Our Little Nest - 12. Chapter 12

Adam agreed to the conditions of being a bodyguard knowing there would be night calls, but, he so wanted to take that shower with Patrick. He decided to park in the Duet’s connected garage, and enter through the penthouse private elevator.

Adam inserted the key card to activate the door. Upon opening nothing seemed out of the norm, until he glanced down. On the floor laid Jamie Steward lying on his side, appearing to be asleep, wearing faded jeans, sneakers and a quarter length coat draped over him.

Adam dropped down checking for a pulse, trauma, or sign of a struggle. He placed two of his fingers on Jamie’s neck and received a pulse. Jamie scrunched his nose and shoved the detective's hand away.

"Stop," he cried. "Your fingers are cold." Jamie rolled onto his back, pushing his coat aside, displaying a soft color top that hugged the shape of his torso. A smile grows across Jamie's face as he lets Adam's eyes drink in his body.

"Are you OK?" Adam asked.

"I'm fine, Detective and, how are you?"

"What are you doing in here Jamie?"

"You're the detective, you tell me?"

"You had three attempts on your life, making light of this is not helping."

"Sorry," Jamie said, sitting up and holding out one hand to Adam.

Adam reaches out and grasp Jamie slim, soft palm and gently pulls him to his feet. Adam tries to pull his hand away first only Jamie lingers with his fingers lightly squeezing Adam’s.

“Are you dizzy?” asked Adam. Jamie stared back confused by Adam’s question still holding his hand. Adam sighed and held up their hands still coupled. Jamie caught on and smiled.

“Does it bother you that I’m holding your hand detective?”

“Well, unless you’re in destress I see no point in it.”

“There’s nothing wrong with wanting skin on skin contact. I like the feel of another man’s flesh touching mines.” Adam stared at Jamie and refuse to go back and forward with the flirting youth. Using his free hand Adam pulled Jamie’s clinging fingers away.

“Get your coat,” Adam ordered. Jamie shrugged and stooped down and gathered his coat. He wraps the garment around his shoulders as Adam turned to the panel and inserts his key card to take them to the penthouse, but Jamie grabs his wrist stopping him.

"Please, I don't want to go back up."

"Does Yuri know you're here sleeping in the elevator?"

"No, he's out."

"We're going up."

"I need to talk to you."

"About?"

"My last two attacks, isn't that what you want. Why can’t we go back to that diner you took me?"

"I’m only here to stay with you until Simon gets home. Not to take you out."

“I’m not a prisoner.”

“No one said you were.”

“Then take me somewhere. How about—your place?”

“That’s not going to happen Jamie. Where are Yuri’s body guards?”

“They went with Yuri.”

“What about Penny?”

“She went to bed.”

“I’m going up to talk to her.”

"OK, I'll wait in your jeep."

"No, you won't." Adam inserted his key card and the doors shut, trapping Jamie's protest.

Jamie jumped at the card, dislodging it. Adam attempt to stop him, but Jamie hid the key behind his back.

"Stop playing Jamie give me the card."

Jamie rolled his eyes at the detective's blaring tone.

"What's the point in taking me way upstairs when we're already in the garage?"

"To tell your boyfriend, my employer, that you're all right."

"He's not my Father, I can do what I like, I am over eighteen."

"You, are eighteen, and acting twelve."

"I'm ordering you; we don't need to go up." Jamie pressed his back against the wall hiding the card key behind him.

Adam, fed up, lunged at the teen and grasps Jamie around the waist, pulling him towards his body.

"We're going up!" Adam barks.

Not giving up, Jamie tried to push Adam away and spin out of his grip. Adam, stronger than the teen, held tight forcing Jamie’s arms behind his back, bending them until he released the card.

"Stop Adam!" Their faces close enough to touch; Adam had gained control of the key card but doesn't release Jamie. The kept teen enjoyed their sadist embrace. Of course, until the elevator stopped. The familiar ring startled them as they looked towards the retracted door.

