Page 10 of Equalizer (Sharps & Springfield #2)

Chapter 10

Owen

W e should get a bonus for stopping a Mob war as well as solving the Humphries case,” Owen said as he dug into the quiche Winston had made for them, celebrating their safe return. Two days had passed since the fight at the warehouse, long enough for Calvin to physically recover and for Owen to make sure that the loose ends were resolved.

“What did you hear?” Calvin paused with his fork on the way to his mouth.

“The Russo-Lombardi alliance didn’t survive the finger-pointing when details started to come out about Humphries,” Owen told him.

“Maria Bianchi and her allied covens had a nasty showdown with the Russo-Lombardi witches,” Arabella spoke up. She and Louisa had joined them for a farewell brunch before they left Chicago. “I didn’t press for details, but some problem witches have gone missing, just like Humphries’s necromancer.”

“Imagine that,” Calvin murmured. “What have the papers said about the warehouse fire?”

“The articles said that an electrical fault burned the warehouse and several nearby vacant buildings.” Owen paused to sip his coffee. “They blamed an apartment fire the same night on an oil lamp that tipped over.”

“Hmm. That’s…plausible.” Calvin reached for another slice of toast.

“I told headquarters that we closed the case. They were miffed that we didn’t hand over Humphries’s notes for safekeeping, but I told them everything was lost in the fire.” Louisa smirked.

“Like anything good could have come out of letting those exist,” Calvin muttered.

“My thoughts exactly,” Owen replied. “Winston made sure Humphries’s notebooks didn’t survive.”

“As for the Russo-Lombardi-Conti war, the papers ignored it like they usually manage to overlook Mob activity.” Louisa set aside her muffin. “But there was a small article about the murder of the Wild West show’s security director.”

Calvin looked up, and Owen knew his partner could see the sadness he felt over Steven’s death. “What did it say?”

“Only that Steven had been brutally murdered by an unknown assailant. They left out details of the mutilation, probably to avoid a panic,” Louisa said.

“Just as well, since we took care of the problem,” Owen added with a bitter note in his tone. “The show is leaving town early. I can’t imagine how they could stay after everything that happened.”

“No, they couldn’t,” Calvin agreed quietly. He reached to take Owen’s hand and squeezed. “I’m so sorry.”

“Yeah.” Owen let out a long breath. “So am I. But there’s no changing it.”

Winston came in, bearing a steaming pot of coffee to refill their cups.

“Along with stopping Humphries, all the revelations and activity has led to some reshuffling in the witch world,” Arabella added. “Thanks to the necromancer’s death and the coup Maria Bianchi’s coven pulled off against the rival witches, the covens tipped the power to more responsible practitioners,” she reported.

“And the Contis are firmly ensconced as Chicago’s top Mob family, which, considering the alternatives, is the best we could ask for,” Louisa added.

“Is it always this exciting when you two come to town?” Arabella teased.

“We’re the life of the party,” Owen replied.

“Never a dull moment when we’re around,” Calvin chimed in.

“We couldn’t have done it without you both, and all your friends,” Calvin said. “What about Pearl?”

“Got a telegram letting me know she’d gone West after leaving Chicago without problems and reminding me of our deal,” Louisa said. “I pulled a few strings to get lesser charges dismissed. As long as she plays nice with us and lends a hand if we need it, the remaining charges could languish for a long time and eventually go away as well.”

“And the toughs her gang and your folks were fighting?” Owen asked with a glance at Louisa.

“The cops took the suspects that my Pinkertons left trussed up for them, and as it turned out, they had plenty of prior arrests,” Louisa replied in a droll tone.

“I’m shocked.”

“Figured you would be,” she snickered. “My team gets credit for a high-profile bust and having a hand in averting a Mob war. Pearl gets bragging rights and her charges put on hold. She and her gang took the midnight train out of Chicago that same night before the police could catch wind of them.”

“Do you think anyone will try to pick up where Humphries left off?” Calvin looked away and fiddled with his napkin. Owen felt certain that his partner still had a long way to go to recover from the horrors of his abduction. “After all, there was supposed to be a rift between the traditional witches and the technology mages. I wouldn’t think the technology fans would give up on science so easily.”

“My Pinkerton team paid a visit to Augustus Gordon, the showman doing the galvanism demonstrations,” Louisa replied. “We were…persuasive. He packed up and left town, closing the show permanently. If someone tries to fill Humphries’s shoes, I don’t think it will be Gordon—even if he has the talent, which I don’t think he does.”

“And my coven will make sure that the other covens find out what really happened to Humphries and his necromancer,” Arabella added. “Short of nailing his head to a door, that’s a pretty severe warning, even by Chicago standards.”

