Total pages in book: 45
Estimated words: 42829 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 214(@200wpm)___ 171(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42829 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 214(@200wpm)___ 171(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
They walked together out of the station, and Grey guided him to his waiting car. He opened the passenger door and Mack collapsed into the comfortable seat. When Grey slid inside, he said, “We’ll talk when we’re away from here. They may still be watching.”
Driving a few blocks away, Grey pulled into a parking lot and stopped the sedan. He turned to Mack and wrapped his arms around his Little. “You did so well.”
“That was the scariest thing ever. Thank you for coming. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t shown up before they took me away.”
“You would have kept insisting on calling me. Eventually, you would have gotten access to a phone,” Grey reassured him, rubbing Mack’s back to try to stop his Little from shivering so hard.
“They would have taken Poutine away. That was the scariest.”
“You are both safe now.”
“I can’t believe John had a hand in this.”
“Love makes some people act dumb,” Grey told him.
“Thank you for doing all that investigating. How did you know that was going to happen?”
“I didn’t. I’ve just seen people act badly before. Very few things surprise me.”
“Even that bitchy lady who you were interviewing?” Mack asked.
“I was supposed to go up against her in court this morning. She agreed to postpone the hearing until this afternoon,” Grey shared.
“That seems really nice of her,” Mack said, looking skeptical.
“She needed it to get a report from an investigator.”
Mack’s head drooped. “It’s my fault she’s going to cause you more trouble in court now.”
Grey lifted his chin until their gazes meshed. “You haven’t done anything wrong. A few more hours will do nothing to help her case. I got the information she’s waiting for a week ago. I had plenty of time to craft a rebuttal to that information. This will just make her cocky.”
“Until she figures out you’re still a step ahead.”
“An entire staircase ahead, Little boy. She still has a lot to learn. Want me to take you to Armando’s or home?”
“Armando’s. Being busy sounds best. Besides, I want everyone to see the police released me.”
“Don’t say much at work. Simply that an old roommate reported some incorrect information that was easily resolved.”
“Yes, Daddy.” Mack leaned forward to kiss Grey. “Thank you.”
“I see better friends ahead for you, Mackie.” Grey reattached Mack’s seatbelt and gave him another kiss.
“Zoey and a bunch of the Littles want to learn how to play the role-playing game I played at John’s.”
“Somehow, this doesn’t surprise me. Can you imagine the costumes they can wear?” Grey asked as he backed out of the parking spot.
“Do you think Onelia could help me make an orc costume?”
“An orc, hmmm? I bet she’s a whiz at making tusks.”
“That’s exactly what I thought!”
CHAPTER 17
Creatures of all types had taken over Grey’s dining room. Ringing the large table, one impressive orc led the quest he had painstakingly created for the entertainment of his friends. Grey knew more about magical creatures than he’d ever thought possible. To his delight, Mack had allowed him to help in plotting the adventure. They worked on the quest together.
“I’m never going to get those ears off Zoey,” Dr. Richards told him with a laugh.
“She makes a cute elf,” Benton observed.
“The cutest,” Dr. Richards agreed. “Her desire to be authentic caused havoc. My house is not set up for arrows to be shot down the hallway. Nor am I willing to set apples on my head for target practice.”
The other Daddies and Mommies laughed quietly, trying not to disturb the game play a few yards away.
“The growing wind wailed through the sheltering branches, sounding almost like laughter,” the dungeon master orc proclaimed as he sent a glowering look at the group in the kitchen.
“We better move into the family room, so we don’t disturb the forces of nature,” Dr. Richards suggested.
“Good idea,” Grey agreed. He picked up two of the hors d’oeuvre trays Onelia had left for the group and led them away.
“How is Mack doing?” Lazzaro asked.
“Tense. This game was a great distraction. His former friend John has contacted him a lot recently. I’ve asked Mack not to communicate with him. I suggested he block him, but Mack’s not ready for that,” Grey shared.
“You may wish to let him answer. I believe there’s been some changes in residents living at that address,” Lazzaro said with a meaningful look.
Grey understood immediately the subtle message from the seasoned detective. Joanie must have moved out of John’s house. It might be safe for Mackie to be in contact with his friend. Maybe.
The Littles were allowed to play a bit past their bedtimes since it was Saturday night. However, soon it was apparent the quest would have to continue another night as many tired Littles sat with their heads propped up on their hands. As they were bundled up and guided out of the house, Grey suspected many would be asleep before they reached the guard shack.