Kell

 

Kell couldn’t remember the last time he’d had butterflies in his stomach. I’m never nervous. I can’t be nervous. But, his stomach was flip-flopping all over the place. He could hardly meditate this morning. He’d thought for a moment he might be coming down with something, but he knew that was a stretch. He stayed extra-conscious of what he consumed and was always appropriately dressed for the weather. He’d had a terrible case of asthma when he was younger, however he’d exercised and trained so much that it wasn’t much of a factor anymore. Except during the winter, he was prone to upper respiratory infections—catching germs from other ill people—so he doubled-up the Vitamin C, and stayed covered in public, shielding his mouth and nose.

When he’d gotten home last night he’d been too tired to pay attention to the fluttering, because he couldn’t manage a single thought. He only wanted shower and sleep. He’d been so exhausted from working his morning shift at the dojo, then the continuous grunt work at Duke’s, followed by mountains of paperwork he’d had to complete. He’d felt like he was signing his life away. But their bosses had to be sure they were certified, fully insured and ready to go. Kell felt the butterflies grow larger the closer the time came for him to return to Duke’s. Return to Ty. He hadn’t expected to be confronted with all that last night. Practically thrust into a pact with a stranger. And termed partners.

Kell ate a granola bar on his walk to the bus stop. It felt weird going in the opposite direction of the dojo—his new place of employment no longer within walking distance—but he wouldn’t miss the trek through bad neighborhoods. On the entire ride there Kell refused to think of the tall, devastatingly self-assured man he was supposed to start training with today.

The MARTA made a wide turn on Antone Street and pulled up to the next stop. A couple got on the bus with their four small kids. They hustled up the steps, after their father swiped his Breeze card, moving like a family of ducks. In a single file line they made their way to the back where Kell was seated. The father glanced his way, taking in Kell’s dark clothes and hood, even the scarf covering all but his eyes. The man whispered something to his wife, who glanced in Kell’s direction before moving their youngsters back to the front seat. That’s wonderful. I don’t want your kiddie-herd breathing their germs all over me anyway. He was used to this response. Either people cringed when they saw him covered, expecting him to whip out a weapon and yell ‘this is a stick-up’, or they gaped at him like he was a freak when he let down his hair.

In the rear of the bus sitting alone, Kell played with a piece of fringe on his scarf as he thought about the unique meeting he’d had with Ty last night. Kell wasn’t a liar, especially to himself. He’d been immediately attracted to Ty, to his poise and stature, but there was also an air of mystery about him that made Kell leery. He’d stood over Kell as if he were small and fragile, almost insulting him. Then he’d spoken. Kell closed his eyes and focused on the memory. That voice sounded like hot honey. So damn warm and sweet. His facial expressions gave away nothing, he’d looked rigid and unfriendly when Kell had first laid eyes on him, but when he’d stood in front of him, Ty made him feel something he hadn’t felt in so long… from anyone. He felt liked.

God help me. I don’t know this man. His and Ty’s introduction had been just that. Nothing more than a brief meeting. After Duke had given a few more instructions to his men he’d gone into his office and didn’t come back out until it was time for them to leave. Meanwhile, Ty had been pulled away by Brian to get started on his qualifiers and Kell was working with Quick on his paperwork. So, they didn’t get another chance to talk to each other, only managing stolen glances in the other’s direction. Another thing Kell had picked up on was that Ty that had wanted to see him… all of him. Practically demanded it. No one had asked him such a thing before. Kell squirmed in his seat when he remembered the feeling of removing his scarf for Ty, caught in a trance, feasting his eyes. As soon as he’d thought of removing his beanie and hood, he’d changed his mind. Most men, manly men, recoiled at his hair. He’d always been a little insecure about his long locks, so he kept that part of himself concealed from his new partner.

