Forgiveness (Anthem River #2)

Chapter 1

Chapter

One

F ear.

It drove people to do the dumbest things in existence. Hence his issue. Dangling from his fire escape ten stories above a painful death if he were to lose his grip. Trying to calm his breathing as he heard his apartment being ransacked, he didn’t know what they wanted but he sure as hell wasn’t going in there to ask, and he sure as hell didn’t want to alert them to his presence. Should have gotten a dog, Leo thought bitterly as he continued to dangle. It was a cold windy night and his thin pajama pants and wife beater were not up to par to keep him warm during this adventure, thankfully it was dry out so he didn’t have to worry about being cold and wet. In the distance, he heard sirens and almost let go of the bar in relief when they screamed into his parking lot. He no longer heard anything coming from his apartment and dragged himself up to steal a quick look in the window. His torn bed, upended desk and his clothes strewn everywhere greeted him. He saw something shiny under his desk and dove in, pulling his laptop out of the rubble that was his desk, and begging any god that listened that nothing on the hard drive was damaged or missing.

“Leo,” a powerful voice bellowed.

Leo looked up to see his younger brother crashing through the other cops, blocking him and rushing over. “I’m okay, Rafe, they didn't hurt me.” He was sitting in the back of an ambulance, covered with a foil blanket to help stave off the cold as he shivered. He couldn’t tell if it was from the cold, the adrenaline crash, or if he was just terrified. Probably all three, if he had to guess.

“Do you have any idea what happened?” Rafe demanded.

Before Leo could answer, one cop walked up. His wide shoulders and deep scowl made Leo swallow hard.

“I’m Detective McGarrett, can you tell me what happened, sir?” He asked soothingly. He was exhausted and had just been ready to head home for the night when he got this call, but he tried to keep his voice level. It wasn’t this man’s fault he got robbed.

“Uh…yeah, well, I was working on my deadline for my publisher and I heard a scraping noise on the door. I let it go because my neighbor comes home drunk a lot and gets our places mixed up.” He shrugged like it didn’t matter, but every time it did, his heart would skip a beat. “After a couple seconds, the noise stopped but then I heard a noise I never ever want to hear again in my life.”

“Easy Leo,” Rafe placed a hand on his shoulder as his breathing picked up. “Just tell us when you’re ready, ok?”

“And you are?” McGarrett asked, looking between the two, trying to keep things in order.

“Officer Rafe Willis, this is my older brother Leonardo Willis.” Rafe answered easily. He knew who the senior cop was. He’d seen him around the precinct a lot and respected the hell out of him for his work.

Dex looked up, shocked. “The author?”

Leo nodded tiredly.

“What did you hear, Leo?” Rafe kept his hand on his brother’s shoulder as a grounding point when he looked up and whispered,

“A bullet sliding into a chamber. I could hear it clearly through the door.” Leo stared at his brother, not seeing him as his mind threatened to render him useless. “After that, I can’t really remember what happened. I just remember dangling from the fire escape and the cold.”

“Was anything taken that you could see?” Dex made notes, and he silently studied the two men in front of him. He should have known they were brother’s same hair and same eyes, but that’s where the similarities ended. Leo was a slender man with shaggy hair and glasses that took up half his face, whereas his brother was tall and sturdy, with biceps and a chest that stretched his shirt amazingly. Dex wanted to kick himself. He was here on a job and he needed to focus. Maybe his sister was right, and he needed to get laid. He inwardly rolled his eyes. He would never admit she was right.

“No, I didn’t really check, just grabbed my shoes and bolted. When I heard the cops, I went back in to grab my laptop.” Leo patted his laptop that he was holding against his chest like it might disappear into thin air.

“You can come to my place tonight.” Rafe said.

“Thanks, but I think I’ll go stay with Mom and Dad. I’ve been meaning to go by and see them.” Leo didn’t want to stay with Rafe, knowing his brother wouldn’t be able to relax and sleep with him there, worried he would have issues in the middle of the night.

“Ok, I’ll drive you.” Rafe said firmly. It wasn’t an offer.

“Thanks but don’t tell them what happened.” Leo pleaded. All he needed was for his mom to go all momma bear on him.

