Saving Us

1

"L ook, Officer , it’s creeping me out that you’re practically stalking me. Jamie Abbott tossed his light brown hair from his forehead and sneered at John Kirkland while wiping down a table at the popular, cozy little restaurant where he was a new employee. I mean, thanks for getting me the job. I appreciate your cop connections with Sam and all, and it was super helpful for him and his buddies to put in a good word for me, but you’ve been here pretty much every day this week. Maybe you should do the old guy creeper routine somewhere else or focus on someone who’s maybe the slightest bit interested."

Jamie kept up the act of washing the table throughout his diatribe. Officer John Kirk Kirkland bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing at the kid’s tantrum. So, you admit you’ve noticed me? Kirk smirked.

"Kinda hard not to notice you. You’re in a uniform, with your big bad gun and shiny badge, drinking like five gallons of coffee and staring at me. Jamie finally stopped wiping the table. Lucky for the table because he’d almost rubbed a hole in it. Like I said, CREEP-EEE. Jamie threw a glance over his shoulder at a table of six men. At least go sit with your friends so you don’t look like some loser."

Sam is a former police department colleague, but we’ve not been close since he moved into the private investigator job. Kirk gave a quick nod and friendly wave toward the table of men when he noticed them failing miserably to look like they weren’t watching his interaction with Jamie. I don’t know the other guys well, just by name and appearance. I think one is a fashion designer. The one with his back to us used to be with the fire department, not sure if he still is. Nick something or other is his name, I think. The suave looking one owns Sparks nightclub. No clue who the guy next to him is. The geeky one is maybe with Sam, but I’m not one hundred percent on that either. Kirk shrugged and sipped his coffee.

Gee, thanks for the who’s who rundown, Officer. Now, can you leave? Jamie glanced toward the clock. I gotta get back to work.

Where you staying? Kirk asked and secretly admired Jamie’s dusty blue eyes.

Yeah, like I’m dumb enough to fall for that one. Jamie rolled his eyes. Don’t worry, Old Man, I’m with friends.

Yeah, Kirk scoffed, "like I’m going to fall for that."

I got it covered, Jamie spoke through gritted teeth.

That why you’ve had on the same shirt three days in a row? Kirk interrogated criminals for a living. The kid didn’t have a chance.

Just haven’t had time to do laundry. Jamie lifted a shoulder but his gaze flitted down to the worn toes of his shoes.

You’ve been on your own for over a week, Kirk started.

Don’t. Don’t remind me of that night. Jamie’s face flushed and his nostrils flared. I get it. You saw me at my worst, and you know my situation is fucked up. But I’m not your damn charity case. You did your job and rescued me. You’re the fucking hero. But I don’t owe you shit, man.

Jamie started away from the table but came to a dead stop when Kirk gently grabbed his wrist. Jamie, stop.

Let. Go. Of. Me. Jamie spit out each word.

Kirk released Jamie’s wrist immediately. Just hear me out. I know what’s it like to be alone, scared, he lowered his voice slightly, "and gay. Come home with me after your shift."

Jamie shot Kirk a look of disgusted disbelief. Yeah, that’s not going to happen. I’m not some fuckin’ rent boy.

"That’s not what I meant, you little smartass. Come home with me, do some laundry, and take a shower. Alone. Eat some decent food and sleep in a decent bed. Again, alone." Kirk watched as emotions ranging from longing to shame to anger flitted across Jamie’s face.

I get food here. Jamie jutted out his chin.

Do you get to do laundry here? Kirk eyed the three-day-old stains on the hem of Jamie’s shirt.

No, Jamie muttered. Fine. I’ll use your washing machine and take a shower. But I’m not agreeing to staying over. You may have sworn to protect and serve, but that doesn’t mean I want any part in your serving now that you’ve done your duty to protect me.

What time do you get off? Kirk ignored the kid’s insults.

An hour.

You got your stuff with you, or do you need to pick it up?

Jamie mumbled something unintelligible.

What was that? Kirk cocked his head.

"I said my stuff’s at the teen center. Got someone watching it for me." Jamie huffed.

"Thought you were staying with friends?" Kirk drawled.

"Yeah, well, maybe the people at the teen center are the only friends I got right about now," Jamie whispered.

Not true. Kirk stared at him. You got me. You could probably ask any of the little Breakfast Club crew over there for help in a pinch too. Maybe even your boss here at the restaurant. I’m glad you’ve got the teen center to turn to because they’re good people, but that doesn’t give you a place to sleep.

I get by. Jamie once again turned to walk away.

I’ll be out front in an hour, Kirk called after him.

Jamie shrugged as he disappeared around a corner.

Kirk just shook his head.

Kid looks like he’s got a huge chip on his shoulder, Sam Stein said from Kirk’s left side.

Kirk had been so wrapped up in watching and thinking about Jamie, he hadn’t even noticed Sam and another man approach.

More like a boulder, Kirk grunted. He stood and shook hands with Sam. Good to see you again, man. Thanks for helping the kid out. I won’t go into his personal affairs, but he was in a rough situation and really needed this job.

Sam returned the handshake. No problem. I’m glad we could help. The people here are good folk, and they’ll treat him fairly. Sam put his arm around the man who stood at his side. Wanted to introduce you to my partner, Zach Cohen. Zach, this is Kirk.

Zach offered a warm smile and shook Kirk’s hand.

Nice to meet you. Zach nodded.

You, too, Kirk responded.

Well, we need to head out. Just wanted to say hello. We’ve seen you in here a lot lately. Thought it would be rude to continue to just wave from across the room. Sam smiled.

Yeah, I’ve been worried about the kid. Kirk’s gaze traveled to the kitchen door Jamie had disappeared behind.

He seems a bit prickly, Zach ventured.

You have no idea. Kirk chuckled darkly. But he’s pretty much on his own and going through a hell of a lot right now. Doesn’t feel right to turn my back on him.

Remember what we learned on the force, Sam reminded. We can’t save them all.

Kirk gave a small smile. Nah, I know. But doesn’t mean I won’t try.

2

Jamie slunk from the front door, head down, hood up, shoulders hunched and made his way toward the corner without so much as a glance toward Kirk’s unmarked patrol car. Which led Kirk to believe that the kid had scoped him out from inside and decided to ignore him by attempting to sneak away.

Kirk shook his head, put the car in gear, and pulled from the parking lot at a crawl to keep pace with Jamie. The kid was so damn cute. Angry, scared, and hurting. But