Ash finished his coffee. “I have work for him at the office or for anyone else at the shelter who needs a job and can use a computer. I’m certain there are people who once had well-paying jobs who’ve fallen on hard times.”
“I know Wanda said there were several people who recently showed up at the shelter for a meal who used to work at smaller law firms and even Wall Street.” Tash made some notes on a pad. “Let’s ask her when she shows up, and you can get their info from her.”
Jordan’s phone rang. “It’s Neil; I’ll only be a minute.” He stood and went outside.
“They’re still very close, aren’t they?” Tash addressed Luke, who was writing something down in his phone.
“Yeah. Neil and Marie always thought of Jordan and Keith as their sons, since they never had any kids. Now they’ve taken me in, and we have dinner there once a week. They’re great people and love Jordan.”
Jordan returned, a look of anticipation on his face. “Neil’s coming right over. He said he had some news on that Donovan guy.” He rejoined Luke at the table. “Maybe this is the break they’ve been waiting for to get that bastard off the streets.”
Excited talk rose in the room, but Tash noticed Brandon said nothing and stared down at the table. He left his seat to sit in the empty chair next to his lover.
“You got so quiet all of a sudden.” When he received no answer, he put a hand on Brandon’s arm, and the man nearly jumped out of his seat. “Are you all right? What’s wrong?”
Brandon looked sick; his face was pale, and sweat dampened his skin. If Tash didn’t know any better, he’d say he was scared to death. “Ahh, I need to use the restroom. I’ll be right back.” Without another word, he pushed away from the table and bolted from the room.
“What’s the matter with him?” asked Ash. “He ran out of here like the hounds of hell were at his heels.”
“Not a clue. Said he had to use the bathroom. Maybe too much of Esther’s good food.”
Ash threw his head back and laughed. “Don’t ever let her hear you say that.”
They joked about it until Brandon returned after several minutes, looking slightly better. At least his color had returned to normal. Tash couldn’t figure out why Brandon had gone from happy and relaxed to withdrawn and silent in a heartbeat. They left the conference room and split off; Jordan and Luke went to Troy and Johnny to see how the computer instruction was working out, while Ash and Drew picked up some books and gathered some of the children around to read to them.
“Feeling better? Is there anything I can do to help?” Tash grasped Brandon’s elbow, holding him back.
With an abashed look, Brandon shook his head. “No, thanks. I didn’t feel well, and it came over me suddenly.” A crooked smile crossed his face. “There’s Dwayne and Wilson.” He left Tash to greet them.
Two boys stood at the door, wearing identical faces of avid curiosity. A tall, light-skinned black woman stood behind them, her gaze scanning the room. Recognition dawned in her eyes as Brandon approached.
“Mr. Gilbert, I’m glad to see you. I didn’t want to simply drop the boys off and leave without seeing someone I knew first.”
Tash watched as Brandon switched into confident-teacher mode, making it hard to believe only moments before he’d been a nervous wreck.
“Mrs. Archer, I’m so glad you came so you can see the wonderful work the center is accomplishing.” He walked her around the center, pointing out the varied activities and, along the way, introducing her to many of the people working, including his brothers, Drew, and Jordan. By the time they got to him, Tash heard her complimenting their achievements.
“This is exactly what young people need these days to keep off the streets and in school. Dwayne’s father and I try so hard, and I know Wilson’s mother does as well, doubly hard since she’s now a widow.”
“We hope to help as many children and young adults as we possibly can.” Tash extended his hand. “I’m Dr. Weber. I run the mentoring program that we hope your son and his friend will be a part of.”
She took his hand in her firm grasp, her eyes assessing him with a thorough glance. “Nice to meet you. What will they be doing?”
The two boys had already found two empty computer stations and had logged on. They were both in the process of pulling notebooks and textbooks out of their backpacks.
“Right now they’re doing their homework. We hope that they’ll be able to study extracurricular subjects that interest them and that they may not have the time or resources to do at home. Plus, they can read to the younger children and maybe help them with their homework.” He gave her a friendly smile. “There’s no shortage of things to keep them busy.”
“Good.” She smiled with approval. “It sounds wonderful. I have to go to work, but I’ll be back around five to pick them up. Is that okay?”
“Perfect,” said Brandon. “Have a good day, and don’t worry about them at all.”
She left, and he and Brandon stood for a moment, watching the boys at the computers. A stocky older man entered the center and looked around.
“Neil.” Tash waved him over. “Come over; I’d like you to meet someone.”
The detective approached, and Tash could see Brandon withdrawing into himself.
“Hello, Tash. Good to see you again. I presume Jordan and Luke are here.”