Rafe sighed and Dex was drawn to the way his shirt stretched across his chest. “Fine.” He grumbled.

Dex cleared his throat. “We will dust your place for prints and see if we can find anything that will tell us who did this.”

“Thank you.” Rafe said, in place of his brother. “Do you need us for anything else?”

Dex tried to not see a double meaning to that question and barely stifled a groan. Everything about this guy pushed all his buttons, and he needed to get out of there before he made a complete fool of himself. He pulled one of his business cards out of his pocket and handed it to Rafe, who froze as their fingers brushed against each other. A surge of electricity flowed through them and Dex was really glad Leo seemed too out of it to notice. Rafe studied him curiously for a moment, then looked down at the card. Dex cleared his throat again. “In case he remembers anything else.” He gestured stupidly at the card and damn near smacked himself. “You’re free to go.”

“Thank you.” Rafe helped his brother, who seemed a little unsteady on his feet, to his patrol truck. “What’s the story you want to tell Mom and Dad?”

“Maybe they are spraying my building or doing some renovations, and I need a quiet place to work.” Leo wiped his palms on his thighs as he looked to Rafe for encouragement.

Rafe nodded. “Renovations would probably be the best option. I'll run by in the morning and drop your car off. Is there anything in the house you need?”

“Um…clothes and toiletries.” Leo wracked his brain trying to remember if there was anything else he needed or that he was supposed to do but came up blank.

“Okay, I’ll drop that off along with your car. I’ll leave it in the back seat for you so you don’t have to answer questions.” Rafe offered.

“Thank you, Rafe, I really appreciate this.” Leo said tiredly. He could always count on his baby brother to have his back.

Rafe glanced at his brother. With an eight-year age difference, people figured they wouldn’t be this close, but they were wrong. “Leo, you’re my brother. I’d do anything for you.”

Leo grinned. “I know you would, but I never want to take that for granted.”

Rafe chuckled. “I know you never would, but I appreciate it.” When they pulled into the driveway, he stopped and turned to look at his brother. “Is this the first time something like this has happened?” He demanded, almost afraid to hear the answer. Ever since his brother’s husband had been killed overseas, Leo had been lost.

“You mean someone breaking in…yes.” Leo hesitated as he thought just to make sure.

Rafe noticed his brother seemed uneasy. “What is it, Leo?”

Sighing, Leo raked a hand through his hair. “I’ve just been feeling uneasy lately. I’ve gotten some random calls where they just hang up and sometimes I feel like I’m being watched.”

Panic made Rafe’s chest tighten. “Ok, I’m gonna call someone who can offer you protection.”

“No, Rafe…” Leo groaned. That was the last thing he wanted, some strange person in his space.

“Leo please, with all the attention you’ve been getting lately because of your books, I think it's best, ok? I could never live with myself if something happened to you. I’ll call Saint’s friend who runs a security business. He can have someone around just to keep an eye out so you can relax and continue work.” Rafe said soothingly. He knew it would be hard for Leo to handle someone being in his space.

Leo grimaced. “I hate that. You know I won’t be able to work now.” He sighed. He had a deadline to reach, but he knew Rafe was right. He’d never be able to focus now.

Rafe smiled softly. “I know your anxiety will make things worse. Please let me do this or I’m telling Mom the truth.” He threatened.

Leo stared at him, mouth open. “You bastard!” He raged.

Rafe chuckled. “Damn straight.”

“Fine, but do not tell Mom.” Leo growled. They got out of the car and walked to the front door. “I’ll give Saint’s guy a try, but try to find one that I can work with, ok?”

Rafe pulled his brother close. “You got it.”

“Well, if it isn’t two of my favorite ten children.” Their mom’s melodious voice greeted them as she opened the door.

They looked at each other and grinned. “Hey Mom,” they said in unison.

“To what do I owe this pleasure?” She beckoned them into the kitchen where her famous chocolate chip cookies were set out on a plate like she knew they would be there. They spent most evenings at her house for dinner, because no one could resist Sanem Willis’ food, but both Rafe and Leo had called to cancel.

“Leo’s building is having some renovations done on it and he’s been trying to work all day, so I just decided to bring him here.” Rafe hated lying to his mother and he could see she didn’t believe him, but she knew not to push.

