Chapter 30
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There was a chill in the air and Martin pulled his jacket closer around him, hunching his shoulders as he walked with Danny to Rick's Tiki Lounge. After they got Steve to confess what had happened to Jeremy Owen, he led them directly to where he had buried Jeremy's body. Sam and Jack were the unlucky ones who had to go inform the Owen's that their only son, the one they rejected the last morning they saw him, was killed because he was just trying to be true to who he was.
Trying to be true to their own word, Martin and Danny were on their way to Rick's Tiki Lounge to tell Paul and Mike what happened to their friend.
They stopped a crosswalk and waited for the light to change. Danny huffed and said, "Damn, it must officially be autumn because it is getting cold."
"Tell me about it." Martin grinned in agreement. "Walking probably wasn't the best idea."
"Maybe we should have asked your girlfriend if we could borrow her pink corvette." Danny laughed out loud while Martin groaned and looked up at the sky.
He looked back over at Danny and said, "I was wondering when the Ken and Barbie jokes were going to start."
Danny just laughed as the light changed and the two men crossed the busy city street. "Get used to it. I don't foresee them going away anytime soon."
Martin threw him an annoyed glance.
They walked for bit when Danny cleared his throat and asked, "So, what's going on with you and Sam? I can literally feel the tension when the two of you are in the same room."
Martin just shook his head and sighed. He wasn't sure how much to tell Danny when he still wasn't sure what he was going to do. "We're just trying to figure some things out."
"Hey, if you love her it shouldn't be that hard." Danny happily supplied.
Martin sighed and replied, "You're right, it shouldn't."
"Can I ask what you guys are trying to figure out? Can I help?" Danny asked.
"It's complicated and it's definitely something that I have to figure out on my own. But thanks for offering." Martin replied gratefully.
"Okay but if you ever need to talk…you know." Danny said as Martin nodded.
They reached the bar, its sign in bright neon reading 'RICK'S TIKI LOUNGE' with a flashing palm tree. Both Danny and Martin took deep breaths and walked up to the lounge to give Paul and Mike the bad news.
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"Did he suffer?" Paul asked as he wiped the tears away from his face.
"No, he died instantaneously. He didn't feel a thing." Martin softly said. He and Danny filled the two of them in on all of the details: Jeremy's girlfriend, his parent's reaction to his coming out, Adam's rehab and finally, his death at the hands of his supposed boyfriend.
"Well that's something at least." Paul held Mike hand tightly before turning to look back at the agents. "Have you told Adam?"
"No. Not yet." Martin replied. The truth was Martin was worried about what the news would do to Adam and his rehabilitation.
"Can we be the one's to tell him?" Paul asked delicately. "I think the news should come from someone who can relate to him and especially the circumstances."
The two men glanced at one another when Martin spoke up, "I think that would be a really good idea."
"Thank you." Paul replied as he turned to Mike and said, "This boy is going to need us and I can't help but feel that this whole situation was put upon us for a reason. And if Jeremy's dad decides to not pay for Adam's treatment since it was on his son's credit card I think we should pick up the bill."
Mike's face got hard for a moment before he smiled and softly said, "Well, we've always talked about adopting a son. At least at twenty-two he's potty trained."
Paul gave a light laugh before leaning over and kissing Mike tenderly.
Martin studied the two men and felt his heart swell at the easy affection and understanding the two men had with each other. Martin excused himself and walked to the rear of the bar, pulled out his cell phone and dialed. "Hey, it's me. Can I come over?"