“Fulton County District Attorney’s office. This is Madeline, how can I help you?”
Duke took a calming breath before speaking. “Attorney Vaughan Webb’s office, please.”
“Sure, one moment.”
Duke sighed. He was sure there was an explanation for everything. “Hello, this is Sarah. How can I help you?”
Duke frowned in confusion, thinking the next voice he’d hear would be Vaughan’s. “Um. I’m holding for Mr. Webb, please.”
“I’m sorry but Mr. Webb isn’t here. I’m his assistant, is there something I can help you with?”
Of course he’s not there. He’s in Miami. “Is there a better time to call and reach him?”
The woman hummed first before responding. “Actually, Mr. Webb won’t be available for a few weeks. I’m his assistant, but he wasn’t able to start on his scheduled date. He’s out on medical leave.”
“Excuse me?” Duke asked incredulously. Medical leave.
“Yes. His start date was postponed at the last minute. Was his name given in regards to a specific case the firm is handling, because it must be a mix up. I can transfer you to the duty attorney and you can let him know what case you’re inquiring about—”
Duke stopped her midsentence. He’d heard all he needed. “No. That’s fine. I’m sorry to have disturbed you.”
“Are you sure? I can transfer you.”
“No. Thank you.”
“Have a good day.”
Duke hung up. Fuck me. Vaughan had saved his life. Only thing he didn’t understand was the secrecy. The lies. Well that all stopped now.
Vaughan did one final lap around his father’s spacious backyard before he decided to take a break. Dr. Chauncey said he was doing great and should keep up his light exercise regime, so that’s what he was doing. A casual walk around the yard, breathing deeply and filling his lungs with fresh air while taking in the tranquil landscape. There was even a small fountain installed near the deck, and Vaughan’s thoughts went to Duke and how much he’d love to lie in one of the plush lounge chairs with his man between his legs, resting his head on his chest. Both of them gracing each other with lazy kisses while they looked up at the dark sky and listened to nature. He pushed for one more lap, desperately needing his body back in shape.
“Vaughan, that’s enough for today. You walked this morning, too. Don’t want to strain yourself, son,” his father called to him, closing the backdoor.
Vaughan was sweating. The Atlanta heat in the fall was bad, but the evenings were cooling off, which would be perfect for his upcoming dates with Duke. Man, did he have it bad. Maybe Vaughan really did have an old soul, because most of his friends were partiers, drinkers… tramps. But Vaughan always knew how he wanted to live his adult life, and that was peacefully and comfortably with Duke. He wanted to walk on the waterfront with him, maybe take some boat rides on the harbor. Vaughan loved the water.
“Dad, I’m gonna take a shower. Are you going back to work?”
“Nope. I’m all clear for this evening. How about a movie tonight?”
“Heck, yeah. Sounds good, old man.”
“What do you want for dinner?”
Vaughan paused on his slow walk up the stairs. He was so tired from his extra laps, his stomach was cramping painfully from the workout. “Something light. Maybe a grilled chicken salad or something.”
“I gotta go out and get some more lettuce then.” Quick was already picking up his wallet and phone, ignoring Vaughan’s objections to him having to make a special trip. “It’s all good. I need to get a few other things anyway. Be back in a bit.”
Vaughan shook his head at his dad. The man was truly amazing. He was so glad he came back to Atlanta, not only to be with Duke, but Quick, too. They had always been close, but over the seven-and-a-half years of schooling Vaughan had to complete, they’d missed a lot of time together. His father had been taking such good care of him, he felt spoiled again. Helping him with everything from changing his sheets, to doing his laundry and cooking for him.
After he finished his shower he felt a little better, but was still bone tired. He wiped at the foggy mirror, looking at the red scars on his abdomen. He decided to let them air dry before putting on fresh bandages. He pulled on a loose pair of cotton pajama pants but left the matching button up shirt open. He made his way back downstairs, his hair still damp. He was going to get his blanket and lay it out on the couch in preparation for their movie night. He was fixing his cover when he heard the doorbell chime. He wasn’t expecting anyone and his father never got unexpected visitors, so he figured the old man forgot his key again, or he had too many bags in his hands to open the door.