“Yeah, I’ve got a deadline coming up and I’m behind. I needed a quiet place to work. Do you mind?” Leo grinned sheepishly.

Sanem looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “Son, did you just ask me that?”

“Uh…” Leo looked wide-eyed at his brother, who just smiled.

Rafe tried desperately to keep from laughing. “Dude, you just asked Mom if you could stay the night when she still has all our bedrooms the same as we left them.” He laughed. “He’s had a rough day, Momma, go easy on him.”

Leo grinned ruefully. “Sorry Ma,” he gave her a toothy grin.

She shook her head at both of them. “Go on up. Your father is already asleep. He's got a project to do tomorrow. Rafe, are you staying?”

“No, ma, I’ve got court in the morning.” Rafe kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll see you later. Bye, Leo!”

“Bye, Rafe!” Leo called out from the top of the stairs.

The next morning, Leo woke up to his cell phone vibrating across his nightstand. He slapped at it a couple times, trying to get his fingers to work and pick it up. “Hello?” He yawned.

“Shit, sorry didn’t mean to wake you.” Rafe said softly. “I’ve called Kade to get you some protection.”

Leo had zoned out somewhere. “ I’m sorry, what?”

“Leo, they trashed your place and left threats in spray paint all over the walls.” Rafe snarled. Who the hell would want to hurt his softy of a brother?

“What?” Leo wheezed. He hadn’t seen those. “What did they say?” He demanded after he swallowed his balls that had lodged in his throat.

“You’re next faggot shit like that, get ready I’m coming to pick you up and we’re going to Clairvoyant Sight.” Rafe ordered as he slammed his truck door and started the engine. “You’ve got five minutes.” He hung up before Leo could reply.

Leo sucked in a shaky breath, trying to calm his nerves. Who could be after him? And more importantly, why? He rolled out of bed to put on his shoes. He’d taken a hot shower early that morning before dressing warmly and trying to get some sleep. When he finally made it downstairs, he saw Rafe talking to his very worried parents. “You told them?” He asked as his mom hauled him into a hug.

“Yes, I wanted to give them a heads up.” Rafe crossed his arms over his thick chest, daring him to argue.

Leo nodded, hugging his mother back before his father crushed him in his arms.

“Are you ok?” Bram asked gruffly.

Leo nodded. He was right then, but when it actually hit him about what had happened, he couldn’t be so sure.

“Let us know what we can do to help.” Levi said from his wheelchair as he rolled in with his service dog in training Sheriff.

“We will. I’m taking him to Kade now, he’s got someone who can offer round-the-clock protection.” Rafe said, jiggling his keys.

“Do you know who?” Leo demanded. He didn’t want a random person to suddenly be all in his space.

“He didn’t say, but he’ll find someone you can work with.” Rafe assured him for the billionth time.

Leo both prayed and dreaded it would be Torres. He hadn’t seen the man since he shot him down at his parents the day his older brother had introduced him to his nephew. He just nodded, bidding his parents goodbye, and followed his brother to his truck.

“Don’t worry Leo, Kade will handle this quickly.” Rafe assured him. He didn’t think there was anything the blind man couldn’t do.

Leo nodded, trying to swallow the panic that was rearing its ugly head. The ride was quiet as he got lost in all the what if’s, and as a writer he had quite the imagination.

“We’re here.” Rafe said softly.

Leo followed Rafe to Kade’s office, not even bothering to pay attention to his surroundings. “Can you give me a moment?” He asked when they got to Kade’s office. He could see the frightening man behind his big desk, his fingers steepled as he looked at the door with his shaded eyes.

Rafe grinned, knowing Kade intimidated the hell out of Leo when he wore his glasses indoors. “Yeah, I’m gonna get things started.”

Leo nodded, taking a seat while he tried to slap a lid back on his panic.

“Leo?” A warm voice called out.

Leo jumped and looked straight into warm, concerned chocolate brown eyes. “Torres,” He croaked, it was getting harder to draw in a breath.

When Torres had first seen Leo sitting there, he was going to leave him be, he wasn’t going to lie, he was still stinging from the rejection but the moment he’d see Leo’s pale skin and terrified eyes he couldn’t leave the man alone. “What’s wrong?” He passed him the unopened bottle of orange juice he had in his hands before he sat next to him.

