Aeren paused, taking a drink of water. “I waited until I heard sirens outside and then I slipped out the window and climbed down the fire escape.” He sighed. “I’m sorry I didn’t help the officers.”
“You couldn’t have,” the Chief said gruffly. “During the attack, they were incapacitated with a stun gun. There wouldn’t have been anything you could have done. What did you do next?”
Aeren swallowed hard and nodded, once again chewing his lip. “I hitchhiked here and hid in the tree out front.” When the Chief sent him a questioning look, he shrugged. “I wasn’t sure where else I would be safe.”
“I see.” The Chief dashed a few more notes on his pad and then flipped it closed. “If that was your cell phone on the bed, I’m afraid that it is evidence. We won’t be able to return it right away.” He slid his notepad into his breast pocket. “Is there somewhere I can take you?”
Lamar watched as Aeren struggled with the response before finally shaking his head. “No, thank you. I, well, I’ll go to Mandy’s townhome and wait for her to get home. It’s not far from here.”
Lamar stiffened. “It’s freezing outside,” he pointed out. “And all you’re wearing is a t-shirt. You can’t go sit in the cold for God knows how long.” He shook his head. “Tell Ms. Clauneot that he’s staying here, would you?”
“Is that what you want?” the Chief asked, offering Aeren an out. “You can come to the precinct and hang out in the waiting room, if not.”
Aeren glanced at Lamar through lowered lashed. “You don’t mind me being here?”
“Of course not,” Lamar assured him. “Why on earth would you think that?”
Arenas brow quivered, but he shrugged and looked at the Chief. “Thank you, but I’ll stay here.”
“Okay, son,” he agreed, hefting to his feet. “If you need anything, have Coop call me.”
Aeren nodded, his eyelids drooping. “Yes, sir. I will.”
When Lamar returned from walking the Chief out, Aeren was fast asleep, his head bobbing on one shoulder.
Shaking his head, Lamar carefully removed Aeren’s shoes. Then, stripped down to his boxers, tossing his clothes carelessly on the floor, and scooped Aeren up in his arms. Carrying him down the hall to his bedroom, Lamar laid Aeren in the center of the large bed and crawled in behind him, covering them both with the warm comforter.
Shifting to his side, he drew Aeren back into his embrace and closed his eyes. For the first time in days, sleep quickly pulled him under.
