Specters & Sparks Read online

  “I think this might be the best day of my life,” Owen said as he held his father tight and clapped him on the back.

  “Stop it. Your best days are ahead of you, I promise. But this is one of the best days of my life and I have everything I’ve ever wanted because I have you and I have Lorrie.” Cace's eyes glittered as he cradled Owen’s cheek. “I love you.”

  “I love you too, Dad.” They pulled each other close and Owen cried into his father’s shoulder for a moment. “Alright,” Owen said and sniffed hard as he leaned back. “We’re celebrating, right? You should dance with your husband.” Sure enough, Lorrie was lurking behind Cace with two flutes of champagne and “At Last” was playing.

  “You should dance and have some fun,” Cace said as he handed Owen his champagne. “I’ve had enough, but don’t drink too much, you’re opening in the morning.”

  Thanks to the wedding and the open bar, Main Street was dead for the evening. Two of Owen’s friends from high school were running the coffee shop but they had instructions to close at 8:00 if it got too slow. Neither Cace nor Owen were all that worried, though. Owen could tell by the look in his dad’s eyes that he’d had enough of the reception as well and was ready to go home with Lorrie. Owen’s interest had shifted to the porch, where Fox was laughing with Baxter and Beau.

  “I think I’ll see if Fox wants to dance with me,” Owen said and glanced at his dad. Cace’s lips pressed into a hard line, the way they always did when Owen mentioned Fox, and he made a pained sound. He often reacted as if he’d been punched in the gut but Owen hoped that Cace would eventually get used to the idea and come around.

  “I wish you wouldn’t. It’s my wedding day, do you really want to give me that kind of heartburn?” Cace asked then tossed his chin at the cluster of thirty-somethings chatting with Flip and Lyle. “They’re closer to your age and you’d have a chance to go someplace cool if you fell for an officer,” he suggested. Owen rolled his eyes at the hopeful rise in Cace’s voice. A few of them were definitely from post, judging by their haircuts and their posture, but Owen preferred his military men with scars and a distinguishing limp. The younger soldiers talking to Flip and Lyle wanted to be Captain America but they carried themselves like they were ready for work at The Pentagon. A lot of young officers came through Fort Huachuca for intelligence training but rarely used the skills they learned. Fox explained that only warrant officers worked as agents and that ranks like captain and major were more administrative, supervisor positions. Those officers came to Fort Huachuca to learn how to use the intelligence assets in their command from experienced agents like Fox. New, enlisted soldiers were also trained on post and Fox said that molding young agents was one of the few things he liked about teaching but his heart was in the field. The smooth, chiseled jaws and precise haircuts chatting with Flip and Lyle couldn’t hold a candle to the experience and confidence casually sipping an Electric Brew on the porch.

  “You know, I can travel whenever I want but I’m exactly where I want to be, Dad. Are you trying to get rid of me?”

  “Of course not. I never wanted you to grow up and I love that you want to stay and help me run the shop. That's a dream come true but that’s my dream. What if there’s something bigger out there for you?” Cace asked and Owen’s gaze cut to Fox. He’s pretty big. Fox often padded around the loft in nothing but a pair of gray sweats and Owen had seen him in his underwear several times. Fox was hung and seemed to live in a state of semi-arousal that made it impossible for Owen to concentrate around him. Note to self: champagne makes me really horny. “I don’t want you to settle because you’re in a hurry to be just like me,” Cace said, snatching Owen from his happy place.

  “Why do you act like Fox is a predator? He’s a great guy. You and Lorrie love him,” Owen said, causing Cace to grunt and clutch at his sternum.

  “Fox is a great guy. We wouldn’t have him over for dinner every other night if we didn’t like him but that’s not the point. Or, maybe that makes it worse,” he said. Owen thought that would have worked in his favor. Owen ate dinner every other night across the street at his dads’ place. Cace and Lorrie insisted that Fox join them when he moved in. Fox had a lot more in common with Owen’s dads than their ages. They had animated debates about sports, history and comic books but they had nearly identical political beliefs and none of them were very religious or particularly competitive. Fox and Lorrie spent hours together while Owen and Cace were at work. They liked to stay up late, laughing, drinking and smoking in the courtyard behind Cace and Lorrie’s place. Owen felt blessed; his dads and the man of his dreams had clicked immediately. He didn’t know what he’d do if he fell in love with someone Cace didn’t like. Truthfully, Owen didn’t think he could date and marry someone his dad didn’t approve of.

