The guard at his door gave him an acknowledging nod. “Been quiet all night, boss.”
“That’s what I like to hear,” Ishmael replied, keying open his door.
Crichton stood up from the sofa. “Evening, sir. He showered and climbed into bed over an hour ago.”
“Excellent. Before you leave, check in with Jamal and Ezra. Also, our new bar manager popped in and it looked as if he was trying to not be noticed. He ducked into the men’s toilets when he saw I was looking in his direction. Given what else you’ll be debriefed on, it is a matter of interest.”
Crichton nodded. “If he were just taking a look before starting next week, it’d be more usual to greet your fellow co-workers or a new boss.”
“Quite. Also, I know I told Kris Sunday, but I’m going to make it tomorrow, before things get any hairier. So, tell Ezra I’ll need a detail tomorrow to accompany myself and Kris on a sightseeing tour. We’ll be taking the Tesla.”
“Will do. I’ll also see if I can ascertain what our little mole was up to.”
“Do that.” Ishmael loosened his tie. “How did Kris take to seeing you were his evening detail?”
“He was fucking terrified, sir. I ratcheted it up a notch by choosing a documentary about a serial killer,” Crichton grinned.
“Good, good. It’ll make things easier.”
Crichton rubbed his crotch. “I’m looking forward to it, sir.”
“Mouth only, and only then while training him.”
“Understood.”
“Good, because his ass is mine and only ever will be mine. I’d hate to see you go into early retirement.” Ishmael’s tone grew dark.
Crichton met his gaze, unwilling to show fear in light of the not so veiled threat. “I have no plans to cause you to offer me a redundancy or early retirement, sir. I’m merely looking forward to the very pleasurable opportunity to train you boy so that you get nothing but pure enjoyment from him, sir.”
Ishmael studied him for a moment, seeing no challenge in Crichton’s eyes no in his stance, then waved at him dismissively. “Until next shift, then.” He watched as the man ducked his head in respect before turning on his heel and striding out the door. Hearing a voice as Kris called out garbled nonsense in his sleep drew his attention back to his bedroom. He slipped his tie off and carefully hung it in his wardrobe.
Time for bed.He removed his cufflinks, placing them on the dresser as he watched Kris mutter as he writhed under the duvet, his face tense from what haunted his dreams. Ishmael made quick work of shucking the rest of his clothes, then climbed under the covers. He pulled Kris to him, arranging them as a big and little spoon. Kris must have been exhausted as he stiffened his body but didn’t fully awaken.
“Shh, my sweet. It’s just me.” Ishmael bushed a kiss on the back of his pet’s neck, holding him firmly against his chest. He breathed in and out slowly, knowing that Kris would soon sync his own breaths and relax. When it happened, Ishmael smiled into the darkness. Kris was rapidly giving himself over, body and soul. He just didn’t know it yet.
