FSE

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"Patrick," The voice came out of the office as he walked by the door. He stopped, backed up and poked his head in.

"Tom? What are you doing behind your desk?"

"Working, what does it look like?" The jaguar looked through a few papers, then on his screen.

"Tom, you never sit behind your desk. I've been here three years, and I don't think I've ever seen you in your office for more than ten minutes at a time." Patrick leaned against the door frame.

"Very funny. Ania's folks are coming over for the weekend, so I can't afford to go in the field. It's tough to explain why I can't take a few days off when I'm the one who's suppose to be in charge of the whole office."

"She does have a point. You two have been together for what, five years now? You can't always be away."

"It isn't what you're implying. I love her, but I also love my job."

"Then maybe you should tell her the truth?"

Tom chuckled mirthlessly. "What am I suppose to tell her? Hi honey, just so you know, the security job I do actually puts my life in danger. oh, and to be clear, before we met. I wasn't a park ranger, like I claimed, I did illegal operation for the military."

Patrick looked at him seriously.

"I'm going to end up single again if I tell her that."

"You can't build a future on lies. She's going to find out at some point. The longer you wait, the harder it's going to be."

"Does your boyfriend know what you do for a living?"

The tiger chuckled. "Jack isn't my boyfriend, but yes, he knows. Not all the details, obviously, but enough so that when I come home cut, bruised, and bandaged, I don't have to make up some story about being mugged, and then have to get the information department in an uproar rushing the documents to support that story."

Tom eyed the tiger. "that only happened once."

Patrick nodded. "And has Sophia forgiven you for keeping her team working through the night creating police reports and inserting them into their database."

The jaguar sighed and leaned back in his chair.

"Tom, I know I don't have your world experience, I'm not even twenty-five, but don't ask her to marry you on a lie. Either make it the truth and spend your days behind this desk from now on, or tell her the truth."

"Do I want to know how you know about that?"

"Please, everyone knows about that ring in your desk."

Tom grabbed a tablet from his desk, looked at it and threw it at the tiger. "Get out of here. You have a protection job."

Patrick grabbed it. "Protection? I thought I no longer had to do those." He hated them. Some rich guy who'd pissed off the wrong people, or worse yet, a criminal who was being hunted by rivals. At least they'd never taken job protecting criminals from the law.

"We do what we're told. The boss still pulls our strings. Orders were to give you that one, so there you go. now get going."

Patrick nodded and stopped at his desk to grab his gun, jacket and go bag. Jasmine handed him the package of home made cookies she always gave to anyone heading out the door on a job. Peanut butter maple, this time, by the scent of them.

He checked the duration of the job, only to confirm what he already knew, indeterminate. These jobs never had a fixed time frame. He signed out one of the civilian cars, a corola a few year old with only bullet proof windows and reinforced body; nothing exotic.

Once in the car he read the rest of the file. It was on site protection. A man and his son, under threats from his ex wife. okay, this wasn't what he'd expected.

Patrick read the whole file. Gary Oushmel, a gray furred wolf, forty-six, was an accountant, he'd worked for his wife, who owned an alarm system company that had turned out to be a front for a thievery ring. He'd realized something was wrong and had accumulated evidence before going to the police. His testimony had been instrumental in her conviction.

That had been two years ago. Two days ago she'd escaped from prison. She'd been incarcerated in Georgia, this morning she'd been sighted in Tucson. Who ever was paying for Gary's protection suspected she was on her way here.

So he had to protect them until she was captured. And he didn't read anything in the file about Gary knowing she was coming. This was going to be interesting. He got doing.

"Stephanie," he called while he drove.

"Patrick, how can I help you?"

"You know about the protection job I've been assigned?"

"Yes, on site, indeterminate, probably until the wife is captured."

"Yeah. Has the target been advised I'm coming?"

"Not according to the information I have."

"You know who's paying?"

"No, sorry."

"S'okay, can't control that. I need you to get me the blue prints of the house, a list of whatever other properties they have. I need their schedules, contacts with obvious weak points."

"Are you going to need a cover?"

"No, hopefully the knowledge his wife's on the loose will be enough to have him accept my protection. Speaking of which, does he know she's escaped?"

"Not as far as I can tell."

Patrick was silent for a moment. "Check if it's an actual mistake, or if the feds are planning something."

"Anything else?"

"Not that I can think of. thanks."

"Not a problem. The house plans are on your tablet, I'll sent it the rest as I get it."

"Thanks."

"Be careful."

"Always."

* * * * *

The wolf's house was a duplex on the east side of Glenn Park. Nice area from what he could see, people walking their dogs. some kids playing in front yards. Where ever Gary now worked, he was making good money. The only parking each house had was their own garage, which opened to the curb, so he had to drive to the parking lot at the end of the street.

The door opened moments after he rang the bell and a young wolf looked at him, no more than ten, fur splotched with gray brown and black. His ears were erect and his eyes wide.

"Hi, his your father here?"

"Billy, what have I told you about answering the door?" The gray wolf urged his son behind him, he was about Patrick's height, some muscle definitions under the white shirt he was wearing. "Can I help you with something?"

Patrick took out his wallet. "Hi, I'm Patrick Sanders, I'm with Royal Securities." He opened it to show his 'badge'. it purposely didn't look anything like a police of Fed badge, but it definitely looked more official than just handing a business card. "Can I come in?"

"What's Royal Securities?" The wolf scrutinized it.

"We're a private security firm."

"Huh uh. And do you have any way to prove that?"

Patrick made sure not to smile. It always amused him when people didn't take him seriously just because he didn't have a recognizable badge, but in this case, he suspected Gary had good reasons to be weary.

"I can give you my office's number, or you can call the San Francisco Police, we work with them at times. They can vouch the company is legitimate."

"I expect you're going to want to give me that number too."

"I can, but you might feel safer if you got it of the web."

The wolf nodded, and let him in. "Stay here." He then moved a few steps away and did a search on his phone, then called. he talked for a few minutes, then called another number. When he hung up he smiled. "I'm really sorry about that. I've had... bad experience before with people claiming to work for companies associated with the police."

"I understand." Patrick glanced at the young wolf, still at Gary's leg. "This is about your wife."

"Ex-wife."

"Ex-wife, I'm sorry. Is this a conversation you want to have in front of your son?"

Gary knelt before his son.

"Mom did something wrong again, didn't she?"

"I don't know, Billy. Do you want to stay and listen to what this man has to say?"

Billy looked at Patrick, then shook his head.

"Alright. Go play a game in your room, I'll come get you."

Billy left, and Gary lead Patrick to the kitchen.

They walked by the living room on the right. It had a window looking into the front of the house and one looking onto the side. there was a twelve feet gap before the other duplex. It was fenced, but it was a wooden fence and so was the gate. Anyone could reach the back yard that way without alerting the people inside.

On the left was the door leading to the laundry room, and in there should be the door to the garage, although Patrick didn't see it. After that, on that wall, the stairs lead to the second floor. The wall on the left then opened to the dining room. and the short hall ended at the large kitchen, which took the back of the house. A window on the right, also looked on to the other duplex, and a sliding door with windows on each side lead to the yard.

It wasn't large, twenty feet on all side, at a guess, fenced, no gate. On the other side of the fences other yards. Not impossible to come in this way, but also not the simplest route.

Gary indicated the table. "I don't know what I can tell you that isn't on the record."

"She escaped from prison."

"Fuck." Gary rested his head in his hands. "And why are you here, instead of the police?"

"I don't know. I have someone looking into why the Feds haven't contacted you."

"Alright, and why are you here exactly? just to deliver the good news?" His tone darkened.

"No. I've been hired to protect you."

"By who? and why do you think I need protection?"

"I don't know who. That's handled by people above me, and it isn't relevant to me doing my job. As for the why, she's been sighted in Tucson, which indicates she's on her way here. Unless you know of any other reason she might be coming here."

The wolf shook his head. "As far as I know all her family's back east."

"Then she's probably here for you."

Gary sighed. "Look. I don't want to offend you, but what if I don't want your protection."

"You're allowed to refuse it, obviously, but I'd like to know why. I read your wife's file, when you went to the police, she tried to kill you. She made numerous threats. I'm actually surprised she didn't send anyone after you while she was in prison."

Gary chuckled. "Estel wasn't one to delegate the dirty work. I always admired that about her when we were together. She wasn't afraid to get her hands in the toilet to unstuck it, and go rummaging through the garbage if she thought we'd thrown out something we could still use. She isn't going to have someone else come after me."

"Then why would you refuse protection?"

"Because I can't move again. After a year and a half of being here Billy's finally settling back into his normal routine. He has friends at school. I can't uproot him."

"That isn't a problem. You don't have to go any where you don't want to. I can stay here until this is resolved."

