“Sheryl won’t know about this because we won’t tell her. Owen has experience with this sort of thing; I won’t find someone better for this job.”
Nate sighs quietly. He doesn’t like the sheriff’s plan, mostly because it might actually work. Owen has this kind of innocent look that could make the dealers trust him enough to open up. “Well, what do you want me to do about it?”
“You and he will work together. Tell him what he needs to do and who to befriend. You’re the only one who can guide him.”
“Well, yeah, in theory.”
“You’ve been watching those people for a long time.”
But not for the reason you think.“If Sheryl finds out, I’m not taking the blame, boss.”
The sheriff chuckles. “You’re a coward.”
“Just a man who values his nuts, and I’d rather keepboth if that’s alright with you.”
“I’ll take the blame if she finds out. Speak with Owen on Monday. He started working at the library, so you might find him there.”
“Who the hell works at a library?”
“People who like to read. Have a nice evening.”
“I’m planning to.” He hangs up and mulls over this new assignment. He’ll need to tread carefully with all this undercover nonsense, but at least the sheriff trusts him to take the lead. He’ll figure out how to handle Owen in due time so he won’t end up causing too much damage.
But right now, Nate is heading out to Rodie’s to do some hunting.
*
It’s a Friday evening, and the place is packed with men and women who are looking to unwind after a long week. Nate makes his way to his favorite corner at the dimmest side of the counter.
Bill comes over, looking unfriendly. “What will it be?”
“A pint of Falstaff and some nachos.”
“And that’s it, right?”
Nate snickers. “Yeah, that’s it.”
Bill seems relieved. “I don’t get why you needed me to do that to Will in the first place.”
“Does it matter? It’s not like I killed the man. You’ve seen him here plenty since then.”
Unable to argue with that, Bill shrugs and goes to take care of the order. Nate turns to scan the large space, spotting what he came here to see.
Even after witnessing Will in all his glory a number of times, the sight of him still makes Nate’s heart beat twice as fast. He has the most perfect bone structure, even under his beard. Tonight, he’s wearing a short flannel shirt that sits nicely around his broad shoulders.
Nate is so mesmerized, he almost doesn’t notice the man whom Will is talking to. He’s so used to seeing Will with Bradley and Esteban that he almost misses the presence of another person with them.
Owen sits in front of Will, and he’s apparently the kind of guy who likes to talk with his hands. Maybe he’s just excited about the thing he’s talking about—or the person he’s talking to. Nate frowns as he watches the two of them talk. Will seems a bit stiff, but is it because he knows who Owen’s aunt is, or because he wants to be inside Owen’s pants?
Bill brings the beer, and Nate takes a long sip while closely watching the two talking men.I don’t like this.He remembers Sheryl mentioning her nephew was gay. Does Will know that? Are they sitting there talking about cock-sucking and Cher?
He tries to convince himself not to get upset. He got what he wanted, didn’t he? He got Will. But as hewatches Owen closely, it’s clear that he is smitten, and Nate isn’t sure he can compete. It would be crazy of Will to have another go at a relationship with how things ended with Joel, but ithasbeenfive years since then.
Nate tightens his grip on the cold glass. He waited years for this man, and he’s not about to lose his chance to the first pretty queer who walks into town. The minutes pass, and Nate absently chews on his nachos. He might have gotten a cheese burn on his upper palate, but he chews through the pain and drinks his second glass of beer. He’s not even sure he’s blinking by this point with how concentrated he is.
Some time later, Will glances around the room, likely searching for a waitress. Nate knows he won’t be spotted where he sits, but he wants to be spotted. He waves his hand until he catches Will’s attention, causing the man to tense.
Nate signals with his finger for Will to bring his ass over, and although he’s clearly reluctant, he says something to his friends before getting up.
