Page 13 of Operation Daddy

Fletch’s eyes closed, as if he prayed for patience, or asked God why July had been sent to vex his life.

July couldn’t stop. High stress always made him chatty and ridiculous. It was his nature to defuse every situation. “Do you plan to spank me now? Or is it Rex you’re turning over your knee?” July started laughing again. He buried the sound against Fletch’s chest. He shook as he tried to get himself under control. July had a sudden image of Fletch poking out his chest like a rooster and shitting on Rex. He had no idea why his mind went there, but the snort laughter was real.

Fletch’s arms surrounded him, holding him in a soft embrace.

July’s laughter faded. When he unburied his face, his breath caught. Fletch’s stare wasn’t angry or annoyed. His expression was something July had never seen before. He looked at July with wonder and indulgence—like he could listen to July’s ridiculousness all day. His shell cracked and a piece of Fletch bled through. July was stunned into silence.

The door swung open, breaking the spell.

Banks strolled in. “Just wanted to let you guys know we had a small raid by the feds. Most likely searching for July and not drugs like they claimed. Dad shut that shit down with lightning speed. I imagine someone will be sitting in front of a judge soon, being reminded about the laws on illegal searches.” He focused on July. “Smart move, leaving all your trackers behind. I have your phone. That’s probably what brought them here. Don’t worry, though. A friend of ours, Tracker, hacked the device and redirected the signal to make it look like your phone’s last ping was at a park in New Hampshire.”

July’s jaw dropped. “He can do that?”

A man who looked like he read the evening news to the entire country each night poked his head into the room. “Yes, I can do that. Don’t worry, I’ll keep him on a wild goose chase. Honestly, I'm kind of looking forward to it. I haven’t had this much fun online in a long time.”

His smile was contagious. July’s cheeks hurt from grinning. “Thank you so much. You have no idea what this means to me.”

Tracker winked. “Yes, I do. I’ve been there. Only it was an entire underground program that had me on the run. You’ve got this and we’ve got your back.”

July’s relief was big enough to have exhaustion making his head spin. He hadn’t slept without being afraid in a long time. His body relaxing for the first time in a long time had him ready to pass out.

“Let’s let him sleep.”

July heard Banks’ suggestion and the door close. His head had fallen back against the pillow as if it had a mind of its own.

Fletch traced the line of his jaw, making July even more tired. “Close your eyes. I’ll keep you safe.”

July nodded, or he thought he did. Peace welcomed him into a deep sleep. This time, nothing broke through his dreams. He was finally safe to rest.

Chapter Six

The pain meds made July’s head spin. He couldn’t drive. July had to do something, though. Thankfully, Rex was still in the phase where he ignored July and cut off all his funds. That didn’t bother him. He had a credit card with an unlimited credit limit. Rex didn’t know that. This shit happened so often now that July had a perfect credit score from all the times he had run it up and paid the card off when Rex unlocked his checking. This was one of those times where Rex would likely stay away longer. He knew he had really hurt July this time. Rex would give him time to wonder if this time was different. Then, he would send flowers, texts, and gifts once he calmed down. This bull was always the same song and dance. First, get pissed off, hurt July and cut him off. Next came the apology texts that July wouldn’t respond to. Then came the lamest of begging while throwing money July’s way. July had fallen out of love and moved to loathing the man a long time ago. Not that it mattered. He would never be free. Rex would put him in the ground first. July had no doubts that was the one vow Rex had made him that was the absolute truth.

Even though he had been stuck in this pattern for three years, he knew Rex would likely hit a point where he didn’t give a fuck if July forgave him or not. He would simply show up and take what he wanted from July. It wasn’t like July could stop him… unless July killed him. That thought grew every day. He should start a garden for a very particular type of plants. Maybe he would. Right now, though, July was in the danger zone. This was the first time Rex had broken a bone. He was getting more violent with each attack. July needed to steer clear of the house for a few days. He couldn’t call Leary. Leary was too good of a person to poison with this. Not to mention, his house was under surveillance. July couldn’t call Fletch. Even though Fletch had taken him to an emergency orthopedist doctor, Fletch wasn’t in a position to let July crash at his place. His choices were pretty dang limited.

He scrolled through his phone. It didn’t take as long as he thought to find an answer. July chewed his bottom lip and cringed inside as he hit the call icon.

The phone rang twice, and July almost hung up—as if that was a sign or something.

“What’s up, Lite-Brite?”

July smiled at Banks’ endearment. “Hey. Not much. This sounds so lame since I never call you and then the first time I do it’s because I need something.”

Banks cut him off. “That’s exactly why I gave you my number. I’m here.”

July covered his eyes. He sniffed. His throat swelled and his voice cracked as he got to the point. “I need a place to stay for a while.”

The call went so silent, he thought Banks had hung up on him. When Banks spoke, July jumped a hair. His nervous system was wrecked. “Tell me what’s going on.”

Anguish welled inside him. “I can’t.” The confession was barely a whisper.

Another bout of silence had him shaking.

“Pack a bag. I’ll be there in twenty to pick you up. That way, your car stays behind and can’t be tracked. Leave your phone too. I’ll get you a burner.”

July nodded even though Banks couldn’t see him. “Okay.” He wanted to heap praise on Banks, but he couldn’t speak. His heart ached, and an ounce of kindness brought him down the final inches of his fall. He couldn’t keep living like this. July didn’t imagine he would have to much longer. Rex would probably kill him next time. He felt that in his bones.

July outlined the image of a unicorn with puffy paint. Fletch worked on his bear beside him. He loved bright, happy colors. Fletch had done well finding projects for him. Their arms brushed occasionally. For the most part, they stayed focused on their tasks. July squeezed the paint bottle, and his hand shook. He shifted hands and tried shaking off the weakness.