Page 126 of Affair
Oh, he was fighting that desire and need, but it was still there, lingering.
Poe had been through a lot today, and he was still holding on.
“My plan is to figure out what it is that I did, because god knows there’s a laundry list out there of things I’ve done for the government. That will lead me toWHOI’ve pissed off. Then, I need to get you to safety. Once I get us to The Hunters or Elizabeth, I’ll hand you over.”
Immediately, Poe stopped chewing.
That wasn’t what he was expecting.
“Hand me over?” Poe asked.
Well, that sounded ominous. What the hell happened to all of the partner talk? That sounded like he was being sent away.
Like a child.
He nodded.
“I’m going to have to get as far from you as possible so you’re not in danger. Clearly, my past isn’t conducive to you having a future.”
And there it was.
That was his worst fear.
It was now confirmed.
Through it all, he was never going to see the man again. Despite his words of partnership, it wasn’t what he’d really meant.
Obligation.
That’s what he was.
Poe said nothing, but Gamble sensed the change in temperature in the grotto. So, he tried to explain.
“Your life matters to me,” he admitted. “You’ve done good work, and you were right. If we can’t stop them, then I have to make sure you’re safe. I’m a ghost, Poe. I’ll disappear. I’ll take a new identity, and never be seen again.”
And that hurt.
It hurt so bad, he couldn’t even articulate words. It was a direct hit to his chest.
Now, it was crystal clear that Poe was going to lose him regardless. There had been a little joy knowing they were on an adventure together.
He felt…peace.
Now, knowing Gamble would get him to safety and disappear…
He needed to know.
“Will I ever see you again?” he asked. “After you hand me over?”
Gamble was staring into his eyes, and his gut said to walk away and never cross this man’s path again. Look at what had already happened.
“I don’t know, Poe. It depends on what chases me. I’ll get you somewhere safe, and figure out my next move. I might not be able to stay in NOLA,” he admitted. “I might not be able to be a Hunter. I’ll have to find a new path.”
Well, that sucked.
Poe just sat there, saying nothing, but his heart really hurt. He knew one day Gamble would be strong enough to move on, and that day was here. That he could say it, and not ask for more time again…
Gamble was better.