That surprised the wolf. "Really?"

"Yes. I've looked over the blue prints, this house is secure enough. I can sleep on the couch. I can shadow you to your work place. Unless you think your wife would attack you in a public place, I can keep busy while you're at work. I can also have someone keep an eye on your son while he's at school."

"I'd prefer you focus on him. it doesn't matter if something happens to me. He need to be safe."

"My job is to keep both of you safe. Who ever I put to watch over him would be as good as I am, and would probably be a little less conspicuous than me around a school."

"Okay. I need to tell Billy."

"How is your son going to react? Can his mother use his affection toward her to get him to sneak away form us?"

Gary laughed, low and dark. "What that report left out, about her trying to kill me is the way she got me to leave police protection. She threatened to kill Billy. When I finally got there, she had a knife to his throat. Trust me, Billy is terrified of her."

"Alright. You go tell him. I'll stay here."

While Gary was away He went through the information Stephanie had sent him. No information on the feds yet, no other properties in the area. he went through Gary's schedule, and a thing fell into place.

He made a call.

"Damian Orr's office."

"Hello Alice, It's Patrick. I need to speak with my uncle." Gary came down the stairs with Billy, saw he was on the phone and went in the living room. Patrick repositioned himself so he could keep an eye on them.

"He's in a meeting, can he call you back?"

"Not really, this is kind of urgent."

"Alright, let me check with him."

Patrick watched Gary and his son play with Legos from a box he pulled out from under the coffee table.

"Patrick, how is it going?"

"What are you playing at?" He kept his voice low.

"You know I don't play."

Patrick sighed. "What are you doing arranging for me to get this job? You're not suppose to micromanage, remember?"

"Patrick, please, I'm not micromanaging, I just thought you'd enjoy it."

"Why?"

"Come on, look at them. You can't tell me they aren't cute together."

"How the hell do you know they're together? Or that I'm even here? Do you have the house watched?" Of course he didn't. If he had it would have been through Royal Securities and Patrick would have been told.

"Please. I know my people. Gary would never leave his son alone any longer than he has too, and you wouldn't have called until you'd explained the situation to him, which means he went to get Billy and you are keeping an eye on them."

Patrick sighed. "Fine, but again, why me?"

"Look at them, Patrick. Look at him."

Patrick looked at Gary, playing with Billy, to keep his spirits up. He looked at a father, playing with this son. He was old enough to be his own father, for God's sake. And that was the problem, wasn't it?

"You can't be serious. This is a job. Are you actually trying to set me up with a father right now?"

"Why can't it be both?"

"Oh, I don't know. probably because he's straight?"

Damian didn't say anything.

Patrick glanced at Gary again. "He is straight, right? He has a son."

"That didn't stop your fathers."

"Damian, this isn't right."

"When was the last time? And I don't mean with your fathers. I mean, when was the last time you were with a father?"

"You know damn well when it was."

"Exactly. It's been more than two years now. Before you ask, no, I haven't engineered this. I learned of it, and thought it would be perfect for you."

Patrick sighed. "I'm not doing this."

"You're not going to protect them?"

"Of course I'm going to protect them. I'm not sleeping with him."

"That's entirely up to you."

Patrick hated how Damian could make that phrase sound like he had no choice whatsoever. "Do you have any information on where she is? or why the Feds haven't informed anyone."

"The Feds don't know about her escape yet."

"What?" The exclamation made Gary looked at him. Patrick shook his head.

"The local authority are bogged down in bureaucracy. The information is written down somewhere, but hasn't been entered into the system yet."

"But you know about it."

"Of course I do. Gary works for me. I keep an eye on anything that might affect him."

"And you didn't tell the Feds."

"I don't see why..."

"No, Damian. One of the job you gave me, is to tell you when you're doing something wrong. This is wrong. You can't withhold information from the law when it can put someone's life in danger."

"You want me to tell them."

"No directly, obviously. But I want you to make sure they become aware of it."

"Alright, I'll do it."

"Thank you." He disconnected and joined Gary and his son.

"Problems?"

"No, just some miscommunication, but it isn't going to affect you." He sat on the couch. "Billy, did your father explained the situation?"

The young wolf nodded. "My mom trying to hurt us again, and you're going to protect us."

"Yes, I am. and I'm going to call a friend so she can keep you safe while your at school, okay?"

Billy shrugged.

Patrick took out his badge. "You're not going to know she's there unless something does wrong. If she shows you a badge like this, you need to do what she says, alright?"

Billy took the wallet and studied the badge.

Patrick stood and squeezed Gary's shoulder. "I need to make another call, to arrange Billy's protection."

He asked for Louisiane, she was a petite ocelot, with years of combat experience, and looked like someone's grand mother. Completely inoffensive, until she had to kick your ass. Then he got his go bag from the car. He locked his gun in the glove compartment. He wasn't going to keep it in the house, not with Billy there.

Gary made dinner, Patrick offered to help, but the wolf declined it. The tiger sat at the table, and couldn't help but watch the wolf move about, muscles flexing, fur glittering in the light.

Before his mind could go too deep in the gutter Patrick went to he the second floor, to get feel for the layout. Two bedroom, one office, one storage room and one bathroom.

Dinner was simple, but good. Chicken on rice with greens. After that Gary helped Billy with his homework, then it was bed time for the young wolf.

"I'm afraid I can't offer much in the way of entertainment. There are DVDs in the bottom drawers of the TV stand, but I'm most of them are Billy's"

"That's alright. I'm use to being on my own," Patrick answered, while his mind threw depictions of how the wolf could entertain him. "I have reading material on my tablet. Do what you need to do. Don't worry about me, I'll be up before you."

"Are you sure?"

Patrick nodded, and Gary went up the stairs. not long after that he heard him typing.

The night was quiet.

The next day was uneventful. He followed Gary as he dropped Billy at school. Louisiane was there, helping one of the teachers herd the kids.

Once Gary was at work, Patrick drove around to check in with some of his contact in the city. People on the edge of the law who Estel might contact to get supplies when she got to the city. he also arranged to see Alex, while he was doing his foot patrol. They met in a secluded spot. Patrick gave him the information about Estel, and Alex confirmed the FBI had sent a bulletin about her. Then they had sex.

On the way back to Gary's work he picked up some food. The least he could do was make sure Gary didn't have to pay to feed him. He bought a selection based on what he'd seen in their fridge.

The evening was similar to the previous one, less the bad news, but Gary did let Patrick help with preparing dinner. Patrick did his best to avoid touching the wolf unnecessarily, but they often made contact. Gary didn't react to it in any way Patrick noticed, but he was trying very hard not to notice him. Watching him act so fatherly with Billy, helping him with his homework, asking him about school, wasn't doing anything to keep his mind out of the gutter. When he excused himself to grab a shower, what he really want to do was drag Gary in with him.

Clean, and having rubbed one out, he felt a little more confident about being the same room as him. Although with his Orr sex drive, it wasn't long before he was thinking about all the things he and Gary could do together.

The rest of the week went the same, although on Thursday he was informed that Estel had been seen on the other side of the city. He didn't tell Gary. He didn't need to worry about that.

Saturday morning Patrick was up at four, like every day. It was difficult for him to sleep pass that now. With just his pants on he did a check of the doors and windows. It took a lot of will power not to use that as an excuse to peek in the wolf's room. After that he read until five thirty, a financial text book. Gary had told him they tended to sleep in on the weekend.

He did some text only conversations for a while, but even that wasn't helping, or rather all the innuendo, and advice his friends and brothers were giving him about what to do with/to Gary wasn't helping. He loved his brothers, but some time they could be insufferable.

By Seven he had to do something to keep himself busy, and he hoped they wouldn't think it's too early. He started making breakfast. Pancakes, bacon, eggs and toast.

Gary was the first one drawn down by the smells. "You didn't have to cook for us."

Patrick looked at him over his shoulder and had to fight to keep his face neutral. The wolf was only wearing briefs, and they flattered him.

"It's the least I can do. You've been cooking dinner all week."

Gary leaned back against he counter. "Can I ask you why you're doing security work?"

Patrick had received training on seeing more in his peripheral vision, and right now he was admiring a six pack, still visible through a layer of fat and the short fur, as well as nice looking pecks. "What do you mean?"

"Most people who do security work tend to be older, people with combat experience, or mental issues that make them unable to hold down quiet jobs. You don't seem to fit either."

"You seem to know a fair deal about what security people are like."

"Estel's company installed and monitored alarm systems, she dealt with them regularly."

Patrick nodded. "I guess you could say this is part of a work program."

"That doesn't sound like much of an answer."

