Life After Love ~ Chapter 29/30
Title: Life After Love Chapter 29
Sequel to: Lost in Life
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: adam/kris, OMCs
Summary of Story: WIP. Kris and Adam are moving on with their lives, jumping into a new venture that promises so much, but the past comes back to haunt them.
Disclaimer: I do not own the real people involved, only those I’ve created.
Warnings: angst, violence, language DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE TRIGGERS. Additional warnings will be posted when warranted.
New warnings: kidnapping, attempted murder, fire.
The time has come everyone. It’s the second last chapter of this story and everything is coming to a head so the final chapter can be all love and light. Please don’t hate me for what comes down … in a sense, you all probably expected something like this to happen but there is one big surprise I’m sure no one saw coming and you’ll love me for it.
Recap of Chapter 28 ~ Margaret tells the police and Adam she thinks Jerry is behind the hit and run; hands over Jerry’s laptop ~♥~ Kris in a private room, Shaun still in coma ~♥~ Adam talks to Kris about Margaret; Kris thinks she should be locked up, Adam not sure ~♥~ James tells them Jerry’s computer log confesses to everything that’s happened except hit and run ~♥~ police think enough evidence to warrant police protection for Adam, Kris, Ken and Peter
MASTERLIST ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/39293.html#cutid1
:::: ♥♥ ::::
A week passed and no sign of Jerry. The police finished their forensics on the SUV and while the evidence matched that found at the beach house, there was still nothing to link it to their prime suspect. Kris got better each day and their police shadows continued to stay at their sides. Daniel was temporarily settled with future in-law Neil, and Kim and Neil Allen were settled into the beach house, getting it ready for their son’s return home.
19 had been real understanding about Adam needing to be with Kris but as his fiancé got better they started not so subtly hinting that he needed to get back to work. Adam understood … as did Kris … so the singer had spent half of each day in the studio and at meetings. Kim and Neil told him not to worry, that they’d keep their boy company while he was away. Adam texted his love constantly, keeping him up to date on his day and telling him repeatedly how much he was loved.
With so much going on with Kris’ recovery and digesting all they’d learned about Jerry, 24 hours passed quickly and with no charges pressed, Margaret was free to go … with a warning not to leave town. She said she’d hang around and thanked them profusely. Adam wasn’t as upset about her getting away as he thought he’d be. Maybe her coming forward and basically solving the case had been enough to make amends in his mind. Kris certainly wasn’t happy about it and didn’t hold back his feelings. Adam loved his baby’s concern but it was Adam’s decision after all. If she was charged, there’d be more court dates and all he wanted was to move on with their lives. He knew when Jerry was caught there’d be a trial and one more was enough for him.
Thankfully, Shaun awoke from his coma four days after the accident. He was still in serious condition but the doctors were hopeful he’d make a full recovery with time and therapy. Charlie never left his side, somehow convincing the nurses to bring in a roll away bed for him. On one of Kris’ slow walks around the hospital corridors, Adam and Kris had come to visit them. Charlie told them he wasn’t going back to work, that he was staying at Shaun’s side through it all. Kris assured him his job would be waiting … both their jobs would be waiting … when they were ready to come back to Indigo.
The night before Kris was coming home, after visiting hours had ended, Adam sat on their patio looking over the Pacific and imaging the two of them standing on that bluff in Malibu and saying their vows. Though Kris didn’t blame him for ‘sending’ him to Malibu and he’d been assured, if you could call it that, that Jerry would have gone after Kris wherever he’d been, Adam still harbored guilt and hadn’t allowed himself to enjoy the notion that the cottage in Malibu was theirs for the most important day of their lives.
“Here sweetheart, just the way you like it.”
Adam looked up and gave a tired smile, accepting the green tea and honey.
“Thanks Kim.”
“Mind if I join you?” He smiled and she took the seat next to him … Kris’ seat. “With the wedding little more than a month away, I think you can start calling me ‘Mama’ or ‘Mom’.”
