Chapter 42 – Life Goes on – Finale

“Penny for your thoughts,” Braylin whispered into Trebor’s ear as they stood watching the waves break against the shore.

“What?” Trebor murmured as if he’d been a million miles away. “Sorry,” he gave Braylin a lopsided smile “I was thinking about Blake and hoping my parents are able to handle him for the night.”

“I can’t believe he’ll be five years old tomorrow,” Bray shook his head as if he could slow time down. Taking Trebor’s hand in his, he gave it a squeeze before turning to stroll along the beach. “Does he know I’m home?”

Trebor shook his head, chuckling a little “not unless my parents can’t keep a secret.” He couldn’t imagine his parents telling Blake and ruining the surprise. “I imagine if they told him we wouldn’t have a moment’s peace until he got to see you. You’re part of his surprise tomorrow.”

“I can’t wait to see him,” Bray stopped to gaze out over the water, he wrapped an arm around Trebor, pulling him close. “He must be getting so big now.”

Leaning his head on Bray’s shoulder Trebor could hear the wistful almost yearning note in Bray’s voice. “We don’t have to wait until tomorrow. We could give him an early birthday present.”

“And ruin his surprise,” Bray shook his head. “It’s alright. I can wait.”

“It isn’t fair to you though,” Trebor pulled away enough to lift a hand up to caress Bray’s cheek. “I didn’t realize how difficult it would be for you to wait. You’ve been away so long. I shouldn’t have asked you to wait to see your son just because I thought it’d be a great birthday present.”

“Hey,” Bray tilted his forehead down making contact with Trebor’s, his arms slid around his husband’s waist. “I can wait,” he soothed, not wanting Trebor to worry or feel like he was being unfair to him. “It’s a wonderful idea. I for one can’t wait to see his surprise. It’d be even better if you’d let me jump out of the cake.”

“You sure?” he asked searching Bray’s face and eyes for any sign that he was just saying this to protect his feelings.

“Positive,” he kissed across Trebor’s face as if rediscovering long forgotten territory. His mouth hovered a fraction over Trebor’s lips “tonight is our time. There are things I want to do to you that I’ve been dreaming of doing to you for months.”

Bray’s words sent something like an electrical shock through Trebor’s body. “In that case I can hardly wait to get home.” 

“Why wait?” Bray asked, closing the miniscule gap between their lips.

Pulse racing, breathing hard Trebor could feel the synergy between them awakening the lust he’d always had for this man, his husband. No one else had ever awakened these desires in him. Breaking the kiss even though he craved to feel Bray’s hands all over his body, “Bray no, we can’t.”

“Why not?” he asked in a sultry voice, “it’s not like we haven’t done it before.”

“Yes I know but…” even as the words slipped from his lips Trebor found himself scanning the beach. 

“You know you want to,” Bray nuzzled his nose behind Trebor’s ear inhaling the spicy ocean fresh scent he’d missed so much. The scent he missed in the sheets he slept on in that lonely little apartment so many miles from the man he missed more than hockey. Taking a tiny step back, taking Trebor’s hands in his, lifting them to his lips, kissing the fingertips as he gazed intently into Trebor’s eyes. “We can wait until we get home. It’s alright.”

Seeing the desire, the lust making Bray’s eyes sparkle Trebor almost found himself nodding but there was something else there too. Something deeper than instant gratification it was like two halves that belonged together, it was an almost irresistible pull drawing them together. A tiny smile tugged at his lips “what if I don’t want to wait?”

Squeezing Trebor’s hands Braylin smirked “I knew the moment you suggested a walk along the beach this is what you wanted.”

Shaking his head Trebor wanted to deny the thought had ever crossed his mind but it would have been a pointless lie. He knew the thought had been in the back of his mind. He knew exactly where they were. Taking Bray’s hand in his he led him to the spot he secretly considered their special spot along the beach not far from his grandparents house. It was a spot they’d been before, stopping he turned towards Bray “what can I say? You know me all too well.”

“I do,” Braylin agreed. He brought his hands up, holding Trebor’s face gently between his palms savoring the look of adoration shining back at him. The love he knew he couldn’t live without “I’ve missed you so much.” He brought his mouth to Trebor’s in a kiss that seemed to be saying thank you for loving me and it held a promise that they’d go on loving each other.

Panting as they broke the kiss long enough for Bray to pull Trebor’s shirt off. “I’m so glad you’re home to stay,” Trebor murmured, melting into Bray’s touch and giving himself fully into the moment.

***

“Daddy! Daddy!” Blake cried running to greet Bray with his arms open wide.

Hugging his son close, “you’ve gotten so big,” Bray blinked a few times in quick succession 

“I’m a big boy now,” Blake asserted squirming from his dad’s arms. “I’m in school now.”

“Not so fast,” Trebor shook his head “you’re not in school for another few months.”

“But I’m five,” Blake raised his hand up, fingers spread wide.

“Yes you are,” Garrett winked down at his grandson. “But you need to be patient for the next school year to start.”

“But I…” he crossed his arms in front of his chest. Stomping his foot “I want to go now.”

Garret shook his head staring down at the little boy. “Don’t you want to spend time with your daddy? You won’t be able to if you went to school now.”

A deep frown burrowed between Blakes eyes as he thought over his grandpa’s words. “I guess school can wait,” he grudgingly agreed, “but,” he held up a finger before anyone interrupted him, “only for a few months.” He beamed around at the gathered adults before nodding as if congratulating himself for getting the upper hand he ran over to join his cousin Marcy and her little brother Ben.

“What was that all about?” Bray demanded watching his son walk away.

Trebor wrapped his arms around his husband from behind, “that’s our little boy growing up and no longer needing us.”

Bray wasn’t sure he liked the sound of that. Pressing his lips to Trebor’s cheek “if it makes you feel any better, I still need you.”

Looking up with a soft but sad smile Trebor said “that’s good but it’s not the same.”

“Well you can always have another,” Toby suggested, joining the group.

“Dad,” Bray cried, surprised that his parents had made the trip to the island. “I didn’t know you were coming.”

“Surprise,” Trebor chuckled, glad he had thought to invite Bray’s parents. 

“Our grandson said he couldn’t turn five without us,” Bray’s other dad said.

“Since going to school is so important to him we couldn’t be the ones to keep him from turning five,” Toby added with a grin. 

“So here we are,” his husband added, waving his arms as if to say ta da at the end of a magic act.

“I knew it,” Bray chuckled, giving his parents a hug each, savoring the feel of the arms around him knowing there had been a time when he hadn’t been this close to his parents and he had missed them. “You love the little rascal more than me.”

“Every parent thinks their grandchildren are perfect,” Verity announced as she joined them carrying the birthday boy’s cake out and setting it on a table.

“Is that how it works,” Trebor asked, moving over to help her.

“Of course,” she gave him a quick peck on the cheek murmuring thank you. “We know all too well our own children aren’t perfect. Perfection skips a generation.”

Raising an eyebrow “that implies you were perfect.”

“Of course,” she pinched his cheek, making him squirm away from her. “Let’s get this birthday party started.”

***

Trebor looked when he heard Braylin come home. “How did it go?” he asked worry flickering across his face when Bray silently slipped into a chair like he weighed more than his legs could carry. “You did get the job, didn’t you?” he asked moving from the couch where he had been aimlessly flipping through channels waiting for Bray to come home. 

Kneeling in front of Bray he reached up gently caressing Bray’s cheek. “It’s just one interview. You’ll get the next one.” His chest felt heavy as his heart ached for Bray. He knew how much Bray had wanted this assistant coaching position.

Unable to meet Trebor’s gaze, Bray lowered his head into his hands. “Someone else beat me to it.”

“Who,” Trebor wanted to know. “Whoever it was can’t be as qualified as you are. Who else could they have found who is a pro athlete?”

Bray’s lips twitched at the resentful tone in Trebor’s words. “Maybe you should let them know what a big mistake they made.”

“I should,” he agreed with half a mind to do exactly that. Setting a hand on Bray’s knee he asked “what are you going to do now?”

“There’s only one thing I can do,” Bray lifted his chin up, his eyes full of mischief.

Raising an eyebrow Trebor asked “what did you do? Tell me you didn’t TP the principal’s house or something equally juvenile.”

Bray chuckled a little “would I do that?” 

“Yes,” Trebor cried, squelching the urge to headslap the bowed head. “What did you do?” he demanded, wondering what the gossip mongers would be saying the next time he went shopping. “You know I’m going to find out eventually.”

“I didn’t do anything dreadful,” Bray chuckled, joining Trebor on the floor. “Unless you call accepting a job as dreadful.”

Trebor’s mouth flopped open a moment before being snapped shut. “But you said…” frowning heavily at his husband “you said you didn’t get the coaching job.”

“I didn’t,” he agreed, grinning at Trebor, eyes sparkling, enjoying his little joke.

Trebor let out an irritated growl “you’re not making sense. Did you or did you not get the job?”

Shaking his head, Bray couldn’t answer the question for laughing so hard. Once he caught his breath he explained “I was offered a different position. A better one.”

Trebor gave Bray a puzzled look “I don’t understand.”

“The assistant coaching position was already filled,” Bray explained, “so they offered me the position of head coach instead.”

“Really?” Trebor asked suspicion heavy in his tone, half suspecting he was the brunt of another joke.

“Yep,” Bray confirmed, nodding “guess who the assistant coach is?”

Shaking his head still trying to absorb the news “I haven’t a clue.”

“John,” Bray said as if he were about to burst if he didn’t get it out. “He and Wally moved to the island and the school saw their chance to have not one pro athlete but two. So we’ll be working together again.”

“That’s great,” Trebor was happy that Bray would have his friend so close. “We’ll have them to supper once they’re settled in their new home.”

“And guess what else?”

“I don’t think I can take too many more surprises,” Trebor said leaning into Bray knowing that he had one surprise to add to all the ones Bray had given him.

“John’s pregnant. He had the male pregnancy procedure and it worked.” Bray couldn’t be happier for his friend.

“How far along is he?” Trebor asked.

Bray gave him a look that showed he suspected there was something more than curiosity behind the question. “I don’t know. Eight weeks or so. You’ll have to ask him to know for sure.”

A smile spread across Trebor’s face. “Then we’ll be due about the same time.”

“Due?” Bray asked, his face scrunched in confusion.

“I’m about eight weeks along,” Trebor said “I told you I had a surprise for you when you got home.”

Bray stared at him “but we’ve been so careful except…” his mind went back in time to when he first came home. The walk along the beach that ended in their spot, “oh,” he said softly looking over at Trebor.

Nodding Trebor chuckled “I guess we weren’t so careful that time.”

Placing a hand on Trebor’s stomach “are you okay with this?” They had discussed having more kids but they had both agreed they were content with Blake. “I know you wanted to focus more on your career now that I was home.”

Placing his hand over Bray’s, he nodded “I’m more than ok with it. This is a good thing.”

“We need to celebrate,” Bray declared with a mischievous glint in his eyes. He knew that Trebor knew what he meant when he wrapped his arms around his neck allowing Bray to lift him in the air. “It’s a good thing Blake is with his cousins for the weekend.”

“Aren’t you glad I suggested it?” Trebor asked as he was carried up the stairs to their bedroom.

“Mmmhmm,” Bray purred. “I married myself a very smart man.

Chapter 34 – Three Years Later

“I don’t like him,” Trebor said, keeping his voice low so only Braylin would hear him. They were standing to the side as Lonnie introduced Marcy’s father to their parents. 

“Is your overprotective big brother mode kicking in?” Brayling teased giving him a soft kiss on the cheek.

“Probably,” he grunted, keeping his eyes on the older dark haired man as he talked to Verity. Even after all these years Trebor knew who he was. Lonnie had her bedroom walls plastered with his posters. He was once every preteen girl’s dream from his days in a popular boy band to his solo career. “He was in prison…”

Putting an arm around Trebor, pulling him close “for a crime he didn’t commit. He thought he was protecting Lonnie.”

“It didn’t work,” Trebor muttered leaning into Braylin like he wanted to melt into him. Lonnie had told him the story including how she had a one night stand with Barrett that had resulted in Marcy’s conception. How she knew Barrett had denied other women’s claims to have had his child and how cold and ruthless he was in dispatching them. She hadn’t told him she was pregnant. Hadn’t meant for him to find out but he found out from the guy who had framed him. No Barrett wasn’t someone he wanted his sister to be with.