Patrick slid the pancakes on top of the others and put the foil cover back on them. "I'm from the Brownstones, you probably don't know about them, but it isn't a nice part of the city. I did menial work, I guess you could say, bouncing at a bar, earning extra cash doing odd jobs and working at a junkyard. I liked it there, but I knew my life wasn't going to amount to anything. Then I fond out I'm related to a rich family."

"You're kidding."

Patrick shook his head. "Nope. Anyway, it wasn't smooth, but I reconnected with them. after a couple of years, I was offered a inheritance, but to accept it I have to go through a series of 'life courses' I guess you'd call them."

"So you're going this to get money?"

"No. It isn't money. I'll be running a company, but my uncle wants to make sure I'll have the right training to do it."

"By doing security work?"

"He strongly believes I need to be ready to handle anything the position will throw at me."

"Where is that company? in the Congo?"

Patrick chuckles. "I have no idea." he nodded to the fridge. "There's a can of maple syrup, can you take it out and open it?"

Gary turned, giving Patrick a view of his ass, firmly hugged by those briefs. Then the wolf bent down to reach for the can, and Patrick had to look alway before he came in his pants. He focused on the last of the pancakes, hard.

"This is Canadian maple syrup. You really shouldn't have."

Patrick made sure his breathing was back to normal before responding. "It's one of my few indulgence. One of my brothers was posted there for a few month and came back with that. Now I can't stand the stuff they sell in grocery stores."

Gary had a bemused smile on his face.

Patrick wanted to ask him about it, but was worried about the answer he'd get. "Breakfast's ready, do you want to wake Billy?"

The wolf leaned closer to be able to see the clock on the stove, which let Patrick breath in his scent. Rich with sweat from a night's sleep, and a surprisingly earthy tone to it. "He should be up soon on his own."

And as if that was a signal, feet were running above them, then down the stairs. Billy went to the living room, dressed in blue pajamas with planes on them and sat in front of the TV.

Patrick was about to ask if Billy was going to eat with them, when he saw the love and hope in Gary's eyes as he watched his son, and then his eyes started getting wet.

"His everything okay?"

Gary dried his eyes. "Yes, sorry. When Estel threatened Billy's life, I'd left him with my parents, because I didn't think she'd go after him. It was a Saturday morning, and he was watching his TV shows." He looked at his son again. "He only started watching them again last month." He took a breath. "I can't let her hurt him any more than she already has."

Patrick squeezed his arm. "Don't worry, I'm not going to let anything happen to him, or you."

Gary gave him a smile that made Patrick want to lean forward and kiss him. Instead he moved away to picked the Eggs and bacon. The wolf grabbed the pancakes and extra plates and they ate breakfast in the living room, watching kid's shows Patrick didn't get.

The three of them then did the dishes, washed and dressed. Patrick followed them to the park, where Gary and Billy played ball and ran around.

Patrick divided his attention between watching them, and evaluating the other people in the park. none of them matched Estel's description, no wolves with brown fur, or any wolves close to her height and general mass.

Each time a car drove by he watched it for signs they were watching the park. The gray sedan, which slowed noticeably, and then resumed normal speed. The red sport's car which drove at a constant speed. The green coup which raced by the park.

He didn't stay still, constantly walking around, and regularly looking to the parking lot, to look for anyone acting suspicious around Gary's car.

Gary tried to get him to join them, but Patrick turned him down, He thought he was already too distracted watching the wolf play with his son, those muscles bulging when Billy tacked him.

His Phone ran, forcing Patrick to look away. It was Alex.

"Hey, how is it going?"

"Pat, we just got a report of someone matching Estel stealing a red GF Alliance, about ten miles for the house of the guy you're protecting."

"When?" The alliance, that was a sport's car, right? Hadn't he seen one driving by?

"The call just filtered to us, so I'm thinking maybe twenty minutes ago, maybe thirty."

"Thanks." He hung up and looked around. He knew he'd see a red sport car. Hadn't he also see a red car parked near Gary's car? A red car came into view, turning onto the road along the part. It was an Alliance. he'd gone through courses to identify cars, as part of his training, but Adam had been the one to really help him learn how to recognize each model.

The passenger window was down.

Patrick started running. He could see the driver extending an arm, and he could make out something in their hand. He heard a gun shot, then he tackled Gary and Billy to the ground. he counted. eight, nine, ten, shots, then they stopped.

He looked around. The car was disappearing around the corner. People were screaming and panicking.

"Are you two okay?"

Gary nodded.

Patrick moved to a crouch. He didn't see anyone acting suspicious. It did seem to support Gary's claim his ex would do this herself.

"Stay low."

Gary held Billy close and Patrick made sure to be between the young wolf and the road and had them move toward the parking lot. He stopped them when they were close to their cars.

His phone rang as he pulled it out, Alex. he canceled it. he didn't have time for him right now. He called up the sensor program on his car. She'd stolen the car thirty minutes ago. It's possible she'd been watching the house when they left, and she might know Patrick was there.

He'd seen a red car in the parking lot. She might have tampered with either cars. He couldn't know for sure Gary's car was safe, but his has a sensor that recorded any changes to the car's position. He brought up the last hour. There was the jumble of when he drove. then nothing after he got out of the car. Good, it was safe.

"We're taking my car."

Gary nodded, and staying low, they got in. Patrick looked around before starting it. All clear as far as he could tell. He pulled out and got on the road.

"Alex." the car connected him to his brother's phone.

"Damn it, Pat, don't do that."

"Sorry, I was in the middle of things. couldn't take your call."

"We have reports of gun shots in a park five miles from the guy you're protecting."

"I know, we were there. we're fine. The red Alliance left the scene going north on Robert street."

"Are you following it?"

"Hell no. My job is keeping Gary and his son safe. I'm leaving apprehending her to you guys. Tell your people there's a dark blue Merily in the park's parking lot. It's entirely possible it's been rigged to explode."

"Okay, I'll have the bomb squad look at it."

"Also. you're goin to get reports of a gray corola leaving the scene. That's me. Please tell your people not to chase me."

Alex chuckled dryly. "My people? you do remember I'm just a patrolman. And you're sounding a lot like Aaron."

"Sorry Alex, work mind set."

"it's okay. I'll tell them. You be safe."

"I'll call you when we're off the road." he disconnected the call.

"Are we going home now?" Billy asked. he was hunched on the back seat.

"No, Billy. I'm sorry, but it's possible Estel knows where you live."

"Where are we going?"

"My place. I need to make another call."

Gary nodded.

"Jack." There was a beep, then.

"Hey Patrick, I'm glad you call, I was wondering if you minded..."

"I need you out of the house Jack." He interrupted.

"What? now? but, I've just..."

"Jack, you agreed to the rule when you moved in. I'm sorry, but I need you out."

"Of course, Sorry, you just caught me by surprise. How long to I have?"

"Forty-five minutes at the most."

"Okay, I'll be gone." The call ended

Gary looked at him.

"House mate. I'm helping him out until he gets himself back on his feet."

* * * * *

Patrick's house was two story freehold, just outside his old neighborhood. Half an hour's walk from his mother's house. It had a small yard, which looked good only because Jack took care of it. It had a chain link fence, with electronically locked gates.

The neighbors through Patrick was some sort of security nut, but he'd seen enough home invasions, and had perpetrated a few of them himself, to know there was nothing like a well secured home.

The garage door opened as the car got close, and Jack's car wasn't there. Once they were settled in, he'd call him to make sure he was okay. If he didn't have a place to stay, he'd see if Adam, or Aiden could take him in until this was over.

With the door closed behind them, Patrick was able to relax. even if Estel had followed them here, his house had extra security features none of the neighbors knew about. He took a moment the appreciate the quiet, then open the door.

"We're going to be safe here."

He led Gary and Billy in the house. The garage was connected to it by a mud room, with the washer and dryer. It opened up in the kitchen. It wasn't as large as Gary's, and there was no breakfast area, just the dining room. a door between them led to the yard and facing it was the hall leading to the front door. He took them there, passing the living room, and then up the stairs.

He closed Jack's door before Billy had a chance to see what was in it. The hyena kept leaving his toys out, and while Patrick didn't mind that, they weren't things a ten year old should be seeing. Next to Jack's room was Patrick's. On the other side was the bathroom, which door was open, and then the last bedroom, which they had converted into an entertainment room.

He opened the door to his bedroom. "You and Billy can sleep here tonight. I'll sleep on the couch."

"You don't have to do that." Gary said.

Patrick shook his head. "I don't mind. and after this morning's event, I expect both of you can use a rest." He pointed to the entertainment room. "There a game system in there. It's connected to he gaming network as well as the movie network. If you need a distraction, don't worry about the cost. While you rest, I need to make a few calls."

He left them there and went to the kitchen. He called Jack. "Sorry for kicking you out like this." He said when the other answered.

"Hey, no worry buddy. You just caught me by surprise. You never did this in the year I've lived here, so I'd sort of forgotten about that."

