Green Eyes Cry, You Die, page 24
part #2 of Layton Shayne Mystery Series
-35-
All in Good Time
Samson and I talked about how his leg was doing, then he said what was really on his mind.
“So, you’ve been gay a long time, huh, Layton?”
“Since the day I was born,” I said. “I remember noticing this cute baby boy next to me in the hospital nursery.” I laughed, but Samson just gave me a funny look. “I’m kidding about the nursery thing. You seem to have things pretty well figured out, since you have Morgan.”
“Yeah, but things weren’t so easy at first. My folks are real religious-like and don’t want a fag for a son. They sent me to go live with my auntie out in the country. I had a couple of boyfriends, but nothing serious till I came here for work and met Morgan. He and I live together, but….”
“But what?” I said.
“I told my family about Morgan and me getting engaged and living together—I’m trying to do the right thing and settle down like a good Christian man… but my folks don’t care, my auntie either. They said I’ve got no family.”
“That’s not true—you know that.”
“The thing is… I don’t know that. I met Pastor Markham before I met Morgan. And, yes, Pastor became like a surrogate father to me, and Mrs. Markham was better to me than my own momma. They said Jesus loved me no matter what, and they didn’t ever judge me by the fact that I’m gay. But, they’re not blood… are they? Does being gay mean I have to give up everything to be with the man I love. You’ve got your man, and you probably had at least one or two before him.”
“I was with my last partner for ten years before we went our separate ways. I’m gonna tell you something surprising… I do have an answer for you, but you’re probably not going to like it.”
“Tell me… I can handle it.”
“First off, that man who helped me get you off the field of battle last night… he’s your family… and the main one in your life that you need to worry about. You two are the core of your family, who’ll see each other through all of life’s problems. Your parents signed out of your life, for whatever reason. Maybe they’ll change their minds, but chances are high they won’t. My dad and granddad were OK with my being gay, but they’re dead now. I have a sister and nephew, but we don’t talk. It doesn’t matter, because Alex is my priority—he’s my family.”
“But what if I want more?” Samson said. “I’ve always wanted to be part of a big family.”
I thought about the possibility I might be having kids soon before replying.
“Looks to me like you have a good start at a family with the folks you know around here. Nichelle and J.P. could be like your cousins… and you already said you thought of the pastor and his wife as surrogate parents. I think they’d all be OK with you embracing them as a true family. Sometimes the ties we choose to make with people are stronger than the blood ties we have no choice about. And I think the pastor and his wife may be needing the help of a couple strong uncles soon.”
“That’d be nice if they really do get to have kids because of what happened with those statues.”
“Well, I wouldn’t mention the statues too much around them. I think it still makes Chantelle squeamish. If you need more than them, Samson, you can always volunteer with kids or youth. And there’s no reason you couldn’t hire a surrogate to have kids. From what I understand, you may be able to find one or two over in Aurora. So… are you and Morgan gonna tie the knot soon?”
“Pastor offered to do a blessing at our commitment ceremony next month. Later, we’ll go somewhere it’s legal and get married at the courthouse.”
“Sounds like a plan.” I reached out to shake his hand, but he pulled me in for a hug instead.
* * * *
A short while later, Alex and I went back to the hotel and packed our belongings. We’d also agreed to give Charity a ride home. Her car had gotten banged up last night when one of the bad guys crashed into it and was now in the shop.
“That poor hotel really did see one heck of a battle,” Charity said, from the backseat of my truck.
“It’ll take a while for the new owner to clean it up, that’s for sure,” I said. “Sorry you had to wait for us while we got our things.”
“That was no problem. Thanks for giving me a ride.”
We were quiet for a few minutes before Charity broke the silence.
“It feels so strange, like everything’s changed, but it hasn’t really. The world is still here, the sun is still shining, and only a handful of us know anything out of the ordinary even occurred. I wonder if that’s good or bad?”
“It’s probably good the whole world doesn’t know what happened with the zombies and the statues—could you imagine the panic that would ensue?” I said.
“I think a lot has changed in the world,” Alex said. “Some families won’t see their loved ones anymore, and others won’t be able to unsee or undo the things they saw or did. So much has changed.”
I rubbed Alex’s shoulder with my hand.
“Hopefully, you two can stay a while for cookies and lemonade,” Charity said. “This may sound silly, but would you mind staying long enough for me to pack a bag.”
“Where you headed?’ I said.
“Oh, not far. I really want to spend a few days with Linus; and my neighbor, who doesn’t drive anymore, said she’d have her son bring her car over so I can use it.”
“Doesn’t Linus want to come here and deal with things,” I said.
“I’m sorry; didn’t I tell you his sister would be handling things?” Charity said. “They don’t really get along. Besides, Linus is just about to finish his lessons with a glassblower, who apprenticed with an apprentice of Dale Chihuly, the glass artist—Linus adores Chihuly.”
“I’ve seen some of his exhibits,” I said. “They were amazing!”
“I’ve seen his work before too,” Alex said. “And I agree, he does do spectacular art installations.”