"Detective Potter,” said Yuri, dressed in another pricey suit, with his bodyguards, stood watching the entangled bodies. Adam carefully released Jamie and stepped back from him; Jamie combs his hand through his salon groomed hair and glanced sideways at Yuri.

Yuri directs his question towards Jamie.

"Where were you? Penny went to check on you and found you nowhere in the house. She called me frantic."

Jamie hesitated before responding.

"I thought I go wait for Detective Potter in the garage." Penny came down the hallway.

“Did you find him?” she asked, when she laid eyes on Jamie. “Oh, thank goodness.” She stepped into the elevator and hugged him.

"I found him asleep in here." Adam said.

"Asleep in the elevator, have you lost your mind," roared Yuri. "Someone wants you dead, why do you think I hired the detective?”

“Yuri, he’s safe now, there’s no need to yell at him,” said Penny with her arm around Jamie’s shoulder walking him out of the elevator.

Yuri, furious, turned his focus towards Adam who also stepped out.

"Thank goodness you came when you did Detective Potter."

"I'm just glad he's all right," said Adam.

"Yes, I see you had a tight grip on him.” Yuri stepped forward and boards the elevator. “I will only be a couple of hours detective.” Adam wasn’t sure how to take the tone in Yuri’s comment about his tight grip on Jamie. He wanted to explain what he was doing but the doors shut.

Adam found Penny and Jamie in the library sitting on the couch. He noticed she wore a soft rose color dressing robe that zippered up to her neck, and stretched passed her ankles. She wore no slippers with her toes painted in a clear gloss. Jamie’s coat was gone, and he was holding a glass of water. The two looked up at Adam.

“Thank you for finding him Detective Potter,” said Penny rising. “I’m so sorry he can be a handful.”

“Yes, he can,” said Adam, watching Jamie place the untouched drink down on the table in front of him.

“I was just in the shower and when I came out he was gone. I can stay and keep you both company until Yuri returns,” she suggested.

“No, you should go and get some rest. I can watch Jamie,” said Adam.

“Alright.” Jamie stood and hugged Penny before she left them alone.

“You know, if you’re tired, you can go to bed,” said Adam.

“I like to stay up with you.”

“Okay.” They settled on the couch. “Tell me what happen to you in the first attempt to your life." Jamie turned to face his bodyguard, a sense of security and trust washed over him.

"The first one happened in the garage. I should have gone to the front entrance and let the valet park the car, but I liked doing it myself. I found a spot close to the elevator. I looked for my key in my coat pocket when a loud bang came from behind me, causing me to drop my key card, the sound echoed all around me, but no one was there, it went quiet. I bent down to pick up the card that's when he showed himself. He ran towards me and before I could react, he picked me off my feet and slammed my back into the closed elevator. The wind flew out of me so fast I almost passed out. He forced his arm under my chin, holding me off the floor using his body to pin me."

"Do you remember what he looked like?"

"No, just a black ski mask and goggles."

"Did he say anything?"

"No--nothing."

"So how are you sure it was a man?"

"His dick."

"Sorry?"

"When he had me pinned, he pushed his crotch into my thigh."

"Are you sure it wasn't a gun?"

"Detective, I know a cock when I feel it."

"Ok, how about a scent, did he wear any cologne?"

"No, he just..."

"Just what?"

"He didn’t try to strangle me like I thought. He tried to drag me off."

"What happened next?"

"The elevator was bringing someone down from the penthouse. He pushed me to the ground and ran off."

"He didn't try to harm you any other way?"

"No."

“Who came down the elevator?”

“Penny, and Chen.”

“No police were called then?”

“No.”

"Ok, tell me about the second attack." The ring from the elevator interrupted them.

“Someone’s coming up,” said Jamie. “Yuri came back.” Jamie jumped from the couch and headed towards the hall. Adam wonders if Yuri had changed his mind about going out. He went to follow Jamie when he found him standing frozen in the hall staring straight ahead. Adam looked towards the elevator and saw someone standing in front of the open door.

