Chapter Ten
Jesse ran through the house to answer the front door; they were expecting company. He opened it to find Matthew being carried in Coop’s arms followed by Police Chief Graham, Dante, and Spider.
“Put me down! I have crutches you know!” Matthew yelled.
“Yeah and you’ll fall on your ass again! I’m not going to wait around until you break something else trying to walk with crutches,” Coop yelled back. “You’re a disaster.”
Behind them, Jesse could see both Dante and Spider smiling at each other as if they alone had a secret they weren’t sharing. Jesse moved out of the way and let their guests into the house. Royce came through the kitchen archway with a few trays of huge sandwiches and set them on the dining room table. Today would be the day he made his decision on how to deal with his inheritance. Bear and Travis were working at the diner, giving Jesse time to deal with everything that had been thrown at him the last few days.
“Jesse, tell him to put me down,” Matthew begged.
“I’m kind of with Coop on this one, you with crutches is just an accident waiting to happen.” Jesse almost laughed at the disgruntled look on Matthew’s face.
“I know I’m clumsy but I think I can manage crutches.”
“You couldn’t this morning. What makes you think you can handle them now?” Coop replied calmly, like none of this was of any importance to him. “I was assigned to look after you and that’s what I’ll do until you’re healed and leave.”
The hurt that flashed across Matthew’s face shocked Jesse but it was gone in an instant, replaced with a determination that made him wonder what the hell was going on between those two.
“Just park me in a chair please, I’ll be fine,” Matthew said in a monotone voice lacking any emotion.
Coop looked at Matthew for a moment before carrying him over to one of the big comfy reclining chairs, then immediately brought a dining room chair over to sit beside him. Matthew simply shook his head and pulled out a file folder from the bag around his shoulder as everyone else got settled.
“This is all the information I managed to collect since trying to find you all those years ago,” Matthew explained.
He handed the thick file to Jesse, who held it at arm’s length as if it would explode at any moment. To Jesse it might as well have been an explosive considering what it was about to do to his life. Things were going to change. He looked over at Royce, who was in the chair beside him.
“Forever, right?” he asked. He could handle anything but losing Royce.
“Forever, love,” Royce answered easily before kissing him with his soft lips. “Always by your side.”
With that bolstering his courage, Jesse brought the file closer and opened the cover. The first thing he saw was his grandpa’s will sitting on top of a pile of paper with dates on them. He would read the will later when it was just Royce and him at home. Jesse picked up the will and placed the rest of the file on the table; he carefully folded it and placed it in his shirt pocket.
“You need to decide what you want to do with the property before Jerry gets around to trying again,” Dante said. “The entire team is back from their missions and we’re not taking on any more until this is resolved.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Jesse replied. The last thing he wanted to do was take Sentinels away from all the other people they helped on a daily basis.
“Yes we do, you two are our friends, and Mouthy here is your friend. We’ve worked together before. I’m sure we can do so again to keep you protected,” Spider stated bluntly.
Royce wrapped his arm around Jesse and spoke on behalf of the both of them. “Thank you.”
“So let’s get this started. If Jerry thought he was in for an easy fight, he was mistaken,” Matthew said. “The bastard deserves some payback.”
“Do you know what you want to do with the property, Jesse?” Spider asked.
Jesse looked at Royce again, took a deep breath and said, “I want to contact the lawyer and sell the land. I intend to donate it to finance centers for LGBTQ youths and teens, to make safe places for them to go.”
“I’m proud of you, baby,” Royce said while hugging Jesse closer.
“You haven’t changed one bit, have you? I’d be honored to help you do just that,” Matthew stated with a smile on his face. “Now let’s make that phone call and set up a plan because once the family finds out you’re intending to claim your inheritance they’re going to explode. Jerry would have nothing to lose and considering he’s only one bottle short of a case full of crazy, he’ll come after Jesse.”
Royce handed Jesse his cell phone. This is it, no going back. Jesse punched in the number for the lawyer’s office and waited. The call was answered on the second ring. “King, Foster, and MacFarlane, how may I help you?”
“Mr. Foster please.”
“May I tell him whose calling?”
“Jesse Tribalt.”
The line went quiet as he was placed on hold. It didn’t take long before the line was picked up again. “Mr. Jesse Tribalt! I’ve been looking for you…”
Jesse spent the next hour on the phone giving the lawyer a quick rundown of everything that had happened since the day his grandpa had died. Mr. Foster agreed it would be best if he were to come to Brighton to discuss the will and to begin proceedings on Jesse’s behalf. After the call all Jesse wanted to do was decompress but they still needed to make plans for security.
“Baby, why don’t you and Matthew go onto the back deck; you haven’t had a chance to catch up,” Royce suggested, making Jesse’s heart turn over in love for his man. Even though he wasn’t one hundred percent sure of Matthew, Royce was giving Jesse an opportunity to have a break and get reacquainted with his old best friend.
“Yes, I’d like that. Thank you, Royce.”
“Love you, baby, and take sandwiches. You need to eat; you didn’t have breakfast.” Royce was right. He’d been too nervous to eat.