"Still, I wish I could have given you more of a warning."

"Patrick, chill. You're not charging me rent, I have no reason to complain about having to be out of the house for a while."

"You have a place to stay?"

Jack was silent.

"Jack, do you have a place to stay? You know you can't sleep on the street. That's to close to how you were."

"No." The hyena let out a sigh.

"How about your sponsor?"

"She can't. Her house is already full with her kids and parents."

Patrick thought about it for a moment. "Okay, Let me check with my brothers. One of them should be able to take you in until this is resolved."

"Patrick, I can't accept this. You've already done too much with letting me stay free of charge."

"You're not staying for free, you're working it. The place was a sty before you moved in, my mom thinks your a saint for keeping up with my mess."

Jack chuckled, which made Patrick breath a little easier. He looked around to make sure he was alone. "And the sex is pretty good too."

That make the hyena laugh.

"Look, it's not going to be any trouble, I'll see if Aiden is in town, you'll get along with him, he's a musician. If he isn't I'll check with Albert, he paints so he's another artist, like you."

Jack was silent for a long moment. "Thanks man."

"How much of a charge in your car?"

"It's full, it was plugged in until I left."

"okay, good. I should get back to you before dinner time with a place for you to go. Just, be careful until then."

"I will. I'll go hang out near the Valance Mall, it's a pretty clean area. I'll do some chalk drawings to pass the time."

"Okay, talk with you soon."

He put the phone away just as Gary walked in the kitchen.

"How is Billy?"

"Less rattled by all this than I am, I think. He's playing a game, I hope you don't mind."

"I don't."

"Look, I appreciate you taking us here, and making sure we're safe, but we can't stay here. I can't miss work, and I can't have Billy miss school. The routine is good for him."

Patrick nodded. "I figured you'd say that. It's just going to be for today and tomorrow."

"Patrick, we don't have anything, no change of clothes, we weren't planning for this."

"You can't go home Gary. Your ex knows where you live."

"You said the house was as safe as anywhere else."

"It is, but I want my people to look it over, to make sure she didn't plant anything in our absence. It's just going to take a day. You won't even be able to tell they were there. I promise, by dinner time tomorrow, you'll both be home."

Gary nodded, and was silent for a time. "Look. I'm sorry for being all demanding like this. You probably saved our lives this morning, and I haven't even said thank you."

"It's okay Gary."

The wolf moved close to Patrick and cupped his cheek. "no, it isn't." his voice was soft. "Thank you Patrick. I don't know what I would have done if anything had happened to Billy." He leaned in.

"Gary," Patrick whispered, "You shouldn't." But he didn't pull away.

Gary looked at him. "Is my gaydar that off the mark after all these years? I could have sworn you're gay, and that you were checking me out this morning."

"I am, and i was, but..."

"Dad! Dad!" Billy came running down the stair, brandishing two disk cases. "He has a bunch of Aiden's albums!"

Patrick pulled away from Gary, and there was moment of uncomfortable silence as Billy looked from one adult to the other.

"You like his music?" Patrick managed to ask. Billy nodded rapidly. "Well, if you look in the same section you found those two, you'll find a few disks of songs he hasn't released."

Billy's eye became perfect circles, and then he was running back up the stairs.

Gary chuckled. "I take it your a fan too?"

"Not really. I'm more of a jazz and classical music kind of guy."

"Then why do you have so much of his albums? and even some unreleased ones. I thought he only gave out those to really special fans."

"And his family. Every time he comes up with a new song he sends it to us. when he has enough he records a disk and sends us that, when he finally decides what he's going to release and masters *that*, we get the official album too."

Gary stared at him. "You're related to Aiden Orr?"

Patrick chuckled. "I did say I'd found out I was related to a rich family, didn't I?"

"But Aiden Orr?"

"I take it you like his stuff?"

"Are you kidding? I can't stand it, but Billy adores him. When he released Carousel Rock a few months ago, Billy played it none stop for weeks on end. If I hear that song one more time I'll probably go nuts. But the guy is a genius, I can't deny that. He's had what, a dozen song in the top five in the last few year?"

"Possibly, I don't follow his career."

Music started playing, a little loud.

Gary looked up. "I'll go tell him to turn him down." He made to go, but Patrick caught his arm.

"Let him enjoy it. It isn't like the neighbors can hear it."

Gary nodded.

Patrick didn't release him. "So, you're gay?"

"Bi, although I think Estel burned me off women for a good long time." Gary fixed his gaze on him.

Patrick looked into those silvery eyes, then looked away with a barely audible curse. "Look, this, it's going to get weird."

Gary moved closed. "Why? because you have to protect me?"

Patrick shook his head. he opened his mouth to tell him, but Gary's lips were on his. The kiss surprised him, but Gary didn't let him pull away, and within moment, Patrick melted in it, kissing him back.

There was hunger in the kiss, from both of them, and they held each other tightly, as if they were afraid the other would run off. When they broke the kiss, Gary moved to bit the side of the tiger's neck.

"Fuck yeah, dad," Patrick sighed.

Gary stopped. He pulled away a little.

Patrick curse softly. "I warned you this would get weird."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make this weird, you sure surprised me. Do you have father issues?"

Patrick shook his head. "No in the way you mean it. My dad's great. It's just that I have an attraction to fathers. Watching you and Billy together has been something of a test of my will power. And you're close to my dad's age, which just makes you hotter."

"So, you fantasizes about having sex with your father?"

Patrick couldn't stop himself from laughing. that was one thing he didn't have to fantasize about. He shook his head. "Like I said, fathers just turn me on. It has nothing to do with my own."

Gary nodded, and moved closer again. Only to stop when something large fell to the ground above them. Patrick was up the stairs before Gary. He burst in the entertainment room to find Billy trying to lift the large TV off the ground.

"I'm sorry." tears were rolling down his cheeks. "I didn't mean to make it fall."

"Billy!" Gary tried to go to his son, but Patrick stopped him. he shook his head at the anger in the wolf's eyes.

He bent down and untangled the controller's cord from around the young wolf's feet. "It's okay Billy. It was an accident. It's my fault really. I shouldn't still have these old things. I should have switch to wireless years ago."

"I didn't mean to. I was dancing to he song, and the TV just fell."

Patrick dried Billy's cheeks. "It's okay. The important thing is that you aren't hurt. Are you?"

Billy shook his head, drying his eyes.

"That's good." He helped Billy stand. "How about we go get you some ice cream. Ice cream always helps me feel better." He led the young wolf down to the kitchen and sat him at the table.

"We have Pistachio, that's Jack's, but if you want that, he won't mind. Good old trustworthy vanilla, Then the amazing maple walnut." Patrick looked over his shoulder and lowered his voice. "That's mine, but I don't mind sharing it with you, just don't tell your dad."

Billy chuckled.

"And finally no freezer would be complete without Chocolate." He turned to Billy. "So, what will you have?"

"Chocolate."

"Really?"

The young wolf nodded.

"You're sure?"

More nodding.

"Are you certain I can't tempt you in having some maple walnut?"

Billy shook his head.

Patrick shrugged. "Okay, then. more for me. Gary, what flavor do you want?"

"What?"

Patrick looked at the older wolf, who had a stunned expression on his face, as he pulled bowls out of the cupboard. "What. Flavor. Do you. Want?" He checked his watch, then mock whispered to Billy. "it isn't that early. Are you sure your dad got a full night of sleep?"

"Errr, vanilla, I guess," Gary finally said.

"And on that note of certainty, vanilla it is." Each bowls got a large portion of ice cream of the flavor requested. And it was enjoyed in happy silence.

Patrick finished his ice cream first and left Billy and Gary to enjoy theirs, heading upstairs. In the entertainment room, he set the TV back up. The screen was cracked.

"I'll replace it," Gary said, in the doorway.

"Don't worry about it." Patrick lifted it back onto the stand. "It's just a TV set."

"I'm serious. Billy broke it. You shouldn't have to foot the bill."

Patrick looked at him, ready to insist he didn't have to pay for it, but then saw the determined look on the wolf's face. "Alright, but you're only paying half of it. I'm partially to blame." he picked up the controller and unplugged it from the TV. "I shouldn't leave this plugged in."

"Okay. Why do you use such an old controller?"

"I like it better. the wireless one always feels sluggish. Jack says it's my imagination." Patrick shrugged and crouched to put the controller in a drawer.

When he stood Gary was next to him. The wolf ran a finger along Patrick's muzzle. "I want you to know I'm not weirded out by your having a thing for fathers."

"Should we really talk about this now? What if Billy comes up?"

"I told him I needed to talk to you. He has his tablet to keep him busy."

"Does he know you're gay? I mean bi?"

