Nothing Special 03 - Here Comes Trouble (28 page)

“Dad,” Curtis cried.

“It’s okay, son.” Green’s voice was too shaky to sound convincing. Ruxs wasn’t even sure
he
believed it.

Ruxs clenched his fist at his sides. His hand aching to reach for the weapon secreted at the base of his back.

“Didn’t expect to see me so soon, huh Detective Ruxsberg? Imagine that. Here I was, just waiting in the parking lot for you to come out, so I could kill you, when I asked this nice young man here if he knew you.” The gun pressed hard into Curtis’ temple. The attacker’s face was just barely visible behind his son’s head. “And you know what he said back to me?”

Ruxs didn’t make a sound. No one moved.

“He said, ‘Yeah, Ruxsberg and Green are my dads.’ Well, well, well. Detective Ruxsberg has a nice little family. He doesn’t care about destroying other people’s families though.”

Ruxs finally found his voice. His anger pouring off him in waves. “Jacobs, no one destroyed anything of yours, especially your family.”

“The hell you didn’t!” Jacobs barked, his voice just an octave below screeching. “You took the woman I loved. Shipped her away like she was nothing.”

Ruxs moved to step forward, his patience already gone, but Green grabbed at his arm. “Are you fucking kidding me?” Ruxs shouted. “Are you talking about my mother? She went to rehab you, asshole!”

Jacobs moved back towards his raggedy-ass Buick that was parked behind him, holding Curtis with his back tight against his chest. “I know that!” He pointed the gun at him, which was fine with Ruxs, as long as it was off of his son. “She broke up with me. Said that we couldn’t be together anymore. She was gonna get clean and … and… find her son.” Jacobs said the last words with utter disgust. “She chose you.”

Ruxs stood there with his mouth hanging slightly open. He wondered for a second if Jacob had the right woman. His mom had hated him for years. Now she’d chosen him not only over drugs but over a man too? He blinked rapidly. What the hell had his partner said to her?

“If you really love her and want to be with her, then go to rehab too. If you’re not constantly trying to pump her full of drugs when she gets home, then you might can be together. But if she knows you killed her only son and grandson, then you’ll never get that chance.”

Ruxs could hear Green talking beside him, trying to negotiate. Trying to say anything positive to get the gun away from Curtis’ head. It was going to take some work and they only had a small window of time before the parking lot held more than just the few of them. The scene would soon be flooded with officers, snipers, SWAT, and news helicopters. And there was nothing scarier than a cornered addict. Jacob was clearly high. His eyes were bloodshot, there was white salvia caked in the corners of his mouth and in the cracks in his lips. His hand was gripping the gun so hard his knuckles were white, his pointer finger hugging the trigger. One scare, or wrong move and… Oh, god. Ruxs couldn’t finish that thought.

“I’m not going to kill her grandson… or even you Ruxsberg.” Jacobs sneered nastily. “I’m going to take the one you love.”

Ruxs’ eyes widened. If this bastard thought he was going to let him shoot his partner, his best friend, his love: he had another thing coming. Ruxs’ hand inched behind him.

“Not yet.” A deep, hushed growl came from behind him. God better have a plan, because Ruxs was ready to shoot.

“It’s just us in this parking lot Jacobs. It’s not too late. Don’t do this. Don’t end it like this. Put the gun down. Let us get you some help, help you get your woman back.”

“Shut the fuck up, Green. I’m not listening to a dead man. She’s not coming back to me and I ain’t going to no goddamn rehab. What me and Gloria had was perfect,” Jacobs yelled, his hand shaking that pistol next to their son’s head.

Ruxs looked Curtis in the eye, held him pinned there. He had tears coming down his red cheeks but he was still as a statue except for when Jacobs jostled him. He had a dark bruise up high on his cheekbone and a cut over his right eye, just deep enough for blood to ooze down the side of his face, like Jacobs had hit him with the butt of the gun.

“Curtis, son, we’re gonna get out of this. You have to listen to me,” Ruxs spoke calmly.

“Shut up!” Jacobs yelled. Still keeping his head strategically positioned behind Curtis’

“Faster,” Day hissed behind him.