He rested his head against the back of the chair. “I’d love to call you ‘Mom’ Kim, but I can’t.” More than once, she’d told him that and he’d tried but he just couldn’t bring himself to do it anymore; it felt like he was betraying his own Mom in a way. “It’s just ….”
“I think I understand.” She took a sip of her own tea. “I looked up the cottage online, it’s breathtaking. No wonder you boys want to get married there. Any ideas you care to share?”
“We haven’t had the chance to discuss it,” he replied quietly.
“Oh dear, how insensitive of me.”
“No … no … no, it’s fine … really. We do have some general ideas of what we want, we just haven’t finalized it.”
“What would you like Adam?” she asked softly.
He closed his eyes and felt them well up. He was so tired. Little tears trickled down his cheeks and he felt her hand on his shoulder.
“I just want my Kris back home.”
:::: ♥♥ ::::
Jerry sat in his car outside the apartment building, waiting for her to come out.
He’d been lying low the past few days, knowing the police were probably on his trail by now. When he’d followed Adam’s car that day, he’d expected Adam to be in it. It wasn’t until the car stopped at that restaurant that he realized the bitch wasn’t with them. Still, he’d driven all the way out there and if he couldn’t take out Lambert, at least he could take out his boy-toy. The bullets flying at him had been a surprise and a sane person would have abandoned the mission but he wasn’t sane … not any more … and it had spurred him on further.
The moment the black car took to the air and tumbled down the embankment, he’d let out a cheer. Pulling over to the side, he got out and looked down, spotting the car upside down in a thicket of bushes, white tendrils floating into the air like Indian smoke signals. He really should have gone down to make sure they were dead but the sides were so steep he didn’t want to risk his own neck. Besides, the car was such a mess, who could have survived ….
They could, damn it.
She came out the front door, digging through her purse as she walked down the sidewalk. Jerry started the engine and followed slowly, grateful she lived on a quiet street and he could stay behind her. She halted at a bus stop and he pulled over, a block away, close enough that she might see the car but not the face behind the wheel.
When he found out they’d all survived the crash, he was furious. Jerry trolled all the hospitals until he found them. He slipped in and found some orderly’s uniform, blending into the crowd. Finding a medical cart, he’d picked up a syringe and some bottle and made his way up to the intensive care floor. The doors of the elevator opened and closed.
Cops were standing in the hallway.
Jerry’s patience was wearing thin. He needed to make a move, consequences be damned.
The bus pulled up and she got on. He followed the bus, expecting her to get off at Adagio but the bus kept going. As he passed by the building, Jerry noticed no cars in the parking lot. The bus continued on and finally stopped at a shopping mall. She got out and headed inside. Parking quickly, he jumped out and followed her into a pharmacy. She’d stopped in front of the vitamin shelves. Jerry picked up a box of extra large condoms and came up behind her, raising his arm and bringing the box down in front of her eyes.
“Want to help me empty this?” he purred in her ear.
The young woman turned, disgust on her face. Then recognition set in and the disgust morphed to anger and she slapped him across the face.
Jerry rubbed his cheek, grinning, “I thought you’d be happy to see me Sara.”
Sara lowered her voice. “Happy to see you? You ran out on me Steven and you think I’d be happy to ….”
He cut her off, grabbing the back of her head and smashing their mouths together, sticking his tongue down her throat. He knew that would get her … she’d always been such a slut for tongue.
Half an hour later they were in her apartment, making a good dent in the number of condoms in that box. After one energetic romp, they lay spent in bed. Sara was on her stomach and ‘Steven’ was on his side, thick finger running up her crack and teasing her hole. She mewled and lifted a leg. He sucked his finger, wetting it, and finger fucked her ass lazily.
“What’s up with Adagio? Did the place go belly up?”
“N-no … new paint … ah baby, do that a-again … ooooohhhhhh.”
No one at Adagio, huh?
“Really? Well, I want to surprise an old friend I haven’t seen in years and I could use your help.” He sped up his fingers until she screamed and came. “There’s more of this is you’re game.”
She melted under him and sighed, “Anything you want Steven.”