Dressed in black, the person stood about 5’9 with broad shoulders, holding a butcher’s knife. Adam stepped in front of Jamie.

“Jamie get to a room where there’s a door and lock yourself in, now,” ordered Adam. Jamie started to move when the assailant rushed at them. Adam didn’t hesitate.

“Jamie, run!”

A blade came up and swooped down missing Adam by inches. Adam took the opportunity and punched the person in the face. The figure turned the knife and tried to strike again, but Adam dodged it by grabbing his arm stopping the knife short. Bringing his knee up and colliding with the man’s ribs. The person doubled over giving Adam time to strike again, knocking the knife from his hand. Adam continued to hit the attacker’s head when he’s grabbed from behind and flung into a small table against the wall falling to the floor. Adam hurried to his feet and drew his gun as he saw them boarding the elevator. He started to take chase.

“Adam, help me!” cried Jamie. Adam stopped in his tracks and had no choice but to let the two invaders go as he turned heel and ran to where Jamie was calling from. “Adam!”

“Where are you Jamie?” Adam called.

“I’m in the guest bathroom. I can’t open the door.” Adam heard the knob shaking and banging coming from a door nearby. He moved to it and grabbed the handle.

“Jamie?”

“Yes.”

“Did you lock the door?”

“No, when I came in and closed the door. I heard a key turn in the lock trapping me inside.”

“A key.” Adam glanced around and saw a key sitting in the middle of the floor. He picked it up looking around, making sure no one else was near, then he noticed a cell phone on the floor, he realized it was Jamie’s. He unlocked the door and freed Jamie.

“Adam, is he gone?”

“There were two of them.”

“Two, are you, all right?” Adam ignored Jamie’s question.

“Where’s Penny’s room?”

“First room at the top of the stairs.”

‘“Come on.” Adam led the way up the stairs with Jamie close behind. Adam thought of knocking then decided against it and turned the handle and entered the room.

“Adam, what are you doing?” Adam again didn’t answer. The room was dark, but once his eyes adjust he saw her. Penny laid on her bed bound and gagged. Adam and Jamie rushed over to the bed untying her.

Adam had Penny lock Jamie and herself in her room before checking the whole penthouse. He texted Yuri about what happened before taking Penny, and Jamie downstairs back to the library.

“Is Yuri coming home?” asked Jamie, sitting close to the quiet Penny holding her hand.

“He hasn’t texted me back yet,” replied Adam, reaching into his pocket, removing Jamie’s cell phone handing it to him. “Here, you dropped this in the hall.”

Jamie took his cell and checked to see if Yuri text him, finding nothing. He texted Yuri asking him when he was coming home and that he needed him. Adam focused on Penny, who was looking downward. Adam stoops down in front of her, causing her to look at him.

“Penny, are you sure you’re, all right?” asked Adam.

“Yes,” she said meekly.

“They didn’t do anything else to you, did they?” puzzled by his comment at first, Penny paused, alarming Jamie.

“Oh, god Penny, did they?” said Jamie, holding her hand tighter. That’s when Penny realized what they meant.

“No, no, they only tied me up. That’s all.” Jamie hugged her from the side, but she continued to stare downward. Adam stood and thought about calling the police when the elevator chime alerted them.

Adam motioned with his hand for the two to stay on the couch, drawing his gun as he moved to the hall. He glanced down and watched the door open with his gun raised. He felt relieved when he saw Yuri’s bodyguards exit the elevator first with Yuri following.

“It’s okay,” Adam said to the men moving towards him and to Jamie and Penny. The men parted as Yuri walked between them passing Adam into the room.

“Yuri,” cried Jamie, jumping up and rushing to him. Yuri embraced Jamie kissing his cheek them mouth.

“Are you hurt?” asked Yuri.

“No, Adam protected me.” Yuri looked over at Penny.

“Penny?” asked Yuri. Penny raised from the couch straightening her robe.

