Jack's eyes shifted again... from kind to quizzical, a fluctuation Demarco was growing accustomed to... alluring, though a bit unsettling. "I'm curious about what you two spoke of last night. Did you know of his intentions?"
"Tsk, tsk, Mr. Keegan. Escort-client privilege."
"Call me Jack," he said. "I'm serious... D."
"I—" Demarco began... and like that, every grain of fabrication he had considered melted away from the heat of those piercing eyes. "You're a very persuasive man, Agent—Jack. Demarco is not used to being interrogated."
"You're not being interrogated. He could be in danger. He's likely unaware of the photograph out there. I'm here to see if you have any way of getting in touch with him."
"Is that all you're here for?" The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them. It was an Alford trait, another inherited first-hand from his mother.
"I—" Jack began.
"How would I be able to contact him? I don't have his information."
"Did you give him yours? You said he wanted conversation."
Demarco looked at Jack, considering disclosure. Jack's expression was far from indifferent... he was genuinely concerned. He was not a classic beauty but a chiseled realness that sent Demarco's libido into spasms of hormonal surge... like a Viking transported through time and squeezed into a cheap suit.
Instead of responding, he walked to the couch and his laptop on the coffee table. Jack followed him and they both sat down. He opened the clamshell, clicked on the G-mail icon, and checked his inbox. There he found an unopened e-mail from Abir. He clicked it open.
Hello Demarco, my friend. I want to thank you for your consultation last night. I have decided to defect and live my life as a gay man in the embrace of America's great freedom. Your friendship means so much to me as I know no one else here. Once the news of my disappearance diminishes, I hope to meet with you again as I consider you my first real friend here.
I am uncertain whether or not I can claim asylum as I do not want to be responsible for anything that could jeopardize Qatar's relations with your great country. My father is a ruthless man and has already managed to freeze some of the funds I told you about... but I don't care. I think it is more important to live my true life and be happy. I am young and capable of work. I will get a job and live the American Dream. One day I will find love and I will have you to thank.
Peace to you, and I hope one day soon we will speak again.
Abir
"Kid's got a lot to learn," said Jack. He was leaning in close to Demarco, reading with him.
"Kid's got a lot of heart," said Demarco.
The two men looked at each other, their faces inches apart, sizing each other up per their responses.
"Now what?" Demarco asked.
Jack kissed him, lifting a hand to Demarco's jaw and coaxing him closer. It was not a rough kiss or an urgent kiss, but gentle, lingering... and a complete surprise.
When they parted, Demarco's eyes fluttered. "My... I wasn't expecting that."
Jack's face glowed, part grin, part blush. "I've been wanting to do that for months."
"I'm glad you did."
"Are you gonna charge me?"
"Ha, ha."
"You smell incredible."
Demarco laughed. "It's Aveda face-wash. You smell likeOld Spice."
"Yeah... I'm my Dad's son."
"It's hot. Believe me. There's a reason why it's been around for so long."
They stared at each other for a moment. No words came.