“Son. Remember all those sparring matches you watched between me and your dad in the gym?” Ruxs spoke faster.

Curtis didn’t respond but Ruxs saw his mind working. His son was brilliant; he’d pick up on what he was trying to say… he had to.
Please. He has to. “
Your dad has this irritating move he always does and I can never stop it. No matter how much I anticipate it, it always works.”

Ruxs saw the moment Curtis realized what he was saying. It was a risk, but this was the only way for all of them to get out of this situation, to even have a chance. He could feel Green tensed and ready next to him, could sense God, Day and Syn primed to react.

As soon as Curtis eyes closed tight and his head bent forward, Ruxs and Green both pulled their weapons at the same time Curtis slammed the back of his head into the bridge of Jacobs’ nose, stunning him. Curtis crouched slightly and rammed his sharp elbow into one of Jacobs’ ribs as hard as could. When Jacobs howled at the pain, caught off guard by the quick move, his weapon fired in their direction. He kept firing his pistol rapidly as he scrambled to get behind his car.

Ruxs and Green ducked behind the concrete pillars, but neither fired a shot, nor did their bosses behind them… not until Curtis spun out of the way and dropped down to the ground.

The next shots that were heard sounded like cannons firing. Two Desert Eagles shooting simultaneously sounded like lighting striking right beside you, producing a boom of thunder strong enough to pulverize your bones. The bullets tore into the Buick, shattering all the windows. Day was beside God, firing his chrome 9mms expertly in rapid succession, both of them moving in unison toward the large truck in the middle of the parking lot. Getting a better position. They became the notorious two-man firing squad that they were. Syn and Green fired from another angle trying to provide enough cover for Ruxs to get to Curtis, since Jacobs was now crouched behind the car, shooting aimlessly over the hood.

Ruxs was already on the ground, gravel scratching up his hands as he crab walked/ran across the parking lot over to Curtis while bullets whizzed by him. His son was yelling in pain from the noise of the gunshots. His hands were over his ears while he lay crouched in a ball on the hard concrete. More shots was fired as Ruxs threw his huge body over his son’s, covering him completely. The screech of tires barely registered in his mind seconds before he heard the loud crash of two vehicles colliding with each other. A horn blared and sirens roared in the distance.

Ruxs didn’t move, even after the gunshots had stopped, his son still crying and shaking beneath him. He didn’t move until he heard Green’s voice in his ear telling him it was all right. Strong hands were pulling at him. “It’s okay Mark. It’s over. Let him up, get off him so we can make sure he’s okay.”

Ruxs’ own body shook with nerves, fear, and sheer adrenaline. He crawled up to his aching knees and looked down at his boy. As soon as Curtis lowered his hands and looked up at them, he bolted up off the pavement and threw his arms around Ruxs and Green’s necks. Hugging them both to him, crying into their chests.

Ruxs cupped Curtis’ jaw, looking him in his watery eyes. “I’m so proud of you. I knew you’d figure out what I was saying. You were so brave.”

Curtis squeezed his eyes shut, shaking his head. “Dad does it fast. I was too slow, it didn’t work.”

Green chuckled softly. “Yes, it did. You were able to get away from him, that’s what that move is all about, and you did it just right. Because of you, we’re all safe.” Green hugged Curtis back to him.

“I should’ve never said I knew you guys. I went right up to him when he called me. You learn that crap in kindergarten, not to talk to strangers,” Curtis grumbled.

“Hey. You’re to never act like you don’t know us. And stop beating yourself up Curtis, you did nothing wrong. Absolutely nothing. Believe me. If you did, I’d tell you,” Ruxs said in a strained voice. His emotions still too close to the surface. Shielding his son from gunfire, the threat of losing his partner… and the knowledge that his mother in rehab was fighting her battle against addiction for
him
. It was a lot to take in all at once.

The paramedics and fire trucks were swarming the parking lot. Ruxs stood up and took a step, his knee screaming at him to wait a minute. Green looked cautiously at him before turning his focus on Curtis. “Stay right here, we’re gonna let the paramedics look you over.”

