Page 48 of Beck

“What is it?” He stared at Kole, his stomach doing somersaults.

“I’d prefer to talk in person. There’s no rush, though. Just whenever you can.”

Beck licked his lips. “Okay. I’ll be down shortly.”

“Thank you. See you then.”

The call ended, and Beck stared at the screen. Had they let Drake out? No, surely they would’ve said that on the phone if that was the case. Had he escaped? No, again, he was sure they would’ve told him. What could they need him for? He’d given them everything he had and more. The only thing that was left was his blood and sweat. They already had his tears.

“Are you okay?”

Kole’s words brought Beck back to the present, and he blinked. “Yeah. I think. The police want to see me again. Apparently, they’ve found something.”

“That sounds like good news…in a way.” Kole put his cutlery down. “I can pay for this if you need to go.”

Beck shook his head, scraping his teeth across his lower lip. Did he have the courage to ask? He met Kole’s gaze. “Will you come with me?”

“Of course. But only if you’re sure. I don’t want you to feel like you have to ask me because I’m here.”

Beck let out a long breath. “No. I want you there.” He reached across and rested his hand on top of Kole’s. “I think…I need you there.”

Kole twisted his hand until they were palm to palm. “Then here I’ll be until you no longer need me.”

“I think that’ll be a while,” Beck whispered.

Kole smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “I’m glad to hear it.”

Miko interrupted them before Beck could make even more of a fool of himself. “Would you like anything else?”

Beck pulled back and cleared his throat. “Just the bill, please.”

“Alrighty.” Miko disappeared as quickly as he arrived, returning faster than anyone Beck had ever known. “Here you go.”

Handing him a card, Beck said, “Add a ten-pound tip for yourself.”

Miko’s jaw dropped. “I can’t do that!”

“Yes, you can. Ask your mother.”

Miko glanced over his shoulder at the counter, and Beck grinned when Sofia waved at them. Beck signed the question to her, and she beamed back at him, signing her response to Miko, who turned back to him. “Wow, I didn’t realise that was allowed.”

“As long as you don’t go asking for tips, I think you’re all good.”

“Thank you,” Miko said and signed. “Have a great day.”

When the brisk, cold air filled his lungs, Kole nudged his shoulder. “I didn’t know you could sign.”

“Yeah, I learnt it on the road. One of my clients is deaf, and I wanted them to not have to pay for a translator every time they came to me. It’s amazing how many people you bump into who are deaf that you wouldn’t have been able to talk to otherwise.”

“You’re a man of many talents.” They stopped at Beck’s bike, and Kole’s gaze darted from him to the bike and back again. “I can get the bus or a taxi.”

Beck chuckled. “I have a spare helmet if you’re okay with riding behind me.”

Kole swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing deeply. “Sure.”

He retrieved the helmet, helping Kole to buckle it on before he swung his leg over it and kicked off the stand. The engine roared to life, vibrating through his body and calming him. A similar feeling to how Kole made him feel. He glanced at him and held out his hand. Kole slipped his hand into his, and Beck helped brace him as he climbed onto the back. The warmth seeped into his legs and back immediately, and he exhaled slowly as Kole slid his arms around his waist.

“Ready?” Beck asked.

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