Page 55 of Beyond the Darkness
Sometimes, it felt like the whole of Blyham was trying to distract him from this play.
Chapter Twenty
In the Star Dressing Room
“Your ex-husband is an asshole.”
Luke raised his brow in amusement.“That’s one of the many reasons that he’s my ex.You think I wasn’t aware of the fact?”
“Sorry.It’s just that the prick has really wound me up today.”
It had gone four o’clock and rehearsals were on a break.Andie had followed Hudson’s advice to leave the set as it was for most of the day, but before they were due to have a final run-through of the second act, she’d had a complete meltdown and insisted the entire thing be redressed.Hudson sat with Luke in the first row of the stalls, watching as the director and the set designer argued on stage over the changes.
Hudson told Luke about the visit he’d had from Benito and Kris at lunch time.
“Jesus,” Luke said.“They really are the lowest.So what if Julian was bisexual?Does it make his death less important to them?”
“That’s the impression I was left with, too.I have to keep reminding myself that they are gay themselves.”
“They are career police officers first,” Luke said.“Climbing the greasy pole comes before all else.They want easy answers, fast resolutions and another step closer to promotion.They won’t see any kind of obligation to their community because they aren’t part of it.The force is their brotherhood.”
“It’s depressing.”
“I agree.Though I can tell you that not all officers are like that.The Blyham force is rotten to the core, no doubt about it, but there are some decent officers in there now, trying to make a difference.Unfortunately, they don’t fit in with the old boys’ crowd and aren’t in any position to influence things.”
“That’s even more depressing.”Hudson took hold of Luke’s hand and placed it in his lap.“I’ll tell you what’s not a downer.You.I was so pleased to see you after lunch.I missed you this morning.”
Luke gave a mock-shocked expression.“Wow.Coming from the man who wanted me barred from the project a couple of weeks ago.”
Hudson leaned closer, grinning.“Yeah, well, a lot has changed in that time.”He pressed his lips to Luke’s.
“It certainly has.”Luke returned the kiss.
Hudson murmured softly, enjoying the warmth of Luke’s mouth, the tenderness of his touch.In a caring moment like this, all the stress and frustration of the day melted away, if only for a while.Hudson squeezed his hand.“Thank you,” he said as they parted.
“For what?”
“For keeping me sane in this batshit city.”
Luke trailed his fingers through Hudson’s hair.“It’s my pleasure.Though I don’t think you’ve seen the city at its best.”
“I doubt I could have experienced any worse.”
Hudson regretted the words as soon as they were out, as they seemed to manifest Corman and Amber into being.The podcasters appeared at the end of the aisle, overkill smiles firmly in place.
“Hey, guys,” Corman cheered.
“Aawh,” Amber gushed.“You guys look so adorable together.I didn’t realise you were a thing.I’m so happy for you.”
Hudson bristled, but hid his irritation with a smile as insincere as theirs.
“We saw those two detectives earlier,” Corman said.“Were they here about the murder?”
“Did they come to see you especially?Any news?”Amber asked.
Hudson ignored them.On stage, Andie was still locked in an argument with the designer, only Manuella had now involved herself in the decision-making.A lot of arms were being waved around and gesticulating.There was no way they’d be ready for the second act before five o’clock.
“Can you give us a scoop for the podcast?”Corman asked.
