?” Dwayne asked, and Carter leaned forward and went back to checking.
“There aren’t any convictions or charges brought against him. The only charge is four years old for punching a guy in a bar, and that was dropped,” he said with a shrug.
“Okay….” Dwayne thought. “So he’s making regular deposits and building up bank balances. Over time, aren’t people going to get suspicious? The balances are going to get pretty high, and then if nothing else, the bank is going to start paying attention to him just because of his balance.”
Carter looked up from the screen. “I don’t know. All I have is the raw data.” He raised his eyebrows, and Dwayne had forgotten sometimes they all expected the computers to have the answers to everything. “I can tell you that he’s recently opened an account at one of the Carlisle bank branches. It’s the Wells Fargo on High. That was in the last two months.” Carter did another search, but he didn’t come up with anything. “That’s all I have right now. I could try to look further, but that’s going to require authorization and the help of other agencies, and you know that isn’t going to work if there isn’t an official investigation.”
“I know.” Dwayne stood. “Thanks, Carter. You were a big help.”
“What are you going to do with all this?” Carter’s printer came to life and began spitting out pages. “I’m printing out some of the basic information for you. You might talk things over with Red. He has great instincts about things like this.” Carter reached into the printer tray and handed Dwayne the papers. “There’s something suspicious here, but I don’t know exactly what it is. Maybe talk to the guys in narcotics, or see if he’s on the radar in Mechanicsburg or Harrisburg. They might know something that isn’t in the files.”
“Thanks.” Dwayne took the pages and hurried back to his desk. He and Red were scheduled to be on patrol in a few minutes. He figured they’d have time to talk about what he’d found.
Dwayne met Red back at their car and got in the passenger seat, and Red took them out of the parking lot and toward the north end of town. He told Red everything he could think of, including what Robin had told him and what he’d found out from Carter.
“I’m not sure what to do. We don’t have a complaint of any type, and he isn’t even in our jurisdiction.”
Red pulled to a stop. “Dwayne. As far as we know, he hasn’t committed a crime. He isn’t someone we can investigate. Part of our job is to look into complaints, but we can’t just review the background of people we don’t like to see if there’s a possible crime. We don’t do witch hunts. Even if the person is someone we don’t like.” The light changed and they moved forward. “I know Robin doesn’t like this man, and what you’ve found is suspicious, but it’s not a crime. That’s what we do, so in order to take this further, there has to have been a crime and it has to have taken place in Carlisle.”
They received a radio call of a report of a home with squatters in residence. It was only a block from where they were, so Dwayne answered it as Red hurried to the location.
“This is the second one this week that I know of.”
“Yeah. The paper reported on the other one, and apparently now home sellers are afraid to leave their buildings unattended.” They pulled up to where a family of four was gathered in front of one of the small row houses, with a man, about fifty or so, out front, waving his arms and yelling.
“Thank goodness you’re here. These people are living in my house illegally.” He motioned to the people who stood across from him.
“I have a lease on the house,” the woman said before turning to the children. “Take your brother and sister inside and lock the door. I’ll handle this.” The youngsters hurried off, and the front door closed with a bang.
“Officer Markham. May I see your lease?” Red asked, and she handed him the paper.
“They can’t have a lease. I’m the owner of the property, and I never leased it. The house is for sale.” He thrust papers at Dwayne, who took them and asked to see his ID. “Reginald Hoover,” the man said by way of an introduction. He’d given Dwayne a receipt for the spring tax bill, which was paid just two months ago, as well as a copy of the deed to the house. Reginald pointed to the papers Dwayne was holding. “It’s my house, and you can also check with the borough and whatever lease she has.”
“May I see your identification?” Red asked the lady, and she handed it over.
“Ma’am, who did you sign this lease with?”
“William Harvey,” she answered nervously.
Dwayne and Red shared a brief look. “Can you describe him?”
She nodded. “About thirty-five or so, heavy, not very tall, maybe five foot ten. Dark hair and eyes.”
Dwayne knew that description. It was nearly the same one Robin had given him after he’d been hurt. “I’m sorry, ma’am. That description matches with a rent scammer.”