We’d arrived at Charity’s home and I parked out front, helped her out of the backseat, then followed her to the porch. Alex was dragging behind looking sad—like he did when I first met him in Shelby. When he finally stepped onto the porch, I walked to him, encompassed him in my arms, and kissed his cheek. Even when I began speaking, I kept an arm snugly around him.
“What’s wrong?” I said. “And don’t tell me nothing’s wrong.”
Alex flopped his head onto my shoulder, but was silent.
“I can go inside and leave you two alone,” Charity said.
“No,” Alex said. “Don’t go. Can we all just sit out here a minute and talk about things?”
“Sure,” Charity said.
I walked Alex over to the porch swing and we sat. As usual I kicked off my shoes, then held Alex’s hand firmly in mine.
“Don’t hold back, babe,” I said. “Tell us what’s on your mind?”
“You two are gonna have a kid, or kids—maybe one, maybe ten, who knows.”
Charity laughed. “God, I hope not ten, but Chantelle thinks twins or triplets are a very real possibility.”
“Oh, shit,” I said. “That’s a whole lotta diapers to change.” I laughed, but saw Alex grow angry.
“Stop laughing!” he said. “Why are you two laughing! It’s not funny!”
“What else are we going to do, babe?” I said. “Maybe… just maybe, we’re all worried over nothing.”
Charity shook her head at me in a scolding way.
“Even I know that’s not true,” Alex said.
“So… so, what?” I said. “What does it change—nothing really. So, we go on our missions with two or three little ones in knapsacks or strollers, whatever they use these days. And we have diapers to change and late night feedings… big deal.”
Alex turned to me angrily. “And what about the mother… their mother—Charity? Did you forget about her?”
“She said to think of her like our surrogate, remember. She’s done this before—no biggie.”
Turning from me, Alex faced Charity and spoke.
“Surrogates don’t usually carry their own children these days. Usually they carry the child because the mother can’t, but the surrogate is impregnated with the other woman’s eggs. Have you ever given up your own child before, Charity?”
“You’re right about everything, Alex. And no, I haven’t ever donated my eggs to a couple.”
I once again had Alex’s attention.
“Layton, you can’t ask her to just give you her children and forget about them.”
I got serious now, because I knew what he was going to say next.
“If I’m in the way—”
“Don’t you dare even finish that thought, Alex Shayne, or I will be very cross with you. It’s me and you to the finish line of life… period. No offense, Charity.”
“None taken,” Charity said. “I’m planning to marry Linus. Alex, you really are worried over nothing. We get along—we’ll be able to work something out.”
“You mean shuffle those poor kids back and forth from home to home,” Alex said.
“Alex, after everything you’ve seen, you really are being too limited in your thinking, besides we have nine months to think about it,” I said.
“But, what will Linus think?” Alex said.
“Oh, please,” Charity said. “Linus used to come here to Aurora all the time with his mother and kept coming once he was grown—he loves it here. He’s very open-minded. Most artistic types are—he’ll like you both a lot, especially you Alex, since you’re so artistic. When I see him, I’ll get his take on the situation. I have no doubt a suitable solution will present itself that’ll make us all happy.”
“There are all kinds of families in this world, we’ll just have to see how ours will come together,” I said, harkening back to something Pastor Markham had said to me.
She walked over to us and gave us kisses on the cheeks.
“I’m going to get you two something to snack on while I pack.”
When we were alone, I looked at Alex and without saying a word, kissed him.
“I love you, Alex. Don’t think of me as a bad man for saying this, but if I had to choose—I’d always choose you over anyone and everything—including kids and work. The one thing I’m not willing to lose is you. Hopefully, that didn’t sound too wacko stalker.”
“No,” Alex said. “I needed to hear that more than I even realized. I’m sorry for being so selfish.”
“You weren’t being selfish, just a bit lacking in self-esteem, like when I first met you. Maybe in this case it makes sense.” I smiled, thinking of something I shouldn’t have.
“What’s that smile for?” Alex said.
“I was thinking that in the cemetery you were fucking me hard enough to breed me. The kids really will be like they’re ours.”
“Yeah, but the whole situation was sort of freaky.”
“Oh, of course, but I wouldn’t mind a repeat of what you did to me sometime soon.” I tickled him.
“I don’t know,” Alex said. “I won’t have a statue to inspire me.”
Our happy and silly mood was interrupted by Charity’s loud scream.
-36-
Tea For Four
The next day, Alex and I were enjoying tea and conversation with our two good friends in Mt. Ore.
“So, you mean after all that happened, Charity screamed over a grass snake being in the house?” Jimmy said, before taking a bite of his scone.
“That’s what happened,” I said. “Mmm, I’m glad we decided to swing by and stop here for tea.”
“I told you it was good,” Jimmy said.
“I love the name The Secret Garden Tea House, Alex said. “The Hallmark TV version of the story ‘The Secret Garden’ is a favorite film of mine.”
“I haven’t seen it,” I said. “We’ll have to watch it together some time.”
“Like we told Miss Lucy when she stopped by with Buck for takeout, we’re happy to help the organization on occasion,” Jimmy said.
