Chapter Eleven #3
Footsteps approached the den, and Eli rose to his feet as Avery returned with the two men. He was probably the picture of a complete basket case.
Zane stepped forward first, his usual easy smile in place. “Hello, Eli. How are you holding up?”
“I'm okay.” His response bordered on a croak. He took another breath before continuing. “Just anxious to hear what you found out.”
Rogan moved into the room behind Zane, his imposing frame filling the doorway. Despite his intimidating appearance, Rogan’s expression held a warmth that put Eli slightly more at ease.
“Good to see you again, Eli.” The corner of his mouth quirked in a smile. “I’ve got news from my contact that should put your mind at rest.”
Avery gestured toward the seating area. “Please, sit. Can I get anyone coffee or something else to drink?”
Eli frowned, momentarily thrown off kilter.
A section of the contract dealt with his responsibilities within the household.
Since he had no idea what he wanted to do yet, and he loved the dynamic between Ryan and Zane, he’d agreed to take care of the house.
Maybe someday he’d want a career outside of the house.
But for now, exploring what it meant to be a boy to his Sir, a partner to Avery, and possibly a student again, was what would make him happy.
Rogan and Zane had already passed on the drinks, yet through all that, Avery seemed to have picked up on Eli’s dilemma. He clasped Eli’s wrist, whispering to him, “We’ll officially begin tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Sir,” he whispered back.
Avery returned to the armchair he had sat in earlier and brought Eli with him onto his lap. He settled against Avery’s chest, grinning despite the serious circumstances. As Avery wrapped his arms around Eli’s waist, he mused that what he’d wished for a couple of days ago had already come true.
Rogan and Zane took a seat on the couch, with Rogan sitting the closest. He leaned toward them, resting his elbow on the sofa arm.
“I’ve got good news for you, Eli. The remains of a murdered woman were found recently during the bust of an illegal gambling ring in the Encino Hills.
She went missing the same night of the murder you witnessed, and matches the description you provided.
The last time she was seen by anyone was when she got in the passenger seat of a black SUV after midnight.
As it turns out, the man who owns the SUV also happens to be the one behind the gambling ring.
” Rogan’s smile widened. “And now he’s in custody without bail, awaiting trial. ”
Eli sucked in a sharp breath, his body trembling. Avery covered Eli’s hands with his own.
“I don’t understand.” Eli licked his too-dry lips. “Lenny told me there wasn’t any news about a murder. Nothing at all anywhere, not even something mentioning a missing woman.”
Rogan nodded. “Sometimes, horrible crimes happen in LA and are never mentioned. There’s too much to report on, so the press picks and chooses. It’s sad to say, but one missing woman in a city of millions isn’t going to attract much attention.”
“Wow.” Eli’s heart hurt that her disappearance hadn’t warranted much concern. “Did she have family looking for her?”
Like mine. He had to call his parents the second Zane and Rogan left.
“I don’t have that information,” said Rogan. “But I can find out, if you like.”
“Yeah, I’d appreciate it.”
After that, Rogan gave a few more details about the sting and how it had been going on for over three years. The investigators theorized that the victim had threatened to expose the killer’s illegal business, and that had sealed her fate.
“Excuse me, Rogan?” Another disquieting thought struck him, one of the main reasons he hadn’t gone to the police in the first place. “Will Lenny and I be called to testify?”
Rogan shook his head. “I doubt it. Several of the smaller players have already turned state’s evidence to get better deals. Two of them helped him hide the body, and a few others witnessed him bring her body back in his vehicle.”
“Did he…” Eli swallowed with no spit. “Say anything about me or Lenny? Something like, I’m going to get those guys for telling on me?”
It was probably the dumbest question ever, but he couldn’t help it. He needed that last piece of the fucked up puzzle to click into place before he could move on.
“Not a word.” Rogan paused, took a breath, then locked eyes with him. “Eli, this has been an awful time for you, but it’s over. Alex Agassi has no reason to come after you or Lenny. His men who flipped on him have a lot more to worry about than you ever will.”
Eli took in a shuddering breath, then burst into tears. It was as if every emotion he’d ever felt came pouring out of him at once. He turned in Avery’s arms, burying his face in his Sir’s neck, clutching him, hanging on tight while the unrelenting burden of the past month crashed over him in waves.
He had no idea when Rogan and Zane left, or how long he cried. All he was aware of was Avery carrying him into their bedroom and holding him until he fell asleep.