“Excuse me?” she said as she rocked a little from side to side.
“Yes. He rents rooms in vacant houses. In your case it seems he rented the entire house.”
“Oh God.” She went pale, and Dwayne caught her before she hit the ground. Thankfully she came back around. He got her settled on the lawn. “It was all the money we had. I paid the first month and security deposit, two thousand dollars… in cash.”
Dwayne stifled a groan. He hated when people decided to do business in cash. It gave them little recourse and was an easy way to get duped. “How long ago?”
“About a week. I just got the kids settled.” She put her hands over her face and began to cry. Dwayne stayed with her while Red talked to the property owner. “It was all I had. I started a new job as a shift chief at Gorway, one of the warehouse companies, and now what the heck am I going to do? I can’t just leave them homeless.” She waved her hand toward the children in the house, her tears coming steadily now.
Dwayne handed her a tissue from his pocket and helped her to her feet. “Let me get your information. We’re trying to find these people, and any details you can give me is a huge help.”
“I’m Judy Garwood, and the only address I have is this one.” She gave him her phone number and date of birth. Then Dwayne collected as much information as she could give him. “We met at Faye’s Diner to sign the lease.” She sniffed and wiped her eyes before blowing her nose.
“Thank you. Give me a minute.” Dwayne went to where Red was still standing with Reginald. “They rented the place in good faith.”
“I know. But it wasn’t to be rented,” Reginald said.
“Do you want to evict her and the kids?” Dwayne asked, purposely phrasing the question that way.
“Shit. I just want to get the house sold. It was my mother’s—she passed away six months ago. It’s taken us this long to get it cleaned out and ready for sale. I was meeting with the real estate agent tomorrow.”
“Okay. Then why don’t you rent it to them until you sell it? They can pay you rent next month, and you give them thirty days’ notice to leave once it’s sold. At least they will have a place to live until they can find someplace new, and you’ll get some money out of it while the house is for sale.” It was worth a try.
“But… I’ll be eating the rent for this month.”
“Which you never expected to get, and she’s going to eat her security deposit. But at least the family will have a place to live, and you’ll have someone to watch over the house for you. It’s a win for both, and all you need to do is try to work it out with her.” Dwayne stepped back and watched Reginald’s face, knowing the exact second he caved.
Reginald sighed and walked over to Judy, who stood wringing her hands.
“Very good idea,” Red said. “Once they talk, let’s see if we can get any more information.”
Dwayne agreed, and they waited patiently a few paces away. When Reginald and Judy shook hands, she seemed much less fearful. “Thank you. We’ll begin looking for another place after the first of the month.”
“I’ll keep you informed if there are any showings. Just please keep the house neat and clean, and I’ll draft an agreement so we’re both protected.”
“We will.” Judy walked over to Red and Dwayne. “Thank you. This isn’t ideal, but it isn’t as bad as it could’ve been.”
“Good,” Dwayne said. “We have some questions for you that may help us catch the guy behind this.” He referred to his notes. “I have a description of the man. Is there anything else you can tell me, any defining marks or tattoos?”
“Not that I remember,” Judy said. “I did meet him at Faye’s. We had breakfast, and he paid in cash because that’s all they take. Then I signed the lease and gave him the money. He gave me the keys, and the kids and I started moving in.”
“How did you find out about the house?” Red asked.
“One of the guys at work told me about it.”
“Can we get his name?” Red asked.
“Phillip Wedgston,” she answered, and Red wrote down the information she gave.
“Does he work the same shift you do?”
“Yeah,” Judy answered. “He’ll be working tomorrow.”
“Good. Don’t say anything to him, if you’d be so kind.” Red smiled, and Dwayne realized they might have gotten a break. At least they had some sort of trail to follow. “Thank you.” Red nodded, and Judy went into the house.
Dwayne scratched his head. There was something they were missing….
“Keys,” he said under his breath. “He gave her keys to the house.” He turned to Reginald. “After your mother died and you cleared out the house to get it ready to put on the market, did you have the locks changed?”