“Just don’t make a habit of it,” Frankie said, and laughed. “I couldn’t handle doing that sort of work on a regular basis. And I can’t believe you two are going to be daddies in nine months. I know Charity hasn’t been to the doctor yet, but is there really any doubt? The only thing to find out will be how many diapers there will be to change.”
“Let’s not dwell on diapers and future babies right now,” I said. “I’m looking forward to spending a few quiet, quality days with my sweet lover in that hotel down the road from here.”
“Yippee,” Alex said in a low voice, then smiled. “It’ll be nice for a few days, until we hear back from Sassy Jones.”
“Who knows what’ll happen then?” Jimmy said.
“Maybe another wild tryst in a cemetery,” Frankie said. “Hey, the lady said there would be nothing supernatural—so no worries there.”
“Yeah, well the real world can be dark and dangerous too; and with Sassafras Jones involved, who knows what’s in store for us.”
# # # # #
Contact the author
Thank you for reading this book. If you liked it, please consider leaving a review on the website of one of your favorite retailers.
Gerald appreciates, and loves to hear from his readers. He may be contacted by e-mail at
GeraldLopez@Comcast.Net
Follow his blog for information on forthcoming books:
http://geraldlopezauthorpage.blogspot.com/
Gerald and fellow author Etienne have started to issue a regular newsletter, which will keep readers and fans updated as to forthcoming books and events. The newsletter is published on a monthly basis. If you would like to receive the newsletter, send your e-mail address to
Etienne.Reynard@Comcast.Net and ask to be included in the list.
About the Author
Gerald was called to write at various times in his life. When he was young, the writing consisted of plays and short stories. Then he explored the fine arts and literature, earning a bachelor’s degree in the latter while minoring in art history. In his studies he was fascinated by and enjoyed analyzing characters, their personalities and motivations. To him it’s always been the characters who make a story special. Once again writing has taken hold of him. In the past it was just an amusement, but now—for him—writing is a passion to live, eat, and breathe.
Other Books by Gerald Lopez
Dueling Divas (an Avondale Story)
Murder, mayhem, and love all find their way into The Next Club Superstar singing contest.
Dead Men Tell Tales (a New Eden Tale)
A contemporary tale of murder, ghosts, and romance set out West.
Blue Light By Night (a Layton Shayne Mystery)
A supernatural mystery set in a small town in Louisiana. Also, first book in a series.
For Love Of: Tangi
A heartwarming and often funny story of a young man’s coming-out and finding true love.
Green Eyes Cry, You Die (a Layton Shayne Mystery)
More supernatural suspense. This time, Layton Shayne must locate a green-eyed statue that has the power to create zombies.
Miss Lucy and the Pussy Brigade (Miss Lucy Case Files #1)
First spin-off from the Layton Shayne Mysteries. Hilarious read involving the supernatural, crazy agents, and a bunch of cats.
All Queers Must Die
In a world where no one is who they seem to be and everybody has secrets… how do you find the truth? Bart Farrow is a man determined to get to the truth of what is going on in Maynard Shores.
Lost Bitches: an Abel Kane Mystery
Private detective Abel Kane is on the case. And he is willing and able to do what it takes to get the job done. What starts off as a seemingly simple dognapping case turns into much more when the mob, a pretty female call girl, and several hunky men get involved.
For Love of: Colt
Colt and Tangi are in love and they’ve survived being crowned homecoming kings. But if they’re expecting the craziness in their lives to settle down—they couldn’t be more wrong. Even though members of Colt’s football team, the cheerleaders, and the entire high school become involved in the couple’s romance, Tangi and Colt persevere. And Tangi stands strong when the time is called for him to do so. All… for love of Colt.
Black Hearts Dance (a Layton Shayne Mystery)
Detective Layton Shayne and his partner Alex are back, and working on a new case. While out with friends, the two catch the eye of a mysterious older woman who hires Layton to investigate the hauntings on her estate, Carson Court. Not only is Layton intrigued… he also feels compelled to take the job. New surprises greet him and Alex at every corner as they meet the hunks and mysterious citizens living in and around Carson Court. Layton knows to listen to his instincts, but this time could that lead to trouble of a supernatural nature in a house with a dark past and secrets desperate to come out?
Gray Days and Wicked Ways
They were supposed to be on vacation but how could Layton not take the case—it was to help a Marine's kid. But the case gets complicated. Someone is out for blood and no one is safe. Things hit home further when fellow Marines get involved and old familiar faces turn up with hidden agendas. When Forrest Hanson pays a visit things heat up in an all together different way for Alex and Layton. And what would Layton's life be without some supernatural elements thrown in for fun.
A Grande Romance
Life was just grand for Julian Grande. His dream of opening a bookstore had come true. He loved the town he was living in and had his best friend Noreen working for him. And the sexy fireman Jaxon Reed had entered his life. But then things take a turn for the worse. Lives may hang in the balance unless Julian and his friends can get to the truth of things. They need to solve a puzzling mystery that has the whole town in its grip.
