Page 11 of Deep Down

Casey waved him on. “Carry on.”

“Put it together with Craig appearing to check with his boyfriend before answering my questions and panicking when he saw how long he’d not been working for when I visited—he works from home—and the hesitation in answering any question. It added up to me.” Alex sighed again. “I don’t know, I could be wrong.” Alex stared at his plate, frowning.

Casey rested his hand on Alex’s arm. “Alex, look at me.” He waited until Alex had. “Have your instincts ever proved you wrong so far?”

Alex thought back over the times he could remember. “No.” He had no doubt.

“I trust you. If you say this guy is being abused, then he’s being abused. But what are you going to do about it?”

“I have no idea.” Alex shook his head and shrugged. “The hospital is not going to take too kindly to the fact I made a house call when it wasn’t my place.”

“True.” Casey nodded.

“But I think about what he could be suffering and question whether I should quit being selfish by thinking about myself and admit to it so he can be helped.” Alex used his fork to push food around on his plate as he stared at it. He dropped the fork back down. “I don’t know what the hell to do, Casey.” He leaned forward to put his plate on the table, rested his forearms on his knees and dropped his head.

“Something else is bothering you, Alex. What is it?” A warm hand came to rest on Alex’s neck.

“He seemed full of life, so animated when we talked about his job. He loves what he does, has a passion for it, and it showed in his face.” He paused, remembering Craig’s expression when he saw the clock. “The fear that crossed his face when he saw the time.” Alex shook his head and focused on Casey. “No one should have an expression like that. Especially not him.”

They stared at each other before Casey spoke quietly. “You like him.”

Alex frowned at him. “What?”

“You like him. Craig. That’s why this is hitting you hard.” Casey sat back. “I’ve seen you deal with other abuse cases with the detachment needed. But this one? It’s on the verge of being personal.”

“Don’t be stupid, Casey. I don’t have feelings for him.” But even to his ears, his words sounded flat.

They were quiet for a few minutes. “Come on, finish your food. You can sleep in the spare room tonight.” Casey leaned back and retrieved his plate, tucking back into the food.

Alex sighed. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” Casey paused. “We’ll work it out, Alex. We’ll help him if he allows us. Alright?”

Alex nodded, emotion clogging his throat.If he allows us.Yeah, that was the problem, wasn’t it?