Page 24 of Equalizer
“He’s gone,” Steven said.
“I’m not surprised,” Owen replied. “But just in case, you might quiz any other local hires to see if they’ve got friends in low places who might want to pick up a body on the cheap if there’s another death.”
He hadn’t expected that Frank would be dumb enough to stick around, especially if he had used hex bags or other magic to conceal his crime. Owen thought about asking whether the show had its own witch on staff but decided against it. Steven had seemed shocked by his mention of supernatural abilities, and a witch of any real power should have sensed strange magic being done on the show grounds.
“What now?” Steven asked.
“There’s no point in involving the police,” Owen said. “I’m pretty sure they’re paid off by the local Mob to keep this kind of thing quiet.”And one of the Mob bosses is already looking into missing bodies.
“If Drew didn’t have any family, then there’s no one to make inquiries. Pour one out for him and watch your back.”
Stephen looked shaken. “You do this sort of thing all the time?”
Owen nodded. “We travel where we’re assigned a case, wherever the railroads go.”
“We?”
“I have a partner and a valet, who’s also a bodyguard. We live in a train car.” Owen played down the comforts of his situation on purpose. Steven also moved from place to place, but even with extra considerations for being the head of security, his accommodations were considerably less posh.
“Huh. Who’d have thought, back then.” Steven paused. “Look, I can get the night off if you want to meet up in town, have some drinks, catch up.”
Owen read the invitation for what it was: commitment-free but certainly not platonic. He shook his head. “Thank you, but I can’t. I…have someone.”
Steven raised an eyebrow. “I used to be someone.”
Owen gave a sad smile. “That was a long time ago, and we’re not who we were then. We can be friends, but nothing on the side.”
“I’m glad for you, Owen. That sort of thing doesn’t always happen for men like us.”
“But it proves it’s possible,” Owen replied.
Steven looked away. “I’m not sure I’m a one-man man. I think I like the rambling life a little too much.”
“Just be happy,” Owen replied. “And be safe.” He pulled a business card from his coat. “We’re at Union Station. Look for the Pullman car on the sidelines or send a messenger. Or a telegram.”
Steven stared at the card for a moment before pocketing it. “Take care of yourself,” he told Owen. “Sounds like you might make some powerful enemies. Be careful.”
“I always am.” They shook hands, then Owen pulled him in for a tight hug.
“If anything weird happens or you think you’re in danger, I’ll help however I can,” Owen assured him.
“Weirder than today? It would have to be pretty damn strange.” Steven released him and stepped back. Owen could practically see the man’s defenses slipping back into place.
“I guess I need to walk you to the front gate so the boss doesn’t have a stroke,” Steven said.
They didn’t say much as they headed for the entrance.
“Good luck with the show,” Owen said as they reached the exit.
“Thanks. I don’t know if you get time off, but it’s worth a few hours to see the show if you’re interested,” Steven replied. Now that they had covered everything, he seemed a little unsure. Owen hadn’t wanted to hurt his feelings, but his relationship with Calvin was far too important to risk.
“See you when I see you.” Owen tried to lighten the mood.
“Not if I see you first.”
Chapter 5
Calvin
