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Damn, Gary felt good. He smelled good too.
Then Dan remembered where they were. He stared at Gary. “If you think we’re going to get up to anything under your parents’ roof, then think again.”
Gary laughed quietly. “Relax. I’m notthatbold. But I’m not moving until I get my morning cuddle.”
That was all it took to have Dan melting into his arms.
“YOU DON’Tneed to do this,” Dan protested as Gary’s mom pressed a plastic container full of leftover mac and cheese into his hands.
“You said how much you liked it. I made plenty. And don’t worry about the box. You can bring it back next month when you come to Sunday lunch.” Her gaze met his, and he knew without a word what she was asking.
He smiled. “I’ll make sure to bring it.”
She beamed. “Oh, great.” Then his heart soared when she threw her arms around him. “I’m so glad we got to meet you,” she whispered against his cheek.
“Even if it was something of a surprise?”
She chuckled. “Yes, well, I won’t deny that.” She drew back. “And please, don’t feel my wish to see you again is simply because of your… gift.”
He squeezed her hand. “I knew that.” The previous evening, the four of them had talked long into the night. In fact, Gary had shown extreme reluctance to go up to their room. And when Dan had finally closed the bedroom door behind them, Gary had been in his arms in a heartbeat. They’d lain with Gary curled up around him, talking quietly, until at last they’d both fallen asleep.
Brunch had been a cheerful meal, and Dan had helped in the preparation while Gary had gone out into the yard with his dad to discuss the recent changes he’d made. It had been Dan who’d suggested that they really did need to make a move, and Gary had finally agreed.
Gary emerged from the house, accompanied by his dad. He took one look at the box in Dan’s hands and laughed. “My cooking isn’t that bad, you know.”
After another round of hugs, they were in the car and on their way back to Boston. Dan kept quiet. Gary had been in a contemplative mood all morning, and while Dan was loath to mention the idea that had come to him as they’d drunk coffee and chatted, he knew he’d have to bring it up sooner or later.
When they were about forty minutes from home, Dan summoned up his courage.
“Can we talk about Brad?”
“We did nothingbuttalk about Brad most of last night and this morning.” Gary glanced at him. “Something particular you want to discuss?”
“What if Brad’s killer didn’t stop at Brad?”
Gary stilled. “Go on.”
“What if there were more victims? What if Brad wasn’t his first?”
Silence fell for a moment. Gary sighed. “Those are good questions.”
“I’ve been thinking about where we could start looking. Brad’s a cold case, right? Okay, so he’s not one of ours, but heisa cold case.”
“Yes, I agree.”
“Well, if there were more victims, maybe they’re unexplained too.”
Gary pursed his lips. “This assumes Brad’s killer hasn’t already been incarcerated for another murder, like Frank Wyler.”
“That’s a possibility. What we need to do is investigate other violent deaths around the same time as Brad’s.” He peered at Gary. “Unless you’ve already done that?”
Gary shook his head.
In that moment, Dan saw the truth. “You haven’t investigated Brad’s death at all, have you?”
Gary gave a start, jerking his head in Dan’s direction. “Is this going to be a recurring part of our lives from now on? You see so much.”
“Too much?” The last thing Dan wanted was to make Gary feel awkward or uncomfortable.