"No. You're the first guy I've been interested in since moving here."

"Wait, you haven't had sex in a year and a half?"

"More than that. After Billy was born, Estel wasn't really into it."

"Wow. man, I'm sorry to hear that."

"Thanks. and to be honest, after the ordeal, I wasn't ready to open up to someone again." He gently kissed Patrick. "I'm ready now."

Patrick kissed him back, and Gary wrapped his arms around him. It felt so good to be held like this, to feel safe in a father's arms. Still, he broke the kiss.

"This probably isn't the right place or time to do this Gary."

"Why not?"

"Because I don't want to rush this. I don't think it would be fair to Billy to abandon him like that, and I need to make more calls. I have see about finding a place for Jack to spend the night."

"He doesn't have any friends who can take him in?"

Patrick shook his head. "None of the friends he had are good for him. One of my brothers should be able to help. I also need to get your house looked over, I promised you we'd go back there tomorrow."

"Alright." Gary nibbled on the tiger's ear. "But I want this to happen," He whispered. Then he left.

Patrick panted the entire time he listened to Gary go down stairs. When his breath calmed down he called Aiden. Unfortunately, he was in New York City for the day, giving a concert. Albert was happy to help Jack out. So Patrick gave his number, and then called Jack to let him know to expect the call, and that he'd be able to go back home Sunday night. After that he called the office to get them to send a team to inspect Gary's house.

Then he sat and tried to get his brain to stop thinking about Gary. That didn't work very well. He was hard from that kiss, and as much as he still felt now wasn't the right time for them to have sex, he wanted it pretty badly.

He forced himself up, and took a shower, making sure to lock the door. He took advantage of the privacy to jerk off. When he was clean and dry, he put his pants on, having almost walked out naked first. He put on some clean clothes and looked through his closet for something that might fit Gary. He didn't have anything.

He went to the kitchen, where Gary was helping Billy with some problems on his tablet. Math, Patrick saw as he walked by to get some coffee going.

"I don't have any clothes that fits you, but if you want I can call my dad to have him bring you some. He's about your size."

Gary smiled at him. "Thanks, but I'm going to be okay. it's only for a day." He checked to make sure Billy was managing the problem then joined Patrick at the counter. "You don't need to do anything else, we can rough it for a day." He ran a finger along Patrick's arm.

Patrick checked to make sure Billy was engrossed in his work before putting a hand over Gary's and squeezing it. Then he took out two cups. "How about Billy? They could get him some PJs at the very least."

Gary chuckled. "Stop, you're job is to keep us safe, not keep us in clean clothes. If you think they stink too much, I'll be happy to throw mine in the wash."

Patrick looked the wolf over, imagining him naked, and then focused on filling the cups. "There's milk in the fridge, there's also a few flavored creamers if you like that stuff. Sugar's over there." He indicated the container on the counter. "How about you Billy? Do you want something? I'm afraid I only have milk or water."

"I'll have a glass of milk, please."

Patrick handed Gary a glass to fill once he was done pouring milk in his coffee.

"If you guys want something special to drink with dinner, We can go get something."

Gary squeezed his hand. "Patrick, stop worrying about us. We're fine." He smiled at him.

Patrick relented, and they spent the afternoon playing games at the kitchen table. With Gary and Patrick smiling at each other every so often when Billy wasn't looking.

They had dinner, and then played some more, before Gary got Billy ready for bed. Patrick was surprised the young wolf didn't put up any fuss. He couldn't remember ever being that compliant with it came to bed time.

While the bath ran he got a pillow from his bedroom and sheets for the couch. He did the dishes, and put them away, at which point the bath was drained.

Things were quiet for ten minutes after that, then the shower ran. Patrick was up the stairs when he stopped himself. This wasn't the time. He went back down, stretched on the couch, and read.

He was engrossed in the manual's description of management conflict resolution when he sensed someone entering the living room.

Gary was wearing his bathrobe.

"I hope you don't mind. I didn't feel like putting my clothes back on."

"It's okay, I can't say I wear it often." Patrick moved to make space for the wolf.

Gary didn't move, watching the tiger. "Really? I didn't take you for the type to wear clothes when home."

Patrick smiled up at him. "I don't. I usually get out of them as soon as I get home."

the corner of Gary's lips quirked up. "In the fur?" Patrick nodded. "And your roommate doesn't mind?"

"No, he's gay too."

"And have you two..."

"Yes, but we're not in a relationship, if that's what you're wondering."

"It wouldn't have been any of my business, but I have to admit I'm more comfortable doing this now." he untied the robe. He wasn't wearing anything under it.

Patrick looked him over, his gaze taking him all in, without noticeably slowing at the wolf's crotch. He was well hung. Before Patrick could say anything, Gary had his legs on each side of him and knelt on the couch. "Are you sure about this?" he managed to ask.

Gary leaned in and licked Patrick's ear. "I didn't expect you to be quite this reticent," he whispered.

Patrick shivered in pleasure. "I have to admit I'm usually the one doing the seducing." His voice was as soft as Gary's. He wrapped his arms around the wolf.

"I might be a little out of practice, but I guess it's time your father showed you what he can do."

Patrick startled. "Gary, you don't have to."

The wolf silence him with a finger on his lips. "My house, my rules."

Patrick sucked the finger in his muzzle and nibbled on it for a moment before releasing it. "Technically, this is my house."

"Don't give me lip, young man." Gary bit the side of Patrick's neck, making him gasp loudly. Gary released him. "I guess I should be careful. I wouldn't want you to wake your brother."

Patrick had a lump in his throat, as well as in his pants. he'd never had a father so willing to play the role before. "I'll be quiet, dad, I promise."

* * * * *

Patrick woke up, so it was close to four am. He didn't have to check the clock, not that there was a clock withing view. He didn't open his eyes immediately, enjoying Gary's arms around him, holding him close. It felt good, he felt protected, and it also kept him from falling to the floor. The couch was over sized, but it had never been designed to have two grown man sleep on it.

He would have stayed like this for... well, for as long as Gary let him. There was something special about being held by a father. Probably because it was something he'd dreamed about so much as a kid, believing his father had died not long after his birth.

Unfortunately, his bladder had other plans. He carefully untangled himself from Gary's arm without waking him, and went to the bathroom next to the mud room. He wasn't risking Billy seeing him in the fur, even at this hour.

After that he contemplated crawling back against the wolf, but he was fully awake now, and he didn't want to wake Gary this early. He got dressed, left a note on the coffee table warning Gary against trying to leave the house. When he exited for his run, he turned on the security system. Not the basic one, which was just a siren and a message to the police, the more elaborate one, which electrified all the access points. He set it only to cover the ground floor and at a charge that would only stun who ever touched it, then started running.

An hour and a half later he was back. He deactivated the system and went in. He took off his clothes as he walked to the couch, and woke Gary up by stroking his cock.

Gary rumbled. "That feels nice." He didn't open his eyes.

Patrick lay next to him, pushing the wolf back against the cushions. His hand didn't stop stroking.

Gary's eyes open when he caught a whiff of Patrick. "You smell kind of ripe."

"I went for a run."

"What time is it?"

"A little pass five thirty."

"Isn't it early for a run?"

"I always get up at four and go for a run. I'm usually back by five, but I figured that would be too early to wake you up."

Gary chuckled. "And five thirty isn't?"

Patrick licked the wolf's muzzle. "I figured that if I waited too long, We might not have the time to finish before Billy wakes up. I don't want to traumatize him"

Gary wrapped his arms around Patrick. "So you want to have sex again?"

"If you want too... dad. Once he wakes up we'll have to keep our hands to ourselves."

Gary looked him in the eyes for a moment, then nodded. "Do you think you're willing to top an old man?"

Patrick gasped in surprise. "Are you sure?"

"You'll have to be gentle, it's been decades since my last time, but yeah, I'm sure."

Patrick didn't move. if he'd allowed himself to, he would have flipped Gary on his back and impaled him. He forced himself to calm down. He kissed him. "I'll be gentle, I promise."

* * * * *

Billy made it down for breakfast only moments after Patrick and Gary got dressed. Breakfast was simple eggs and bacon with toast. After that they decided to spend the day outside. They showered and Patrick drove them around, first showing him his old neighborhood, which was being revitalized, he offered to take them to church, he was a practicing Christian, but he no longer felt he had to go every Sundays.

They passed, so they went to the museum, where Gary and Patrick ended up having to spend most of the time there waiting for Billy to be done with the kid's section. After that they went to a movie.

While they waited for their lunch to arrive, Patrick went outside the restaurant to make some calls.

"Alex, Is there anything you can tell me?"

"Hey Pat. I can tell you it's a good thing you warned us about the car. We did find explosives on it. That's with CSI, but even when we get the results, I can't tell you."

