Page 7 of Narrow Margins

I give up trying. I offered my help and it goes ignored. I thought he might have wanted to see me, he didn’t want me to leave but then this shit turns up. I’m so confused; I think of him and that night, and how it seemed like it meant something to him, how eagerly he gave me his body. I still feel the shivers that ran over his body as I let my mouth and tongue roam over every inch of his skin. The taste of him makes my mouth water and my dick throb. But his refusal to acknowledge me shows I was merely a night of experimentation, a game for him to play. But it hurts, his rejection of me fucking hurts.

I contemplate my new apartment, provided by the veterans’ support group I belong to. It’s only a stop gap, to get me on my feet. This brings a wry smile to my face: get me on my foot is more appropriate. I’ve been working out at the gym most days and certainly feel the strength in my body returning. I’m making new friends but I miss the army; I was ready to make it my whole life. I don’t want this half life, I don’t want to be pitied, or stared at. I want friendship and laughter and, maybe sometimes, some intimacy would be good. Griff paid no attention to my prosthetic, he was in the zone and so focused on us having a good time, nothing put him off. That’s why I ‘m amazed he isn’t accepting my offer of help. That night was one of the best I’ve ever had. For a straight guy, he sure knows how to blow a dick well. I smile at the memory and the nudge in my sweats elicits a chortle.

My cell goes off, vibrating on the glass coffee table, loud in the silence.

“Hello.” I don’t recognize the number but it could still be him.

“Mr. Corrigan Deschamps?” A deep voice questions me.

“Speaking, who is this?”

“My name is Austin Reynolds, I am Griff Broderick’s attorney, do you have a minute?” He asks.

“I do, has he finally come to his senses?” I chuckle at the stubbornness of the man.

“I’m sorry, what d’you mean?” The confused man answers harshly.

“I called him as soon as I saw what happened, but he has ignored every message and blocked any other number I tried. I think he’s changed his number.” I sigh, feeling exasperated with the stupid man.

“Shit! Okay. So, here’s the deal…”

I cut him off, “I’m not doing any deals with you, sorry. Not interested.” I go to end the call but I hear him shout.

“No, that’s not what I meant. I meant to say, let me bring you up to date. Can I do that?” The man sounds desperate.

“Okay, but first, how did you find me? If he didn’t tell you, how did you get this number?” I’m more curious than annoyed: I try to keep myself to myself and don’t hand out my number easily.

“My cousin runs one of the top security and surveillance companies in the country, it didn’t take him too long, Mr. Deschamps.” This time it’s this guy’s turn to chuckle.

“Fine, what’s going on?”

“We’re losing, I never fucking lose. Griff is sullen and unreceptive to any suggestions. I think the fucker is resigned to his fate, and there is no way I am letting him take the fall for some lying bitch. Will you testify?” Reynolds barks.

“I will, but I have some conditions, I need anonymity. I have walked away from a high-profile family, a family I have no desire to see again. If they caught on to this, they would ruin me. I have suffered enough from them.”

“I can arrange a closed court, we can have the gallery cleared and the cameras removed. It would be the jury, judge and both benches. Are you able to come and see me? Or would you rather I came to you?”

“I will come to you. Do you plan on telling him I will be there?” I take a deep breath., I wish I’d stayed, that I got back into his bed; I would have been there when the cops came for him. “It’s my fault, y’know.”

I hear the attorney sigh, “Mr. Deschamps, I really don’t think that is the case. This is all down to a dreadful woman seeking attention and financial gain.”

“I should have stayed. He asked me to but I didn’t want to wait and see if I was going to get the brush off. Which proved to be exactly what he did when he refused to answer any of my calls or messages. I’m not sure he will want me to be there.”

“But, to answer your question, no. I will not be mentioning you. I fear I will be fired on the spot if he knew what I have done. I’m prepared for him to hate me once he is free again.” His deep chuckle makes me smile.

“Are you as good-looking and sexy as you sound, Mr. Reynolds?” I joke, trying to lighten the pit of dread that builds in my stomach.

“Hell yeah, I am, but I’m also very straight. But I’m flattered you find my voice sexy.” Reynolds laughs. “When can you come to see me? I need to get you up to date and inform the prosecution of you standing.”

“I will come tomorrow, if that suits you. Where would you like to meet?” I’m not sure how far away he is. But when he tells me, I laugh, “you’re not that far from me.”

“I thought you would be local for you to have used a cab to take you home. I’ll see you at midday, if that suits? I’ll email you my hotel details.”

“No problem, I’m just glad I can help at last.” I reply.

“You are a good man, Deschamps. Thank you.” Austin sounds relieved.

“Please, call me Corrie; my surname just reminds me of my father.” I grimace at the thought of him.

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