Jesse stood and Matthew attempted to do the same but literally tripped over his own cast. Coop easily caught him before he hit the floor and threw Matthew over his shoulder, grabbed a plate of sandwiches, and headed toward the back garden doors. Jesse took three bottles of water and followed.
By the time Jesse reached the patio, Matthew was already bundled in a chair with his casted foot and ankle resting on a pillow. Jesse was confused; one minute Coop was coddling Matthew, the next he was irritated by having to take care of him. Jesse set the drinks down as Coop turned to leave.
“I’ll keep watch from the other side of the deck to give you two some privacy,” Coop said before grabbing a spare chair, a sandwich, water, and then walking to the far side of the deck. Shadow was supposed to be watching the house but Lord knew where he was because he could blend in anywhere.
“Okay, you need to tell me what’s going on between you two,” Jesse whispered as he sat down beside Matthew.
Instead of answering, Matthew reached over and hugged Jesse tight. “I’ve missed you, knucklehead.”
“I’ve missed you too, Matthew. You were my only friend for so long.”
“You did well. I’m glad you finally found a safe place and people who love you. A special man to love you. I’m so happy. You deserve happiness after everything you’ve been through.”
“Thank you, Matthew. What about you? Anybody special back home? Wait a minute, where is home? My parents never told me where your family moved to.”
“San Diego, and no, I don’t have anyone waiting for me. Who wants to be around a klutz? Hey, don’t get me wrong, it may be cute for a little while but believe me, it wears thin fast enough.” Matthew stared out at the back lawn as he spoke, seeming a million miles away.
“Oh Matthew, I’m sure there’s someone—”
“I’ve tried. Romance was not meant for me, my friend. Now tell me everything that’s happened since the day we left and don’t leave out a thing.”
For the remainder of the afternoon Jesse and Matthew sat reliving their childhood and the fifteen years they’d been apart. Some of the things Matthew had done seemed unbelievable, but the Sentinels had confirmed he’d even worked with them, so he didn’t doubt it. Jesse was impressed by how well Matthew had done for himself, and he didn’t miss the fact that most everything he worked on was behind the scenes and involved computers. When they were younger, Matthew would never put himself out front, not unless someone tried anything with Jesse, and then he was like a wolverine.
“Do you remember what we promised the day you left?” Jesse asked.
“Yep, we swore never to forget each other and to always be friends, and I swore I’d come back,” Matthew answered.
“And you did. I had been run off by then but you kept your promise. You came back for me,” Jesse spoke softly. “I knew you would and I’m glad you’re back in my life even if you live in San Diego.”
“We’ll see. I do work freelance, on my own terms, anywhere I want to. Besides, I won’t be driving for a while with a broken right ankle.” Matthew cringed when he tried to move his leg.
“True, so we have time to get to know each other all over again. I’d really like you and Royce to spend time together as well.”
“You really love him, don’t you?” Matthew sighed wistfully.
It wasn’t a question, more like a statement, but Jesse answered anyway. “He means everything to me. I love him and want to spend the rest of my life with him.”
The huge smile Matthew gave him was a little sad. “I’m happy you found someone. You deserve to be happy.”
“What’s wrong, Matthew?”
“Before I came here, I received my third ‘Dear Matthew, it’s not you, it’s me…’ letter. I think I’ve finally realized just how freakish I truly am.”
“Freakish? You’re not a freak. You’re handsome, smart, and successful.”
“I’m a mess who can’t go a day without accidentally hurting himself. It’s just not meant for me; I’ve come to realize that now. I have my work, I have my best friend back, and we’re going to make your parents pay for all they’ve done. That’s enough.”
“Matthew—”
The patio door opened and Royce came out onto the deck. “Jesse, the White Hair Crew showed up with casseroles. How they knew we were all here is beyond me, but I think Chief Graham’s grandma had something to do with it.” Royce came up behind him and wrapped his arms around Jesse’s shoulders. The White Hair Crew were a notorious group of the town grandmothers who believed it was their duty to take care of just about everyone. “How’s your visit, sweetheart?”
“Really good,” Jesse answered as he heard a chair scrape across the deck. He looked over toward Matthew to find Coop lifting him from his chair.
“Guess we’re going to eat now,” Matthew grumbled. “Next time ask me before you move me.”
“You need to eat dinner, dinner is here,” was all Coop said before he turned around and carried Matthew back into the house.
“What’s up with those two?” Royce asked.
“Something, but I doubt Coop aka Manslut or Matthew aka Mr. Self-Deprecating are even seeing it,” Jesse answered with a chuckle.
“Well, isn’t that interesting, or at least it will be, once they figure it out.” Royce laughed and hugged Jesse closer. “It’ll be like seeing a bomb go off.”
*****
Royce lay awake with Jesse asleep in his arms. His injured shoulder had almost healed enough for him to return to work, at least on light duty inside the EMS/Firehouse. He prayed everything was resolved with Jesse’s family before then or he’d go nuts at work worrying about Jesse even with the Sentinels guarding him.
