Chapter 100
“I’ll call you later to check on you,” Jude promised. He smiled at the nurse. “We’re going.”
She rolled her eyes at them. “Here are your papers, Nolan. And some instructions from the doctor.”
Leo took them from her. “Thanks.”
She stared at him, and then shrugged and left the room after Jude and Rex.
Alone again, Leo wrapped his arms around Nolan and pulled him close. Nolan rested his head against Leo’s chest.
“You really think your dad did this?”
Nolan nodded.
“I hate him.”
“I know.”
Leo tightened his arms. “Rotten son of a bitch.”
“He’ll get away with it, too,” Nolan said against his chest. “He’s the mayor. No one will do anything against him. The cops are all his friends.”
“Maybe, but the chief is retiring. Jason Sweet might take over. If that happens, things around here are going to change.”
“Won’t be in time to do anything to my dad. He’s never going to leave me alone, Leo.”
“We’ll figure it out. Come home. I just want to hold you all night.”
* * * *
A few days later, Leo and Nolan were helping with the cleanup of St. Jude’s. Nolan had to be careful with his arm, but he’d wanted to be there. It was the Saturday after the cocktail had been thrown. Rex was there and a few other friends from town.
“The guy’s going to be by Monday to fix the window,” Jude told them. “I’ll be getting a delivery of some new stock then, too.”
“I’ll come in extra hours if you need me,” Nolan said.
“Thanks, I might. I’ll let you know.”
Leo smiled at Nolan and gave him a quick kiss before turning to sweep up more debris.
“Leo, isn’t that Jason Sweet?” Nolan asked, touching his arm.
He turned back to see Jason Sweet walking slowly toward the shop. His limp was slight but it was there.
“Hi, Jason.” Jude shook Jason’s offered hand.
“Afternoon, Jude. How are you, Rex?” Jason shook Rex’s hand when he stepped forward. He smiled at Leo and Nolan. “Boys.”
“How’s Danny?” Jude asked.
“Good. He’s got students rehearsing some big production up at the high school. Listen, I just came from the police station.”
Leo felt Nolan step closer to him, so he reached for Nolan’s hand and threaded his fingers through Nolan’s.
“Is there news?” Nolan asked softly.
Jason nodded. “Yes. I’m afraid it’s going to affect you mostly, Nolan. Jude’s old neighbor, Mrs. Henderson, came forward and said she saw Leonard McGraw’s car coming down the street around the time the Molotov cocktail got thrown.”
“McGraw?” Jude frowned. “What’s he got against my shop?”
“He and my dad are friends,” Nolan said.
“That’s right,” Jason said. “Of course McGraw denied it.”
“Of course.”
“I told you he’d get away with it.” Nolan shook his head sadly.
“Oh, he won’t,” Jason said, surprising them all. “McGraw denied it at first, but then someone talked him into confessing.” He shrugged. “He gave up Mayor Young as the one who threw it.”
Leo squeezed Nolan’s hand when he gasped. “Who talked him into confessing?”
Jason smiled. “Does it matter how it was done? Anyway, Nolan, I thought I’d warn you that your father’s going to be arrested and there’s already talk of the city council naming the deputy mayor as his replacement.”
“Oh, my God.” Nolan shook his head. “I can’t believe it. I mean, I thought it was him. You know? But to think it really was. That he wanted to hurt me. I…don’t know.”
Leo hugged him. “It’s okay, baby. We’ll get through it.”
“Did he hate me that much?”
“I don’t know. But he’ll be out of your life now. He won’t bother you anymore.”
* * * *
Leo walked down the path to Stone Beach. It was nearly sunset and he figured the beach would be close to deserted. But he hoped there’d be one person there.
He reached the sand and took off his shoes to walk barefoot the rest of the way. Off to the left, sitting on a little blanket and looking out over the waves, was a super cute blond guy. Leo grinned and made his way over there.
“Hi,” he said, standing just to the right of the guy.
Pretty boy blinked. “Hello.”
“I hope you have protection.”
“Huh?”
Leo smiled. “Sunscreen. You’re fair-skinned. Looks like your skin’s already turning pink. I’m Leo. Leo Winthrop.”
Nolan laughed. “Is this our déjà vu moment?”
Leo dropped down beside him and leaned over to kiss him. “Think so. I thought I’d find you here.”
“Just been thinking.”
“About what, babe?”
“Mostly my dad. I guess he made bail.”
Leo grabbed his hand. “I heard. But I also heard he left Sutter’s Bay. Headed for San Francisco.”
“Yeah. Put the house up for sale.” Nolan shook his head. “I never want to live there again anyway. I hope I never see him again.”
“Me, too.” Leo maneuvered behind him until he could scoop Nolan up to sit between his legs and lean against him as they both looked out to sea.