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“I don’t know what to do, I’m looking. You’re stuck with me for another month at least.”
“I know Elsinger and I know Rollins and they aren’t alone in their bigotry. They have sympathizers in my division and they can make life difficult for you. Just be very careful, I can’t watch out for you all the time.”
“I know the drill, don’t go into the lockers alone, don’t use the showers at the lab alone, don’t turn your back on any of them and never give them a chance.”
Ray nodded pleased that Peter was so astute. “I’ve lost a lot of friends Peter, and I counted Connor among them. I don’t think I could forgive myself if I let them get to you, but I’m getting older and I’m only one man.”
“Best one to have in my corner Ray. Thanks. I think,” Peter broke the awkward silence, “That that is our contact.”
An attractive young man slouched in the doorway of the club. Long dark hair ran in rivers across his shoulders and dark eyes carefully watched the car pull to a halt. He pushed his hand through his hair and looked up, sculptured features creased into a genuine but tired smile.
“You must be Dr. Axon and Ray Donohue from the OSIR?” he reached out a hand and raked the scientist with a provocative look.
“Then you would be Thomas Shonbrin.” Ray shook the proffered hand.
“You know with the exception of my grandmother no one ever calls me that.” He winced. “Shon will do fine.” He shook Peter’s hand and held on a fraction too long. “I don’t know what you expect to find here but.” He opened the green metal door of the club and flicked on the lights from behind a closed panel “help yourself.”
“This is an under eighteen venue which means?” Ray asked as he spotted the vodka bottle on the bar.
“Vodka’s mine, the kids get soda, or coffee, no drugs, no booze, and if I can help it no underage sex. Not here anyway, out there,” he waved a long fingered hand to the door, “parents problem.”
“According to the police the club has been closed since the incident.” Peter walked the perimeter.
“Yes, and when they told me you were coming in, I kept the cleaners out. I’m supposed to re-open tomorrow night, unless you have other ideas.” Shon poured a shot of vodka into the glass and offered one to his guests. Ray shook his head. “Not on duty huh? Ex force?”
“Police.”
“Soda or coffee?”
“Coffee.” Peter answered. “How well did you know the kids who booked the club?”
“Not at all, contrary to popular belief I don’t know every kid in town. Seen them about with the school crowd, nothing special. The parents booked for the party and were here till nine.”
“You said no drugs?” Ray stepped forward and took the two mugs of coffee handing one to Peter.
“Not that I know of. I can’t police everyone, but we have security sweeps and a police presence on a regular basis. So they’d have to be damned stupid. Is that what you think this is all about? Drugs?”
“It’s a possibility. Being closed for so long must be difficult financially.” Peter walked over and perched on a barstool.
“No, this is a hobby.”
“Expensive hobby.” Peter answered.
“If you don’t mind I’d like to take a look around.” Ray wandered off.
“Sure. Yes it is, but we all have to have one.” Shon answered his voice soft and soothing.
“So what do you normally do?”
“IT.”
“Info Tech?”
“Yep I write software and peripherals for business. This started out a tax dodge.” Shon smiled. “So what do you do?”
“I’m a physicist.”
“And senior science analyst for the OSIR? Good job?”
“Not bad, keeps me active.”
“You know none of my teachers ever looked like you do. If they had I would have stayed in school a lot longer.” Shon leaned closer.
“You chatting me up?” Peter sipped the coffee and hunched over the bar.
“Would it bother you if I was?” Shon leaned in closer.
“Sure of yourself aren’t you?” Peter looked up and narrowed his eyes.
“Of what I want? Yes. If the answer is no I’ll back off.”
“No it doesn’t bother me.” Peter sipped the dark brew and smiled.
“Good.” Again that devastating smile as Shon came closer his hand brushing the back of Peter’s as it rested on the countertop. “You busy tonight or occupied?”
“I’m working.”
“But you have to eat.”
“Yes. Look please don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I’m not interested I’m just.”
“It’s okay Dr. Axon.” Shon stepped back his voice cooling.
“Peter. And it’s not okay. I lost my partner not long ago in an accident. I’m not ready for even casual sex.”
Shon’s face softened. “Then have dinner with me anyway. I promise I will behave.”
“As what?” Peter laughed and watched Ray come back into the room.
“Word of honour, perfect gentleman. I understand Peter.”
“I should get off around seven.”
“Excellent.” Shon slipped a card into his hand and stepped away.
~~~***~~~
“Why Dr. Axon, I do believe you have a date.” Ray chortled as he got into the car.
“No it’s not a date, I’m having dinner with him and that’s all.”
“Whatever, but it’s about bloody time, if you ask me.”
“I wasn’t, and it’s not. I can’t Ray.”
“He’s a good looking man and is clearly interested, so what’s the problem.”
“I’m the problem.”
“You still love Conner.”
“Yeah, pathetic isn’t it?”
“It’s a little flaky but most of you scientist types are.” Ray laughed.
“Oh great.”
“So are you going?”
“Probably, if nothing else he can probably tell me what I want to know about the drugs available in the area and who the dealers are. If not then I get fed and don’t have to put up with Rollins’ shit.”
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