:::: ♥♥ ::::
Kris sat up on the edge of his bed, forehead pressed against Adam’s chest. He bit his man’s shirt, muffling the moans as Adam’s hand circled his cock under his hospital gown and jerked him. He’d missed this contact so much. Kisses and hugs were no longer doing it for him so when they were finally alone ~ his family having been persuaded to go to lunch ~ he nearly begged Adam for a blow job. Adam was willing to make him feel good but said he better keep his eyes open so a hand job it was.
“F-faster lover … mmm ….”
Adam chuckled, causing Kris’s head to bounce a little.
“I didn’t know this was on the physical therapy schedule.”
“You … mmm … you’ll have to help me … every day,” he stammered, his gut tightening, “gonna … gonna …..”
Adam let go long enough to grab the washcloth he’d fetched from the bathroom and wrap it around Kris’ pulsing cock, collecting his come. Kris nuzzled his face into Adam’s armpit, muffling his cries. When he was finished, his bones mush, he had to be helped onto his back.
Adam dispensed on that cloth and got a fresh one, rung out in warm water, and wiped the sweat from his face.
“We can’t have the doctor thinking you’ve got a fever and deciding to keep you here longer.”
“Nothing is keeping me here longer than necessary.”
Just as Adam disappeared into the bathroom, the doctor appeared.
“Good Morning Kris, how are you feeling today?”
“Wonderful. When can I go home?”
The doctor smiled, “You look a little tired but your spirits are up. It’s going to take a while before you get all your energy back, you just have to be patient and let your family help you.”
“I’m willing to lend a hand anytime,” Adam commented, joining them.
Kris groaned and the doctor immediately asked if he was in pain. Kris said he was fine, just stiff … from not moving. The doctor checked him over and gave his verdict.
“I do believe you’re ready to go home. Is this afternoon soon enough?”
Both men thanked the doctor for all his help and when they were alone, Adam sat on the bed and sucked the last of Kris’ energy out from between his lips.
“Hope I’m not interrupting.”
Kris sighed into Adam’s mouth, anxious to be alone again. Then he thought about his parents staying with them til the wedding and he came to the conclusion he and Adam would never have sex again.
:::: ♥♥ ::::
Ken stopped short in the doorway, catching the boys playing tonsil hockey. He stepped back out of sight and gave them a few minutes, noticing the smirk on the police officer’s face.
As he waited, it occurred to him that seeing them like that wasn’t doing anything to him; that is to say, he wasn’t getting hard or thinking of himself doing that with Adam. The revelation both startled and pleased him.
Maybe he was going to be able to overcome this.
“Hope I’m not interrupting.”
Adam and Kris paused, still lip locked, then slowly came apart. Kris blushed and Adam cleared his throat. Ken couldn’t help himself; he had to chuckle.
“The sooner you two get married, the better.”
“Couldn’t agree more my friend,” Adam replied. “Come on in.”
The friends chatted for a while and then Adam’s phone buzzed. He read the message and raised an eyebrow.
“What is it?” Kris asked.
“Peter sent me a text. He wants me to come to Adagio.”
“I thought they were closed a few days for remodeling,” Ken said.
“Suppose to be. Says he wants my opinion on a new stage setup.”
“Maybe you should call him,” Kris suggested, “get more details.”
Adam looked at his watch. “You won’t be released for a few more hours. I’ll just go, get it taken care of, and be back in plenty of time to carry you over the threshold.”
“That doesn’t happen until after we’re married.”
They kissed tenderly. “Consider it practice. I’m sure Ken can keep you company until your folks get back.”
“I wouldn’t mind at all.” He spotted a deck of cards on the side table. “Kris can teach me how to play blackjack.”
Adam left and the lesson commenced. Half an hour later, Ken was winning every hand and the Allen’s returned, saving their boy from imaginary bankruptcy. Kris’ family were thrilled to learn he was coming home that afternoon and Kim immediately invited Ken and Christine over for a little celebratory dinner.
“Oh dear, I guess I should have asked first. Sweetheart ….”