“I’m fine,” Curtis said weakly, his hands shaking so hard, he was embarrassed and tucked them under his armpits.

“I’m glad you’re fine. But I think you might need two or three stitches over your eye.” Green was trying to convince Curtis as God and Day walked over with the paramedics. 

The two men in their dark blue uniforms bent down and asked Curtis a few mental assessment questions: had him recite who he was, what day it was, what year. They took his blood pressure, had him move several limbs, and rotate his neck before helping him to stand.

“You alright, kiddo?” God asked with concern, his voice gravelly but kind and calm, not revealing a hint of unease or anxiety. It’s what made him a great team leader.

“Yeah. I’m fine.” Curtis smiled grimly while the men slowly guided him over to their transport.

Curtis tried to look around at the melee that was taking place in the parking lot. Two cars smashed together, fireman standing all around the scene. Ruxs got in Curtis’ line of sight so he didn’t see anything that would traumatize him later. Curtis looked into Ruxs’ eyes with understanding. Curtis may not know exactly what happened to that gunman. He probably had an idea, but he didn’t need an image to go along with it. The kind of image that never left your mind.

The strong man hoisted Curtis up the couple of steps and positioned him gingerly on the gurney.

“I’m fine, really. Can’t you guys just drive me?” Curtis asked shyly. Ruxs could see that Curtis didn’t want to be without them. But they needed to follow protocol. This was a hostage situation that had been resolved by the Atlanta PD. Their captain would be here any minute. After they got cleared of the shooting, they’d no doubt rush over to the hospital. It made him ache in more than just his knee to have to send Curtis alone.

“I’ll send Furi over. He can be there before they even triage him. He’ll sit with him until you guys get there,” Syn said, taking out his cell phone already making the call.

“Good idea,” Day said. “You okay with that, bud? We’ll all be over as soon as we clean up this big mess you made.” Day winked, laughing when Curtis’ eyes widened.

God popped Day hard on his shoulder.

“It was a joke. Jeesh. Lighten up,” Day grumbled, walking away.

“We’re gonna take him to Piedmont, looks like he might need a few stitches in this. And I think his wrist is sprained.” One of the men worked efficiently while the other paramedic spoke. He had a disposable ice pack on Curtis’ wrist and was already wiping at the cut over his eye.

Ruxs hissed when he heard sprained wrist. He’d probably done that himself when he’d thrown two-hundred and forty pounds on him. Green’s large hand gripped his shoulder, but Ruxs couldn’t bring himself to turn around. Curtis blamed himself, said it was his fault, but Ruxs would have to explain to Curtis later exactly why this was all
his
fault.

Curtis’ mind woke first, but he refused to open his eyes for fear the throbbing behind his eyes would get worse. Turns out, he needed to learn how to throw a proper head-butt, so if he ever had to do it again, he didn’t give himself a concussion along with it. He had a fractured wrist and got four stitches over his eye where he’d been hit with the end of a pistol when he’d tried to struggle. He’d had to stay in the hospital for twenty-four hours of observation.

He’d ached all over when his dad had finally climbed off him in that parking lot, but he was too scared to leave their side so he said he was fine. By the time he’d gotten taken away in the ambulance, he’d concluded how the gunman had been taken out. It was horrible, sad, and so unnecessary.

By the time his dads got to him, it was almost midnight. Furi had kept a close eye on him, and entertained him until they’d arrived. They looked miserable and guilt-ridden. Curtis had been X-rayed, CT-scanned, stitched and splinted all before they got there.

After they finally stopped apologizing, Ruxs told Curtis who the man was that had held him hostage and how he knew him. Told him about catching him at his mom’s and fighting with him before he had them both arrested. Ruxs even explained what type of deal Green had gotten for his mom. Now Ruxs believed that everything was his fault. Curtis tried unsuccessfully to ease their minds but he gave up and eventually let the pain meds do their job, putting him into a peaceful sleep.

But now they must’ve worn off. He thought he may have groaned. It was hard to be sure in his kinda awake state. He tried to move his hand and yelled out at the pain.
Oh yeah, fractured wrist.

