At Long Last

his brother said. Jack closed the door behind him and took the chair in front of Scotty's desk. "Looking sharp."
    "Thanks." Scotty wondered if he would ever be anything but kid to his brother. He was an accountant and a licensed private investigator, but to Jack he was kid. "What's up?"
    "Nothing. Just checking, making sure everything's okay. You know with Dad only coming in part-time I just want to be sure you're settling in."
    "No problems so far." Not work related anyway. He wasn't about to tell Jack he was lovesick over Preston.
    "Great. Things might get busier soon. We're thinking of hiring another attorney with Dad only working limited hours. Works still piling in," Jack said. "Hey, you want to grab some lunch?"
    "No time. I have a few more bills to go over and then later this afternoon I need to do some legwork. Maybe later in the week?" Scotty suggested.
    "Sure. How are you getting along with Preston? I know he wasn't happy about the music yesterday."
    "Yeah. Still a pain in the ass." Scotty grinned. "I promise to keep it down and use my iPod more often. But you know, Jack, honestly, I think I make Preston uncomfortable."
    Jack frowned. "Uncomfortable? Why?"
    Scotty toyed with a paperclip, trying to pretend it was no big deal. That it didn't bother him. "Just vibes. I think it bothers him that I'm gay or something."
    "Well, he's never struck me as being homophobic, Scotty. You sure?"
    "Nah, feelings mostly. I'm guessing maybe you shouldn't have put my office so close to his." Scotty swallowed. "It's probably all right since I'll be doing fieldwork and everything. I just wanted to bring it up in case it becomes a problem."
    Jack's frown deepened. "You want me to talk to him?"
    "Hell, no." Scotty couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something was definitely freaking Preston out when he'd been in Scotty's office earlier. But the last thing he needed or wanted was his big brother making waves and escalating the issue. If Preston really didn't like him because of his sexual preferences, Jack talking to him wouldn't change that anyway. "Don't say anything. Please?"
    "If you're sure."
    "Totally." Scotty searched for something to change the subject. "Speaking of, how long have you and Wendy been at it?"
    Jack lost a shade of color and then two dark red spots appeared on his cheeks. "What? Me and Wendy?"
    "Yeah, you and Wendy."
    "Have you been talking to Preston?"
    Scotty grimaced. Like Preston shared anything with him. "No. I'm not stupid, Jack. When you two look at each other there's so much fire you could incinerate the damn building. Don't play coy."
    Jack shifted in his chair. "Okay, yes. Wendy and I have been seeing each other for a few months."
    "Cool. So is it serious or are you just messing around?"
    His brother scowled. "It's serious. In fact, we're moving in together."
    Scotty grinned. "Well, hot damn. That's great. So why is it some big secret then?"
    Jack sighed and rose, running his hand through his blond hair. "I don't know. I guess I don't think I'm ready to force the folks on her."
    "Geez, why not? Come on, Jack, if they can handle their baby boy being gay, do you really think they'll have a problem with Wendy being black?"
    "Maybe," he acknowledged. "I just want to be cautious. They didn't react well at first to your being gay. They accepted in gradually. You know Dad can be a prick. He's not the easiest guy to please. Wendy's already freaked about her own family. I don't want to stress her out, Scotty."
    Scotty nodded. "I understand. It's cool. But you know if you're living together you'll eventually have to spill your guts."
    Jack smiled. "I know. And thanks. You sure there's nothing else you need?"
    "A raise?"
    "Funny. You know you could have shaved."
    "Uh-huh," Scotty said. "But you know I like the sexy scruffy look. It's attracted a lot of men to me."
    "You're a punk. Anyone ever tell you that?"
    Scotty laughed. "Yeah, you used to call me that all the time when we were young."
    Jack went to the door. "You're still young. And you're still a punk. Don't work too hard."

    * * * *
    Scotty unlocked the door to the outer office of Trask and Reynolds. It was 8:30 and all sane people had long since gone home.
    Perfect.
    He relocked the door and pocketed the keys. There was a single overhead light on in the reception area. Scotty knew they always left it on.
    The hallway had recessed lighting. Something his father and brother had done to upgrade the office. One or two of those lights were still lit