“It’s okay Mama, a dinner with friends at home sounds great. You guys will just have to excuse me if I need to head off to bed early.”
Ken thanked them for the invitation and said he’d see them tonight. On his way to the elevator, he ran into Peter.
“Boy, that didn’t take long.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You’re meeting with Adam.”
“What meeting with Adam? I haven’t seen him since yesterday.”
“But the text … you asked him to come to Adagio, to get his opinion on the new stage set up.”
“The club’s just getting painted, nothing else. There’s no one there today.”
The older man felt his heart pound in his chest. Grabbing his friend’s hand, they ran back towards the police officer outside Kris’ room.
Adam was walking into a trap.
:::: ♥♥ ::::
The downtown traffic was bumper to bumper, unusual for this time of day. Adam looked in the rearview mirror of his rental and spotted the unmarked police car that followed him everywhere. He’d asked Det. Warner why the officer didn’t drive with him and she replied by being in a separate car, the officer had a better view of everything going on around him. As he waited at a red light, he imagined the careful reunion he and his baby were going to have that night after he sent Kim and Neil over to his brother’s apartment for supper.
Neil better go for it if he knew what was good for him.
The light turned green and he was moving again, wondering why Peter didn’t just ask the house band about a new stage. After all, they were performing on it, not him.
The parking lot was empty as Adam arrived. Peter usually parked around so the young man didn’t think anything of it. Getting out, he realized his officer wasn’t behind him. He speed dialed the number and when he reached him, found out just after Adam crossed the intersection, there had been an accident and the officer couldn’t get through. He assured Adam he was be there as soon as he could.
Adam wasn’t worried. Peter was no threat.
The front door was unlocked and he walked in. It was kind of eerie seeing the place deserted, tables, chairs, floor and all surfaces covered in white drop clothes. The young man walked to Peter’s office and found it empty. He checked the backstage area and the kitchen and found no one.
“Peter?! … Peter, its Adam. Where are you?”
Something felt off. He headed behind the bar to see if there was a bottle of something hanging around and found something else instead.
Continued here ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/60549.html
:::: ♥♥ ::::
Sequel to: Lost in Life
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: adam/kris, OMCs
Summary of Story: WIP. Kris and Adam are moving on with their lives, jumping into a new venture that promises so much, but the past comes back to haunt them.
Disclaimer: I do not own the real people involved, only those I’ve created.
Warnings: angst, violence, language DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE TRIGGERS. Additional warnings will be posted when warranted.
New warnings: kidnapping, attempted murder, fire.
The time has come everyone. It’s the second last chapter of this story and everything is coming to a head so the final chapter can be all love and light. Please don’t hate me for what comes down … in a sense, you all probably expected something like this to happen but there is one big surprise I’m sure no one saw coming and you’ll love me for it.
Recap of Chapter 28 ~ Margaret tells the police and Adam she thinks Jerry is behind the hit and run; hands over Jerry’s laptop ~♥~ Kris in a private room, Shaun still in coma ~♥~ Adam talks to Kris about Margaret; Kris thinks she should be locked up, Adam not sure ~♥~ James tells them Jerry’s computer log confesses to everything that’s happened except hit and run ~♥~ police think enough evidence to warrant police protection for Adam, Kris, Ken and Peter
MASTERLIST ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/39293.html#cutid1
:::: ♥♥ ::::
A week passed and no sign of Jerry. The police finished their forensics on the SUV and while the evidence matched that found at the beach house, there was still nothing to link it to their prime suspect. Kris got better each day and their police shadows continued to stay at their sides. Daniel was temporarily settled with future in-law Neil, and Kim and Neil Allen were settled into the beach house, getting it ready for their son’s return home.
19 had been real understanding about Adam needing to be with Kris but as his fiancé got better they started not so subtly hinting that he needed to get back to work. Adam understood … as did Kris … so the singer had spent half of each day in the studio and at meetings. Kim and Neil told him not to worry, that they’d keep their boy company while he was away. Adam texted his love constantly, keeping him up to date on his day and telling him repeatedly how much he was loved.
