Clang by E. Davies

Author:E. Davies [Davies, E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-12-15T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

Chase

“You have a boyfriend now? Shit, Chase. Why didn't you tell me?”

Chase sprayed glass cleaner on the cloth, ducking his head as he blushed. He glanced at Floyd as he wiped in circles along the cabinet. His boss was about to leave for the day and had asked about his plans tonight. He'd subtly dropped the hint that he had plans.

“You were away at the Maritime tattoo show, and we were busy today...”

“Aw, man, that's awesome. Who is it? Do I know him?”

“I dunno. Jackson Riley. He's a blacksmith.”

“Yeah, I think I've heard the name... I don't know him though,” Floyd shook his head. “You're growing up now.”

“Growing up?”

“You know, it's not all about bars. Everyone's gotta settle down sooner or later, gay or straight.”

Chase frowned. He didn't especially like the implications. Yeah, I hook up a lot, but not because I'm gay... He let it go, though. “Yeah.”

Floyd winced. “And I just stacked all that overtime on you. Sorry.”

“Hey, the paycheck's nice,” Chase laughed. “But yeah, it's our first date since we got together. We've both been working overtime...”

Floyd shook his head as he patted down his pockets for his car keys. “Let me know how it goes, huh? I wanna meet this guy if you get serious.”

“I will.”

“Call me if you need anything.” Floyd raised a hand and waved.

“I'll be fine.”

Once he was alone in the shop, Chase put away the glass cleaner and pulled out his phone. He didn't make a habit of slacking off work – even when Floyd said it was okay – but he had some important tasks.

Like finding a new apartment.

Chase still didn't know how his family had found this address – or even figured out that he'd come to Fredericton. He'd only told a few friends back at home in Ontario where he was going. None of them would have leaked it.

As he scrolled through Kijiji on his phone, he opened a few places in new tabs to check them out. At least there was a lot on the market thanks to the students moving at the end of the summer.

He didn't even notice the door open until he heard it jingle and slipped his phone under the counter. “Hey...”

Oh, wow. This guy was gorgeous.

“Uh, hi. Can I help you?”

The stranger's soft brown eyes were already fixed on him as he strode up to the counter. He was perhaps in his mid-twenties or even early thirties, with dark stubble. “Hello. I'm Alex. You're Chase, aren't you?”

Chase was wary. This man already knew him. “I am.” His hand slipped to the baseball bat beneath the counter. “Why?”

“I'm here to... confess, I suppose.” The stranger's voice was soft, yet clear. He wore a troubled frown as he rested his hands on the counter, directly watching Chase. “I'm a private investigator here in Fredericton. Your parents hired me to look into your whereabouts.”

They did what? Chase's jaw dropped.

“I'm normally never allowed to break the rules like this and... betray my client's confidentiality...” Alex trailed off.

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