“Hey,” Braylin tilted Trebor’s chin upwards, searching his face. He could see the anxiety building behind his eyes, he could feel the tension in his boy. “Is this just about Barrett or is it something more? Is this too much for you?”

Trebor’s eyes locked with Braylin’s. He wanted to deny that he wasn’t becoming anxious but Braylin knew him too well. “Can we go outside? I just need some air.”

“Sure,” he gave a gentle smile, taking his hand and guiding him to the back door in the kitchen. It had taken them three years to pick up the pieces after Kara had shattered their lives. Still there were times that it felt like it just happened yesterday. 

Closing the door behind them, Braylin pulled Trebor close, just holding him. When he felt some of the tension release from his body Bray asked “want to tell me what you’re thinking? Feeling?”

Sighing Trebor leaned into Braylin as if he needed the reassurance of his touch. “I’m okay really. I just needed some air…”

Brayling raised an eyebrow “you can tell me if you’re not okay.” There had been a time when they had trouble sharing their feelings. They both tried to shield the other from their problems, afraid to overburden the other. “I’m always here for you. No matter what.”

“I know,” Trebor pressed his lips against the skin just beneath Bray’s chin. “I love you.”

Chuckling a little “tell me something I don’t know.”

“I would but you seem to know everything,” he pretended to pout.

Poking a finger at Trebor’s nose, Bray shook his head “not everything.” He let his hands wander down Trebor’s body stopping at the hem of his shirt. His fingers slipped beneath skimming the smooth warm skin and the rippling muscles responding to his touch.

“What don’t you know?” Trebor asked between kisses leading up to Bray’s lips.

“Like where are we going to find some privacy for us to be together with a houseful of family.” His hands were exploring Trebor’s chest and stomach now, pulling his shirt ever higher even as their bodies pressed closer together leaving no doubt they both needed some release.

“We’re alone now,” Trevor’s voice was weak with need as his hands trailed down Bray’s body like he was feeling it for the first time. 

Smirking a little as he smiled down into Trebor’s lustful gaze “anyone could see us? Our neighbors, someone could come outside…” His breath caught in his throat as he felt Trebor’s searching hands as they sought his zipper.

“Let them watch,” Trebor said close to Braylin’s ear as he released him from his jeans.

“Are you sure?” Braylin asked before he lost himself to the moment.

“Positive,” Trebor brushed his lips across Braylin’s, nipping at his bottom lip. “I need you…”

Groaning a little, Braylin leaned Trebor back, guiding him to the ground, kissing him deeply. “If it becomes too much all you have to do is tell me…”

Trebor whimpered with neediness, “just kiss me and take me far away from here.”

“Baby I’ll take you anywhere you want to go,” he promised.

***

“There you are,” Lonnie exclaimed as soon as they stepped into the kitchen. “What were you doing out there?” Without waiting for a response she turned to the man at her side “I want you to meet Barrett.” She gave the older man adoring smile

Trebro couldn’t deny the fondness he saw reflected back in the man’s eyes as he gazed down into his sister’s eyes. Still he couldn’t help but wonder he saw in a girl more than ten years his junior. Shrugging he forced a smile to his lips “it’s nice to meet you,” he took the offered hand trying not to grimace when the other man took it.

Sensing Trebor’s discomfort Braylin put an arm around his shoulders. You better watch yourself,” he teased “or Trebor and I might have to beat you up if our girl isn’t happy.”

Barrett gave them a woeful smile “don’t worry I aim to keep her happy. I’ve had plenty of time to think about what I want and don’t aim on messing it up this time.”

“I hope so,” Lonnie said glaring at him, “you won’t get another chance.”

Pulling Lonnie close Barrett stared into her eyes a moment. Nodding his head as if he had found all the answers to all the questions that had eluded him till now he said. “I think I’m a lot more worried about what you’ll do to me than what either your brother or parents will do to me if I mess this up. You’ve given me something that I never thought I ever wanted.”

“Which is what exactly?” Trebor asked, interjecting the question as if he knew it would pull them apart.

Lonnie rolled her eyes “here it comes. The whole big brother act.”

“It’s not an act,” he snapped, “ I need to know he’s going to take care of you and Marcy.”

“You don’t have to worry about me,” she huffed, lifting her chin upwards as if daring him to challenge her. “I can take care of myself.”

Looking between the two siblings Bray knew neither one was going to back down. “That’s not what he’s saying,” adding before Trebor could contradict him “we know you’re capable of taking care of yourself besides I’m Barrett has heard this all from your parents.”

“You can say that again,” Barrett enthused, “your mom is a little scary. I wouldn’t want to be on her bad side.”

“See,” Lonnie raised an eyebrow at her brother, her eyes holding a silent challenge.

“Fine,” Trebor rolled his eyes. “I guess I’m very good at the whole big brother intimidation routine anyway.” He started to turn away, his shoulders slumping in defeat. 

“Hey,” Lonnie reached out a hand touching his shoulder “You’re a great big brother. I just don’t need protecting.”

Trebor lifted troubled blue eyes that reminded Braylin of a cloudy sky on a windy day. His lips twitched before he managed a lopsided smile. “Yeah. Alright.” He gave Barrett a firm look “but I reserve the right to kick his butt if he doesn’t treat you well.”

“You’ll have to stand in line,” she giggled wrapping an arm around Barrett “I get firsties.”

Shaking his head Barrett had an uncertain look in his eyes “I don’t know if I should be scared or glad that I belong to a family like this.”

“Be glad,” Braylin advised “I know I am.”

“It’s good advice,” Garrett said, coming into the room leaning heavily on his cane. “I’d take it too if I were you.”

“Dad, should you be up?” Trebor asked, rushing to his side.

Waving his son’s hands away, “I’m fine,” he sounded somewhat irritated “I’m tired of sitting. It feels good to be up on my feet again.” Garrett knew they all worried about him. It had been a rough three years and two surgeries since he was shot. But somehow he had managed to get out of his wheelchair and learned to walk again even if it were for short amounts of time. “Your mother wants to know if she should start dinner.”

“I thought we were going to order in,” Lonnie said.

“It thought we were grilling,” Trebor said “I have the streak already marinating. All we need is for Bray to start the grill.”

“Isn’t that what you were doing outside,” Barrett asked, frowning in concern when Trebor’s face turned a brilliant shade of red.

“Fresh air my ass,” Lonnie giggled “you just couldn’t wait to be alone.”

“Err,” Trebor opened the fridge hoping to hide his face and the cool air was welcome on his flushed skin. “I’ll get the salad ready,” he announced, trying to ignore all the knowing looks and giggles behind his back.

“Well I hope you remember to wash your hands,” Verity deadpanned to the delight and amusement of everyone in the room.

Chapter 31 – The Visitor

Lonnie clutched her daughter’s hand as she walked through the formidable doors of the hospital. All she knew about the place was it was the teaching hospital where her brother was doing his residency. A part of her wanted to turn around. Leave. Pretend she never received the message. Slowing she half turned, poised to leave when a young man with light pink hair approached them, calling her name.

“You must be Lonnie,” he held his hand out in welcome “I’m Braylin.”

She stared at his hand a moment before taking it in a jerky motion, murmuring “it’s nice to meet you.” His knowing smirk told her he wasn’t buying the polite words.

“Trebor has told me so much about you,” he said, filling in the silence that fell between them as they waited for the elevator. Smiling down at the little girl clutching Lonnie’s hand “is this your little girl? Trebor never mentioned…”

“Of course not,” she snapped, pulling the girl closer to her. “Trebor doesn’t know anything about me.”

Frowning, Braylin followed her out of the elevator, shaking his head at her. He was beginning to understand why Trebor was always frustrated when he’d managed to have a couple of words with her on the phone. Prickly was just the tip of the words he’d use to describe her. But one thing he did know was “he’s missed you…”

She made a sound like a derisive snort “don’t make me laugh. All he’s ever done is criticize me and the way I choose to live my life.”

His skin prickled at her disdainful words. Reaching out he touched her arm, blocking her from entering the door into the ICU. “If you don’t want to be here, turn around and leave. Your family has been through enough. They sure as hell don’t need your attitude.”

Some emotion Bray couldn’t identify flickered in her eyes. She turned her face away “they don’t need me,” she murmured.

“Not like this, they don’t,” he confirmed. “They care about you. Trebor has only ever wanted to help you and you’ve thrown all of his suggestions back at him. You haven’t spoken to your parents for over three years. It was my idea to call you. I thought that maybe you’d want to see your dad before …” he cut himself off. He couldn’t say it. The doctor’s weren’t being optimistic on Garrett’s chances. “Look, your mother needs you. They all do.”

Staring at the cold, impersonal tile, she swiped a hand across her cheek drying a tear before it had a chance to roll down her face. “Fine I’ll stay but I,” she swallowed over the lump in her throat. Lifting her eyes she met his “I’ve made a lot of mistakes…they may not want me here.”

“We’ve all made mistakes,” he gave her an encouraging smile “I’ve made more than most and my family’s still here supporting me. I used to think that my family was better off without me. By staying away all I did was make things harder.”

“Trebor’s lucky to have you,” she surprised them both with her words. Smiling, she hastily dried her tears “I don’t know if you’re right…”

“Of course I am,” he chuckled a little before taking her by the elbow and guiding her to some chairs. “Let’s sit for a moment before seeing your mom.” Once they were settled he winked at the little girl “is this your daughter?”

Sniffing a little she nodded, running her hand down her daughter’s hair “she’s my little sunshine.” She could have added that she was also the reason why she hadn’t come home too. She knew how disappointed her parents would have been in her. Quitting college. Getting mixed up with drugs. That culminated in a one nightstand with Barrett Trevino, a rising solo singer who had spent the past few years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. 

“Mom, can we go now,” Marcy asked, “I don’t like it here. It smells funny.”

Leaning in close to the little girl “I don’t like it here either,” Braylin said like they were sharing secrets. “Hospitals aren’t any fun. But once we’re done here I can let you hold your new baby cousin.”

“I have a cousin?” she asked, looking up at her mother, eyes wide with wonder. 

“Yes you do,” Lonnie confirmed having read about how the undercover cop had saved her brother’s baby. 

“You sure do,” Braylin patted her head “his name is Blake.”

Turning to her mom “I want to see Blake now.” 

“You will, I promise.” Standing she said as if facing the hardest thing she could imagine “first we have to see grandma.”

“I have a grandma?” Marcy asked.

“And an Uncle,” Braylin winked at her, taking her hand and walking with them towards the ICU.

***

At the sound of the door opening behind her, Verity moved to confront whoever it was disturbing her time with her husband. Her face pinched tight as if trying not to cry, it took her a moment to recognize the young woman standing in the doorway. Moaning she brought a hand to her mouth, “Lonnie” she sobbed, “how?” she stumbled forward reaching for her daughter, needing to feel, to smell to assure her eyes that she wasn’t just imagining things.

Lonnie grasped her mother’s reaching hand, pulling her close, hugging her tight. She had never seen her mother so lost, it almost scared her. Her mother had always been so strong. The family foundation. If she crumbled how would they ever be a family again?

“Mom…I’m…” she wanted to say she was sorry but the word stuck in her throat. She’d promised herself that she would never apologize for the decisions she had made or why she had cut off all ties with her family. Stepping back she asked “how is daddy?” Her eyes flicked towards the still figure on the bed. It seemed surreal to her that this was her dad. He had always seemed so strong and invincible to her.

“Oh,” Verity straightened, wiping her eyes dry on the back of her hands. Moving towards the bed where she had sat so many long hours waiting, hoping for any sign of change. Taking his hand, patting it, “he’s going to be just fine. He’s going to wake up and see you standing here and he’s going to be so happy.”

Lonnie wasn’t sure about that. If she were her parents and Marcy had ghosted her the way she had them she didn’t think she could forgive her. Sure she’d be happy to see her again but always in the back of her mind she’d wonder when she’d leave again. She listened to the machines keeping track of every life sign on the still form on the bed. Would he really be alright? Was her mom just saying what she hoped would happen? 

Blinking back tears she looked down at her daughter when she tugged on her hand wanting her attention. “What is it, Marcy?” she asked with barely restrained irritation.

“Mom,” Marcy pointed towards Verity “who is that lady?”

“That lady is your grandma,” she knelt in front of her daughter. “why don’t you go say hi to her?”

Shaking her head suddenly shy, “no,” she buried her head on her mom’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry I’ll be right here the whole time,” Lonnie promised.

Marcy gave her an uncertain look before she took a step towards Verity. “Are you really my Grandma?”

