"Says the transient... all snug in Montana man's bed... far away from being shot."
"So, what about this Secret Service guy? How are you two getting along?"
With Alec's mention of Jack, Demarco grew unusually quiet. He wasn't exactly sure how he and Jack were getting along. They'd kissed once, were interrupted a second time and then thrown into this bizarre scenario. They'd already had what was the equivalent of a spat, even though they hadn't known each other very long. What courtship opportunity they'd had was sparse... happening as spontaneous and rapid-fire as the event surrounding them.
"Your silence and that look in your eyes speaks volumes."
Demarco gave a dismissive shrug. "He came from a troubled background. I'm trying to get to know him, among all this... craziness. He's tall, blond, and scruffy. He looks like Thor in a business suit."
Alec's eyebrows raised. "Really?"
"Honey, he is drop-dead gorgeous... and youknowI don't throw that term around loosely."
"You've always had a thing for suits."
"See for yourself."
Jack entered the hospital room carrying a small duffel and folded newspaper. Demarco held the phone out for Alec to see.
"Jack meet my friend, Alec. Alec, Jack."
Jack was reticent. He waved shyly, placing the bag at the foot of the hospital bed, and crossing to the window. Demarco followed him with the phone for a moment—giving Alec a good long look—and then turned it back to himself.
Alec's eyes were wide. He mouthed the words: OH MY GOD.
Demarco gave him an I-told-you-so smirk. "Well, doll. I have to run. I hope to be getting out of this dive soon...I don't want them harvesting my organs for the black market."
"Why it gotta be black?"
This made Demarco laugh. He clutched his bandaged shoulder. "You sound happy. Tyler must be sitting well with you.
"You know it. We're going to a horse show in Butte today."
"Now that's something I never thought I'd hear you say."
"Me either. Ciao."
"Ciao, bella."
Demarco disconnected and placed the phone on the bedside table. Jack had opened the newspaper and was perusing it in front of the window. "Hey, sexy. What're you reading?"
Jack turned. He foldedThe Postto a quarter of its size and tossed it on the bed for Demarco. Facing up was a picture from the previous day... blurry chaos surrounding the Dupont Circle Fountain with Jack carrying Demarco away from the crowd to safety.
"You carried me?"
"Well, what was I supposed to do? You fainted, remember?"
"You're pretty strong."
"I bet you say that to all of your bodyguards."
"Only the hot ones."
Jack blushed a tad. "Read the caption."
Demarco went to the bottom of the picture and read aloud: "Secret Service agent rescues male escort, Demarco Alford, from noon shooting at Dupont Circle... Am I missing something?"
"They used your name. You were worried about your boss... and all the attention."