  “You’re going to have to accept that I’m not interested in people my age. I’d never date someone you didn’t like and you’re good friends with just about everyone over forty. That doesn’t leave me with a lot of options,” Owen warned. He raised his glass in salute as he backed away.

  “Owen…” Cace groaned but Owen clicked his teeth.

  “Stop worrying about me. It’s your wedding night and Lorrie’s looking at you like you’re already naked.” He laughed when Cace flinched and swore as he blushed.

  “Go! And stay out of trouble,” he added before he turned and went after Lorrie. Owen chuckled as he spun on his heel and headed for the porch.

  Couples were slowly swaying under the tree and around the yard. It was a crisp winter evening but it was Arizona so most of the men had taken off their coats. There were heaters on the porch and by Noah’s tiny cottage for people to congregate around but the weather was mild enough that many of the men had rolled up their sleeves. Nothing activated Owen’s need to bottom like rolled-up sleeves and veiny forearms. And Fox’s forearms were tattooed. So was his back, chest and calves. Owen stifled a shiver as he climbed the porch steps.

  Owen had once been madly in love with Baxter. He’d even held onto his virginity in hopes of losing it to the man who featured in his first wet dream. But it was nothing compared to what Owen felt whenever he saw Fox. His stomach tickled like it was full of butterflies and Owen wanted to laugh in that panicked, excited way he did whenever he rode a roller coaster. Owen’s heart raced like he was about to jump off a diving board when they were close but Fox stayed cool and confident. He was always so calm but Owen was shaking as he sidled up to the conversation.

  “Don’t start with me, Beau,” Baxter muttered into his beer. Beau laughed as he threw his arm around Owen.

  “Tell him he’s next. He’ll be marrying Mercer out here soon,” Beau predicted. He missed Baxter’s slight wince. Baxter still carried a little guilt over their kiss. Owen sensed that it was awkward for Baxter whenever Mercer was mentioned around him.

  “I think he might be right, Bax,” Owen said and winked warmly at Baxter. “It would make my year if you and Mayor Hathaway got married too,” he said, completely sincere. Baxter’s eyes shimmered before he snorted and shook his head.

  “Mercer would only do it if he could make the church marry us or if I made him do it and I have no desire to do that,” he said but his lips twisted as he hunted for Mercer. He was talking to Hadley and Cassius by the other heater. “I should make him dance with me,” he murmured to himself. Owen thought that was the perfect opening so he hummed as he finished his champagne.

  “You know how much he loves to pretend he hates that,” Owen said and Baxter’s lips curved mischievously.

  “I gotta go,” he said, then nodded at them before he jogged down the porch steps and made his way through the crowd. Now, just got to get rid of Beau… Owen laughed softly as he scanned and inwardly smirked when he spotted Hal with the school’s new principal. There had been a few interim principals after Hal helped bust Karen Riley for murder and drug smuggling but the school system finally found a permanent replacement. The new principal was a handsome older gentleman with kind eyes and he did
seem to have taken an interest in Hal. Not that Hal would ever notice. There was only one man in his world and Owen needed Beau to check on his husband.

  “Nice of the new principal to come,” Owen noted and pointed. Beau nodded absently as he glanced then frowned when Hal laughed at what must have been a solid joke.

  “Real nice. I think I’m gonna go say hello and see if Hal wants to dance,” Beau decided. Owen cringed at Fox as if he hadn’t been counting on Beau to overreact.

  “I think you should dance with me, Fox,” Owen declared. He was grateful for the champagne and was feeling bold enough to flash a cocky grin at Fox as he held out a hand. Fox stared at Owen’s hand like it had hissed at him. His nose wrinkled before he looked around warily.

  “I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” he said and Owen’s brow hitched playfully.

  “Calm down, Fox. Just about everyone else is dancing. We won’t get in trouble unless we take off our clothes,” he teased but Fox choked on his beer.