Looking down at the little girl Verity looked over at her daughter unsure what she should say. “Is this your mom?” she asked instead, feeling her way through this maze she found herself in.

Nodding Marcy took another step closer “my mom says you are. Is it true?”

“I don’t think your mom would lie about that, do you?” She wished things were different between her and Lonnie. She didn’t understand where she’d gone wrong or why Lonnie didn’t want to be around them. There were so many things she wanted to say but felt she couldn’t. Not if she wanted this tenuous meeting to continue. “Would you like to meet your grandpa?”

Marcy glanced over at the bed “is that him? Is he sick?”

“He’s getting better,” Verity nodded, her jaw hardening in determination.If she said it enough times it’d come true. It just had to.

“Should I sing to him?” the little girl asked, “mom always sings to me when I don’t feel good.”

“I think he’d like that,” Verity stretched out her hand, smiling when Marcy slipped her little hand in hers. “Maybe your mom would like to sing with us?”

Lonnie nodded, blinking fast as her hand gripped her mother’s. Their voices were a little quivery as they sang a song they all knew well. One that Verity had sung many times to Lonnie to help her sleep better after waking up from frequent nightmares. 

When the song was over Verity leaned in close, whispering so that Marcy wouldn’t hear her. “When you’re ready you can tell me anything. I’m just glad you’re here.”

“Thanks,” Lonnie sniffed, leaning into her mom taking comfort from her even without saying a word.

Knights of Hope – Chapter 30 – Hero

Verity noticed as soon as they entered that something was up. Something that put a lot of the officers on edge. In her experience that meant an undercover op wasn’t going to plan. No doubt the captain was furious which further increased everyone’s anxiety. Every fiber in her being told her it had to do with her son’s case she stepped in front of an officer whose head was down as if trying to duck, “ what’s going on here?”

The officer she attempted to stop stepped to the side, just stomach knocking over a pile of folders sitting in a desk. Grumbling beneath his breath he stooped to pick up the scattered documents. “The captain’s in a foul mood and taking it out on the rest of us. It’s not my fault the young hot shot detective is going off script.” 

Hastily she handed him the documents she had received having heard enough to confirm her growing suspicions. Loud voices were coming from an office she could see was the captain’s and from the waving of arms and shaking of heads she could see from the partially open blinds the captain was in a heated discussion with someone. 

Jerking her head in the direction of the office she took off in that direction knowing Kobi would follow her. As she got closer she was able to make out snatches of the conversation going on inside. 

“What the hell does he think he’s doing?”

“He’s doing what he thinks he has…”

“Bull shit. He’s playing hero…”

“He took an opportunity to get the boy out…what do you think he should have done?”

“Wait for backup…”

“He knows what he’s doing…”

“He’s going to get them killed is what he’s going to do. The press is going to have a field day with this. We were so close to shutting down this so-called purist movement.”

Stopping outside the office door Kobi whispered “do you think they’re talking about Trebor?”

Putting a hand on the doorknob, twisting it in her hand “only one way to find out.” She didn’t need to see the faces of the officers behind her to know they were all apprehensive at her bold move to enter the captain’s office without advance notice. Protocol be damned. 

The two officers looked up with a jerk as Verity led the way inside. “What do you think you’re doing? Get out!” The captain stabbed the air with his index finger.

A slight smirk played across her face, an eyebrow rising “I’m not leaving until I get some answers.” To emphasize her point she crossed the room and took a seat in one of the empty chairs in front of the captain’s desk. Crossing her legs as if she didn’t have a care in the world and all the time to spare. 

After a slight hesitation Kobi followed her, taking the other empty chair. 

A deep growl of impotent fury filled the room as the Captain’s eyes raked them with hot coals. Sliding his chair out from beneath his desk he snapped “get a report on that idiot detective of your.” 

Verity watched as the other officer shrugged and hastened to leave the room. From his stripes she knew he was a sergeant. 

The captain, none too pleased to be caught unawares, steepled his hands in front of him, elbows resting on the desk. “Now what can I do for you?”

“You can tell us what’s being done to find my son,” her eyes narrowed slightly “and don’t tell me the tired old line we’re doing everything we can BS. I spent enough time on the force not to be nullified by that hollow speech.”

Sitting back, chair squeaking in protest. He glared across the smooth surface of his desk void of any evidence of work being done. “Are you implying we’re not doing everything possible to get your son back?”

Kobi held his breath. He didn’t like the way the man was looking at Verity. His own pulse leaped into his throat, pounding loudly in his ears. His eyes slid towards Verity. She appeared to be calm, patiently waiting. 

“We need answers,” her voice was clear, concise “not the cock and bull you’re dishing out to the local media. I want my son home.”

“We all want that,” he crossed his arms in front of his chest, breaking eye contact to pull out a notepad from his desk. 

“That’s why I’m here,” Verity moved forward, perching on the edge of her seat. “We’re not leaving until I know you’re not keeping my son in peril to break an even bigger case. I know how nice it’d look to have your name in the headlines as the guy who broke up the purist movement.” 

“I don’t like what you’re insinuating,” his voice was clipped with forced politeness but underneath was a cold, hard fury.

Kobi watched a muscle tic in the older man’s cheek. He was doing exactly what Verity was accusing him of. His need to break the case outweighed the safety of the victim. Kobi glanced sideways at Verity wondering what her game plan was.

“It’d be a pity if your claim to glory was spoiled by the death of my son.” Leaning forward her eyes intense, “could you imagine the field day the reporter would have?” Shaking her head she sat back, one foot waving in the air “I’d only be too happy to oblige them with an interview…”

Growling the captain’s face turned crimson “I resent your accusations. My department has been doing all they can to recover your son.”

Smirking a little she was more sure than ever that she had pegged him right as a glory hound. “What is being done to find my son?”

Before he could answer the door burst open and a young rookie cop motioned for them to follow “all hell’s breaking loose.”

***

“Stop the car,” Brayling shouted as they passed an old run down warehouse with signs in several windows advertising space for rent. “That’s him. That’s Trebor,” he frantically pulled at his seatbelt, releasing it to bolt from the car before they even had a chance to come to a stop.

“Braylin,” Tate shouted trying to grab him before he jumped from the moving car. It took only a few seconds to release his seatbelt and follow his son from the moving car. Fright lent him speed as he dove for his son dragging him from the busy street.

“Let me go,” he cried, struggling to free himself.

“It isn’t him,” Tate tried to reason with him, positive he wanted to find Trebor so much that his mind was playing tricks on him. 

“No,” he shoved Tate from him. “I know what I saw. It’s Trebor. I’d know him anywhere.”

Before Tate could gather his legs beneath him Bray was gone, running into a group of people. It wasn’t until Garrett sprinted past him that he realized what was happening. In horror he watched as an older woman came from inside the warehouse, holding something in her hands. Something she was pointing at Braylin. “Gun,” he shouted before he even realized what it was. People began running and screaming all around him as a sound of thunder echoed down the busy street. 

Pushing his way through the stampeding crowd Tate came to an abrupt stop. Two bodies lay motionless on the cold, hard pavement. “Braylin,” Tate whimpered, falling to his knees to pull his son’s body into his arms. 

“Dad?” Bray mumbled, opening his eyes looking up into his father’s face. “I’m okay. I’m not hurt.”

“You’ve lost so much blood,” Tate said, eyes full of horor.

“It’s … I’m not hurt,” Braylin sat up, legs penned by the body on top of him. “It’s not my blood. I’m okay.” He wasn’t sure if his words were getting through but he didn’t have time to waste. Crawling out from beneath the body he rolled the man over, gasping at the gaping hole in the man’s side. He pressed his hand down hard into the wound trying to staunch the flow of blood.

Wally got to his feet, pulling his gun from the waist of his jeans before turning to see where he had shoved Trebor the moment Kara had started shooting. His shoulder hurt where one of her bullets had grazed him. He saw Trebor crawling towards the street instead of staying where he couldn’t be seen. Two strides he yanked Trebor to his feet, “I told you to stay hidden.”

“My dad…Kara shot him,” Trebor swayed a moment. “I’ve got to help him. Please.”

Nodding Wally half carried, half dragged Trebor towards the injured man. “How is he?” he asked tersley as his eyes roamed the now deserted street. 

“Not good,” Trebor said, ripping his dad’s shirt to make a bandage. “Keep putting pressure on the wound. We’ve got to stop the bleeding.”

Braylin nodded, sparing a quick glance at Trebor, thankful to hear his voice. “Dad, call for an ambulance.”

Still shaking Tate pulled his phone from his pocket, making the emergency call he did his best to tell them where they were and in the end Wally grabbed the phone from him giving terse instructions. 

Handing the phone back Wally said “you’ll be alright now. The ambulance will be here soon.” 

“Where are you going?” Tate demanded when the young undercover detective started to walk away.

“I’m going after Kara. I’m not letting her get away.” 

“Shouldn’t you at least wait for help,” Tate asked.

“If I wait she’s gone,” Wally said without stopping. He stopped at the door long enough to make sure his gun was ready then he ducked inside.

Tate could hear sirens in the distance. Help was on the way. He glanced down at his son, hands pressed into the sides of another man trying to save their life. Trebor was alive. He turned. Another young life was in trouble.

“Dad,” Braylin’s voice cut into his thoughts. “Don’t please. We…I … need you.”

Torn Tate hesitated, torn between staying with this son and doing what he thought he should do. It was the briefest of hesitations that lasted a second maybe two but seemed to last forever as the air was filled with the sound of rapid gun fire from inside the warehouse.

Knights of Hope – Chapter 29 – Just a Little Luck

Verity glanced up from the computer she’d been staring at for the past hour to see Kobi come in and sit down in front of the fireplace. “How is he?” she asked.

“About as well as can be expected I guess,” he sat down with a weary sigh, staring into the fireplace. “I wish there was something I could do. He just lies there. He refuses to eat or take the sedatives the doctor prescribed him. Tate sits with him, holding his hand telling it’s all going to be alright.” Looking up the past few days drawing lines of stress on his face “but will it? Will he ever be ok? All he wants is Trebor to come back but what if he doesn’t?”

Verity understood the worst thing about being a parent is watching your children suffer. “He’s stronger than you think.” She knew his deepest fear would be to lose Braylin to the world of alcohol again. Turning she switched the computer off with a sigh. After spending hours on the phone talking to the detective in charge of the investigation and getting nowhere she had tried finding something in all the propaganda on the internet about the Purist movement. She was a fairly decent hacker but even her skills weren’t enough to find something useful. Kara knew how to hide any trace of herself. Verity knew her well from cold hard experience but she found her once. She could find her again.

Every instinct inside Verity told her to keep on pushing, looking and she was going to uncover something. Her cop instincts told her to get out there, asking questions, searching for clues, and turn over every rock until she found something. Her mother’s instinct wanted her to tear apart anyone who dared hurt her baby.

“This is just as hard for you and Garrett as it is for us,” Kobi said, watching her. “It can’t be easy just sitting here doing nothing when your son is out there somewhere, hurt, scared, maybe even dead.”

Crossing the room, Verity sat beside Kobi on the couch. “Does it show that much?”

Nodding he moved to stand beside the fireplace, leaning against it. “I want to be out there knocking on doors. At least I’d feel like I was doing something…” stopping he looked towards the stairs where Garrett had just come down them “how is he?”

“Tate’s got him to agree to trying to eat something,” Garrett told him. “I’m going to make him a simple soup. Would anyone else like something while I’m there?”

Shaking his head, Kobi knew he should probably eat something but he didn’t think he could. He turned at the light touch of someone’s hand on his shoulder and found himself looking in the concerned face of Trebor’s mom. 

“You should eat something,” Verity said. “Then you and I are going down to the precinct and make ourselves a presence to be recognized. Maybe we’ll get some answers or,” she shrugged “we’ll get kicked out. One way or the other I’m going to try.”

Kobi grinned at her “sounds like a plan.”

“I thought you might,” she chuckled a little, “at least we’ll be doing something.”

***

Garrett gave Braylin a smile as he entered the room when he found Bray sitting up. “Still feel like eating?” he asked, setting the soup on the side table by the bed. He asked the question even though he had no intention of taking no for an answer. He knew Tate well enough to know he wouldn’t either. 

Giving the bowl a somewhat dubious look, Bray slowly nodded his head. “I’ll try,” he said without much enthusiasm for the task.