“Someone on the Russo side was backing Humphries,” Calvin put in. “What’s to keep them from throwing money at someone to try again?”

“First and foremost, Maria Bianchi and her coven,” Arabella pointed out. “That is one scary powerful lady—not counting the magic. With the Russos at odds with the Lombardis and their witches defeated, they’re going to be busy defending their turf, let alone trying to raise the dead.”

“And the ambitious up-and-comer from the Russo side that put the alliance together and tried to take on the Contis was found dead in his sleep—presumed heart attack,” Louisa reported in a dry tone. “The boss on the Lombardi side that he was working with has vanished—no one seems to know whether he skipped town or took a deep dive into Lake Michigan.”

“My money is on the lake,” Owen said. “Tied to a cement block.”

“That will shake things up.” Calvin sat back in his chair. “It should reshuffle the balance of power and the pecking order with the Mob families for a while. Keep them so busy watching their backs they won’t have time to play with dark magic.”

“We can hope,” Owen muttered. “As for the wealthy slaughterhouse owner, the society page said he and his family have gone on an extended European vacation and may consider selling their Chicago plant.”

“Do tell,” Calvin replied with a chuckle. He looked to Louisa. “More of your doing?”

She shook her head. “I thought about it, but he was gone before we got to him. Maybe he just saw what happened to Humphries and decided to get the hell out of town,” Louisa said. “Doesn’t look like he has the balls to try again. But if he does—Arabella and I will find him.”

Once breakfast was over, Arabella and Louisa took their leave, promising to keep them posted about any related developments.

Calvin yawned and stretched. Owen looked at him with concern. “How are you feeling?”

That morning, Calvin had awakened in a panic, glassy-eyed and terrified, fighting for his life against the sheets that had gotten tangled around him. He had nearly punched Owen in the face as Owen tried to restrain him to soothe his fears.

A word from Winston had put Calvin out like a drug, and with Winston’s help, Calvin shook off the nightmare before waking the second time. Calvin had been contrite and embarrassed, but Owen wasn’t surprised at the reaction, given what happened—and how bad it might have been.

“Do we have a new case yet?” Calvin asked. Owen guessed his partner wanted to prove he was fully recovered, although only two days had passed since the big fight.

Owen shook his head. “No. I told them we were due some time off. Winston is arranging to connect us to a train headed up to Elkhart Lake, a resort town where we should be able to catch our breath.”

“Honestly, I’m?—”

“Don’t say fine.” Owen glowered at Calvin. “You’re not fine. No one would be fine after what you went through, and frankly, we’re all worn out. A few days won’t make a difference. There will still be plenty of criminals left to catch.”

Calvin’s cheeks reddened. “I don’t want the brass to think I’m not fit for duty.”

Owen suspected that Calvin was embarrassed about his night terror and reached for his hand. “You damn near rescued yourself, got out of the ropes, and killed the mad doctor. I’ll fight anyone who says that isn’t good enough.”

Calvin’s grateful smile told Owen his partner read the resolution in Owen’s eyes. “Thank you. But it really was a team effort.”

Owen sighed. “Yes, for the big picture. But we came to Chicago to stop Humphries, and you did it. That counts for a lot. The rest of us mopped up the other pieces.”

By noon, the train attached to their Pullman steamed north toward Elkhart Lake. They arrived mid-afternoon, and Winston shooed them from the car so he could provision and set up for their stay.

The quaint, well-kept town seemed sleepy compared to Chicago’s constant bustle. Other than a couple of resort hotels and restaurants, the town catered to summer visitors who came for golf and boating.

Calvin and Owen walked side by side, admiring the cottages and remarking on the change of pace.

“Not bad for a vacation, but I’d go nuts if we were here for long,” Calvin said. “Besides, I’m terrible at golf.”

Owen laughed. “I think the quiet is part of the charm. People come to take the cure of fresh air away from the pressure of the city. Stare at the water. Go fishing. Read a book.”

“It sounds rather romantic when you put it that way.” Calvin bumped shoulders.

“It could be.” Owen had given Calvin space since his rescue for them both to deal with the situation and its aftermath. He hungered for Calvin’s touch, but they needed to keep their distance in public.

They found a bench near the lake and sat to watch the birds and boats. The air held a chill despite the sunny day and blue sky.

“Thank you.” Calvin nudged Owen’s knee with his own. “For suggesting this. For stopping me from rushing into the next case. For taking care of me. You knew what I needed better than I did.”

Owen smiled fondly. “Give Winston credit for finding the location. He was my co-conspirator.”