  “Jesus!” He laughed nervously and beat on his chest. “Don’t make jokes like that.”

  “Maybe I wasn’t,” Owen said as he gave his tie a few suggestive jerks. Fox rolled his eyes as he took Owen’s empty glass and set it on the rail.

  “Keep your clothes on, I’ll dance with you,” he said and took Owen’s hand.

  They were still in Beau’s backyard but the steps and the paving stones were made of clouds as Fox led Owen to an open spot under the tree. The stars were just coming out and the lanterns in the branches glowed softly overhead. Fox hummed along with Otis Redding as his arm slid around Owen, pulling him along with the beat. Well. That pretty much does it for me. Not that Owen had any doubts but he was completely and hopelessly—from the freckles on his nose to the soles of his feet—Fox’s to have in any way he pleased. If only Fox pleased…

  He’d left his phone out a few times but Fox had yet to mention Owen’s racy text messages to Flip. Unfortunately, there was nothing Owen could do until Fox brought them up. Owen didn’t want to be the world’s creepiest roommate, if Fox wasn’t that interested. But Owen knew Fox was at least a little bit interested. Owen enjoyed omelets as much as the next guy but he was pretty sure Fox didn’t get hard because he was excited about whisking eggs. The weekend prior, they were putting together a grocery list while they made breakfast and Owen caught Fox staring at his ass. Fox played it off, acting like he was interested in something in the vicinity of the canned goods, then asked Owen if they had enough artichoke hearts.

  “For breakfast?” Owen asked in confusion but Fox just coughed and muttered about a bruschetta recipe Hal told him to try. Fox blushed and mumbled through breakfast and Owen thought he heard him swearing under his breath as they cleaned up the kitchen. But no matter how many times Owen hinted, Fox never brought it up or made a move. And Owen was starting to feel ridiculous, using even the flimsiest of excuses to hug Fox.

  “I’m getting married under this tree one day,” Owen stated. He held Fox’s silver gaze so it was clear who’d be standing next to him in the not so distant future. Fox swallowed loudly and his eyes dipped to Owen’s lips.

  “You’ll make someone a very lucky man or woman.”

  “‘Luck is believing you’re lucky,’” Owen quoted with another cocky grin. “Are you feeling lucky, Fox? Because sometimes, all you have to do is ask and luck falls right into your lap.” It was immediately obvious that Fox’s lap liked the sound of that. He was hard and Owen heard Fox bite back a curse.

  “You really think Baxter and the mayor will get married?” He asked hopefully, asking Owen to go easy on him. Owen huffed in disappointment then shrugged. At least they were dancing and they both had hard-ons. This was already hotter than Owen’s last date and might count as foreplay if the next song was faster.

  “Probably. They want to but neither of them wants to ask because they’d have to say something nice first.”

  Chapter 3

  So, this is where Russ spends his days…

  The facade belonged to a stately mercantile with grand marble front steps and ornately topped Roman Composite columns flanking the glass double doors. Inside, free standing aisles were bursting with inventory from a dizzying array of decades. An ancient tricycle was suspended from the ceiling along with numerous chandeliers, baskets and copper pots. There were racks of postcards and bumper stickers. One postcard caught Fox’s eye and he smiled as he took one for Jules.

  Bisbee, AZ

  It’s like Mayberry on Acid.

  Which was perfectly accurate. The faded mining town was nestled in The Mule Mountains and was a quirky blend of small town USA and Woodstock with just a dash of Daytona Bike Week. The doors opened behind Fox so he stepped closer to the counter to avoid a crowd of tourists. No one was behind the register but a mauve velvet coat hung over the back of the cracked leather chair.

  “Well hello, Fox!” Russ called from somewhere around the middle aisle. Fox rose on his toes and craned his neck. He smiled as Russ shooed people out of his way impatiently and waved. “What brings you to my humble little mess?” He asked and waved grandly around him. He was wearing a women’s cloche hat and held up a pair of opera glasses. Russ had drawn a heart-shaped mole over his lip and had fashioned a long strip of lace into a frilly collar.

  “I came to find a birthday gift for Jules,” he said. Russ gasped curiously as he skipped down creaking wooden steps.