“That’s’ all we ask,” Tate said, giving Garrett a relieved, grateful look. He hadn’t been sure he’d have been able to spoon feed his son the way he had threatened to do. Reaching the bed he took one of the pillows and used it to help prop Braylin up so that he could eat. “You need to be strong and healthy for when Trebor comes home,” he told him, hoping he wasn’t undoing all their effort and plunging Braylin into the depths of depression.

At first Braylin felt his throat clench shut, giving him the sensation of choking even before having taken a single bite. The thought of Trebor alone and afraid god knows where struggling to survive brought forth fresh tears. “I should be out there…” he made an inarticulate sound before adding “looking for him.” His bottom lip quivered but beneath the vulnerability was something new, a determination to put forth effort into his words. He was going to look for Trebor even if it meant knocking on every door in the city.

Nodding Garrett smiled in understanding “after you eat we’ll go for a drive,” he said, his own eyes reflecting the same determination of purpose that filled Bray’s. “We’ll look for places where someone could be hiding Trebor.”

Braylin stared at Garrett a moment as if suspecting he was just trying to get him to eat. After a moment he nodded, his eyes alive with renewed hope. “You promise,” he asked, reaching for the bowl.

“I promise,” Garrett assured him, nodding when Brayling took the bowl and began to feed himself. 

Tate stood up, walked over to Garrett talking softly “is this a good idea? Aren’t you giving him false hope.”

“I can’t see where it’ll hurt anything,” he shrugged, crossing his arms. “He needs to feel like he’s doing something. Wouldn’t you if it were Kobi who was missing? I know for a fact that Verity and Kobi are going to the precinct to see if they can get some information. I don’t see why we can’t drive around. Who knows maybe we’ll get lucky and see something?”

“I guess,” Tate nodded although he didn’t sound convinced. “It would keep his mind occupied.”

“It would and I admit I need to do something myself. My son is out there with that woman. I can only imagine how he feels being near her again.” He’d give anything to be able to wrap his hands around her scrawny neck. She had terrorized him and his family all his life. It was time for it to end. Some people would call him callous, he knew but he didn’t want to understand why she did the awful things she did. He just wanted her gone.

He yelped a little in surprise when Tate touched his shoulder. “Trebor’s coming home,” Tate assured him “I know he will.”

Garrett nodded hoping Tate was right. His worry was what shape Trebor would be in when he was found. Would he be alive or found in some dumpster for them to find? He knew how Kara enjoyed having her handy work discovered.

***

Trebor huddled in a corner of his basement prison. Blood caked his face, one eye was swollen completely shut. His breathing was shallow as every breath caused a stabbing pain in his side. Broken ribs. Internal bleeding. His clinical brain knew the possibilities. He needed medical attention but he was unlikely to get it if he stayed here.

His body convulsed at the sound of piercing screams penetrating the clammy darkness of his prison. His sympathies went out to the poor soul. A part of him was grateful that it was someone else other than him. He knew he couldn’t hold out much longer. A person could only withstand so much before they’re willing to do whatever it took to make it stop. Every minute brought him that much closer to giving in. 

The pitiful screams grew in crescendo when someone opened his door letting in a bright stream of light that nearly blinded him. “Oh no, please…” he whimpered, pulling his legs tight against his chest “no more please…I..can’t…”

The words slipped from his cracked, swollen lips involuntarily. Anyone hearing them could hear how close he was to breaking. It was his silent prayer, a plea to whoever was out there to take pity on him. He just couldn’t take it anymore. 

“Shh,” a gentle hand helped him sit up. “If you want out of here you’re going to have to come with me. Now.”

For a moment the words didn’t make any sense. It was like he was hearing gibberish. Out. Leave. “What?” he murmured expressing what his befuddled brain was screaming at him.

“Do you trust me?” Wally asked, looking him straight in the eye. “IF you do, you’ll get up and come with me. We have to go now before they finish …” A shudder ran through him as yet another scream pierced the air around them. He didn’t like Ben but it’d take a colder heart than his to not be affected by what was happening to him. Kara was a sadistic woman who took pleasure in the pain of others. It was like she got off on it. 

“Ok,” Trebor nodded, taking a gamble on the only person here who might be able to help. Wally had given him the only ray of hope he had. That Braylin was counting on him to come home. That there was a surprise waiting for him. All he had to do was survive. Maybe just maybe someone had found his baby before it was too late or had Wally taken the risk and not thrown his baby away as he was told? He didn’t know, not for sure, it was just a feeling. Hope. Sometimes that was all a person needed to do the impossible.

“Good,” Wally pulled Trebor to his feet, wrapping an arm around his waist while threading Trebor’s arm across his shoulders. He was practically carrying him but it didn’t matter once they were outside, on the busy street Kara couldn’t do anything to them. Too many witnesses. At least that’s what he hoped would happen. With Kara you never knew if she’d do the logical thing or not.

“Why are you doing this? Helping me?’ Trebor asked panting from the exertion. Stabbing pains in his side made it harder to move. To breathe but he kept putting one foot in front of the other. Telling him he could do it over and over in his head reminding him of the story of the little engine that could.

“If we get out of here I’ll tell you,” Wally said, hoping that he hadn’t waited too long to come for Trebor. Hoped that Ben could last long enough to distract the others. All he needed was a little luck.

Knights of Hope – Chapter 20 – Tit for Tat

• 

It was strange walking into the arena. He’d spent so many hours here and yet two weeks away had him feeling like he no longer belonged there. His stomach hurt, twisting in anxious jerks. Turning he tried to give Trebor his most confident smile but the anxious worry in the man’s eyes told him he didn’t quite pull it off.

“It’ll be okay” Trebor assured him despite his own feelings of doubt.

“What if he tells me I’m off the team” his heart lurched dropping into a bottomless pit.

“He won’t” Trebor pulled him close, wrapping his arms around him for once not worried if anyone was watching. The only thing that mattered was his hockey player.

• 

• 

Leaning into him Braylin inhaled deeply, taking comfort in the strength radiating from the arms of the man holding him. “You’ll be here when I come out” he asked, searching Trebor’s eyes for the reassurance he needed.

“I’ll be here” he asserted “I won’t leave until we walk out together.”

“After this I may need a visit from my sexy Doctor Bennett” he pressed his lips to Trebor’s forehead before pushing himself away.

“I’ll kiss any wounds and make them better” he promised as he watched his boyfriend walk away towards what could be a pivotal moment in his life. His stomach lurched as he fought the urge to call him back as an unreasonable fear gripped him. He knew he wouldn’t stop worrying until he saw Braylin come back to him. He’d only feel somewhat better if he had gone in with him.

• 

Braylin hated the way his hand shook as he took hold of the door handle. Taking a deep breath he willed his racing heart to calm down. Entering the locker room he could feel the almost hostile atmosphere as his fellow teammates watched him walk through the door. He couldn’t help but wonder if they still were his teammates. Would they be forever estranged? Shaking his head he tried to clear his thoughts as he knocked on the coaches office door. The deep bellow that summoned him inside made him swallow in an effort to soothe his dry mouth.

Sticking his head inside “you wanted to see me?”

The older man’s face was set in stone “close the door.”

When the door clicked shut behind him he felt his hands grow damp as he faced the man that literally held his future in the palm of his hands. “Coach” his voice cracked “I know I messed up…”

“Save the explanations” that man’s voice cut him off, sounding like the death knell for some hapless being, namely him. “You’re not the only one,” his words came as a shock. Drumming his fingers on the cluttered desk “i should have double checked the accusations that were made before jumping to conclusions. The team hasn’t been the same without you.”

• 

Jerking a little in his chair Braylin had expected to receive the ax not this. “I…I don’t know what to say.”

“Don’t say anything” the man barked “you’re not out of this yet. Morale has been low since Matt took over your position. He simply refuses to play as a team. He’s a one man show. The others aren’t playing half as well as they should be preferring to let the opposing team take the biscuit then to pass it to Matt. That being said, I don’t know if they’ll play any better for you.”

Nodding he leaned his elbows on his knees “I know I betrayed their trust. I need to earn it back or at least try.”

“Think you’re man enough to do that” the coach challenged.

“I’m up to the challenge if it means you’re giving me another chance” he said scarcely breathing.

• 

“You have it” the man nodded as if confirming the decision he’d already made. “Be here tomorrow for practice. We have a game to win on Monday.”

He froze scared he’d heard him wrong. “Practice? Tomorrow” he repeated his ears ringing. “I’ll be here” he stood up weak from relief. “Thank you coach, I won’t let you down.”

Standing, the Coach held his hand out to Braylin. “See that you don’t” he said then added when the pink haired young man took his hand “you won’t be getting another.” Squeezing his hand he smiled “welcome back to the team.”

“Thank you sir” he stammered as a huge grin encompassed his face. He scooted out the office door scarcely believing his good fortune. Unfortunately he walked out into the path of Matt who gave him a murderous glare.

***

• 

“I suppose the coach gave you your position back” he snarled, balling his hands into fists.

“I’m off suspension” he said “as for the rest, it remains to be seen.” He tried to walk away but Matt stepped in front of him blocking his way..

“If it weren’t for me we wouldn’t be going into the championships.” He puffed his chest out like a young rooster.

“I’m sure he appreciates that” he stepped back, hitting the solid wall behind him.

“Hah” the sound seemed to have exploded from his lungs. “They all wish I were you.” Grimacing, he gripped Braylin’s shirt with hands shaking with fury. “You’re nothing” spittle flew from his mouth.

“What’s going on out here” the coach demanded coming from his office.

• 

• 

“Matt doesn’t seem to like your decision to bring Bray back,” John said, stepping forward.

“Is that right?” he asked, staring down at the boy with eyes of steel.

“Yes sir I don’t like it” he pushed Braylin harder into the unforgiving wall. “There’s no way he should get to play. I’m the better player. Me, not him.”

“The decision is mine” the man’s voice rose firm and implacable.

“After all I did to prove to you that Braylin isn’t the comeback kid” he looked aghast at the older man. “You’ve got to be kidding me” his hands gripped Braylin’s shirt twisting it around his neck. “You’d rather have this piece of shit on your team than me?”

The other guys gathered around silently nodding. John swallowed “what makes you so much better? You’re a liar. You told all of us he killed your sister but he didn’t.”

• 

“He did,” he screamed, pounding his fist into Braylin’s collar bone.

“No he didn’t” John persisted shaking his head. “You’re blaming him because he used to have a problem with drinking.”

“He does,” he screamed “there’s no used to be. Once a drunk always a drunk.”

“I’m sorry about your sister,” John said, moving slowly towards him, hands out. “She didn’t deserve to die like that. It was tragic. I’m sorry but it wasn’t Bray’s fault.”

“It was his car” he cried “he was drunk and my sister died. He deserves to have everything taken from him.”

“No” John shook his head “the car was similar to the one Bray drives but it’s not the same. The driver who caused your sister’s accident is in jail. That guy is paying for his crime. Don’t take it out on Bray.”

• 

“But I…” his hand fell from Braylin’s shirt. “He…oh god.”

Braylin moved from the wall to stand beside his friend. “Did you spike my drink that night?” Even though he’d been told he still hadn’t believed it.

Nodding Matt hugged his arms tight around himself. “You needed to pay. For my sister.” Looking around at all the angry accusatory faces he continued “yes I spiked your drink. I made sure you took the drink I made special for you. I had John give you the next drink. He was wasted so it was easy getting him to do it.” Glancing at Braylin “it’s what you deserved. No good drunk.”

“Did Trebor deserve what you did to him?” he demanded, stepping forward getting into Matt’s face. “Never mind me. Trebor didn’t deserve to fall down a flight of stairs or to have his arm broken. Because of you he might not regain full mobility of his hand.”

Matt’s mouth worked but no sound came out for a moment. “That was an accident. I didn’t mean for him to get hurt.” His eyes lifted “he wouldn’t have gotten hurt if you hadn’t been wasted.”

Terry scoffed, speaking for the first time. “He wouldn’t have been wasted if you hadn’t spiked his drink.” There were grumbles of assent from the others. 

• 

“It wasn’t my fault” he cried “he needed to see his actions had consequences…”

“He’d already learned that” John said quietly “it’s something I still had to learn.” Turning to Bray “I’m sorry for encouraging you that night. I never realized before why you wanted to change. I understand now. I think” he took a deep breath “I’m ready to make those changes too. I’ve already told Coach I’ve entered into rehab. It’s time I took control of my life.”

“Dude that’s awesome” Braylin enthused “I’m so happy for you.”

“You don’t hate me” he sniffed.