“Easy there, bad boy.”

Oh my lord.
Curtis would know that sexy whisky-dripped baritone anywhere. He’d force open his own eyes now just to see those green eyes looking down at him. He didn’t care if his head exploded into a million pieces. It’d be worth it for this sight.

“Open those beautiful baby blues,” Genesis said in a hushed drawl.

Curtis fought through the fog and the pain and cracked open his eyes. He blinked a few times at the harsh light above his head but he kept on until Genesis’ gorgeous face was in focus. Curtis’ lips parted in a smile. What on earth was he doing there? He believed it was a Monday now. Genesis should be in school.

“Gen. What are you—” Curtis stopped when his voice came out sounding like Clint Eastwood. He coughed, trying to clear his throat. Genesis smiled back at him and picked up a cup of water from his hospital tray. He was so gentle when lifting Curtis’ head, he had to remembering to stop swooning like a fangirl and swallow. Genesis delicately rested his head back on the pillow.

“If you’re trying to ask, what I’m doing here, we have a date remember?” Genesis said in the sexiest voice Curtis had ever heard.
Damn. How many voices does this man have?

“Our date isn’t until Friday,” Curtis croaked.

“It is Friday,” Genesis said with a serious expression.

Curtis bolted upright. “What?” he yelled, wincing at the pain that stupid move caused.

Genesis put his hand on his chest, gently pushing him back down, trying to contain his deep laughter. “Sorry. Bad joke to play on a concussion patient.”

Curtis rolled his eyes. “You’re an ass, Gen.”

Genesis picked up Curtis’ uninjured hand and kissed his palm like he’d done before. It was such an enchanting gesture. “I like it when you call me Gen.”

Curtis still pouted at Genesis’ teasing.

“If I kiss you, will you forgive my terrible joke?”

“Yes,” Curtis said so fast his face flushed with embarrassment. Obviously he wasn’t too upset.

Genesis chuckled. That beautiful mouth of his turning up in the corners. Genesis lowered his huge body to Curtis, careful not to press down on him – but oh how he wanted all those muscles to smother him – and pressed a sweet kiss to his mouth. Curtis craned his neck up when Genesis made a move to end the kiss. Genesis laughed in his mouth and Curtis thought that was the most amazing feeling ever. He smiled back against plush lips and quickly darted his tongue to taste the man that had been the source of many a wet dream.

Although Genesis didn’t deepen their kiss or steal his own taste, he did lick his own lips, taking the taste of Curtis off his lips and into his mouth. With their lips still barely touching, Genesis murmured, “You
are
a little bad boy, aren’t you?” Genesis brought his hand up and brushed a lock of hair behind Curtis’ ear. “A very pretty bad boy.” Genesis gave him another soft kiss, and Curtis swore he was in heaven.

“You said we’re supposed to be good. You have to stop touching me like that.” Curtis panted.

“I don’t know how,” Genesis whispered almost painfully. Leaning back in and kissing Curtis again.

“Well, like brother like brother, huh?” Day’s sarcastic voice killed their moment as he sauntered into the room without knocking. “Better pull back, Casanova, ‘my two dads’ are right behind me.”

Genesis was off the bed just in time for Ruxs, Green, and God to come into the room. Curtis knew he still looked flushed and he’d crossed his legs to hide his very stiff erection.
Daggone. Will me and Gen ever have some privacy?
Day was laughing as Ruxs and Green stared back and forth between a nervous Genesis and a horny Curtis.

“For Christ’s sakes, Genesis. Let the boy get out of the hospital first.” God punched his brother in the chest, which was probably their usual fun and playful sparring, but damn it sounded like it hurt.

“Curtis the doctor said you can be discharged this evening. Your scans and everything are fine,” Ruxs said still glaring over at Genesis.

“Good. I’m ready to go,” Curtis said with enough irritation to make his dads laugh.