"No worries, can we pick up the car?"

"Unfortunately, it's part of the investigation now, so we have to keep it for now. If you need to get them a replacement in the mean time, There's a few good rental company I can give you the numbers for."

"That's okay. I can be the chauffeur for a while. makes it easier to keep an eye on them. Any news on Estel?"

"Nothing. The car she stole was found in a parking lot a few miles away. No one's seen her."

Patrick sighed. "Thanks." He called his office, and learned that the cleanup crew found that someone had expertly broken in and installed cameras throughout the house. The tech department was trying to find out where the feed was going, but didn't hold up much hope. They had left people to watch the house in case Estel tried to break in again.

With the confirmation the house was clean, Patrick drove them back, and Gary headed up to change clothes, while he made coffee. When he turned, Billy was watching him.

"Are you going to be my dad's boyfriend?"

Patrick stared at him for a moment, unsure what to say.

"It's okay," the young wolf said. "I like you."

"Ah, thank you, but what makes you think I might be his boyfriend?"

Billy rolled his eyes. "I've seen the way you look at each other. I'm not stupid."

"No, that you're not. Well, I don't know. I do like your father, and I think he likes me."

"He does. He likes you more than my mom."

"Is that okay with you?"

"She's a bad person. She wants to hurt us, and you want to protect us." That was all Billy had to say on that, he went to his room.

When Gary came back down Patrick pulled him close and kissed him. "Billy just gave me his blessing to be your boyfriend."

"How?"

"He has eyes, and a good mind. and while we managed to keep our hands to ourselves, seems we couldn't keep our eyes off each other."

Gary wrapped his arms around the tiger. "So, how about it. You want to be my boyfriend?"

Patrick smiles. "Gary, You know those action flick, where the star and the romantic interest hook up while they are in danger, and have passionate sex?"

Gary nips his neck "Of course I do. I've always envied them that passion."

Patrick eyed him. "You're plenty passionate. that isn't something you need to worry about."

"Thank you."

"But my point is, that you know those relationship don't last. it's all about the heat of the moment."

"What are you implying?"

"We should enjoy the sex, but lets wait until all this is over to make relationship decisions, okay?"

"Are you sure you're the young one here? that sounded damn mature."

"I'm very mature for my age. Just like you're very horny for yours." Patrick groped him, and they went to Gary's bedroom.

Eventually, they both ended up sleeping there.

* * * * *

"You have a good day," Gary told Billy as his son got out of Patrick's car.

"I will. see you after school." He headed for the yard where they other kids were playing.

"Billy?" Patrick scanned the yard, looking for Louisiane, and not seeing her.

The young wolf stopped and looked at him.

Patrick's phone rang. It was Louisiane. "Please come back to the car." He answered the phone. "What do you want Estel?"

Gary's eyes went wide and he motioned for billy to come back.

"What do you think you're doing?" Her voice was cold.

"I'm keeping my clients safe."

She laughed. "How much is it going to cost for you to deliver them to me?"

"That's never going to happen."

Billy got back in the car.

"Please, I know your kind. You're just a mercenary working under a more legitimate banner. So just tell me your price."

"If that's what you think of security work, I don't think much of the people you use to work with. I took the job of protecting them, not betraying them."

There was a sigh. "I told you, everyone has a price. If yours isn't money, I'm willing to bet it's your coworker's life."

Patrick closed his eyes and forced himself to breathes calmly. "No."

"No?" disbelief. "You're going to force me to kill her?"

"I'm not forcing you to do anything Estel." He couldn't agree to that.

Like everyone who did these kind of jobs, He was taught that the client was all that mattered. and like everyone, he screwed it up at some point. For Patrick's case, it was an assault on a drug lord's compound, to rescue a kidnapped family. The team had eight people in it. He, Florance and Justin had the job of finding the mother and getting her out.

They found her, and were on their way out when they were ambushed. they separated to find cover. He had the mother with him, and someone gave him orders to get her out, but Florance was pinned down and wounded.

The location he was in provided good cover, so he told the client to stay there while he went to rescue Florance. She nodded, and he made his way there. He was almost there when someone shot him in the back. His tactical vest took the worse of the shot. He spun to shot back, only then realizing the shooter was standing in his previous location. He saw the mother, a bullet wound in the head as he was shot three times in the chest. He fell back on Florance, who was already dead.

He should have died there too, but Justin had been making his way to Florance, killed the drug dealer, and ended up rescuing Patrick instead.

No one berated him about what he had done. They didn't have to, he berated himself for month after that. It took two years of seeing a shrink for him to make peace with what had happened. but he was never going to make that mistake again.

"She has to be someone's grand mother. How are you going to explain to her sad grand children that you let her die?"

Patrick forced his voice to remain steady. "Louisiane knew the risk when she joined the company."

"I'm really disappointed in you." He heard the gun shot over the phone.

He couldn't move. He couldn't let himself move. If he did anything now, he'd do something stupid. never act angry, that had been one of the first thing Tom had taught him, and then had spent years pounding in his head. Anger caused mistakes. Only in movies did anger let someone over come odds.

First thing he needed to consider was safety. They were in his car, it was bullet proof, and he didn't expect Estel had anything larger than a rifle at this time. He had the time to calm down. With a few deep breath, he pushed the emotions to the side. He would deal with them afterward. Once they were safe.

He opened his eyes and put his phone away.

"what just happened?" Gary asked.

Patrick shook his head. He looked over his shoulder. "Are you alright Billy?" The young wolf nodded. "Gary, call your work. you're not going in." The wolf didn't argue. "Billy, you're not going to school today. We can call your teacher to find out what home work you need to do, okay?"

Billy nodded. "Did my mom hurt someone?"

Patrick thought about it for a moment, then nodded. Now that he was calm, and had assured himself his clients were okay, he started the car.

He called the office. "Stephanie, Estel took Lousiane out."

"Oh. Are you sure?"

"I didn't see the body, but Estel doesn't have a history of letting anyone go."

There was a moment of silence. "I'll tell Tom. How are your clients?"

"We're good. Is the house still being watched? is it still secure?"

"Yes, it is, but you should know we can't leave that many people there. We're going to have to reduce it to two."

"That's okay. We're heading there and we'll be spending the day in. If they can stay until we get there, I'd be grateful."

"That won't be a problem."

* * * * *

Once the car was in the garage and his clients were out of it he let his anger flow. He hit the steering wheel since he couldn't hit Estel. What he wanted was to strangle her. She'd better hope the police got to her before he did. When he was calmer, he dried his eyes and went in.

Gary took his hand and let him to his bedroom. Patrick didn't have the energy to protest on the moment, but once the door was closed, he stayed by it.

"I don't think this is a good idea, Gary."

"I just want to make sure Billy doesn't walk in on this. Why did Estel kill her?"

Patrick leaned on the door. "Because I wouldn't turn you over to her."

"What? Why? You should have..."

"Gary, stop." He went and held him. "This isn't your fault."

"But if you're agreed, maybe you could have found a way to rescue her."

"No, this isn't how it works. My job is to keep you and Billy safe. Gary, this isn't a movie, where I'm the hero and manage to save everyone. I'm only concerned with the two of you."

"Isn't that hard?"

Patrick nodded. "But the alternative is that one or both of you ends up killed because I was distracted trying to keep someone else alive."

"But she's doing that because of me. she could hurt other people."

"No. she's doing this because she's a murderer. Don't take the blame for any of it. This, all of this, is her fault."

Gary nodded on his shoulder

* * * * *

Patrick left Gary and Billy to their game and went to the kitchen to refill his cup. His phone rang, Jack.

"Hey Jack, how was the stay over?"

"Hello Patrick," a sweet feminine voice replied.

For a moment he couldn't process what he'd heard. "How did you get Jack's phone?" He hissed, glancing over his shoulder to make sure Gary and his son weren't paying attention to him.

"Oh, that was easy," Estel answered. "I caught him when he returned home."

"How?" He hadn't meant to ask that, but she shouldn't have been able to find out where his house was, even from his number. Damian had made sure none of the family's homes could be found online.

"Please, someone in your line of work has to know that nothing can be hidden online, if you're determined enough. And I am very determined."

Patrick couldn't say anything, he was still trying to understand how that was possible.

"Now, we've previously established that you're willing to let a coworker die to do your job, and I'm willing to bet that even a friend comes second to that." She paused. "But I wonder if your job is more important than your family."

"What are you talking about?"

She didn't reply, the phone was being moved.

"I'm sorry Pat," a man said, not Jack.

Patrick's blood froze. "Albert? What happened?"

"I don't think she's going to let me give you a blow by blow. I was following Jack back, and she jumped us when we got to your place."

Patrick was shaking from the effort to keep his anger in check. He needed to push that aside. He had to think clearly. "Are you okay?"

