Beau, thirty-five, is a gangland enforcer who has gone into hiding rather than following the orders of his boss, Mercer, to harm a rival's kid. Now, all Beau wants to do is eliminate Mercer before getting out of town. When Rick, an eighteen-year-old denizen of the streets, witnesses Beau killing one of Mercer's men who has found him, Beau takes Rick under his wing instead of killing him, as well. He offers Rick a place to stay while he figures out how to put his plan to take Mercer out into action -- without ending up dead himself. Befriending Rick is an act Beau may come to regret. Rick convinces Beau to take him along when he leaves town -- thus working his way into Beau's dangerous life on the run -- and perhaps, into his heart, if Beau can come to grips with the fact that Rick is half his age. Note: This story contains scenes of graphic violence.

The Runaway and the Enforcer

“Be my guest.” Beau turned away and began to do his own unpacking.


There was a long, tense silence. Then Rick said, “I didn’t mean it. I won’t walk out on you. You need me around to keep you from doing stupid things.”


Rick took a deep breath, then grinned. “No clue, but I’m sure I’ll think of something.”


Beau laughed, glad the tension between them was broken. “I’m sure you will. For now, though, are you ready to get dinner? I hear the fish restaurants around here are fantastic, if you like fish.”


“Do fish sandwiches from the fast-food places count? Because I like them.”


“Kid, you’re in for a treat. Where we’re going, which would be…” Beau took out his phone to check. “Yeah, this one looks good and it’s within walking distance.”


“Walking is good. I feel like I’ve done nothing but sit for the last couple of days.”


Chapter 22