Nineteen-year-old Joe has been living on the streets since escaping from a sex-trafficking ring. When a blizzard hits the city, he takes a chance, accepting Derek Clarke's offer of a place to stay for the night. It wouldn't have happened if Derek hadn't been doing a stake-out in the alley at just the right time and taken pity on Joe. The blizzard leaves the two men housebound for the next few days, and they begin to bond as Derek teaches Joe some of what being a private detective involves. Loath to let Joe return to the streets when the weather clears, Derek offers him a job as his apprentice, while allowing him to continue staying in his guestroom. Can their relationship grow from friendship to more, in spite of traumas in their pasts, or will Joe's fear of physical commitment ultimately drive them apart?

The Detective's Apprentice

“I could take Sherwat with me.” Joe reached down to pat the dog’s head since he was sitting right beside him.


After supper, they settled in the living room to watch TV, and then a movie when they found the programs boring. They ended the evening by taking Sherwat for a long walk.


“How can he have so much energy?” Joe asked when Derek let the dog off his leash at the park so he could run. “I’m about to fall on my face.”


“He’s been cooped up inside all day, so I’m not surprised,” Derek replied.


“I was cooped up in the office,” Joe pointed out.


“Poor you.” Derek smirked, and then dodged when Joe took a swipe at him before taking off at a run. Laughing, Joe went after him with Sherwat joining in the chase.


It ended when Joe collapsed on one of the benches, panting for breath.


“Wuss,” Derek said from behind him, putting his hands on Joe’s shoulders.


Chapter 26