Reginald shook his head and then paused, eyes widening. “Someone tried to break in, and I had to have the back door handle repaired. I called a locksmith for that.”
“Who was it?”
“Halverson’s. They sent someone right out and took care of it.”
Dwayne wrote down the details. “Thank you.” He gave Reginald his card. “Please call if you have any other issues.” He checked with Red that they had everything, and then Reginald went back in his car.
“What are you thinking?” Red asked.
“I need to call Manning from the other day and find out who he used for the locks at his place. Our scammers have keys, and they’re getting them from somewhere. What if someone at the locksmiths is providing them? Both this place and that one had work done prior to the scam.”
Red nodded. “Go ahead and do that. I’ll write up the report on the stop while you make the calls.” They got in the car, and Red logged in and began typing on the laptop while Dwayne looked through his notes and made his phone call.
“This is Officer Rappaport with the Carlisle Police, and I have a few follow-up questions if you have a minute?”
“Sure, Officer.”
“Did you change the locks? Which locksmith did you use?”
“Let me look.” A shuffling of paper. “Halverson’s.”
“Thank you very much.”
“Do you think that’s the problem?”
“We aren’t sure, but we needed to know.” He thanked Mr. Manning and hung up. “We have a connection. But it seems too easy.” Dwayne reviewed all his notes once again. “When we get back to the station, I’ll check the other cases and see if they mention any locksmiths. That would make sense and is an easy way for them to get keys if they were being provided.”
“I do find that hard to believe. Something like this would kill any locksmith business. No one would ever trust them again.” Red finished up what he was doing and then put the car in gear and pulled away from the curb.
“Let’s finish our research, and then we can plan how we want to follow up these leads.” They continued their patrol, with Red driving and Dwayne looking things up.
“How are things going with Terry?” Dwayne asked once he’d searched the cases and come up with a few other follow-up calls to be made.
“Okay. He had that meeting in New York, and they want him as an underwear model.” Red shook his head. “Is it weird that I don’t want Terry on posters in Times Square in nothing but a pair of briefs and a smile?”
“Hey. Remember that you’re the only one he’s coming home to,” Dwayne said. “You aren’t really worried about something like that, are you?”
“I guess not. But where does it end? It’s been months, and the interest doesn’t seem to be waning.” Red turned the corner and pulled to a stop in traffic.
“Does this make him happy?” Dwayne asked. “If he likes the attention and he’s enjoying the work, I think you need to get over it.” He turned in the seat. “Seeing the two of you together used to make me jealous because I wanted what you guys have. Terry loves you, and all this is a byproduct of him working so hard all those years.”
“I know, and I feel like a dick about it. I should just be happy for him.” Red glanced up in the mirror, and Dwayne wondered if this was about how he looked. Granted, Red had a scar, but the man was hot, with the trimmed beard and all.
“Then why don’t you get some time off and go with him to the shoot? Be part of it instead of sitting on the sidelines.” Dwayne saw the surprise in Red’s eyes. “I know I’m being pretty free with my advice.”
“We’re friends, Dwayne.”
“Then I say, take some time, go with Terry, and let him know that you stand behind him. These are big-time people who are used to getting their own way. They’ll push and cajole him into doing what they want and will have their own agendas. So be there for him and let him know that no matter what happens and what everybody else wants, you’ll be by his side.” Dwayne watched as a smile tilted upward on Red’s lips.
“You’re right.” He pounded the steering wheel. “I’ve been a dipshit. Terry needs me, and I’ve been worried we’d grow apart or something.” His smile was bright now, and Dwayne loved the look of it.
THE PATROL continued as could be expected, with a number of calls, mostly domestic disturbances, which were always unnerving. He saw people, mostly under someone’s thumb, too afraid or turned around to get out. He knew it was a hard thing to do, but seeing it over and over again ate at his soul a little bit. Toward the end of the shift, they headed in and wrote up their reports. When it was quiet, Dwayne made his calls and found a further pattern around Halverson’s locksmiths. It certainly looked as though someone was dirty.
He reported it to the captain before heading home. “It’s all in my report.”