“I’m trying to let go of what happened. But it comes back in my dreams. I’m pretty sure I’ve got battle fatigue,” Calvin admitted. “Sometimes I’ll be doing something else and see an image from the lab or catch a whiff of something, and I’m right back there. I don’t know how to make it stop.”

Hidden by their coats, Owen took his hand. “It’ll get better with time. Maybe not right away, but after a while. It might never go away completely, but the flashes will get fewer and farther between. At least, that’s the way things have been for me.” Owen had his own nightmares and traumatic memories from near-misses and cases gone wrong.

“Winston said that Arabella knows witches who can help if it gets too bad. They don’t take away memories, but they use magic to help people handle them better,” Calvin replied. “I hope I don’t need it, but it’s nice to know there’s an option if I do.”

Winston had already given Calvin a powder and worked light spells to help him sleep more soundly.

“When you have a bad spot, talk to me,” Owen urged. “I will always listen.”

“I know. Thank you.”

After a while, they headed back to the Pullman, walking in sync, as always. Inside, the smell of dinner made Owen’s stomach growl.

“Perfect timing. The food will be ready soon. Steak, baked potatoes, and a salad,” Winston said. “A well-deserved feast.”

As they ate, the conversation stayed light. Winston had made inquiries at the station about local things to see and do, and he shared ideas of how Calvin and Owen could explore the area.

“How are you planning to spend the time?” Owen was pleased to have ideas to keep Calvin busy and give him something good to think about.

“I intend to visit the nearby museums and the library. I’m intrigued by the local history,” Winston replied. “And when I’m not otherwise needed, I have a novel I’m eager to finish reading.”

After dinner, Winston brought a bottle of good brandy into the parlor before leaving them to play cards. Calvin seemed distracted and jumpy, and his mind was clearly not on the game.

“How about we go to bed early?” Owen set his cards aside. “Let me make you feel better.”

Calvin’s quick agreement told Owen his partner was on the same page. Owen took Calvin’s hand and led him to his room, closing the door behind them. He pressed Calvin against the wall, stepping into his space and kissing him slowly and deeply. Owen’s fingers traced Calvin’s cheek and neck, and his hands moved from shoulders to arms to hips, confirming that Calvin was solid and safe and here.

“Is this okay?” Owen asked.

“Yes, please. God, Owen, I need you to touch me. Make me feel good. Make me feel you .”

Owen answered with another kiss, slipping his tongue into Calvin’s mouth and nipping at his lower lip. He slid his hands up Calvin’s chest to work the buttons of his shirt, then his own.

“Come on.” He tugged Calvin toward the bed, then stopped beside it to divest them of the last of their clothing. Owen pulled Calvin down with him and took him in his arms, kissing him slow and deep.

“Top or bottom?” he asked barely above a whisper.

“Suck me,” Calvin said. “And I’ll do you. That’s what would feel good right now. We can do more in the morning, but for tonight, that’s what I want.”

In response, Owen kissed Calvin on the lips and then slid down the bed, licking his way down Calvin’s chest and belly. He swirled his tongue over the head of Calvin’s already-hard cock, tasting his pre-come, pleased that Calvin was already hard and leaking for release.

Owen took Calvin’s prick in his mouth as far as he could, all at once. Calvin gasped and arched, and Owen let his tongue trace his partner’s sensitive skin as he wrapped his hand around the base, setting up a rhythm. With his other hand, he reached between Calvin’s legs to fondle his balls and tease at his taint and hole.

“Not going to last long if you keep doing that,” Calvin told him breathlessly, moving his legs apart to give Owen access.

Owen settled between his thighs, keeping up the rhythm with his hand as he licked and sucked. Calvin grabbed fistfuls of the sheets and moaned his pleasure, fighting the urge to cry out as Owen brought him to the edge and backed off more than once.

Owen felt his climax building and knew he wouldn’t last for a second round.

“Need it,” Calvin begged. “Make me come.”

Owen redoubled his efforts, and it didn’t take long before Calvin’s come filled his mouth. Owen swallowed it all, continuing until Calvin gently pushed at his forehead.

“Too sensitive,” Calvin said. Owen pulled off with a pop and a kiss. “God, that was so good. Give me a minute, and I’ll return the favor.”

“Already finished,” Owen admitted. “We can steal the sheets from your bed.”

“I’m sorry?—”

“Don’t be.” Owen crawled up to lie beside him and took Calvin in his arms, holding him tight. “We needed to get that out of our systems. Proof of life sex. We can go slow next time. Neither of us was going to last.”

“I know we’ve got a list of things to do,” Owen said. “But I’m also fine with spending the morning in bed. I’ve got plans of my own.”

Calvin looked up at him with a soft, fucked-out smile. “Count me in. Forever.”