Kell got off the bus a couple of streets down from Duke’s building. Peoplestown was a nice area, bustling with thriving businesses and tourist attractions. Kell was only working blocks away from the Atlanta Zoo and the Barack & Michelle Obama Academy. He made a left on Ridge Avenue, the cool breeze whipping through his thin pants. He was dressed as Duke had instructed. In loose, comfortable clothes. They’d be showing their new team what they were capable of in the gym today.

As he approached from the left, he saw Ty turn the corner, walking from the other direction. His long legs ate up the distance between them quickly. He wore a pair of dark jeans and a heavy, waist length jacket. A sparkling silver chain glimmered against the smooth, golden skin around his throat. Nothing on him was cheap, especially the new-looking black Timberlands. He was not only stunningly handsome, he had style for days. The woman Ty politely walked around, gave him a lingering smile with an interested gleam in her eye.

That probably happens to him all the time.

Kell didn’t care about the dingy Walmart specials that he had on. It was what he could afford, and appearances had never meant a hill of beans to him. Ty’s boots and jeans probably cost more than Kell’s grocery and heating bill combined. He reached the driveway first, deciding to wait for his new partner. Maybe they could talk a little before starting time. He still couldn’t get a read on this guy. Kell’s hood was so low he had to pull it back some in order to look into Ty’s eyes. Damn, how tall is he?

In the natural light, Ty’s eyes were a brighter shade of brown, like the color of whisky. In the dark of night, they’d been the color of roasted chestnuts. Ty stopped a few feet away from him, one hand in his black bomber jacket, while the other clutched one of the straps of his book bag.

“Good morning, Kell. I see you like to get an early start too,” Ty said, glancing at his smart watch.

“It’s important to be on time. Shows character,” Kell replied easily. Was he expecting me to be late? There was a beat of silence as Ty leaned against the wall beside him.

“Today’s our first official day of training. Are you eager… nervous… afraid?” Ty asked.

Kell smirked behind his scarf. Afraid? He hadn’t been afraid of anything or anyone since he was eighteen. “I feel none of those weak emotions.”

Ty laughed a deep, rich sound, turning to face him. “Then what do you feel?”

Kell pulled the scarf from over his mouth. Ty was staring but not gawking, simply waiting. “I feel ready.” It wasn’t the only thing he felt. He also wanted Ty to feel Kell was his equal. Just because he was shorter, smaller and a bit younger, didn’t mean a damn thing. He could take down several men three times his size with two quick moves. What he also felt was confidence.

“I better get inside. I wanted to do some more reading on the Georgia fugitive recovery manual before starting time. I have to take the exam tomorrow,” Ty mentioned.

“It’s easy.”

“You already took it?”

Kell nodded. “It’s such a small manual. I read it in one day and took the exam two days later. It’s really common sense stuff.”

“Thanks for the heads up. Brian said I can take it here on their computer when I’m ready.” Ty held the door open for him and waited for him to enter first… like a gentleman.

Kell walked into the building with Ty on his heels. All the hunters were already at their desks looking hard at work. Darn, do they sleep here? Since they were all dressed almost the same as yesterday, Kell couldn’t be sure. Duke came out of his office and headed toward the back room which Kell learned was the kitchen.

“Guys, there’s pastries and coffee in the break room. I suggest you eat and hydrate now because we leave for our gym session in thirty minutes,” Duke yelled from the kitchen. When he came out with a large mug of steaming liquid and a cheese Danish, he nodded at Kell. “Need some more firewood brought in.”

Kell spun on his heels and headed toward the back door.

“I’ll help him.” his new partner told Duke.

Ty caught up to him on the way to the shed.

“I didn’t need help. I got this. You said you wanted to study before we had to leave.”

“I know what I said,” Ty countered, then left it at that.

Kell pushed the heavy door open and started stacking the wood on one arm, Ty followed him, stacking more on his thick arms as well. It only took them ten minutes to make two trips, hauling enough to last for the day. It felt as if Ty was being overly watchful of him. Kell was going to pull his own weight on the job, just like all the other men were expected to do. He was far more capable of assisting them, besides keeping their fire going.

Oh yeah. I’m ready to go to the gym.