Page 57 of Hoodoo House
“I did!” Declan said with forced enthusiasm.
“And the big news is thatBurlyBiker27is someone who’s wanted by the police. His name is Adolph Moses. And in my interview with Cody White—he’s being blackmailed. He’sSmoothStud123. And his case is connected to a trial involving Monarch.”
“That’s good work, Charlie.”
Charlie detected an odd tone in Declan’s voice. “Did I do something wrong?” Charlie asked. “I thought you’d be really interested in all of this.”
“I am. More and more it’s starting to appear that Malcolm Tull’s death wasn’t accidental. He had enough enemies who had a motive, and there’s evidence on the victim’s computer—the emails and videos, and a nice selection of identifiable culprits.”
“Why didn’t you return my texts or call?” Charlie interjected.
Declan paused. He knew this conversation would be difficult—he just hadn’t anticipated how difficult it would be until now. “I have something I need to talk to you about.”
Charlie looked down at his drink. “I was wondering when we’d be having this discussion. This is about Michael, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“Have you been lovers for a long time?” Charlie asked.
The hurt in Charlie’s voice was soul crushing.
“Charlie. It’s not what you think.”
“Isn’t it?”
Declan reached over and put his hands on Charlie’s. “Charlie, look at me.”
Charlie remained motionless.
“Look at me, please.”
Charlie looked up. His cheeks were damp with tears.
“Charlie. Michael’s not my lover. They’re my therapist. And, to top it off, Michael’s a woman.”
“What?”
“And a tougher dyke you wouldn’t find at a rodeo,” Declan said with a smile.
“She’s a…”
Declan saw a slight glimmer returning to Charlie’s eyes. “She’s been helping me ever since I got kicked off of the police force.Tryingto help me would be a better word for it—with my anger towards my father, the cops…myself. And now she’s helping me deal with my feelings towards you.”
“Your…feelings towards…me?” Charlie’s tears continued.
“She’s pushing me to jump in with both feet.”
“Why didn’t you tell me about her in the first place?” Charlie asked. “Don’t you trust me?”
“Trust you? You’re one of the few people Idotrust. Look, I’ve had a lifelong habit of throwing roadblocks in front of myself whenever things are going well. I’m just a bit fucked up and I didn’t want you to find out about it. At least not yet.”
“So what does this mean?”
Declan replied, “I think I have to fire you.”
Charlie’s face fell as he slumped back into his chair and his shoulders sagged. “But why?”
“I care too much about you to let you get hurt. Maybe if you aren’t working for me, we can approach the relationship without all the complications.”