Leo couldn’t even open the damn bottle. His hands were shaking so badly.

Torres easily popped the top and handed it back while he waited for an answer.

“My apartment was broken into and trashed. Rafe said they left threats behind in spray paint. He’s in there with Kade to talk about protection.” Leo gasped out as it finally hit.

“Easy Leo, here, hold on to me.” Torres gripped his hand and just waited for the smaller man to work through it.

It took a few minutes to get his breathing under control, but Torres never rushed him, just sat there in silence holding his hand, and he was so grateful for that. “Thank you.”

Torres grinned cheekily. “You’d be surprised, but it’s not every day I get to help an attractive man.” He winced. “It’s usually women who watch too many movies and make it a game to seduce the bodyguard.” He rolled his eyes playfully.

Leo chuckled. He really liked listening to Torres talk. It was a show that was for sure.

“I believe Torres will handle it from here.” Kade gestured to the window that Leo and Torres were sitting by. He’d heard Torres stop to talk to Leo because he’d heard the man’s deep voice muffled through the door.

Rafe looked in time to see Leo chuckle as Torres spoke. The man used every part of his body when he talked. His hands were the main ones, and they were fluttering about as he spoke, making Leo laugh. Rafe breathed a deep sigh of relief.

“Are you ready to go in now?” Torres winked.

“Yeah, thanks, Torres.” Leo said softly.

“No problem, now come on, I want to annoy Kade before I leave.” Torres clapped his hands as he stood.

“Wait, you annoy him on purpose?” Leo hissed.

Torres flashed him a toothy grin. “Hell, yes.” Torres opened the door and ushered Leo in. “Hey boss,” he said cheekily.

“Can it, Torres.” Kade grumbled and tossed him a file. “I was going to put Odin and Kuzgun on this, but you’d be a better fit.”

Torres rolled his eyes. “I swear to god if those two don’t fuck each other already.”

“You’re gonna do what?” Kade taunted, leaning forward.

Torres chuckled. “Drug them, put them in the same bed, and leave. I’ll need help with Odin’s big ass, though.”

Kade laughed, shocking the brothers who sat and watched them bicker. “Don’t drug my men, Torres.” He patted his leg. “Valk, sic ‘em, boy, he's being bad.”

Valk ambled over to Torres for love making happy grumbling noises.

“Yeah boy, tear him apart,” Kade praised, knowing damn well Valk wouldn’t hurt a fly. His English mastiff was a big boy his dark blonde fur was shiny and soft and his face with the adorable black mask was a mix of exasperation and elation most of the time.

“Oh, hey buddy,” Leo said softly as Valk placed his big head on his knee.

“He senses your anxiety.” Kade shrugged. “At least we’re not the only ones with problems.”

Torres gasped. “I resent that.”

“You resemble that.” Kade fired back, making Rafe and Leo chuckle.

Torres rolled his eyes at his friend. “What do you want me to do?”

Leo was shocked at how easily Torres could switch from work to play and back again.

“Keep him with you. I wouldn’t recommend going back to your apartment longer than it takes to grab what you need. I have men working on who could be behind this. I promise we’ll get this taken care of Leo.”

Leo swallowed hard. “Thank you, Kade.”

“Mom will expect you two at lunch today. She knows what’s going on.” Rafe said to Kade and Torres.

Kade raised a brow. “Because it’s such a hardship to have that woman put me in a food coma.”

Torres grinned. “She wants to mother you, feels you didn’t get enough love as a child.”

Kade looked dead at Torres and shrugged. “Considering my mother and father were abusive and sold me to a pimp when I was eight, I didn’t.”

Torres grimaced. “Remind me to kill them.”

“They’re in jail and they’ll die there.” Kade shrugged. It was old news, and the old wounds had scarred over. “She had two more kids after me, Savage and Siren, a set of twins, but I can’t find anything on them.”

Torres raised a brow. “Carnage, Mercy, Savage, and Siren…really?”

Kade held his hands out. “My father is a full-blooded Native. My mom is mostly Native the rest is Scandinavian.”

