Smiling up at the man who had once locked him in a trunk and carried him over his shoulder countless times, he couldn’t help but feel his heart expand in his chest.
“Nothing. I was just thinking about how much this feels like family. You, Ace, Lucas, the guys… everyone here tonight, showing up and supporting each other. It’s more than I ever thought I’d have.”
Marcus wrapped his arm around Gavin’s shoulders and pulled him into his body.
“What can I say? Once you’re in with the crew, you’re stuck with us, babe.” Marcus let out a chuckle.
“It’s not a bad place to be stuck.”
“Nope. No, it’s not,” Marcus replied, squeezing him tight against his side.
“Evening, gents,” Sheriff Burke said as he pushed throughthe crowd toward them. A few lingering parents turned to watch, curiosity already sparking. Nothing fueled small-town rumors faster than a sheriff showing up unannounced.
“Evenin’, Burke,” Marcus responded, extending his hand and giving the sheriff a firm shake.
“Got some great news for you all. We found the Valentine Killer… or what’s left of him anyway.”
Gavin and Marcus exchanged glances.
“Oh, you did?” Gavin asked, trying his best to remain surprised by the revelation.
“Yup. We found him in a pit some five days ago. It took us that long to ID the body and then try to figure out what happened to him.” The sheriff glared at them both before continuing. “Looks like he took a stumble in at some point. Not sure why he was out there at all. Anyway, it looks like some pumas or somethin’ done went and ate his ass and shit.” The sheriff shook his head. “The scene was gruesome. Blood and body parts everywhere,” he explained, switching his gaze between him and Marcus.
Marcus shook his head, his eyes locked on the sheriff. “Damn, that’s terrible. The poor animals. A man like that couldn’t have tasted too good, in my opinion.”
The corner of Burke’s mouth lifted in a half smile as he struggled not to laugh and keep his composure.
“Yeah, well, you boys don’t know anything about it, do ya?”
Marcus and Gavin looked at each other and shooktheir heads. Behind Burke, the rest of the crew stood, watching with curiosity.
“Now, why would we know anything about a serial killer being devoured by four mountain lions in the middle of the night, Sheriff Burke?” Marcus said, letting that very specific detail regarding the number of mountain lions slip, knowing that the sheriff would catch on to the reality of what he was saying.
He and the sheriff had always been honest with one another. This was how their relationship worked.
“Seriously, man. That sounds like something that only happens in movies.”
The sheriff nodded, clearly understanding the meaning of Marcus’s words. “Sorry, boys. I had to ask.” He adjusted his hat. “If you ask me, it sounds like the asshole got what he deserved.”
Gavin nodded in agreement.
“Well, I just stopped by to tell you that the fucker is dead, so it’s safe for you to go home now, Gavin. Thanks, Marcus, for taking care of this young man and for taking care of… well, for keeping us all safe in this town that we all love.”
Sheriff Burke extended his hand to Marcus once again before turning and making his way back through the crowd.
A quiet sense of victory settled over Gavin as he realized the threat of being caught was no longer hanging overthem. They could finally move forward, knowing the world was just a little bit safer.
“By the way, you’re not going anywhere, my little spitfire,” Marcus growled, wrapping his arm around Gavin’s shoulders and pulling him firmly against him.
There was no other place that Gavin would rather be.
It was in that moment that the guys began hollering and cheering. A red-faced Lucas stepped out of the theater and raised his hands to calm the ruckus.
He laughed and covered his face as he stepped forward into the crowd. Lucas’s boyfriend, Caden, followed, holding a bouquet of purple roses before passing them to his blushing man.
Lucas took the flowers, then wrapped his arm around him, hugging Caden and thanking him for being such a wonderful man.
Gavin smiled at the two lovebirds as he clapped. He knew how hard Lucas had worked on this show, teaching the kids how to dance while raising money for next year’s program.