“Good. Tomorrow, you two head out there and see what you can find.” Captain Norris seemed pleased. “We may finally have a break in this situation.”
“Today’s victim works with someone who told her about the house. Now, there are no signs, and we’ve checked and ads aren’t being placed in the papers. So how do people know?”
“You think this guy might lead you back to them?” Captain Norris seemed suspicious. “By all means, talk to him. Just don’t get your hopes up. As for the locksmith, talk to Dean Halverson first and get his support. He isn’t going to stand for any monkey business if someone on his staff is dirty.” He returned to the papers on his desk. “Good job shaking the trees. This whole situation sucks for the homeowners and the victims, and we need to shut it down.”
“It’s bigger than just here in town,” Dwayne said. “The same man who was running the scam in Harrisburg was seen here in town.”
“Then I’ll get someone to call the other municipalities and we’ll share information. You two go on home. We can help you with some of this. Have a good night and get some rest. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow.” He shooed him out of his office, and Dwayne said good night to Red and the other officers he passed as he headed out.
He was so damned tired, he could barely keep his eyes open, and the only reason he was able to stay awake was because Robin was at home waiting for him.
DWAYNE WALKED into the dark apartment, and it felt strange. Not like something was wrong, but he’d expected Robin to wait up for him. He knew the place wasn’t empty, and when he approached the bedroom, Robin’s breathing reached his ears, soft and steady. He turned on one low light and got something to eat, just a few bites. Normally he’d sit up a while and unwind, but he was tired and Robin waited for him. Dwayne brushed his teeth and cleaned up before stripping off his clothes. Then he turned out the single light and got into bed.
Robin scooted right up to him. God, this was nice. Dwayne wasn’t sure if he even woke up, but just knowing that someone trusted he was there and wanted to be this close to him was certainly a turn-on. Hell, he was rock-hard, and the sheets slid over his dick in a great way. Dwayne turned, and Robin pressed his butt right against his hips. Dwayne bit his lower lip as his dick slid over Robin’s smooth ass. He knew what delights he could have if he woke Robin with a kiss, or two, and then made love to him in the dark. But instead he wound his arm around Robin’s belly, held him close, and closed his eyes as Robin slept on.
Dwayne let sleep overtake him, and soon he was nearly there, floating on the edges of the sweet abyss.
“No!” Robin screamed, cutting into his sleep. He leaped out of bed, and Dwayne lunged right after him, caught, and held him. “Stay away! Don’t hurt me.”
“Shhh,” Dwayne crooned. “It’s Dwayne, and I’m not going to hurt you.” He stroked Robin’s back, soothing him. “You need to wake up.” He continued holding him as Robin struggled for a few seconds, then stopped and gasped.
“Dwayne?”
“Yeah, it’s me. You’re safe, and no one’s going to hurt you.” He rocked back and forth, rubbing Robin’s back. “It was just a dream. Nothing more.” He slowly coaxed Robin into bed and left to go into the kitchen. He got a glass of water, brought it back, and handed it to Robin. “Just take a drink. I put a little lemon in it. My grandma used to tell me that it kept bad dreams away.”
“Really?”
Dwayne chuckled. “Sure. What the hell did I know? I was five years old. But it’s what she used to say and it worked. I’d drink the water, and the dreams would stay away.” He waited while Robin drank and then took the glass back. When he returned, Robin lay on the bed, and Dwayne slid under the covers. “I’m right here and won’t let anyone hurt you. So just sleep.” He kissed Robin’s temple and did his best to close his eyes. But he couldn’t help wondering what had led to that nightmare.
DWAYNE WOKE to Robin getting out of bed. He reached for him to pull him back because he missed the warmth.
“It’s too early,” Dwayne grumbled, tucking Robin under his arm. He would have fallen back to sleep if he hadn’t put his nose at the nape of Robin’s neck, inhaled his scent, and instantly gotten aroused.
“I have to go to work this morning. Terry wants me there for the early lesson session.” Robin giggled and rolled over. “I’d love to stay here with you, but I don’t want to be late.” He snuggled down, and Dwayne sighed with contentment.