He thought about everything they’d been through since they’d met. It had been crazy, between getting to know Jesse and convincing him to give Royce and Brighton a chance and being on guard for Jesse’s family. The time had flown by. Royce knew the next few months were going to be tough on Jesse but he would be there to help every step of the way.
The words that Jesse had read to him from his grandpa’s will were still floating around in his head. “My Dear Grandson, You have been and will always be the light in this world to me. I’m amazed by your strength and kindness and know you will grow into a fine man. This is why I’ve left the homestead and all related lands to you as my sole beneficiary. You have my blessing to do whatever you feel is right with the land. I know you’ll make me proud. I also want you to know that it’s not wrong, loving whoever you want. Don’t allow your father to influence any of your future decisions. Believe me when I say you will find a love that will fill all the empty places in your heart just like your grandma did for me. Be a smart man, and hold on to it as hard as you can because if anyone deserves to be happy, it’s you. I love you, Jesse.”
Royce was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard the slight squeak of one of the garden doors opening and tensed, which immediately woke Jesse. Before he had a chance to speak, Royce placed a finger over Jesse’s lips to stay quiet. Jesse nodded his head in understanding and Royce pressed his lips to his ear and whispered, “Someone’s in the house, I need you to go to the bathroom and lock the door.”
“I’m not going to hide while you’re in danger. I’ll come with you,” Jesse stated firmly.
Royce didn’t have time to argue. “You stay behind me.” Why didn’t the damn alarm go off?
Jesse nodded his agreement and they both slid out of the bed. The floor creaked under the weight of someone walking through their living room. Thank God for old houses.
Whoever it was, they were heading straight for the bedrooms. One door after another was opened on their way down the hallway. If he was trying to sneak up on them, the unknown person was failing miserably. Royce grabbed the baseball bat from behind the door. He’d kept it there for just this reason, but his injured arm would never have enough strength to do any serious damage on the intruder. He’d have to give it to Jesse. Before he had a chance to turn around a man cried out and crashed into the drywall in the hallway.
Royce reached for the light switch. To hell with hiding, he had to at least get some idea of what the hell was going on. What the light revealed would have been funny if it weren’t for the fact that his love was the one in danger. There was little blonde-haired, blue-eyed Shannon handcuffing a man three times her size who was lying unconscious on the floor.
“You guys okay?”
“Yes, thanks to you. Is that one of Jerry’s men?” Royce asked.
Shannon reached down and turned the man’s face toward them, and Jesse gasped. “That’s my uncle. What’s he doing here?”
“We’ll find out. The police are on their way as well as Dante,” Shadow announced as he joined their group.
“Where were you?” Shannon asked.
“Dealing with another idiot outside, thank you very much,” Shadow replied.
“Another one? There were two of them?” Royce asked.
“Yeah, you think you can identify him? He’s handcuffed in the living room having a little nap of his own.”
“Do you guys always knock people out?” Jesse asked.
“They’re easier to deal with that way,” Shadow answered before he bent down and picked up Jesse’s uncle. Royce couldn’t fault the logic.
“We’ll meet you in the living room once we get a few more clothes on,” Royce said while looking down at his sleeping pants; he’d be forever grateful that he wasn’t naked. Royce and Jesse backed into their room and closed the door.
“Okay…everything will be okay, right?” Jesse asked in a small voice.
Royce immediately turned and gathered Jesse into his arms. “Of course, sweetheart. We’ll figure this out together. Now let’s get dressed; we’re about to have a whole lot more company.”
“I’m sorry, Royce; I never meant for any of this to happen.”
“Of course not. You are not responsible for anything and I’ll keep telling you that until you believe me. You’re not responsible for your parents or the rest of that messed-up family. You’re not responsible for your grandpa leaving you the land, and you’re definitely not responsible for those two assholes in our living room.” Royce punctuated each statement with a kiss; he would not allow Jesse to take any more responsibility for others’ actions.
“Thank you, Royce, for always having my back and loving me through all this craziness,” Jesse said as he held Royce tightly.
“Forever, baby. I meant it,” Royce said. “Now get dressed.”
Minutes later, hand in hand they walked down the hallway and into chaos. Chief Graham and a few deputies as well as Dante had arrived, and Jesse’s uncle was screaming up a storm.
“Let me go, you freaks, or you’ll be sorry!” his uncle yelled.
“The only thing I’m sorry about is not gagging you,” Shadow growled. “But I’m willing to rectify the oversight now.” He grabbed a dishcloth from the kitchen counter and shoved it in the irate man’s mouth.
Royce was surprised the second man remained quiet, staring straight at the floor. Jesse was standing at Royce’s side, silent and still.
“Royce, Jesse, guess you’ve had a party and forgot to invite me,” Chief Graham said. “Jesse, do you know the second man?”
“Yes,” Jesse’s voice cracked when he spoke and the unidentified man was now staring directly at him. “He was the last man to whip me before I ran away. He’s the one who made my life a living hell. He’s my father.”