“Oh my poor baby. What happened? Are you okay? Let me look at you. Oh thank the heavens.” Green’s mom fluttered into the room with her large Anne Klein bag in the crook of her arm and a whirlwind of Chanel perfume wafting in behind her as she hugged and kissed and loved on him. He didn’t bother to protest or try to stop her. He didn’t
always
mind her fawning over him. It had to be the blonde hair, blue eyes, and baby face that made all women treat him like a delicate flower. 

“I’m fine, Grandma. It doesn’t even hurt.” Curtis smiled trying to chase away her tears with his own forced cheerful demeanor. She continued to pet and survey him.

“Um. I’m fine too, Mom,” Green said from the end of Curtis’ bed, his head slightly bowed with a ridiculous pout on his face. It looked extremely comical on someone of Green’s size.

That really did cheer up the room because the laughter didn’t stop as Day started joking with Green about being a spoiled mama’s boy and Green went right back at Day. They kept Curtis entertained until it was time for him to leave. After he’d showered and changed into the fresh clothes Vickie brought over, he quietly asked his dads for a minute alone with Genesis.

“I’ll just stand over here in the corner. You won’t even know I’m here,” Ruxs said moving back by the small closet in the room. Green grabbed Ruxs arm and practically shoved him out the door. 

“Something you have to say to me, my pretty little bad boy?” Genesis said softly, walking over to stand so close to Curtis he could feel Genesis’ heart beating.

Curtis chuckled. “Why do you keep calling me a bad boy? You know I’m not.”

“My brother told me what you did in the parking lot, how you took your cue from Ruxs.” Genesis held Curtis’ injured arm like it was newborn baby. “I think it’s amazing.”

Curtis blushed terribly. “It was nothing.”

“If you say so. But I find it very, very attractive.” Genesis’ voice had gotten even deeper, sexier. “All that toughness, wrapped up in such a pretty package.”

Curtis looked up into those sparkling green eyes, full of life, full of kindness, full of potential love, with just a hint of mischief. But that was going to make going out with Genesis so much fun. Curtis needed a lot more of that in his life. It’d been lacking for many years. He had his family now and hopefully a new man. He knew Genesis would be the perfect Southern gentleman until he turned eighteen, but that was okay. It was more than okay. He may be a superstar athlete, but he was raised by a good Christian mom who’d taught her sons well. Curtis was going to do everything he could to be a good match for Genesis Godfrey.

“You’re ready to drive back to school now?” Curtis asked, trying to conceal some of the disappointment in his voice.

Genesis tilted Curtis’ head up to look at him. “Yes. I wish I could stay longer but the coach raised enough hell about me missing practice today.”

“He bitched because you told him your brother is a cop and was shot at? That’s not considered a family emergency?”

“No. He bitched because I told him my boyfriend needed me.”

Curtis was so shocked he ended up leaning into Genesis’ broad chest to keep from falling over.
Boyfriend
. “You came back for me?”

“If I came home every time God or Day were shot at, I’d flunk out of school for sure.” Genesis drawled.

Curtis looked back down at his feet and Genesis gently lifted his head up again.

“I know I said boyfriend. I want you to know, I’m not seeing anyone and I haven’t in a long time. I’m not a player or a tramp or whatever else guys try to be these days. I just want someone to spend time with that actually likes
me
. I just want to spend some time with
you
. It’s soon, I know. You don’t have to say boyfriend if you —”

“No. B-boyfriend is fine,” Curtis said hurriedly.

Genesis smiled and shook his head. “Good, then.” He bent and kissed Curtis lightly on his forehead.

“I have to head back. I’ll call you later. And I’ll see you on Friday.”

“Eight o’clock sharp,” Curtis whispered.

Genesis kissed Curtis’ injured wrist and laid it back at his side. “Be good until I get back, bad boy.” Genesis leaned low until he was at Curtis’ ear. His voice threatening and growly. “I’d hate to have to spank you when I get back.”

Curtis shivered hard as Genesis gave him a lingering kiss behind his ear, before backing up with a devious grin.

Dear lord. How will I stop myself from behaving like a tramp?
“Drive carefully, Gen.” Curtis said before Genesis got to the door.

“Six days, beautiful,” Genesis said softly, right before he let the door close.