“You minx,” Dwayne said as Robin licked at his chest and then teased one of his nipples. “I thought you had to get to work.”
“I do. I figured I’d give you a taste of what you can look forward to.”
“Tease!”
“I am not,” Robin countered and sucked at his nipple again, tweaking the other one.
“You certainly are.”
Robin pulled away. “I am not. I put out, as you well know, and just because I have to get going….” He grinned. “It’s not my fault that someone got home so late last night and I fell asleep.” Robin kissed him and wriggled out of his grasp. “I really do need to get ready for work.” He dashed away from the bed and bent down to go through the boxes holding his clothes to find something to wear, wagging his backside. Damn, Dwayne was tempted to pounce, but Robin grabbed his clothes and hurried out of the room before he had much of a chance.
Dwayne figured he might as well get up too and slipped on a robe, then headed to the kitchen to make coffee and something to eat. At least he could feed Robin some breakfast before he had to leave.
“Robin, I didn’t tell you that I looked into your stepfather.”
“Yeah?” Robin cracked the bathroom door open and stuck his head out. “Anything interesting?”
“Yes and no. He hasn’t been convicted of anything. But he was charged once, though that was dropped. Seems he might have a temper.” Dwayne pulled out some eggs and cheese, then grabbed a skillet.
“Oh, he does.” The water ran and then stopped.
“We looked into some financial information and found something curious. He’s got accounts all over, and he’s making regular deposits, but it looks like he’s trying to hide the trail or at least confuse the situation. Where does he work?”
“He’s on disability. He used to work at one of the country clubs but fell and damaged his knees. So he says he can’t work and probably got some quack to help him push it through. He gets disability checks every month.”
“Then where would he get three hundred grand?” Dwayne asked, and Robin choked.
“What the fuck?” Robin asked, coming in the room with toothpaste smeared over his lips. Dwayne handed him a glass, and he rinsed his mouth. “No way. He makes enough to get by, but not more than that. No one gets rich on that.”
“We know. That’s why I was curious. He’s into something, but I don’t know what and can’t investigate because I don’t have a complaint or any indication that he’s committed a crime,” Dwayne explained as he poured two mugs of coffee, then went back to fixing the eggs.
Robin returned to the bathroom and closed the door. He stepped out a few minutes later in pants and a shirt, deep in thought. “I saw a show on television about ways the feds track down suspected drug dealers using the money trail. It was on one of those crime shows. The FBI does it. You could show them what you have and see what they think. Maybe he fits the pattern.” Robin picked up the mug and set it back down again, smacking the counter. “So help me God. He always seemed to have the money for what he wanted to do and never any for the rest of us.”
“Is he secretive?” Dwayne took the eggs off the stove and plated them.
“Shit, yes. He had a shed out back that he keeps locked, and he’d jump and yell if he didn’t hear me come into the room.”
Bringing the plate to the table, Dwayne asked, “What about his phone?”
“He has that thing locked up tight as Fort Knox. And you know how texts show when you get them? His don’t. I heard the danged thing ding once, but his iPhone showed no notifications.” Robin picked up the mug once again. “God, I hate that ass.” He sipped and set it down, practically shaking. “If you can nail him, I hope… fuck, I hope he goes to prison and becomes the cellblock bitch for the next twenty years. I sure as hell wish he gets stabbed and lives so someone else can stab him… over and over.”
Dwayne stood, took the mug from Robin, and held him. Robin shook and then buried his head in Dwayne’s chest. Dwayne figured he was crying but didn’t look. Robin deserved his chance to get out the bottled-up resentment, and Dwayne would be there for him.
“I feel like fucking Cinderella, and I hate that story,” Robin said, wiping his eyes, and sniffed.
“You know that in the original Grimm version, birds peck out the eyes of the evil stepsisters,” Dwayne told him.
“Then if I’m going to be fucking Cinderella, I want some of those damned birds.” Robin walked to the front window. “Where in the hell do I get some?” He turned back toward him. “Do you think I can order some stepfather-eye-pecking-out birds on Amazon? You can get everything else.” He stalked back and grabbed the mug and drank some more.