With so much going on with Kris’ recovery and digesting all they’d learned about Jerry, 24 hours passed quickly and with no charges pressed, Margaret was free to go … with a warning not to leave town. She said she’d hang around and thanked them profusely. Adam wasn’t as upset about her getting away as he thought he’d be. Maybe her coming forward and basically solving the case had been enough to make amends in his mind. Kris certainly wasn’t happy about it and didn’t hold back his feelings. Adam loved his baby’s concern but it was Adam’s decision after all. If she was charged, there’d be more court dates and all he wanted was to move on with their lives. He knew when Jerry was caught there’d be a trial and one more was enough for him.
Thankfully, Shaun awoke from his coma four days after the accident. He was still in serious condition but the doctors were hopeful he’d make a full recovery with time and therapy. Charlie never left his side, somehow convincing the nurses to bring in a roll away bed for him. On one of Kris’ slow walks around the hospital corridors, Adam and Kris had come to visit them. Charlie told them he wasn’t going back to work, that he was staying at Shaun’s side through it all. Kris assured him his job would be waiting … both their jobs would be waiting … when they were ready to come back to Indigo.
The night before Kris was coming home, after visiting hours had ended, Adam sat on their patio looking over the Pacific and imaging the two of them standing on that bluff in Malibu and saying their vows. Though Kris didn’t blame him for ‘sending’ him to Malibu and he’d been assured, if you could call it that, that Jerry would have gone after Kris wherever he’d been, Adam still harbored guilt and hadn’t allowed himself to enjoy the notion that the cottage in Malibu was theirs for the most important day of their lives.
“Here sweetheart, just the way you like it.”
Adam looked up and gave a tired smile, accepting the green tea and honey.
“Thanks Kim.”
“Mind if I join you?” He smiled and she took the seat next to him … Kris’ seat. “With the wedding little more than a month away, I think you can start calling me ‘Mama’ or ‘Mom’.”
He rested his head against the back of the chair. “I’d love to call you ‘Mom’ Kim, but I can’t.” More than once, she’d told him that and he’d tried but he just couldn’t bring himself to do it anymore; it felt like he was betraying his own Mom in a way. “It’s just ….”
“I think I understand.” She took a sip of her own tea. “I looked up the cottage online, it’s breathtaking. No wonder you boys want to get married there. Any ideas you care to share?”
“We haven’t had the chance to discuss it,” he replied quietly.
“Oh dear, how insensitive of me.”
“No … no … no, it’s fine … really. We do have some general ideas of what we want, we just haven’t finalized it.”
“What would you like Adam?” she asked softly.
He closed his eyes and felt them well up. He was so tired. Little tears trickled down his cheeks and he felt her hand on his shoulder.
“I just want my Kris back home.”
:::: ♥♥ ::::
Jerry sat in his car outside the apartment building, waiting for her to come out.
He’d been lying low the past few days, knowing the police were probably on his trail by now. When he’d followed Adam’s car that day, he’d expected Adam to be in it. It wasn’t until the car stopped at that restaurant that he realized the bitch wasn’t with them. Still, he’d driven all the way out there and if he couldn’t take out Lambert, at least he could take out his boy-toy. The bullets flying at him had been a surprise and a sane person would have abandoned the mission but he wasn’t sane … not any more … and it had spurred him on further.
The moment the black car took to the air and tumbled down the embankment, he’d let out a cheer. Pulling over to the side, he got out and looked down, spotting the car upside down in a thicket of bushes, white tendrils floating into the air like Indian smoke signals. He really should have gone down to make sure they were dead but the sides were so steep he didn’t want to risk his own neck. Besides, the car was such a mess, who could have survived ….
They could, damn it.
She came out the front door, digging through her purse as she walked down the sidewalk. Jerry started the engine and followed slowly, grateful she lived on a quiet street and he could stay behind her. She halted at a bus stop and he pulled over, a block away, close enough that she might see the car but not the face behind the wheel.
