“I’m on my way to collect Ryder in Los Angeles. He had a physical altercation with Roger Craig last evening and was told to leave after the fight. He’s currently with two of our gentlemen, and they’ve indicated Ryder has been roughed up. There’s a cut on the back of his neck from Roger’s attack with a knife?—”
“Atlas, are you serious?”
“Which part did you think I was joking about?”
“This is your mentee?”
“Absolutely.” I hoped the doctor could tell by my serious tone that the council wasn’t playing any jokes here.
“Forgive me for thinking otherwise. It’s just?—”
“He’s not the typical student. I get it, and this is the second time I’ve been reminded of that this morning. I’m telling you all of this because I need you to look him over closely this afternoon. I didn’t want you to be shocked or act surprised in front of him when you examine him.”
“Understood. Thank you for apprising me of the situation. I take it there will be no family—foster family—in attendance, correct?”
“Correct. I’ll be accompanying him. By the time we get back to New York, it’ll be late this afternoon. We’ll come straight to the facility in the Upper West Side. I told Melvin that would work best.”
“I’ll be there and ready.”
“Thank you. See you this afternoon.”
After I hung up with the doctor, I called Tory, my contact at the Plaza Hotel.
“Mr. Christos, it’s a pleasure to hear from you, as always.”
“I need to book a mini suite for this evening through New Year’s Day.” I paused when I heard him typing.
“Done. What else may I assist with?”
“I’m going to have a few deliveries sent to the hotel. Would you see to it that they’re let into the room to deliver the items and set them up?”
“Of course, sir.”
“Thank you.”
After that call, I phoned Cici, one of the assistants at Dawson & Clarke’s Clothiers and asked him if he could put together a temporary wardrobe for Ryder and deliver it to the hotel. Next week I’d get Ryder in for the appointment to measure him for his clothes, and those would work for him for the start of the new year. But he needed some comfortable things until then. I gave Cici my best guess for Ryder’s sizes, and that would have to do for now.
Now that I had the hotel arranged and someone was working on the clothing, I needed someone to help with making the hotel comfortable for Ryder to basically live in for the next several weeks. I needed someone who would be able to assist with the task and be there for Ryder when I couldn’t be. Knowing Ryder’sbackground and how trust issues continue to plague him, I needed someone calm and agreeable. The young man I select to help with Ryder would need to have a personality that wouldn’t come off as aggressive. Aiden and Luca were two young men who came to mind and fit the description of who I was looking for. After giving it a few more minutes of thought, I decided both could help.
I put the three of us in a group chat and briefly explained what I needed from them. Both were on board and said they would get together this afternoon and take care of it. I gave them the name of the hotel and told them to ask for Tory when they arrived.
For the remainder of the flight, I made a list on my phone of things I needed to help Ryder with between now and the start of the year. Though the list was lengthy, my main task was simply getting to him.
11
Atlas
December
As soon as the door to the jet opened, I headed down the steps and walked toward the Escalade that waited a short distance away. The two front doors opened, and Oliver and D’Andre stepped onto the tarmac. D’Andre opened the door to the back seat, and Ryder appeared as I approached the SUV. The tension I’d held in my back relaxed some. At least I could see him and know he was out of harm’s way.
The King’s Omnia is safe.
Our eyes met, and neither of us looked at anything or anyone else. Before I’d even reached Ryder, I found myself stretching my arm out to touch him. Being mindful that he was physically and emotionally wounded, I gently placed my hand on his shoulder as soon as we were within touching distance.
“I’m glad to see you, Ryder. Are you all right?” I asked. The chilly December wind whipped around us.
“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just done with him.”