“Make sense.” Torres stood. “I’ll do my best to help you find them.”

“Appreciate it.” Kade bid them farewell before he turned back to his computer.

“Let’s run by your apartment and get what you need. I have a safe place for you to go.” Torres said and Leo nodded his agreement.

“Call me if you need anything. I’ve got to get back to work. I’ll see if they’ve made any progress going through the evidence.” Rafe said before hugging him tight. “I’ll see you at Mom’s later.”

“Ok, be careful Rafe.” Leo said firmly.

Rafe nodded as he left.

“Make a list of the things you need from your place. It’ll help you focus.” Torres told him when they got to his car.

“Good idea.” Leo pulled up his notes app on his phone and got to work. By the time Torres pulled into his apartment’s parking lot, he had a good size list.

“You get the things you need and I’ll check your fridge and freezer for any food that’ll expire soon, so we can either take it or toss it. So you won’t have to come home to that.” Torres said as he turned off the ignition.

Leo blinked owlishly at him. “Good idea,” he mumbled.

Torres went up first, making sure Leo stayed behind him. The police tape hadn’t been disturbed, but he was still cautious as he opened the door.

“Holy shit.” Leo stared at the wreckage of what was once his safe place. The furniture was overturned, broken, and shattered. All the pillows and cushions were ripped and discarded. His home, the home he had painstakingly put together until it was perfect, was now cold and scary. His vision blurred as he shakily reached down for a picture frame that had been discarded like trash on the floor. It was one of his favorite pictures from his wedding. Both he and Deagan were dressed sharply in gray tuxedos, arms thrown around each other as they grinned at the camera. They were covered in cake from throwing it at each other, but you could clearly see the love they had.

Torres was at a loss for what to do as Leo stared at the picture, silent tears coasting down his face before sliding into his beard to drop onto his shirt. He could see by the picture it was of Leo’s wedding. He had to admit, they both looked good. His husband was gorgeous as well with his wild black curls and happy hazel eyes, but he had nothing on the man in front of him. “Leo,” He said softly, gently placing a hand on the man’s shaking shoulder.

Leo had forgotten Torres was there. He looked up into his understanding eyes. “Let me get my stuff.” He croaked.

Torres stopped him from moving. “Take your time Leo, I’ll stay here. Call me if you need me.”

Leo nodded, unable to say anything else as he escaped to his bedroom.

Torres now understood why Leo had shot him down. He was still grieving his husband. He sighed, knowing damn well he still wanted the man, and wouldn’t give up that easily. He just hoped he wouldn’t end up with a broken heart after all this. He rolled his eyes as he headed towards the kitchen. He checked all the food in the fridge and freezer, which consisted of take-out and frozen meals. He tossed the take out then checked the meals to make sure they weren’t expired before he put them back.

“I’m ready.” Leo’s voice was barely a whisper.

Torres turned to see Leo holding the handle of a suitcase and had a death grip on a backpack strap he’d tossed over his shoulder. Leo’s face was too pale, his eyes too wide. “Let’s go.” He grabbed the suitcase but didn’t bother to try to grab the backpack before he led him back to the car. “Do you want music or silence?”

“Do you have any Celtic Woman?” Leo asked desperately.

“Yes.” Torres easily pulled it up on his phone and let the strings and pipes soothe them. He could see Leo had checked out as he pulled away from the curb. He let the drive ease his nerves and settle his mind. To him, the car was one of his safe places. He could go anywhere or do anything and having Leo with him made it all the better.

“Would you mind taking me to my parents after we drop my stuff off? I have things I want to get and I’d like to help my mom with lunch.” Leo asked, not bothering to look at Torres. He just let his gaze unfocus as he stared at the trees that whizzed by.

“Absolutely,” Torres said easily. It only took about half an hour to get to his place. A few years ago, he’d bought a dilapidated cottage on ten acres. The house itself had been stone, and the foundation had been solid, so he’d gutted the place and made it his. The driveway was a little spooky at night, barely big enough for one car. It had been so overgrown and wild that he’d had to walk up from the road when he’d first bought it. He’d had it cleared a little and maintained it himself, but he liked the fact that it was hard to find and easy to get lost in.