When he found out they’d all survived the crash, he was furious. Jerry trolled all the hospitals until he found them. He slipped in and found some orderly’s uniform, blending into the crowd. Finding a medical cart, he’d picked up a syringe and some bottle and made his way up to the intensive care floor. The doors of the elevator opened and closed.
Cops were standing in the hallway.
Jerry’s patience was wearing thin. He needed to make a move, consequences be damned.
The bus pulled up and she got on. He followed the bus, expecting her to get off at Adagio but the bus kept going. As he passed by the building, Jerry noticed no cars in the parking lot. The bus continued on and finally stopped at a shopping mall. She got out and headed inside. Parking quickly, he jumped out and followed her into a pharmacy. She’d stopped in front of the vitamin shelves. Jerry picked up a box of extra large condoms and came up behind her, raising his arm and bringing the box down in front of her eyes.
“Want to help me empty this?” he purred in her ear.
The young woman turned, disgust on her face. Then recognition set in and the disgust morphed to anger and she slapped him across the face.
Jerry rubbed his cheek, grinning, “I thought you’d be happy to see me Sara.”
Sara lowered her voice. “Happy to see you? You ran out on me Steven and you think I’d be happy to ….”
He cut her off, grabbing the back of her head and smashing their mouths together, sticking his tongue down her throat. He knew that would get her … she’d always been such a slut for tongue.
Half an hour later they were in her apartment, making a good dent in the number of condoms in that box. After one energetic romp, they lay spent in bed. Sara was on her stomach and ‘Steven’ was on his side, thick finger running up her crack and teasing her hole. She mewled and lifted a leg. He sucked his finger, wetting it, and finger fucked her ass lazily.
“What’s up with Adagio? Did the place go belly up?”
“N-no … new paint … ah baby, do that a-again … ooooohhhhhh.”
No one at Adagio, huh?
“Really? Well, I want to surprise an old friend I haven’t seen in years and I could use your help.” He sped up his fingers until she screamed and came. “There’s more of this is you’re game.”
She melted under him and sighed, “Anything you want Steven.”
:::: ♥♥ ::::
Kris sat up on the edge of his bed, forehead pressed against Adam’s chest. He bit his man’s shirt, muffling the moans as Adam’s hand circled his cock under his hospital gown and jerked him. He’d missed this contact so much. Kisses and hugs were no longer doing it for him so when they were finally alone ~ his family having been persuaded to go to lunch ~ he nearly begged Adam for a blow job. Adam was willing to make him feel good but said he better keep his eyes open so a hand job it was.
“F-faster lover … mmm ….”
Adam chuckled, causing Kris’s head to bounce a little.
“I didn’t know this was on the physical therapy schedule.”
“You … mmm … you’ll have to help me … every day,” he stammered, his gut tightening, “gonna … gonna …..”
Adam let go long enough to grab the washcloth he’d fetched from the bathroom and wrap it around Kris’ pulsing cock, collecting his come. Kris nuzzled his face into Adam’s armpit, muffling his cries. When he was finished, his bones mush, he had to be helped onto his back.
Adam dispensed on that cloth and got a fresh one, rung out in warm water, and wiped the sweat from his face.
“We can’t have the doctor thinking you’ve got a fever and deciding to keep you here longer.”
“Nothing is keeping me here longer than necessary.”
Just as Adam disappeared into the bathroom, the doctor appeared.
“Good Morning Kris, how are you feeling today?”
“Wonderful. When can I go home?”
The doctor smiled, “You look a little tired but your spirits are up. It’s going to take a while before you get all your energy back, you just have to be patient and let your family help you.”
“I’m willing to lend a hand anytime,” Adam commented, joining them.
Kris groaned and the doctor immediately asked if he was in pain. Kris said he was fine, just stiff … from not moving. The doctor checked him over and gave his verdict.
“I do believe you’re ready to go home. Is this afternoon soon enough?”
Both men thanked the doctor for all his help and when they were alone, Adam sat on the bed and sucked the last of Kris’ energy out from between his lips.
“Hope I’m not interrupting.”
Kris sighed into Adam’s mouth, anxious to be alone again. Then he thought about his parents staying with them til the wedding and he came to the conclusion he and Adam would never have sex again.