"We're tied up, but she hasn't hurt us. The way she's looking at us, it might not last. Pat, don't do..."

"Stop."

"Pat, you can't do what she wants, whatever that is."

Patrick held himself up by resting a hand on the counter. This couldn't be happening. "Albert, I need to talk to her."

"You had no business involving them," He said once he was sure she was listening. "They have nothing to do with this."

"Of course they do. You involved yourself in my business, you dragged them into it at the same time. I told you everyone had a price. Have I met yours?"

He couldn't immediately reply. "What do you want?

"I want that traitor and his brat. You're going to bring them to me."

"I can't."

"Really? your job means more to you than your own brother? I guess you have enough of them you're not going to miss one, right?"

"Where do you want me to bring them?" He couldn't believe he was contemplating this, but she had Albert.

"I've just messaged you the address. You have three hours."

"That isn't enough." He needed more time to come up with a plan.

"If you want to see your brother alive again, you better hope it is." She disconnected.

He wanted to scream, but he couldn't. He couldn't do anything that would alert Gary. He shoved the anger and the sorrows to the side. He couldn't deal with that right now. First, he needed to make sure three hours was enough. The address she sent was about an hour's drive away, considering it was evening and the rush wasn't over.

He needed a plan, except he couldn't come up with anything. The fear of what she might do to Albert made it difficult to think. He cursed silently. He couldn't afford to be emotional. He shoved the fear aside.

Second. There was no avoiding it. He had to incapacitate Gary and Billy. He couldn't risk either one of them making a fuss. Fortunately he had something for that. A few calming breath, and his face was relaxed again.

"Who was on the phone?" Gary asked, still looking at the television, moving his character to a different square.

"Jack." he kept his answer short, uncertain if he could keep his voice steady.

"Everything okay?"

Billy triumphantly took possession of another square and his score went up.

Patrick took a second to make sure he was calm. "yeah, just need to check something in my car."

"okay." Gary studied the board, and Patrick went to the garage. out of the trunk he pulled out a briefcase. It looked like a normal case, although it had a print lock instead of the usual number lock. Every company car had one of them, to make sure no one was ever without a basic kit.

His print unlatched it, and after looking through the pockets he found what he was looking for. he went back to the kitchen with the small vial. Gary and Billy were engrossed in out strategizing the other.

He took out three small glasses and put one drop of the knockout drug in one, and four in the other. He looked at the glasses, and almost rinsed them. He couldn't seriously be considering doing this. There was no way she was going to let any of them walk out of there. Unless...

He took apple juice out the of the fridge.

There might be a way. So long as Gary was right about what he'd told him, he might be able to ensure Jack and Albert were able to escape.

He filled all three glasses, and brought them to the living room. "Who's winning?" he asked. Handing them their respective glass.

"I am!" Billy exclaimed.

"Alright then, a toast to the will be winner." He raised his glass.

"Really?" Gary looked at him. "You have that little confidence in me?" but he clinked his glass to Patrick's

Billy looked at them, unsure what to do, so Patrick lowered his glass and gently touch Billy's. Then he downed the content. Gary followed suit, and then so did Billy.

Patrick collected the glasses and washed them. By the time he was done, Both wolves were slumped over. Guilt ate at him. What he'd done to them was inexcusable. He shoved that aside. He could be a mess when all this was over, but not now.

He pocketed the vial and looked for the linen closet. Finding it he looked through spare pillows, duvet and comforters, until he found sheets. Alright, this would work.

* * * * *

Patrick carefully held the head up as he closed the car's door. He lowered it. The angle it rested at looked uncomfortable, but it didn't look like it would cause pain. He'd had to pull the legs to the chest so it would fit on the back seat, but wrapped in the sheets, no one should really be able to tell. he'd even managed to hide the strips he'd used to tie it all, so that only someone looking close would notice the shape. He placed the smaller one on the chest, made sure what it was wouldn't be obvious, and then extricated himself through the passenger door.

He was ashamed of himself for thinking that he'd wished it had been only Jack she'd captured. As much as it would had hurt him, he would have been able to say no to her if that had been the case.

He called Stephanie so she could inform those watching the house he had to go run an errand, and he'd advised Gary and Billy to stay indoors. He'd put a movie on, so there would be light motion against the curtains in the living room. Then he drove away.

Because he needed to avoid anyone taking a look in the back seat, he stuck to smaller roads, which made the trip take longer. Fortunately, it had only taken him an hour to wrap everything up at the house. He let out a wry chuckle. He couldn't believe he was punning in a situation like this.

It took him just under two hours to make to the address. it was an old office building, windows boarded up. He drove around the building, looking for her. She was standing in the open underground garage door. When he headed in her direction, she disappeared inside.

Somehow she'd setup half a dozen work lights, illuminating a large part of the parking lot. Albert and Jack were seated in the middle of the lights, obviously tied. he stopped just inside the garage, a good five hundred feet away from them.

He fixed the camera to the rear view mirror, and pointed it to the backseat. He adjusted it so it showed the wrapped heads on the tablet. He steeled himself and left the car, tablet in one hand and the other in his jacket's pocket, holding what he hoped was his insurance.

He took ten steps and stopped.

She was standing next to Albert, pointing her gun at his head. Her brown red fur had lost his luster and she looked skinnier than the pictures in the file, in the shirt and dirty jeans. Prison life had been rough on her.

"Where are they?" She asked.

"Before we proceed with this, I'd like you to answer a question for me."

She pressed the gun against Albert's cheek. The tiger closed his eyes. "If you're trying to screw with me you brother gets it. I did you the honor of not telling you to keep the cops out of this because I figured you were smart enough, don't tell me you're just trying to stall me while they get in position."

Patrick shook his head. "I'm just wondering why you didn't have me kill them and bring you the bodies."

"I'm the one who ended up in prison because of that traitor. You think I'd let you have the privilege of carving them up? their pelts are mine, no one else."

Patrick didn't let his relief show. that had been the one thing that he'd been afraid of. If Gary had been wrong, none of them would have walked out of here.

"They're in the car." He placed the tablet on the ground and slid it to her.

"What's that?" She asked, looking at the screen.

"I wrapped them up. I didn't want someone to look in the backseat and call the cops." He took his hand out of his pocket, holding a cylinder with his thumb the button at the end of it.

"Well, I guess I don't need any of you anymore then." She pointed the gun at him, then wavered. "What's that?"

He brought his hand in front of him. "This is a dead man's switch. It triggers explosives in my car."

She pointed the gun back to Albert. "I'm going to kill him."

Patrick snorted. "You already said you didn't need us anymore, I doubt that means you were about to let us go. You shoot anyone, I let go of this, and you lose your chance at revenge."

"You're going to kill them? I thought your job was to protect them?"

"Lets be real here. Even if I don't blow them up, they're dead. I've failed. Right now, all I care about is my brother. So how about we trade? you walk to the car, I walk to my brother. we walk out of here, and you get to do what ever you want."

She didn't look certain, her gun went from Albert, to him then to Jack and back to him. "Throw me your gun."

"I don't have one." Patrick opened his jacket, to show her, then he lifted the back and turned in place.

"Throw me your knife."

It was in the small of his back. "No. I'm going to need it to cut them free. Lets just keep our distances, that way you'll be sure I can't slash at you."

"You could throw it."

"And you shot me. My goal is to get out of here alive with my brother and my friend. Trying anything will ruin that."

She thought about it for a moment then started in his direction. He started walking. They stayed away from each other. Once they crossed the middle point he hurried. He had to get them out of here as soon as possible.

"Pat," Albert said, "what have you done?"

Patrick didn't reply. he cut the thick rope holding him to the chair. Then he moved to Jack.

"Pat, you can't let her have them, she's going to hurt them a lot. She wouldn't shut up about what she was going to do to them."

Patrick looked at his brother. "You need to leave."

"Damn it Pat! You can't do this. It's wrong."

Patrick sighed and looked at the hyena. "Jack?"

"Got it. Do what you say, don't ask questions."

"Thanks. Get both of yourselves out of here. Find a side door."

Estel screamed.

"Now!" he shoved them in the direction of the darkness.

He turned and Estel was holding one of the sheets. it had come undone as she pulled on it and pillows spilled out. "Where are they!"

"They're home, safe and sound." Patrick ran in the opposite direction Jack went, and got out of the light as she fired twice in his direction. He kept moving, occasionally letting himself become visible so she would waste her bullets. She had a bereta 269, and the clip looked standard, that meant fifteen bullets.

He counted them as he moved, and she fired. Six, nine, thirteen, fifteen. He ran at her. She fired and pain exploded in his shoulder. The impact threw him off and he fell. He ignored the pain and got back up.