  “Who’s Jules again?” He asked. He offered his arm and cleared his throat loudly when Fox hesitated.

  “Juniper’s mother. We’re really close but I never know what to get her. I know she’ll love this postcard.” He held it up and Russ made a thoughtful sound.

  “Let’s start with what you’d like this gift to say,” he suggested as they climbed the steps.

  “What about the register? What if someone wants to pay for something?” Fox asked and Russ shrugged.

  “They’ll call if they need me. Kaitlynn’s floating around and she’ll take over if she’s not busy. Back to the task at hand: what would you like this gift to say?”

  “Happy birthday?”

  “Come on. Work with me, Fox. Happy birthday and…?” He prompted.

  “And I love you?” Fox guessed and Russ’s lips pursed.

  “Really?” He drawled, causing Fox to frown in concern.

  “Yes, really.”

  “I thought you said that you and Juniper’s mother were just friends,” Russ said and Fox’s frown deepened.

  “I don’t love her like that but I still love her. We’ve been friends for twenty years and we have a child together. Juniper’s mostly my child because Jules didn’t plan on having kids but we’re always going to be in each other’s lives,” he explained and Russ’s face softened into a gentle smile.

  “My apologies. I got a bit protective for a moment,” he admitted in a loud whisper. Fox’s head tilted.

  “Protective?”

  “Never mind. Tell me a little about Jules. What’s she like? What does she like?”

  “Well…” Fox rubbed his chin with his knuckle as he looked around. “She’s pretty stylish but simple? She likes antiques but nothing rustic or kitschy.”

  “Tell me about her hair,” Russ said and was nodding as he listened and scanned around them.

  “Blonde and she gets it cut in one of those sleek bobs,” he said and pointed along his jaw.

  “Gorgeous, I’m sure. Let’s look at the costume jewelry. Something Deco in black enamel, possibly…” Russ mused.

  “Yes! She likes Deco things. Her place reminds me of an Agatha Christie movie.”

  “I love her even more. I have some gorgeous decanters but they’d be a nightmare to ship unless you’ve got some time.”

  “I’m taking her gift with me in a suitcase but I think jewelry is a good call. I used to get her jewelry whenever I was in Turkey and had time to stop at the bazaar,” Fox said. Russ hummed in agreement.

  “You almost have to buy something gold or a nazar eye.”


  “She wears a lot of pantsuits and pencil skirts when she’s in the States.”

  “Perfect.” Russ led Fox to a long counter and waved at an impressive selection of necklaces, brooches and earrings. “This is a gorgeous piece,” he said and bent to slide the back of the case open. Out of habit, Fox glanced at the mirror on the counter to see who was behind him and did a double take when he recognized a face in the crowd of shoppers. He slowly turned and scanned as if he was admiring the hats overhead. His heart was racing and Fox wasn’t in Russ’s antique store anymore. He was in a bazaar in Ankara and laughing with Kemal Sükan. They were surrounded by heaping bins of spices and gorgeously arranged piles of uncut Turkish delight. He could smell the spices and hear the chattering of shoppers and vendors as Fox explained the various ways he used markets and other busy locations to do counter surveillance. They posed as shoppers and used the reflections in the gleaming copper plates and teapots to see who was behind them. Fox showed Sükan his four-turn trick to flush out surveillance as they made their way through the rows of stalls while they snacked on roasted chestnuts.

  “Is everything alright?” Russ asked. Fox nodded, no longer in the bazaar in Ankara. He didn’t see Kemal Sükan, just happy, oblivious tourists and a few locals he recognized from the coffee shop and Eloy’s.

  “You’re imagining things,” he told himself and grinned at Russ. “Just thought I saw a ghost.”

  “This is Bisbee,” Russ reminded him. Fox snorted and gave his head a shake. But his nerves were still twitching and his fight or flight instincts were humming.

  “This is Bisbee and there’s no way that ghost could have followed me here. I think you triggered something by bringing up the Turkish eye,” he joked. Fox hadn’t thought of Sükan for months. The dreams had stopped a few weeks after Fox returned to the States from his final mission and began outprocessing. He no longer dreamt about being stalked by Sükan but Fox hadn’t thought about bazaars or Turkish eyes for months either.