“No of course not” he pulled his friend into a hug. “You were messed up. We both were. It wasn’t entirely your fault.” he sent a dagger-like glare in Matt’s direction. 

• 

• 

• 

Before anyone could say anything else Verity and Lia walked into the locker room. “Excuse us gents” Lia called with a smirk “we’ll be out of here soon. We just have something to say to this little weasel.”

“I’m going to sue all of you” he threatened “defamation of character. Slander.”

“You don’t have a case,” Lia informed him, crossing her arms in front of her. “No lawyer in their right mind will take your case. However what you did to Mr McGavin is defamation of character. Everyone in this room can testify to that fact. Not to mention you admitted to possessing drugs. I’m pretty sure we could charge you with criminal intent since Mr Bennett was hurt due to the actions you took against Mr McGavin. You may even be implicated in contributing to the mental state that induced Mr McGavin to endanger his life by suicide. You’re lucky he wasn’t more successful.”

“You can’t do that” his voice came out in a squeak.

“I’m pretty sure I can,” she gave him a smug nod. “I am studying law and have been in contact with lawyers who feel we have a strong enough case.” With a flourish she handed him an envelope “you have been served.”

“What the….”

“Mr Ryan, I suggest you change and leave before things get any worse for you” the coach suggested, laying a firm hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Don’t bother coming back.”

***

• 

Once Matt left in a huff lugging his equipment out the door everyone cheered. Approaching him Terry said “sorry man” his voice was gruff reaching for his hand “should have known better than to believe that little shit.”

“It’s alright” he stammered, “it was pretty convincing. I mean I was high after all.”

“Not because you wanted to be” Terry mumbled stepping aside to let the next guy say his peace.

Once all the back slapping and welcome backs were done Braylin stared in shock at the clock on the wall. “Is it really that late?”

“Yeah why” Terry asked with a bemused expression on his face at his reaction.

“I can’t believe I forgot all about him…”

• 

“Who? Matt” someone asked with a snicker.

“No Trebor. I left him outside by the rink when I came in to talk to Coach.” He did a fast count in his head “that was almost three hours ago.”

“He probably left with his mom hours ago,” John suggested.

“No,” he shook his head. “he’d have waited for me.”

“You’re really hung up on him aren’t you” Terry asked.

“Yeah I guess I am” he felt a goofy grin spread across his face.

• 

“Look at him boys” Terry pointed, “he’s in love.”

“Aw look he’s blushing” someone else chimed in.

“Stop” he cried all but running for the locker room door.

“Don’t forget tomorrow” the coach called after him.

“I’ll be here” he yelled as he left the locker room. It felt good to be back. Back with the team. It felt like he was coming home. Stopping, he looked around. He’d been so sure Trebor would be out here waiting for him. Most of the arena was dark. The cleaning crew finished for the night. A noise to his right alerted him to someone’s presence.

• 

• 

“Trebor” he called out to the approaching figure “that you?”

“Yeah it’s me” the garbled words didn’t sound like him. He walked into the light with a hand to his mouth.

“What happened?” Braylin demanded pulling him under the light to inspect the damage. “You’re bleeding” he said, pulling him into the locker room.

“It’s nothing” Trebor protested, wishing the group of curious gawking eyes would look at something else.

“It’s not nothing” Braylin said, holding a wet paper towel to his busted lip. “I thought you would have left with your mom.”

“I said I’d wait for you so we could leave together” he shrugged “it wasn’t until Matt came out that I….”

• 

• 

“Matt did this” he growled, cutting him off.

“Yyyeah” he stammered sensing his boyfriend’s anger. “I guess I got in his way.”

“I’m going to kill him,” he swore.

“Don’t worry I gave as good as I got” Trebor assured him “I would have done better if I had two hands.”

“You’re sure you’re alright” he asked staring intently into Trebor’s eyes. “Tell me the truth.”

“I might have hurt my hand” he held up his left hand. It was swollen, red and warm to the touch.

• 

“Treb what are you going to do now” he asked seething inside

“I…” his shoulders rose and fell. “I don’t know. With luck I’ll have my arm out of this cast tomorrow.”

“Like we’ve been lucky thus far” he grumbled. 

“I’d say we’ve been lucky” Trebor contradicted “we’re both still here.”

Shaking his head Braylin couldn’t help but smile “put like that I guess we are pretty damned lucky.”

“That’s what I said” Trebor got up “I’m hungry.”

• 

“You’re always hungry,” Braylin grinned.

“Where are you taking me to eat?” he asked to the amused laughter of the assembled men.

“Why don’t you come to my place?” Terry suggested, “my wife would love to meet you.”

“If it’s not too inconvenient on such short notice” Trebor said “I don’t want to be any trouble.”

“You won’t be,” he assured him.

“Okay we accept,” Braylin said.

Knights of Hope – Chapter 18 – Unravelling

• 

“I don’t see what I can do to help” John slumped into a chair opposite his guest. “I was pretty wasted that night.”

“Tell me this then” Verity persisted “did you sample both drinks that Matt made up for Braylin and Trebor?”

Frowning he squirmed in his seat. “I tasted one. That’s for sure. It was blah.”

“Blah” she asked looking for more description.

“Yeah blah” he sat forward “it had no kick. It was straight coke.”

“Oh” she crossed her legs “it was nonalcoholic.”

• 

“That’s what I said” he flopped back dramatically “Bray and I used to tear it up back in the day.”

Verity noted the bloodshot eyes and the slight tremor in the young man’s hands. “Looks like you’re still tearing it up” she observed.

“It’s not the same though” he groused “the night of the party I thought the old Bray was back. He was wasted but he….”

“He what” she prompted attempting to get him to continue to open up.

“All the years we played together and he never not once looked at me the way he looked at Trebor. That night I finally faced it. I realized he never would.” Lifting pain filled eyes to meet hers “Trebor is who he needs. Who he wants. He’s a better person with him than he ever would be with me. I just wish…”

“That you hadn’t encouraged him to continue drinking that night” she half guessed his role in Braylin’s demise that night.

• 

Running a hand through his tangled blonde hair he nodded “not one of my proudest moments. I was just so scared.”

Nodding Verity could feel her sympathy rising for the boy. “You can still make things right,” she said.

Lifting his head to stare at her. “How” he demanded “I’m a terrible friend. I thought more of myself then I did him. I was so desperate to keep him in my life that I was willing to sacrifice his happiness so that I wouldn’t be alone. Who does that?”

“Someone who needs help. Someone who has hit rock bottom and needs to make a change” she gave him an encouraging smile. “Help me clear his name and get Matt to admit he spiked Braylin’s drink.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to make up for what I did” he mumbled lost in his own thoughts. “I didn’t think I was doing anything wrong but now I can see what I did was the worst. He was never really happy doing all the party stuff we used to do.”

“You can still make amends” she patted his hand. “It’s never too late to make changes. Become the friend you think Braylin deserves and you wish to be.”

• 

• 

“But it wouldn’t do any good. He’ll never feel about me the way I do about him.” He pressed his hands to his head groaning. “He’s still going to be with Trebor and I’m going to be alone.”

“Let’s take things one step at a time” she suggested. “Help me clear Bray’s name then worry about what comes next.”

Blinking he inhaled deeply, making an effort to get a grip on his emotions. “Do you think it’s possible? I’ve fucked up a lot.”

“Have you learned anything from this?” she asked.

“I’ve been trying not to think about it too much” he sat up straight. “Maybe you’re right. I’ll worry about myself later. What’s important right now is helping Braylin. It’s the least I can do for the mess I caused.” He gave her a tearful twitch of the lips “he’s gotten me out of more than one mess. It’s my turn to return the favor.”

“Alright” she nodded, biting her bottom lip. There was so much more she wanted to ask him and why, she wondered wasn’t he reaching out to his parents when he obviously needed help. Giving herself a slight mental shake she forced concern for him back to concentrate on what she needed him to do. She just hoped when the time came he was sober enough to do it.

***

• 

A few days later after a big game Matt was undressing in the locker room pleased with his performance. “That was a barnburner if I ever saw one. Did you see how many celly’s I made? Not to mention the breakaways. Man no one can touch me on the ice. I’m fucking fantastic.”

A low rumble of discontent rose among the other players. Terry, an older player tossed his mitts into his locker. “Hockey is a team sport not your personal one man show.”

Other players nodded in agreement. “We’re tired of you taking the biscuit regardless of whether you have a shot or not.”

“It’s not my fault that you’re benders and pylons on the ice” Matt laughed in their faces “you’re all jealous.”

“Jealous my ass” Terry scoffed “with your theatrics on the ice you make it look like we’re at the fucking ice capades instead of a hockey game. We’re the laughing stock of the NHL.”

“Who cares? We’re winning, they’re not” Matt said unconcerned. Smirking all around “we’re winning because of me. I told you I was good. I told you I was better than McGavin ever was.”

• 

Terry slammed his locker shut. “We’re a team not your fucking one man show. No one person wins the game. It’s a group effort.”

“What’s your problem?” Matt demanded getting into the bigger man’s face. “Are you afraid I’m making you look bad? Sorry I’m not the duster you all expected me to be.”

Terry’s hands clenched at his sides “you’re that good ….”

“If Bray was still here you’d be a duster” John pointed out to the rising snickers of the others. “He was all about playing as a team.”

“Yeah I suppose he would be” Matt scoffed, looking the blonde up and down “especially if he let a grinder like you have the biscuit.”

The tension rose as another player joined John in saying “Bray had his faults but he was one of the best.”

• 

Matt’s mouth gaped “you’ve got to be joking. McGavin let you all down. Let the team down. You’re a better team without him.”

“”We’d rather lose as a team than win with you” Terry asserted, frowning heavily at him.

“Oh come on” Matt grabbed the older man’s arm. “What does it matter how you win as long as you do?”

Jerking his arm away scowling. “It matters because everyone has a role to play. Everyone works hard. Everyone deserves the credit for the part they played on the team whether they are the best or grinder. No one wants to ride the skirts of someone like you.”

Watching the man stride away towards the showers Matt scoffed. “He’s jealous. I’m younger and better than him. He’d be better off quitting before he becomes just another has been.” Turning towards the others he found them all resolutely standing with their backs to him. “The way you’re treating me you’d think I was the bad guy. I’m the guy leading us to the championships, not McGavin. I’m not the guy who decided to get high. Maybe you should think about that instead of complaining.”

Slamming his locker shot Mike brushed past Matt. “Even on Bray’s worst days he was a better player than you ever will be.”

• 

• 

His mouth dropping open he turned to Joseph. “I don’t get it. We’re a better team without McGavin.”

Joseph exchanged a worried look with Rory before turning to face Matt. “You’re the only one who shares that opinion.”

“What” he demanded shocked “I thought you were on my side. Didn’t McGavin hurt your cousin? As I recall McGavin pushed him down a flight of stairs. I mean you don’t want to play with someone who does that do you?”

“I’ve had a lot of time to think about what happened that night” Joseph tossed his jersey into his locker. Reaching for his towel he moved towards the showers “I don’t think Braylin intentionally tried to hurt Trebor that night.”

“Who cares about intentions” Matt snapped “he was wasted. He was to blame regardless of his intentions.”

“Yeah I wonder” Joseph mumbled, pushing past him.

• 

• 

“He killed my sister” he called after him “doesn’t that tell you something about the guy?”

Rory turned to face him “if I were you I’d be careful. People can still sue for defamation of character. We only have your word that he killed her. Where’s the proof? Why isn’t he in jail?” He quickly turned, avoiding Matt’s attempt to grab him.

Turning in circles Matt could see the other’s walking away shaking their heads at him. “You need me. I’m the best you have. I can skate circles around all of you.”

“Give it a rest” John advised him moving towards the locker room door. “They all know you’re just in it for the glory not the game. That’s the difference between you and Bray. Bray loves the game. You can see it in his eyes the moment his blades hit the ice. He shared the limelight with everyone because it was for the game. It wasn’t about him.”

“Yeah like I’m going to believe anything you say” Matt sneered his face twisting in disgust “you’re just another junkie.”

***

• 

“Things seem to be going well between you and your hockey player” Geoffrey observed from where he sat cross legged on the floor.

“They are,” Trebor sighed, closing his eyes, a soft smile crossing his lips.

“I think Lia and I are done for” he said as the quiet lengthened between them.

“What” Trebor cried, sitting up shaken from his daydream of being surrounded by kids with pink hair, all wanting to know when daddy was coming home.

