The Book of Joel by A.R. Fiano

Author:A.R. Fiano [Fiano, A.R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: thriller, suspense, mystery, gay, lgbt, bisexual
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

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Friday, April 15, Continued

Englewood, NJ 11:22 am

An hour later, Joel is in a private office in a geometric modern building on the edge of the city.

Travis Churchill smiles at him. Billy Strayhorn is playing in the background. Joel knows this is for effect.

“Did you want to follow up to see how the paintings are being framed?”

“No, I trust you on that. I wanted to see you about a different situation. I need some help.”

“I’m very glad to see you again,” Churchill says. “A little strange calling you Joel, but it fits you better than ‘Dylan,’ when I think about it. Did Jan know?”

Joel remembers that Churchill and Jan were in some same social circles. Jan was discreet about his sex life, and Joel doubts he would have recommended Joel specifically, but he once indicated to Joel that he had recommended the escort agency Joel worked for. Churchill and Jan were very different men, and Joel had a very different relationship with Jan than Churchill. But Churchill always treated him well, and with respect.

“Yes. Not at first.”

“You were close to him.”

“Yes.”

“I admired him greatly. He helped me when I was starting out...I mentioned you once or twice. I guess...well, he was protective of you.”

“I appreciate that.”

“What can I do for you?”

“You’ve read about what happened to Gabriel? Let me explain…” Joel gives him a short version of events, enough to get across that Gabriel is not in trouble from his own doing.

“I didn’t think he was that kind of person. I hope this gets rectified soon for your sake. And his. I know my investigation is delayed at the moment.”

“No, Gabriel’s partner will take care of it. I’ll make sure.”

“You’re very conscientious, as always. I valued that about you. And don’t worry, I have no problems with keeping Gabriel under my hire. I know how the media and government can screw people over. They’ve tried with me enough times. I’m sorry to hear about your father, by the way. How can I help?”

Joel nods, accepting the sympathy. “You’re a man of considerable influence in this state. I need someone who can get Gabriel out on bail. I can handle the bail amount, whatever it is. I just need him out. He’s being abused in custody. Right now, no one can do anything about that.”

Churchill leans back at his desk. “Who’s presiding over the case?”

Joel gives him as much information as he knows, including the name of the judge who’s handling the bail hearing.

“Mmmm. Not that big a problem.” Churchill makes some notes to himself on his tablet. “I’ll call someone today who can help out.”

Then Churchill wants to talk over old times. “My God. I have to say this. It’s been a few years. You look the same and different. Such a different look than when I knew you, but this suits you. Your demeanor suits you as well. I almost felt lucky you were willing to speak to me in the club…”

“That’s kind of you to say.”

“Well, it just brought up the effect you had on me.

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