Author's Note: I added this chapter long after the story was published. I had to rework chapters 9 and 10 to fit the new ending. Some readers may need to go back to those chapters to learn about the changes. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Chapter 11 The Man in the Shadows
As Jeff stood beside him, he thought over the events of the day, and the man, mostly hidden in the shadows remembered too. He remembered how Bogg had pushed him under the table and handed him the omni. That Bogg had put himself in front of that gun. He remembered how he'd felt when he was recovering in Bogg's arms. He could still feel Bogg putting cool water on him until he'd felt better.
And the man, twenty-two year old Jeffrey Jones, could appreciate how Bogg had protected him from seeing this room too. Suddenly, he watched the boy turn to Bogg and put his arms around him. He knew what the boy was thinking, that he trusted Bogg and didn't need to see the room if Bogg didn't think it was a good idea. The boy had realized that as long as they were okay, and together, that was enough. The older Jeffrey watched as Bogg's arms wrapped around the younger one. He knew they were both thinking of somewhere cool, and quiet, and safe.
"Let's get outa here," Jeff finally said, and the man watched them leave the room together. The boy looked so small. It's funny, he thought, he had never felt small when he was with Bogg.
He shook his head and smiled. Life was funny. For so long he had wanted to know what Bogg hadn't let him see in this room, and now that he was here, there was only one thing he had really wanted to see. It was the two of them together, taking care of each other, like they always had, like they still did.
He reached in his pocket and took out a brand new shiny silver omni. He decided he'd give Bogg an extra long hug when they met for supper tonight, then pushed the button.
The End