Drawing circles on the floor with his index finger Geoffrey refused to meet his cousin’s gaze. “Yeah things haven’t been good for a while. Not that comes as a surprise to anyone who knows how volatile our relationship has become.”

• 

“I’m sorry” he murmured. Trebor felt bad for him but Lia was a force to be reckoned with on the best of days. On the worst of days she could stomp all over your feelings without a second thought. Probably a good quality to have for a lawyer not so good in a relationship. “Want to talk about it” he offered, cringing a little inside as the words came out.

Geoffrey’s shoulders rose and fell “not really.”

Sitting in silence neither one knew what to say to the other. The door opened before things became too awkward. Braylin’s voice was loud as he called out “look who I found outside.”

“He’s not here,” a woman’s voice said, low and anxious.

“You said his car was parked outside” Braylin said “they have to be here. Let’s try outside by the pool.”

• 

Getting to his feet Trebor sheepishly waved at them. Braylin smiled moving to his side. Leaning into the kiss Braylin pressed to his cheek Trebor said “hi Lia. What brings you here?”

“I’m hoping Geoffrey was here” as she spoke, her eyes swept the room, searching.

“I don’t know if he wants to talk to you,” Trebor said, measuring his words carefully.

Her face paled a little beneath her bright green hair. “Please, I need to tell him something. Then if he still doesn’t want me here I’ll go.”

Getting to his feet Geoffrey leaned against the wall trying to pull off a nonchalant attitude. “Say it and go,” he said.

• 

Looking in his direction, her eyes were almost painful to see. Nudging Braylin in the side Trebor said “we’ll be in the other room if you need us.”

“No” Geoffrey cried “don’t go.”

The desperation in his eyes and voice made them stop. Turning towards Lia she too nodded wanting them to stay.

“I’m sorry” she began licking her lips like she was nervous.

“Is that it” he demanded incredulously “you can do better than that. Where’s the eloquent speech?”

• 

Hugging herself tightly she half turned away “I shouldn’t have said the things I said to your parents.” She blurted the words out quickly as if she were afraid if she didn’t say them at once they’d never come out at all.

“It wasn’t just what you said” he said taking a step towards her “It was the way you said it.”

“I know” her voice quivered as her calm exterior slipped. “I just wanted to help” she gave him a beseeching look, her hands reaching out to him.

“You called them idiots” his voice was stiff, accusing. 

Her hands fell limp to her sides. “That’s the way it looked to me. Refusing my help” She glanced towards Trebor “you agreed with me when Trebor refused to listen to me about his issues at the hospital. I thought you would, with your parents too.”

• 

“I never said you didn’t have good ideas,” he said, relenting a little. “I said you never listen to anyone once you’ve made up your mind what they ought to do.” He glared at her, his anger just below the surface. “You don’t seem to realize that other people have good ideas too. If you want others to take you seriously you need to listen to them and their concerns otherwise you’ll never be able to help them effectively.”

“I do,” she protested.

They all looked at her as if she had lost her mind. It was Geoffrey who broke the stunned silence. “You only listen when it suits you or the agenda you have. Did it even occur to you that my parents had already consulted with a lawyer? Thanks to you and your big mouth they have to start over. The property dispute was close to being resolved but now …. Who knows.” He glared at her temporarily at a loss for words. “They’re going to have to pay for another surveyor, additional lawyer fees and hope the asshole neighbors won’t be able to fight it.” He took a deep breath “that’s all thanks to you not being able to keep your big mouth shut.”

“But I…” she hung her head “I just wanted to help.”

“You made things worse” he said “you’re not a lawyer yet. I know you’re learning all kinds of things about the law. Things you want to apply but you’re not there yet.” Pausing he took steps towards her “you need to learn, to listen and occasionally keep your mouth shut.”

• 

• 

• 

Nodding, she turned away tears rolling down her cheeks “I really am sorry.” As they stood and watched she turned and slipped through the door.

Trebor broke their shocked daze. “Go after her,” he urged, turning to his cousin.

Geoffrey nodded, moving towards the door, his movements stiff and disjointed. Pulling the door open he called out “Lia wait.”

Moving to the door left open by their guests Braylin asked “do you think they’ll be able to work things out?”

“I don’t know,” he shrugged, “everyone deserves a second chance. Lia is a lot of things but she’s passionate about things and she cares about Geoffrey.”

• 

“Yeah you’re right” he agreed, closing the door. “What’s for supper?” he asked, changing the subject.

“I thought maybe we could go out for seafood,” Trebor suggested.

“Sounds good to me,” Braylin agreed. “Maybe over dinner you’ll tell me what your mom had to say when she called this morning.”

“Maybe,” Trebor said with a sigh. He was enjoying being home. He wasn’t in any hurry to go back to the old grind but soon they’d have to.

Knights of Hope – Chapter 17 – Almost

• 

“Mrs Bennett what can I do for you” the coach asked once the last of the players left the ice.

“I’m looking into the incident that happened at my nephew’s home a few weeks ago,” she explained.

“Oh that” he snorted “from where I’m standing there’s nothing to look into. Braylin likes his alcohol. Pity he can’t handle it. He fell off the wagon. No big mystery.”

“Maybe. Maybe not” she shrugged unconcerned with his attitude. “It is interesting that he tested positive for drugs though. I mean every addict has a gateway drug. He never seemed to be one to do drugs. What do you think caused the change?”

• 

“Who the hell knows” he grunted “look lady I’ve got more important things to do than worry about why the guy decided to get high before taking his first drink. I’ve got a game to win.”

“Kind of callous aren’t you? I mean Braylin was one of your guys. He helped make the team as good as it is. I’d think you’d have a bit more loyalty to him.” She gave him a withering glare. “You suspended him for testing positive for drugs.”

“So” he challenged crossing his arms in front of him.

“What made you test the team? You should have known one or more might have tested positive after a night of partying.” She let her words sink in “weren’t you jeopardizing the upcoming game if you had to suspend multiple players?”

• 

“I received a tip,” he mumbled, beginning to look uneasy. 

“Ah” she smiled like a hunting dog picking up a scent. “A tip that could have come from no one else other than someone who was at the party that night. Possibly someone who had a reason to want Braylin off the team.”

“He’s not off the team” he mumbled “anyway that’s just a bunch of guesswork.” He moved towards the locker room.

“Then tell me who your informant was” she requested “let me talk to them.”

• 

Standing by the door hand on the handle. “If you must know it was Matt Ryan.” Opening the door he glanced inside then stepped back letting the door close behind him. Turning to Verity he said “if you can give me solid reason to believe Braylin didn’t take the drugs knowingly or willingly then he can have his position back. No questions asked. He’s the best damned Center we have. Matt is good but he spends too much time showing off than he does playing the game.” Shrugging at his own rising irritation at the boy wonder. “It would bring me immense pleasure to bring the kid down a peg or two.”

Smiling for the first time Verity nodded. “I’ll see what I can do. From what I’ve been told Matt has it out for Braylin. Do you think he’s capable of spiking Bray’s drink?”

Watching him closely as he brought his hands to his face. Rubbing the dry weathered skin and the dense salt and pepper whiskers made a sound like sandpaper running across wood. “It’s no secret that the kid threatened Braylin. I thought at the time it was just posturing. Maybe even give Braylin a little competition to keep him on his toes. Now I wonder if there wasn’t more to it.”

Nodding the coach leaned against the wall. “I’ll have a team meeting. I’ll put it out there that you’re requesting to talk to everyone. I can’t do more than that. You’re not a cop, at least not one within jurisdiction. We can’t force them to talk to you.”

• 

• 

“Understood” she gave him a grateful smile “I want to do whatever I can to clear his name.”

“If you do,” he grinned, “I’ll give you and your family season passes to all our games.”

“I know my son would appreciate that,” she said, wishing she could follow him inside the locker room when he turned, disappearing inside. She wanted to talk to the one and only Matt. He needed to answer for what he’d done unfortunately he also sounded like someone capable of swaying people’s opinions to back him. She was looking forward to talking to the kid and proving he’s not as clever as he thinks he is. If she could manage it she hoped to maneuver things so that when she got a confession out of him it would be in front of the entire team. That way there would be no doubt in anyone’s minds regarding Braylin. She had to figure out the right lever to use to rattle him enough to admit what he’d done.

***

• 

• 

“Mrs Bennett, that meal was delicious” Braylin beamed at the older woman.

“Thank you,” she patted her husband’s hand, “but I’m not the one who should be getting the credit.”

Ian grinned “you helped.”

“Well thank you both” Trebor stood gathering the plates.

“Put those down,” Ian barked at his grandson.

• 

• 

“You cooked” he protested “the least I can do is the dishes.”

“I’ll help,” Braylin offered, moving to follow him.

Celia stood shaking her head at both of them. “No, I’ll help. It’ll give you and Ian a chance to get to know each other.” Giving her husband a piercing gaze she admonished him “be nice.”

“What” he asked, somehow pulling off a face that both said he was offended and innocent at the same time. “I’m always nice. You’re the one always telling me I’m too nice.”

• 

• 

“And you are” she swooped down kissing the top of his head “I know how you are towards Trebor.”

Watching her walk away he said “I’ve been with her for over fifty years and she never ceases to amaze me.”

Frowning, Braylin looked towards the kitchen where Celia was talking to Trebor. She was old but she still had light strands of blue hair the same color as Trebor’s father. “You don’t look that old,” he observed.

“I’ll take that as a compliment” he chuckled “most days I don’t feel that old either.” Waving a hand towards the sitting area “lets talk.”

• 

“I know what you’re going to say” he blurted as soon as they moved into the sitting room. Taking a seat in a chair while Ian sat on the couch he watched the older man carefully.

“So…you’re a mind reader” he asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

“Well no” he stammered “but it doesn’t take a genius to know you are protective of your grandson.”

“Yes that’s true” he agreed with a smile softening his features. “I don’t want to see him hurt. He’s been hurt enough to last a lifetime.”

• 

“Yes I know” he nodded, leaning forward on his elbows, his hands clenched in front of him. Raising his eyes meeting the gaze of the older man. “I wish I could promise that I’ll never hurt him. I hope I don’t. I just…” he swallowed. A feeling like he was about to put his head in the guillotine overwhelmed him. “I don’t think I can promise something like that. It’s just not possible no matter how much I wish otherwise.”

His stomach hurt as it clenched, tying itself into knots as he waited for the man to seal his fate. There were so many things he could have said. All the cliches and impossible promises he’d ever heard uttered in unrealistic movies and TV shows came to mind. The sudden burst of laughter startled him more than anything the man could have said. Looking up scarcely believing his ears he asked “what?”

“Relax son,” Ian chuckled. “If you had tried to feed me the line of how you’d never hurt him I’d have known you were full of shit. Your answer was so much better than any of that dribble movies try to feed us.” He glanced over his shoulder towards the kitchen where they could hear Trebor and Celia talking and laughing together. “Celia and I had our ups and downs. At times I didn’t think we were ever going to make it.”

• 

An expression of profound sadness marred his features. “Are you thinking of your daughter? The one who…” He stopped talking, realizing he should never have brought her up. He could see the long buried pain the mention of her had on the older man. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have…”

“No it’s alright” he took a deep breath to steady himself. “I’m glad he told you. That means a lot. He feels safe enough with you to share that experience with you. His aunt isn’t my biological daughter. I treated her like she was mine. I loved that little girl” something in his light blue eyes showed he still did but the trauma she caused to him and his family was too much to forgive. “She’s the product of one of our down times. Celia and I had broken up when we were in college. The stress of being young teen parents proved too much for her. She wanted to enjoy the carefree lifestyle of her friends.”

Reading between the lines Braylin got the idea that Ian was the one who pushed himself to do what needed to be done. That he put his feelings aside and took care of things.

• 

“I can’t fault her for that. I wanted to be one of the guys. I wanted to be the guy who didn’t have to go home every night to a screaming baby that kept him up all night.” Shaking his head he shrugged “I was luckier than most teen parents. I had the love and support of my parents. I wouldn’t have made it if it weren’t for them.”

“Trebor told me about his great grandfather,” he spoke softly.

“They were close when Trebor was little” Ian smiled “two peas in a pod.” Nodding towards the kitchen he said “my grandson would skip school to spend the day with my dad. It broke my dad’s heart when Verity found out and insisted he not encourage his behavior. I guess it wasn’t setting a very good precedent encouraging a five year old to skip kindergarten. 

“Somehow I find that difficult to imagine,” Braylin laughed.

• 

• 

“Find what hard to imagine.” Trebor asked, walking in from the kitchen.