“I’m fine…” She said, then her eyes fluttered and she fell forward. Yuri released Jamie and caught her before she hit the floor.

“She’s hurt,” cried Yuri, picking her up. Adam and the Lou brothers rushed to aid. “I have her,” said Yuri, lowering her to the couch.

“We found her tied up in her bedroom,” said Jamie. “She’s probably in shock. She said they did nothing to her.”

“I’ll call our doctor,” said Yuri, kneeling beside her as he reached into his coat pocket and removed his cell.

“No,” Penny said, slowly opening her eyes. “I don’t need a doctor.”

“You fainted,” said Yuri.

“I’m fine now, really, there’s no need to worry.” She starts to sit up, the men around her, hurries to cover her in a blanket and add an extra pillow behind her back. Jamie sits beside her and drapes his arm around her shoulder. Adam steps back watching as they care for Penny. Once satisfied with her comfort Yuri stood and faced Adam.

“We can talk in my office detective, my men will stay with them,” said Yuri.

“Lead the way,” said Adam, following Yuri out of the room. Yuri walked Adam upstairs, but stopped short turning to him.

“How did they get in detective?”

“I checked all the entry points and the only access is one of the elevators.”

“The elevators can only be activated with a key.”

“Which means, someone gave them a key or is letting them in.”

“No one here would do that.”

“Maybe someone lost theirs. When Jamie was attacked in the park did he lose his?”

“He never mentioned he lost it, but he never had a chance to use it since the attacks started.”

“Has he ever been attacked at school?”

“No.”

“Then you need to see if he still has his key.”

“And if he does?”

“Then it’s an inside job. One of them were in the penthouse before I arrived, which explains how I got attacked from behind and Penny tied up.”

“I don’t know if I can believe anyone here would do such a thing. But I will find out.”

“Also, I think you should get the police involved.”

“No police.”

“Mr. Jin, someone is out to do Jamie harm. They managed to get inside your penthouse. What would they have to do to convince you?”

“No police, detective.”

“Mr. Jin…”

“Thank you, detective, you can go. I’m here now.”

“But what about…”

“You can go. I won’t be needing you until next week. Your payment will not change.”

“Look, this is not about the money.”

“Goodbye detective.”

Adam, having no choice left without saying goodbye to Jamie.

************

Adam returned home and for his own peace of mind, he checked the front door lock twice and the elevator’s gate. He took the stairs up and tested the lock on the empty office then moved to his own. When the thought of anyone trying to get in passed, Adam headed up to his apartment, securing the door behind him then set the security alarm.

He moved about quietly so not to wake Patrick. He glimpsed at the kitchen and noticed the dishes cleaned, dried, and put away. A warm sense of pride washed over him, from Patrick achieving one of his obstacles on his own.

Disrobing to his bare skin, which Patrick loved to sleep in. Adam walked to the bed, finding Patrick sound asleep close to his spot on the bed. Adam thought about walking to the other side so not to disturb him, but Patrick’s bottom pointed towards him and he just couldn’t resist.

He slid in and spooned his cool body close to the warm one. At first Patrick didn’t move, then as Adam settled against him the cool skin caused him to groan and shift away. Adam move with him pulling him back. Patrick was too tired to fight as he conceded. Adam rested his head down close to Patrick’s sweet-smelling hair and tried to shut his mind from anyone breaking in and trying to hurt anyone he loved.

He remembered Patrick risking his own life to save him from the Harlequin killer in this same bed. Adam took extra measures to add more locks and an alarm should anyone try to break in again. Adam placed his hand on Patrick’s hip. Patrick turned over pressing his forehead against Adam’s broad chest falling back to sleep. Adam pulled the sheets over them both and drifted off to sleep with the man he loved.

*************

Two men waited in a still car near an abandoned warehouse. They knew they failed in their mission, and hoped with persuasion they could get another chance.