She fired again, and this time the gun just clicked. he threw a punch and she dodged it. She hit him in the side with the gun and she hit a lot harder than he'd expected. He stepped back and wound up for another punch. She caught his arm and sent him flying over the hood.

With a curse he crashed to he ground. Okay, he was done under estimating her. He stood and jumped on the hood. she was fumbling with her pocket. She pulled out another clip and he kicked her across the face.

The gun flew out of her hand as she back pedaled. He was back on the ground and punching her. He was too angry now to be graceful. He just threw punch after punch, and took almost as many, but his anger was a shield against the pain now.

She threw another punch, and this time Patrick made it the last. He caught her wrist, pulled her and then spun so she hit the side of the hood. The momentum forced her to bend against it and he held her in place. She fought to get out, but in this position he had the superior strength.

After a moment she stopped trashing. "I'm going to get them! it's just a question of time! You think you saved them, you just postponed the inevitable!"

He grabbed her head and smashed it against the hood. "you're never going to get to them." He smashed it again. "If you ever do." Again. "I'm going to kill you." Again. "Do you hear me?" Again. "Do you hear me?" he screamed at her.

She didn't respond. She was limp.

He was panting. He wanted to strangle her right here and ensure Gary would never have to worry about her again. He had trouble finding reasons not to do it. It wasn't like anyone would miss her.

And somewhere at the back of his mind he heard a voice. he hadn't spoken to her in over a year, too busy with work. "God wants you to fight for justice, not revenge," Mother Rosetta had told him on that first time he'd met her.

All the emotions he'd pushed aside hit him now. His knees buckled. He cried, shook, sometime screamed. He couldn't believe how stupid he'd been, he could have been killed. He could have gotten Albert and Jack killed.

He rested his head against the car, having trouble breathing. He had to focus. He couldn't let his emotions take over just yet, she wasn't secured. If she regained consciousness while he was in this state, he was dead. But he couldn't shove the fear, the shame at having drugged Gary and Billy, aside.

He forced himself to stand through all that. Leaning against the car he reached the trunk. it took him multiple tries, but he got it open. He took out restraint form the briefcase. and having trouble seeing through the tears he put them on Estel, hands and feet.

Then he crumbled to the ground and let the emotions overwhelm him.

* * * * *

Once he was able to think again Patrick threw Estel in the trunk of the car and drove it around the building to locate Albert and Jack. They'd managed to get out of it on the opposite side. He gave money to Jack for them to take a taxi home. Albert wanted an explanation, but Patrick couldn't talk to him right now. He knew that if he got into it with his brother, he was going to lose his temper. He didn't want a screaming match, not when he was terrified of the reception he was going to get at Gary's. He made one phone call on the way there. To arrange something he hoped would make them go easier on him.

He parked the car behind Steven's, and told him about Estel in the trunk. He was done dealing with her. Steven could let her rot there for all he cared. He walked to the door, and stood there for a moment.

Officially the job was done. Estel had been caught, so Gary and Billy were safe. All he was required to do was go in, grab his stuff and leave. Not that he wanted to do that, but it was quite possible Gary would throw him out.

He knocked.

It only took a moment before the door opened. The wolf stood before him and frowned.

"Can I come in?"

Gary moved aside.

Patrick hesitated a moment then entered. "How's Billy?"

"He's still in bed."

Patrick stopped and slowly turned, dread creeping into him. "He hasn't woken up yet?" He had been sure he'd put just enough of the drug in his drink for a couple hour's sleep. If he was still sleeping he might have over dozed him.

"He woke up not long after I did. He came down for some water, but he went back to bed. he wasn't feeling well." Gary's tone was forcefully neutral.

Patrick sagged a little in relief. "I'm sorry about that. The thirst and nausea as side effects of the drug." He went to the living room.

"What happened?" Gary asked in a clipped tone.

Patrick had planned to pick up the things he'd left lying around, instead he sat. "Estel found out where I live and caught my brother." he couldn't look at him.

"What?" Gary's sterness was replaced by concern. "Why didn't you tell me? I would have helped, I would have turned myself over to her."

Patrick looked at him, a sad smile on his lips. "I know you would have. That's why I drugged you. You couldn't come and I couldn't afford the time to argue about it. She would have killed you the moment she saw you."

"How are you?"

"I'm sore. I'm going to have a bruise on my shoulder the size of the city." he pointed to where the bullet had hit him. The tactical armor his jacket was made of had kept it from going through, but he knew the impact had left its mark. "And I'm going to have more bruises. your ex packs one hell of a punch for her small frame." He leaned back. "So you know. She won't be bothering you. She's tied up in the trunk of my car. Steven should be driving it to the cops as we speak."

Gary pulled him close. "Thank you."

Patrick's eyes became wet and he snuggled against the wolf. "I was afraid you'd hate me for drugging you."

Gary was silent for a moment. "I'm angry you did it to Billy."

"I couldn't drug just you. I'd never be able to explain it to him."

"I know," he sighed. "Do you have any idea how scared I was when I woke up in my bed and all you left me was a note saying 'Don't leave the house'?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't have much time to get everything ready. I was running against the clock to figure out how to trick her and save Albert."

Gary tightened his hold on him. "I'm sorry I snapped.

Patrick dried his eyes. "You had plenty of justification for it." he pulled away. "Do you mind if I get a coffee. I really need one."

"Coffee? I'd expect you to want a drink." Gary stood and pulled Patrick up.

"I don't drink, I used to work in a bar. I've seen what Alcohol does to people."

The coffee machine already had some in it so he poured himself a cup and savored the taste. A moment later Billy entered the kitchen.

"I'm sorry Billy."

The young wolf nodded, but he didn't seem happy to see him.

"You're mother won't be threatening your and your father anymore."

"She's going to escape again."

"No. She won't."

Billy glared at him. "You can't promise that."

Patrick was shocked at the anger in those eyes. He had already decided on what he was going to do, but seeing them, he knew that even if Damian wasn't willing to help, he was going to make sure Estel never saw the outside again.

He sat at the table and indicated for Billy to sit. The young wolf took a moment to consider it, then sat. "Billy, I can promise it. My uncle, he's a very powerful man, and I'm going to make sure he talks to the right people so your mother gets sent to the most secure prison in the US."

Billy looked at him, lower lip trembling. "If she escapes, will you come back to protect us?"

Patrick put a hand on his. "Yes Billy. I'll be here to protect you."

His phone vibrated in his pocket, but he ignored it. A moment later someone rang the bell.

"Why don't you go answer the door," Patrick said to Billy, before Gary could move. Billy went, and Gary frowned at him.

The door opened, and a man said hello. Billy didn't say anything.

"I've heard I have a fan living here," they heard the man say.

Gary's frown deepened and he moved to see who was at the door. Patrick followed him.

The tiger standing in the doorway, with Billy looking up at him in awe, was dressed in loose jeans that were burgundy with a gold strip going up each side. His t-shirt was an orange a little paler than his fur and the jacket over that black leather with silver beans along the arm.

He looked up from Billy and extended a hand. "You must be Gary."

Billy turned. "It's him dad! It's Aiden!"

Gary shook Aiden's hand, too stunned to say anything.

"Hey Pat." Aiden nodded to him.

"Aiden."

Billy stared at Patrick. "You know him?"

Patrick smiled. "He's my brother."

Billy's eyes became even wider.

"Please come on in," Gary offered, having found his voice.

"I have all your songs!" Billy followed Aiden to the living room, and Patrick closed the door.

"can I offer you some coffee?"

Aiden shook his head. "I'm good. I'm actually here for Billy."

The young wolf looked from one tiger to the other.

"I thought meeting him might help earn your forgiveness," Patrick said.

Billy hugged him. "Thank you." Then he grabbed Aiden's hand and pulled him up the stairs. Moments later music was playing and Gary groaned.

"Think about it this way. Aiden is going to give him all his unreleased songs. This is probably the last time you're going to hear Carousel Rock for a while."

Gary smiled and leaned against wall. "So Estel's gone for good."

Patrick nodded.

"I guess that means you're job here is done."

Patrick leaned against the opposing wall.

"So we can talk about us now?"

Patrick shrugged. "I don't know that there's anything to talk about, I'd like to find out if there can be a us without the excitement."

Gary smiled. "I'd like that."

"See? nothing to talk about." Patrick crossed the hallway and hugged him.

"Thanks for keeping us safe."

"It was my pleasure, dad."

Gary chuckled. "I have no idea how I'm going to explain this to Billy. How are your going to explain it to your folks?"

Patrick laughed. "Oh, they are going to be fine with this. Trust me about it."

"You know," Gary whispered. "Aiden and Billy are making plenty of noise. I think it could cover up the noise we might make. What do you think?"

Patrick smiled at him. "I think we have nothing to loose by trying it." he kissed Gary passionately

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