“Slow down. You’re already riled up enough.” Dwayne was concerned that if Robin had too much caffeine now, he would explode. “If your stepfather is doing anything, we’ll figure out what it is.” Dwayne wouldn’t let someone cause this much pain and walk away. Not if he could help it. “Go ahead and finish getting ready for work, and I’ll take you.”
“You don’t have to. I gave myself enough time this morning to be able to walk over. I figured that’s how I’m going to need to get home after work. I’ll bring an umbrella in case it rains and head on over. It won’t take that long.” Robin finished his coffee, took a few bites of eggs, and put his mug in the sink.
“You know I can get dressed and just drive you over,” Dwayne said, already heading toward the bedroom.
“Go on back to bed and relax.” Robin followed him, guiding him with a hand on his shoulder. “I have time, and it will give me a chance to think some things over.” He pressed Dwayne down onto the bed, and Dwayne had to admit the covers were calling to him.
“Be sure to call when you get there,” Dwayne told Robin as he pulled up the blankets.
Robin left the room and shut the door. A little while later, the front door closed and Dwayne was alone in a quiet apartment, wishing the bed wasn’t so empty.
ROBIN CALLED later to say he’d arrived, and Dwayne thanked him and wished him a good day before going right back to sleep.
He woke when his phone rang a little while later, and he snatched it off the nightstand. “Yeah…?” he answered more gruffly than he’d meant to.
“Is this where I can speak with Robin?”
The tentative female voice had Dwayne suddenly very awake. “He’s at work at the moment. Is this his mother?”
“Yes.” She seemed to be speaking in a whisper, and Dwayne wondered if she was at home and hiding from her husband. “Please tell—” Her voice broke. “I don’t know what Robin has told you, but….” She paused once again. “I got a call from a lawyer looking for Robin this morning.” She sniffed. “He wouldn’t tell me what it was about and asked that Robin call him right away. He did say he was from Maryland, and that’s where Gretchen lives.” Fear clearly colored her voice, but she pushed on. “I’ll give you the number. Please ask Robin to call and tell me what’s happening, and ask him if maybe I can meet him for lunch on Monday? I want to see my boy.”
Dwayne wrote down the number and confirmed the one she wanted Robin to call her at, then ended the call. He knew he wasn’t going back to sleep, so he pushed away the covers and hurried to the bathroom. After cleaning and getting dressed, he bounded down the stairs and out the door. He got into his car and sped over to the Y, went inside, and asked to speak with Terry.
Terry strolled up a minute later, smiling, and led him to his office. “What can I do for you, Dwayne?”
“Is Robin busy at the moment?” Dwayne had a feeling this was important. Lawyers don’t just call if there wasn’t a reason. “I got a call from his mother this morning. I think she’s figuring out how much she misses her son. But that isn’t why I came down here. She said she was called by a lawyer from Maryland, and she’s afraid it has to do with his sister.”
Terry stood and peered through the window at the pool. “He’s on the stand right now, but he has a break in an hour.”
“I don’t want to interrupt his day.”
Terry sighed. “There’s a swim class in there right now, but they should be done in fifteen minutes. I’ll tell him to come in then.” He rolled his eyes and smiled. “I didn’t realize police officers were such drama queens. Take a seat and I’ll have him come in.” Terry left the office, and Dwayne fidgeted for a little while until Robin entered in his red swim trunks and white lifeguard shirt. Dang, he was sexy.
“What’s happened?”
“Your mother called. She sounded upset.” Dwayne figured he’d get right down to it. “She said she was called by a lawyer from Maryland looking for you. She gave me his number. She also said she was wondering if she could see you for lunch on Monday.”
Robin blinked as he took the note with the lawyer’s number on it. “She said that?”
“Yeah, she did. Call her sometime today. The second number is the one she said to use.” Dwayne handed Robin his phone, and he took it and dialed.
“Yes. This is Robin Cartwright, and I received a message that someone at this number was trying to get in touch with me.” He listened and went whiter by the second.
Dwayne hurried to catch him, wondering what had just happened.