The pop came from both sides, neither man knew nor realized what happened. When their side windows broke, and the bullets enlarged into each of their temples, causing them to slump to the side bumping heads and dying.

*************

A police car patrolled the area of pricy condominiums lining the docks. Motion detectors controlled the dim street lights that brighten whenever anyone or thing crossed its path. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary during the late hour. Someone returning home after walking their dog or from out on the town. The officer in the passenger seat was about to call in that all was clear when they saw someone running towards them frantically waving their arms.

The car stopped and they both climbed out.

“Thank god,” the young twentysomething male said, stopping just at the hood of their cruiser.

“What seems to be the problem?” asked the driver.

“I think I saw two guys shot,” he said in a shaky voice.

“Back there, in an abandon warehouse.”

“Who are you?”

“I was just walking home.”

“That’s not what I asked you?”

“Look, I don’t want to get involved.”

“You witnessed a murder.”

“Murder? I never said it was a murder.”

“Didn’t you say you saw two men shot?”

“Yeah, but… It could have been a suicide. Or something…”

“Let’s see some ID.”

“Please can’t you keep me out of this.”

“Alright, why don’t you start by showing us where this shooting happened.” The officer walked to the back door and opened it.

“I have to go with you?”

“I’m afraid so, since you don’t want to give us your name.”

“Am I being arrested?”

“You will be, if you don’t cooperate.”

“What for?”

“Well, you could be the killer trying to play the witness.”

Both officers were steadfast as the male thought it over.

“Okay, I’ll show you. But I’m not telling you my name.”

“Climb in.”

“I rather walk.”

The officers glanced at each other and seemed annoyed.

“Fine, I’ll go with him, follow in the car.”

The male walked in an anxious manner as he led the officers to the undeveloped part of the docks. Which was on the opposite side.

“Why so nervous?” the officer asked the male.

“There’s a killer on the loose.”

“So, you say.”

“You’ll see.” They reached the end of the dock where an exoskeleton of a warehouse stood. Broken windows, graffiti walls, and overgrowth.

“Where?” asked the officer.

“Inside there.”

“And what are we going to find in there?”

“A car with two dead guys.”

“How do you know they're dead?”

“I saw them get shot.”

“And you just assume they're dead?”

“Well, yeah.”

“People can survive gunshot wounds. Why did you want to walk here? Did you want to make sure they died?”

“What? No.”

“Get into the car, you’re under arrest.”

“For what?” The officer moved to him and grabbed his arm. The police car came to a stop as the second officer climbed out.

“What’s going on?” asked his partner.

“I’m arresting him on suspicion of murder. You have the right to remain silent.”

“No, it wasn’t me!” cried the male.

“Anything you say can be used against you.”

“Please I swear, I didn’t kill anyone.”

His pleas went on deaf ears as the officer finished reading his rights to him. They handcuffed him and placed him in the backseat of the car. The officers climbed in and drove closer to the warehouse. They parked in the parking lot and climbed out, leaving the witness in the backseat.

“Hey, don’t leave me here, there’s a killer out there.”

“Or, maybe we already have the killer. Stay put,” said the arresting officer.

They got out and went on foot through overgrowth to the warehouse. Right away, they saw the car close to a bay door near the river. They approached with their guns drawn and with caution. Two bodies, slumped over, sat in the car. The driver of the squad car pulled out his flashlight and shined it on the two figures, both sat with their eyes opened, with a single bullet hole in the temple. They appear to have been attacked from both sides.

“Okay, I’m calling this in. Let’s go wait with the witness,” said the one holding the flashlight.

“Shouldn’t we look around for clues?”

“Do you want to suffer the raff of the detectives when they chew us out for stomping on their crime scene?”

“Point made.” As they returned to the car one of them called their findings in as his partner noticed the back door to their car was open and the witness was gone. “Crap how did he get out?” he shouted as he rushed over to the open door, but to his surprise the witness wasn’t missing he was right where they left him in the backseat handcuffed, only with a deep knife wound across his throat.