“Dishes done” he asked.

“Mostly” he grinned sheepishly “grandma wouldn’t let me touch her special bowls.”

“Still afraid you’ll break them” Ian stated in a knowing tone.

“One day you’ll be glad I was careful with them,” Celia said, joining them. “They’ll be yours when I’m gone.” Looking over at Trebor “I know you’ll take good care of them.”

“Hopefully that’ll be years from now,” Trebor said, making himself comfortable in Braylin’s lap.

***

• 

• 

• 

“I almost don’t want to go back” Trebor sighed, his gaze on the deep blue sea.

Braylin was silent beside him. He watched the wind tousle Trebor’s already messy hair. “I could get used to it” he smiled down into Trebor’s surprised eyes as they stared up at him.

“Do you mean that?” he asked.

“Of course I do,” he assured him with a nod. “It’ll take a while to get used to how quiet it is. I’m used to a lot of noise but I can see us coming back here to raise our kids.”

• 

• 

“That’ll be years from now” he sighed, turning from him. He took a couple of steps before stopping. His brows knit together “wait a moment….”

“I was wondering how long it’d take you to notice,” he chuckled, watching him intently.

“You didn’t just propose to me did you?” he squinted into the sun trying to read Braylin’s expression.

“Hell no” , shaking profusely. He saw the flash of disappointment in Trebor’s downcast eyes. “Hey” he moved to soften his harsh words. Tilting Trebor’s chin up to him. “When I propose it’s not going to be some off handed comment. It won’t be an afterthought. It’s going to be special because that’s what you deserve. 

• 

• 

• 

“Then why did  you….” his voice faded as the wind whipped his hair around.

“Because I’d like nothing more than to start a little family with you when the time is right.” He dropped his hand and began to walk along the sandy shore. Scooping up a rock he flung it into the ocean. “Right now we both have dreams that would make having kids impossible.”

“I agree but what does that have to do with getting married?” he asked.

“Would you really want to marry a mess like me?” he asked, throwing another rock into the waves. “I don’t even have a job. My life’s a mess.”

• 

“Do I look like I care whether you have a job or not?” he demanded.

“You must otherwise you wouldn’t have asked your mom to help me clear my name” he said tossing another rock.

“That’s not why I did that” Trebor snapped walking away from the pink haired male.

“Hey where are you going?” he called, dropping the rock he was about to throw.

• 

• 

“Home”

Despite the raucous calls from seagulls flying overhead and the crashing waves on the shore, Braylin could hear the anger in that single word. Dropping the rock Braylin jogged up to Trebor before he could reach the road. “Hey what’s wrong” he asked “this can’t be because I said we needed to wait is it?”

Trebor stared at him in disbelief. His fairy tale world crumbled down around him. “Do you really think the only reason I asked my mom to clear your name was so that you’d get your job back?”

“Stands to reason,” he shrugged, lifting his shoulders.

• 

• 

“You’re such an ass” he turned and took off running.

“Shit” Braylin mumbled running after him. It didn’t take long before he was able to catch up. His hockey training and hours on the ice was no match for Trebor’s island upbringing. “If it’s not that than why? Help me understand why you’re mad at me.”

Stopping, he leaned over breathing deeply. “It was never about the job. It was always about you.” He could see in Braylin’s eyes that he still didn’t understand. “Tell me this” he demanded “why did you help me with Doctor Brackett?”

“That guy was an ass and I wasn’t going to let him take your dream away. You worked so hard to get where you are. He shouldn’t be allowed to keep you from it.”

• 

• 

Shaking his head Trebor said “you still don’t get it do you? That’s exactly why I asked my mom to look into this. Being a hockey player isn’t just a job, it’s your dream. I’ve seen the way you play. I’ve seen the fire in your eyes when you get on the ice. You love it. You wouldn’t be you if you didn’t play. I wanted to give that back to you. Your dream. It was never about the job. It was always about you. You idiot.”

“Oh” he mumbled, feeling very much like the idiot Trebor claimed he was. “I hadn’t realized you got that.”

“Yeah I got that” crossing his arms in front of him “I may not know how to play but I recognize the drive. The dream.”

“I’m sorry” he sighed “you’ll probably never want to marry me now.”

• 

“We’ll see” he smirked, lifting his chin up in defiance.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” he demanded, stepping closer his hand reaching out and lightly touching Trebor’s arm.

“It means exactly that” he shook his head seeing the familiar glint in Bray’s eyes “you ask me when you’re ready and we’ll see what my answer will be.”

“So you forgive me” he inquired running his hands up the man’s arms.

• 

• 

“Maybe” he said, backing away until his back came up against a tree. 

Braylin leaned into him, his mouth hovering above his. “Tell me what I need to do to earn your forgiveness.”

Eyes focused on the lips speaking the words that made his heart soar. “Kiss me and all will be forgiven.”

“Gladly” he smirked, bringing his hands up to gently caress the man’s face before tenderly kissing the lips longing for his touch.

Knights of Hope – Chapter 16 – Sunlit Tides

• 

“Sleep well” Verity asked her son when he emerged from the bathroom the following morning. 

He gave her a suspicious look that deepened at the snicker his father emitted from the kitchen. “You heard” he cried wishing he could fall through the floor rather than endure the amused knowing glances between his parents.

“Son, you have nothing to be embarrassed about,” Garrett assured him, chuckling.

“We were young once,” Verity said, stopping to kiss the top of her husband’s head. “What would you like for breakfast?” she asked to get herself a cup of coffee.

“Are you cooking?” he asked, trying not to show the dismay he felt.

• 

“As much as I know you love my cooking” she smiled over her cup. “Your father will be doing the cooking.”

“Oh good” his relief left him feeling weak. “Pancakes would be good.”

“Those are my specialty,” Garrett said, standing up and stretching.

Verity took his seat “we need to talk.”

The tone she used reminded him of when he was a kid about to receive a lecture about something he’d done. Mostly involving the importance of doing his best in school and getting good grades. Those were lectures he received before he’d buckled down in high school. After that it had been about…his mind skittered to a halt. He wasn’t ready for that talk yet.

“From the look on your face you know what I’m about to say.” She took a sip from her cup “he should know.”

• 

“You don’t think it’s too soon,” he asked, taking a seat across from her. “I mean we’ve only been dating a few months.”

“Do you love him?” she asked, watching him closely.

His eyes shifted towards the window. The sound of the approaching train became louder the closer it got. The rattling of the windows in their frames. “I do,” he said as the train passed by his windows. His gaze met hers as he said the words.

“That’s what I thought” she nodded “I haven’t seen you this happy since…”

“Oliver” he whispered the name, shocked that he didn’t feel the usual stabbing pain in his chest uttering that name always caused.

• 

“You know what happened to him wasn’t your fault” she reached across the table squeezing his hand. “It was a horrible terrible accident.”

Blinking back the hot tears he nodded. After all the years he was just beginning to accept that. It was why he’d been so adamant that someone tell that to Braylin. “I don’t know where or how to begin,” he murmured, “is it necessary. It’s been years.”

Lifting his chin up she spoke softly but with underlying firmness. “Yet it still forms who you are. Why you don’t drink. Why you feel the need to clear Braylin’s name. You were in his shoes once.”

“I know” his voice quivered as his eyes darted towards the bathroom door where the sound of the shower stopped. “I don’t know how to talk about it. I never talk about it.”

From the stove Garrett suggested “why don’t you and Braylin fly to Sunlit Tides? You both have the time.”

• 

“But I…”

“Our treat” Garrett cut him off knowing his son was about to say he couldn’t afford it. 

“You’re not going to let me off the hook are you” he asked looking from one to the other of his parents.

“Nope,” they said in unison.

Verity turned to smile when Braylin walked from the bathroom, hair still damp and hanging in his eyes. “We have a surprise for you” she announced.

• 

“You’ll like it,” Garrett grinned, handing him a plate of pancakes.

“Um great” he said sitting down handing the plate to Trebor “what is it?”

“They’re sending us to Sunlit Tides,” Trebor informed him.

“Yeah,” Garrett grinned, joining them “we thought you might want a little privacy after last night.”

Trebor smothered a laugh as Braylins face lit up like Rudolph’s red nose. “Yeah. We weren’t as quiet as we thought.”

***

• 

• 

Once they were unpacked and settled Trebor went outside to breathe deeply of the salty ocean breeze. “You’re not just a poor resident doctor living from paycheck to paycheck are you?”

“Not in the true sense” he leaned back enjoying the warmth of the man’s back. “I choose to make my own way without my parents’ help. If I ever need their help all I have to do is ask. Although since I turned twenty-five I have full access to my heritance.”

“So your parents are loaded,” he asked, kissing the back of his neck.

“I guess,” he shrugged. “I’ve never thought about it. I know we didn’t have to struggle for money. My parents always worked. My dad was in the coast guards. Every year during hurricane season Mom would worry that he might not come back when he was deployed to rescue someone who didn’t heed the warnings.” 

“And your mom is a cop” he asked.

“Actually a detective” he corrected, turning into Braylin’s arms. “She’s tried for years to find my Aunt.”

“The one who kidnapped you?”

• 

• 

• 

Nodding he sighed “it frustrates her that she can’t find a trace of where she went. I hope she’s dead and rotting somewhere. I know that’s pretty heartless of me but I can’t help it. She’s an evil twisted woman.”

“I have a feeling you’re not telling me everything,” he said, holding the man who had become more important to him than literally everything else, including hockey.

“Maybe one day I’ll tell you about her” he sighed content and safe in his hockey player’s arms. “I don’t like thinking about her very much.”

Holding Trebor’s face between his hands he said “you don’t have to talk about her. It’s alright. You’re safe and she won’t ever hurt you again.”

“I almost believe you,” he smiled at him “but I’d feel better if she weren’t out there somewhere lurking.”

“Well” he groped for something reassuring to say or do but Trebor beat him to it.

• 

• 

“Let’s go to the beach” he suggested “I want to feel the sun on my face.”

“Gonna teach me how to surf,” he asked, taking Trebor’s hand.

“I could probably get someone to give you lessons,” he offered. “I know it’s weird for someone who lived his entire life on an island to never have learned how to surf but” he shrugged “that’s me.”

“We can take lessons together,” he suggested. 

“Alright” he agreed somewhat hesitantly.

“You don’t like the idea?”

• 

• 

“I’m not a very good swimmer either” he admitted “I’ve never been able to not think about all the sharks that might be swimming around me.”

Braylin stopped walking, staring at the man beside him. “For a guy who seems to have it all together you sure do have a lot of phobias.”

“You can blame my grandpa for this particular one” he laughed “he hates the water.”

“Will I be meeting your grandparents” he asked “or have they passed on?” He felt the familiar longing he always did when thinking of grandparents. His mind always went to his grandma and how much he still missed her. 

“Of course you’ll meet them. He’s not that old. I mean he’s not ancient. He hasn’t even hit seventy yet.”

• 

• 

They continued walking in silence until Trebor stopped, breathing deeping. “This is my favorite spot on the island.” he said “I always liked to come here when I needed to think about things.”

“it’s pretty secluded” he observed “I bet this was a great makeout place to bring your dates.”

“I…” he frowned. “I never thought of that. This was always my place. Kind of a secret place where I could always be alone.”

“But you brought me here” Braylin couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face. “I’m honored.”

• 

• 

“Well” he looked around nervously “I had ulterior motives. I might not have thought of it then but I…”

“Oh” Brayling moved in close, his hands resting on Trebor’s hips. “Do you really want to do it here?” he asked, nibbling his earlobe.

“As you said it’s secluded and I want to throw caution to the wind.” His heart raced at his unexpected daring. He could feel the disbelief in Braylin’s stare. He could hardly believe it himself. 

“I think I’m going to like it here” he grinned, taking Trebor’s hand and leading him further into the island foliage.

***

• 

• 

“There’s one more place I need to take you,” Trebor said, his voice solemn as his calm exterior began to crumble.

Braylin felt his heart dip sure that their earlier romp on the beach was Trebor’s way of telling him goodbye. “Whatever you have to say to me you can say it here. You don’t have to take me anywhere special.”

Reaching across the short space between them Trebor took his hand. “I need you there. Please.”

The entreaty in his voice alarmed him. Telling him this request had less to do with him and more about Trebor. Something was eating at him and he needed him to be strong. “Alright” he said.

They walked along the dusty dirt road, the sun beating down upon them. “Can we stop and rest a moment?” Braylin asked, tugging off his shirt.

