“Guilty. I may have a research addiction. And yes, I brought it up with Dr. Jeffries, but he shut down and didn’t really address it,” Scott said. “I think Jeffries knows more than he’s said, but based on some of what he shared about keeping the area safe, I thought he’d want to know what I found. I don’t have anything worth the sheriff’s attention. and I don’t want to start out with him thinking I’m crazy.”
“Please stay safe,” Justin begged. “I don’t care who runs the old mine, I just want you alive and with me.”
“No argument from me on that, I promise I stopped digging,” Scott replied. They were quiet for a moment, then Justin cleared his throat.
“Totally different topic,” Justin said. “Are you still planning to be here for Halloween?”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Scott said. “Are you still making those pumpkin people?”
Justin laughed. “I’ll send you pictures. Mostly, I’ve just got the heads painted. They might be pretty spooky.”
“Are they going to be inside or outside?” Scott asked. “I thought they were part of a maze.”
“Mostly inside, although we might put a couple elsewhere,” Justin said. “Our weather is crazy enough at Halloween that we didn’t want to take a chance of getting rained out or frozen out, so we’re setting up the maze in a big barn. Since the maze tickets raise money for charity, that means people are still likely to turn out even if the temperatures go wild.”
“Makes sense,” Scott agreed. “I can’t wait to see what you’re coming up with.”
Justin paused to take a drink of his coffee. “Valerie came up with a fundraising idea. People contribute a piece of their clothing, and there’s a contest to see if visitors recognize the pumpkin person wearing those clothes. The winner gets a gift certificate to eat somewhere in town, and we raise a little more money for the hospital.”
“I like that idea. Here’s a question: did you go trick-or-treating as a kid?” Scott’s voice sounded sleepy, and Justin felt himself growing tired, but he didn’t want to end the call just yet.
“Yeah, it wasn’t anything elaborate, but it was fun,” Justin recalled.
“I think we went to the big parade downtown once or twice, but mostly we stuck close to home,” Scott said. “Our neighborsgave out better candy.” He paused. “It’s probably too late for this year, but maybe next time we could plan something together.”
“Like Bert and Ernie?” Justin joked to cover his swoon as he realized Scott had just suggested that they would be together a year from now.I need him to move here now.
“I was thinking more along the lines of Batman and Robin, but whatever.” Scott laughed.
“Wish you were here.” Justin knew that they were both fading fast. “I like it better when we can sleep together.”
“So do I, and my coyote is getting impatient with me,” Scott replied. “I’m going to think about you while I get undressed tonight, and once I’m under the covers, I’m going to take my time rubbing one out, imagining my hand was yours.”
Scott’s fantasy got the attention of Justin’s cock, going from a semi to rock-hard in seconds. “Jesus, yes. Since you’re staying with me this time, I’m looking forward to being tangled up with each other.”
“I like the way that sounds,” Scott replied. “I’ll be up soon and we can figure out how to handle snow if the moving arrangements drag on that long,” Scott suggested. “If we get bad storms, we might get socked in and not be able to visit. I love our calls and the video helps, but it’s not the same as being there.”
“Let’s make plans.” Justin tried to sound like his heart hadn’t practically thudded out of his chest at Scott’s comment. “I don’t want to get stranded without you. Need to avoid hypothermia and all that.” He was nervous enough that he needed to lighten the moment.
“Definitely don’t want to freeze to death,” Scott agreed, mock-serious. “Talk again tomorrow night?”
“Absolutely,” Justin confirmed. “And I don’t mind texts. But if I’m flying, it might be a little while before I can respond.”
“Fly safe,” Scott said. “Talk to you tomorrow.” He paused. “I love you.”
“I love you too. Talk to you then,” Justin confirmed, and Scott ended the call. He stared at the darkened phone in his hand and let out a long breath.
We’re heading in the right direction. Video is great, but it’s not the same as having him with me.
Justin stoppedat Bear Necessities for breakfast. The café was busier than usual, but he sensed an odd tension that was new.
“What can I get for you?” Sherry asked.
“Coffee—black. Two eggs, scrambled. White toast,” Justin ordered. “And a side helping of gossip. Is something up? People seem on edge.”
Sherri glanced around and leaned forward. “Word has it there have been poachers around,” she said in a voice just above a whisper.
“Where?” Justin felt alarmed and surprised. Poachers were bad news under any circumstances, but they posed a special danger when shifters lived in the area. He wondered if there was any connection to the man they’d found shot.