:::: ♥♥ ::::
Ken stopped short in the doorway, catching the boys playing tonsil hockey. He stepped back out of sight and gave them a few minutes, noticing the smirk on the police officer’s face.
As he waited, it occurred to him that seeing them like that wasn’t doing anything to him; that is to say, he wasn’t getting hard or thinking of himself doing that with Adam. The revelation both startled and pleased him.
Maybe he was going to be able to overcome this.
“Hope I’m not interrupting.”
Adam and Kris paused, still lip locked, then slowly came apart. Kris blushed and Adam cleared his throat. Ken couldn’t help himself; he had to chuckle.
“The sooner you two get married, the better.”
“Couldn’t agree more my friend,” Adam replied. “Come on in.”
The friends chatted for a while and then Adam’s phone buzzed. He read the message and raised an eyebrow.
“What is it?” Kris asked.
“Peter sent me a text. He wants me to come to Adagio.”
“I thought they were closed a few days for remodeling,” Ken said.
“Suppose to be. Says he wants my opinion on a new stage setup.”
“Maybe you should call him,” Kris suggested, “get more details.”
Adam looked at his watch. “You won’t be released for a few more hours. I’ll just go, get it taken care of, and be back in plenty of time to carry you over the threshold.”
“That doesn’t happen until after we’re married.”
They kissed tenderly. “Consider it practice. I’m sure Ken can keep you company until your folks get back.”
“I wouldn’t mind at all.” He spotted a deck of cards on the side table. “Kris can teach me how to play blackjack.”
Adam left and the lesson commenced. Half an hour later, Ken was winning every hand and the Allen’s returned, saving their boy from imaginary bankruptcy. Kris’ family were thrilled to learn he was coming home that afternoon and Kim immediately invited Ken and Christine over for a little celebratory dinner.
“Oh dear, I guess I should have asked first. Sweetheart ….”
“It’s okay Mama, a dinner with friends at home sounds great. You guys will just have to excuse me if I need to head off to bed early.”
Ken thanked them for the invitation and said he’d see them tonight. On his way to the elevator, he ran into Peter.
“Boy, that didn’t take long.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You’re meeting with Adam.”
“What meeting with Adam? I haven’t seen him since yesterday.”
“But the text … you asked him to come to Adagio, to get his opinion on the new stage set up.”
“The club’s just getting painted, nothing else. There’s no one there today.”
The older man felt his heart pound in his chest. Grabbing his friend’s hand, they ran back towards the police officer outside Kris’ room.
Adam was walking into a trap.
:::: ♥♥ ::::
The downtown traffic was bumper to bumper, unusual for this time of day. Adam looked in the rearview mirror of his rental and spotted the unmarked police car that followed him everywhere. He’d asked Det. Warner why the officer didn’t drive with him and she replied by being in a separate car, the officer had a better view of everything going on around him. As he waited at a red light, he imagined the careful reunion he and his baby were going to have that night after he sent Kim and Neil over to his brother’s apartment for supper.
Neil better go for it if he knew what was good for him.
The light turned green and he was moving again, wondering why Peter didn’t just ask the house band about a new stage. After all, they were performing on it, not him.
The parking lot was empty as Adam arrived. Peter usually parked around so the young man didn’t think anything of it. Getting out, he realized his officer wasn’t behind him. He speed dialed the number and when he reached him, found out just after Adam crossed the intersection, there had been an accident and the officer couldn’t get through. He assured Adam he was be there as soon as he could.
Adam wasn’t worried. Peter was no threat.
The front door was unlocked and he walked in. It was kind of eerie seeing the place deserted, tables, chairs, floor and all surfaces covered in white drop clothes. The young man walked to Peter’s office and found it empty. He checked the backstage area and the kitchen and found no one.
“Peter?! … Peter, its Adam. Where are you?”
Something felt off. He headed behind the bar to see if there was a bottle of something hanging around and found something else instead.
Continued here ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/60549.html
:::: ♥♥ ::::