Frowning Trebor nodded “are you okay?”

• 

“I’m not used to the heat” he explained “do you walk everywhere on this island?”

His shoulders moved a little “it’s just as easy to walk as it is to drive. It’s not a very big island.”

Fanning himself he grinned “at least I know how you got into such great shape. It’s all this walking.”

“We don’t have much farther to go,” he said by way of encouragement.

“Okay I’m ready” he said, getting to his feet and walking in the direction they had been going. He kept glancing at his companion. Trebor had become increasingly more silent and anxious the longer they trekked along this road. He wondered what he needed him to see. 

• 

Trebor stopped in front of a well maintained cemetery. Opening the gate Braylin knew they had arrived at their destination.

It was a pleasant sunny outlook with birds chirping in the trees overhead. If it weren’t for the tombstones it could have been a park. Stopping in front of a gray slab, Trebor said “this is Oliver.” He sat on the grass in front of it.

Unsure what he was supposed to do he sat down beside him. “Was he a friend?” he asked, feeling that whoever this Oliver was he was more than a friend.

“We dated in high school,” Trebor explained, eyes staring straight ahead. “We had all these plans for what we would do afterwards. College. Medical school. Getting married.”

“What happened?” he asked when he fell silent.

• 

“There was this party” he sniffed like he was crying. “Oli wanted to go but I didn’t. In the end he talked me into it.” He tugged at the grass beneath his hands, ripping it out. “It was fun the little bit I remember.”

Putting an arm around his shoulder Braylin silently encouraged him to continue.

“It was the first time I ever drank enough to get wasted. I was having fun. Letting loose. Drinking. Dancing. I never felt so free before. It was late when we decided to go home. I was in no shape to drive. Oli must have thought he was. He convinced me to give him the keys to my car. Instead of calling my parents to come get us. I should have called home. My parents would have come.” Tears were rolling down his cheeks. “I fell asleep almost as soon as we got in the car. I never saw the truck that hit us. I woke up to the sound of metal crunching and glass shattering. The smell of gasoline and the acrid scent of smoke in the air.”

Braylin pulled him closer until Trebor was nestled into him, hands twisting in his shirt. “If I hadn’t been drinking I might have been able to get Oli out. I could have saved him.”

There was little he could say or do to assuage the pain that racked the man he was holding in his arms. He now knew the reason why Trebor never drank. Why was he uncomfortable around those who do. It was understandable. It was amazing that he had been willing to be with him, a known partier. “I’m sorry” he murmured the inadequate words but wanting to offer what comfort he could.

• 

• 

• 

• 

“You needed you to know about this part of my past. I blamed myself for months afterwards. Wished I could die. That’s why I needed you to know that you weren’t to blame for me falling down the stairs. I knew it was an accident.” He was talking rapidly, needing to get the words out.

Nodding towards the gravestone Braylin asked “did he cause the accident? Was he driving drunk?”

“No” he took a wobbly breath “it was the truck driver. He fell asleep at the wheel. Oli’s blood alcohol was normal. He barely drank anything.”

“Then why….”

“It was my car. I gave him the keys” he wiped at his eyes with the back of his hand. “It should have been me driving. I should have been the one to die. If he hadn’t been taking care of me he wouldn’t have died.” his shoulders shook as deep heart wrenching sobs wracked his body.

Chapter 15 – Someone To Believe In / Chapter 17 –

Knights of Hope – Chapter 15 – Someone To Believe In

• 

Eli kept a lookout for his chance to catch Trebor before he left the hospital. When he came out of the doctor’s office he made his approach. “How’s the arm?” he inquired.

“I have to wear the cast for another 3-4 weeks” he shrugged “then I’ll have several weeks of therapy before I’ll know if I can come back.”

“You’re taking it fairly well considering” Eli observed.

“Yeah well” he paused. “I’m trying to be positive. Nothing else to do really short of going back in time.”

Nodding Eli sucked on his bottom lip. “How is he?” he asked.

Smiling a little Trebor knew this was really why Eli had stopped him. “Do you really want to know?” he challenged.

• 

“Well….yeah.”

“Just making sure” he sighed “you haven’t exactly been around much checking in on him even though he’s right here in the hospital.”

“I’ve been busy,” he explained, “working more hours. It hasn’t been easy since you’ve been out of commission.”

“I’m surprised they haven’t filled my position with someone else,” Trebor said, trying not to sound as depressed as he felt. He’d worked hard to get where he was and one accident and it could all be gone.

“You left rather big shoes to fill” Eli chuckled holding his hands apart “kind of like big ass clown shoes. No one wants to be caught dead in those.”

“You’re an idiot you know that” Trebor said walking towards the nurses station to say hi to Lana before he left.

• 

• 

“Hey stranger” she called, running around the desk to throw her arms around him. “We’ve missed you so much. You have to come over for supper.”

“I’d like that” he said, releasing her “if that invitation includes Braylin.”

Her eyes shifted towards Eli who shrugged. “Are you two together again? Even after everything that’s happened.”

“We were never apart,” he corrected.

“But he” she met his gaze “he hurt you.”

“He did,” he nodded, “but not as much as he hurt himself. He needs me. He was there for me when I needed him. I can’t do any less.”

“What if he does it again?” she asked.

Lifting his arm “this was an accident. He never meant to hurt me. I was too close to the stairs.”

• 

Taking a step back she shook her fluffy head. “That’s not what I was talking about. He stopped talking to you. Cut you off. I know you. That hurt worse than anything he could do to you physically.”

“Well in that case” he grinned “if he does that again feel free to have it at it.”

Taking a step forward “you’re really okay” she peered into his eyes. When he nodded she continued “alright he’s invited. How about Friday? Tell your parents to come too. I’d love to see them before they have to go home.”

“Thanks Lana” he swooped her up giving her a bear hug “you’re the best.”

Patting his back she grinned “I am going to give that boy of yours a good talking to though. Making us all worry about him like that.”

“You do that” he said releasing her “he needs to know he has people in his corner.”

***

• 

• 

• 

Sitting in the backseat while his dad drove and his mom kept an eye on the map he had plenty of time to notice how uncomfortable and quiet the man beside him had become. Reaching across the seat he touched Bray’s hand.

Entwining his fingers with Trebor’s he attempted to calm his wildly beating heart. “Are you sure they want me there?”

“Yes,” he nodded, “they want you to come.” He could see his words barely scratched the surface of the man’s anxiety. “It’s going to be alright. Lana will probably give you some speech about not hurting me again. Then it’ll be over. They like you.”

“Okay” the anxiety in his blue eyes didn’t abate though.

Squeezing his hand Trebor leaned into him. “It’s been a difficult day, hasn’t it?” He knew Bray’s parents had left earlier that day. He’d worried about Braylin being alone in that apartment. He could only imagine how difficult that would be. He doubted he could do it. He’d always see the blood pooled on the bathroom floor. The steady drip as the water spilled over the edge of the tub. Squeezing his eyes shut he willed the images to the back of his mind mentally locking them away with all the other bad memories. In the place where they couldn’t hurt him anymore.”

• 

• 

Lana launched herself at Braylin as soon as they walked into the kitchen of their small apartment. He hesitantly moved his arms around her, returning her hug. Stepping back she swatted his upper arm. “Don’t ever do that again” she admonished him. “You made us worry about you.” Wiping her eyes she sniffed “I hate crying and you made me cry.”

“I’m sorry” he apologized at a loss for what he should do or say.

“Hey” Eli called from the stove “hands off my girl.”

“She’s the one attacking me,” Braylin protested. The knot in his stomach slowly unraveled. 

“She’s supposed to be yelling at you, not giving you hugs,” Eli said, stirring something on the stove. “You know something to the effect of. You are never to hurt our boy like that again.”

• 

“Eli” she objected “I’m allowed to change my mind.”

“Hey you’re the one who said….” he ducked when she launched a sponge at his head. “I’m just saying….”

“That was before…”

“Before what?” Braylin asked curiously.

“Before I saw you and realized you were hurting too” she walked over to the stove. “Now go set the table before you say anything else and ruin my meal.”

“Why are you mad at me?” Eli whined pouting as he got the dishes from the cupboard.

• 

After supper they gathered in the living room. A small comfortable space barely large enough to accomodate all of them. “So how’s it going?” Eli asked, directing his words to Verity.

“How’s what going?” she asked evasively.

“You know the case” he persisted, missing Lana’s eye roll towards Braylin and her slight shake of the head.

“It’s going well. I’m meeting with a few people tomorrow” Verity tried to answer and be vague enough to not provide much information.

“No one’s admitting to spiking Brays drink then” he asked, making it impossible now to make it sound like it was anything else.

• 

Hearing his name Braylin sat up from where he was leaning into Trebor. “Are you investigating me?” he asked looking around the room. His eyes coming to rest on the man beside him.

“I asked her to” he explained “please don’t be upset. I’m positive I’m right. I never believed you’d take drugs or hurt me.”

He swallowed, feeling everyone’s eyes upon him. “Alright I can appreciate that. It’s just hard to imagine anyone doing something like that on purpose.”

“Mom, what have you found out?” Trebor asked. 

“Not much I’m afraid” , sighing she continued “I know you want to clear Bray’s name but I don’t know if we can.”

• 

“But you said it was possible for someone to spike his drink” Trebor’s voice rose. “You can’t give up. Not now. You said that Matt had motive.”

“He does but getting him to admit it is another thing” she explained “right now we have no proof.”

“Matt” he asked “you think he spiked my drink. Why? I mean he’s a jerk. I didn’t think he was that much of a jerk.”

“Did you at one time date his sister” Verity asked “he claims you killed her.”

“I what” he cried jumping to his feet. “I’d never intentionally hurt anyone. You’ve got to believe me.” His last sentence was directed to Trebor.

• 

“I believe you. Always have” he held his hand out until Braylin took it and sat down again.  “Mom, did you find anything at all helpful?”

“All I know for sure is Matt’s sister Lindsey died instantly in a car accident when she was hit by a drunk driver…”

“It wasn’t me” Braylin insisted “I’ve done a lot of stupid shit while I was wasted but driving while intoxicated wasn’t one of them.”

“Did you ever lend your car to someone who might have” she asked.

“I don’t know. I might have” he frowned “but surely the cops would have asked me questions if it had been my car.”

***

• 

Later that night Braylin and Trebor lay in each other’s arms on the floor of Trebor’s apartment. Pressing his lips to the side of Trebor’s face he asked “why do you believe in me so much?”

“You never gave me a reason not to” he turned his head enough to capture Braylin’s lips with his own moaning softly. “I wish my parents weren’t in the next room.”

“We could have stayed at my place” he ran his hand across his chest and stomach. He felt the shiver that ran through Trebor’s body. Pulling away he let the blanket fall down around him. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am that you found me like that.” He buried his face in his knees. “I never thought…I just wanted the pain to end.”

“You don’t have to apologize” Trebor moved up beside him running his fingers through the soft pink hair. “I’m so glad I was there. That I got to you in time. Nothing else matters. Just you.”

“Really” he asked, lifting his face up.

• 

“Yes really” he gently wrapped his arms around the man he loved more than he ever expected. “I had such an awful feeling that something was wrong. Like there was a ticking time clock counting down the minutes. I knew I had to get to you. Dad even got a ticket speeding across the town to get me there.”

“He did that for me” his voice was muffled as his face was resting on Trebor’s shoulder. “And your mom really believes I was set up.”

“Of course,” Trebor assured him, kissing the top of his head. Sighing when Braylin’s hands moved across his back and down his spine coming to rest on his hips, his fingers just below the elastic of his sweatpants. “We’ll have to be quiet” he said in answer to the silent question in Braylin’s eyes as he gazed up at him.

Smiling his hands moved further down pulling his sweats down around his thighs. “I’m not the one who makes all the noise.” He lifted his head from Trebor’s shoulder, cutting off the retort he was about to make. Rolling him onto his back Braylin let his hands wander across Trebor’s body. He kept his eyes on Trebor’s watching them ignite with desire as he explored his body. Dipping his head down he ran his tongue down his body stopping just above his target.

Biting his fingers Trebor moaned softly. It was an effort not to give vent to the waves of pleasure overwhelming him as Braylin performed his magic on him. Looking in the man’s eyes he could see his hockey player knew what sweet torture he was inflicting on him. At that moment he didn’t care who was just one wall away. He needed this connection, this bond between them.

Chapter 14 – Soulmate / Chapter 16 – Sunlit Tides