Page 40 of Pure Silence

Oh, sure.

Going out in public with a beautiful killer to get groceries.

This was a great idea.

Just fantastic.

What could possibly go wrong?

Goldie knew there was a small grocery store just two blocks away, though he hesitated to go there since they’d found some poor guy hacked up in the bathroom last week. He’d either been ordering his groceries to be delivered or driving to the other side of the city to get to the big chain grocery store. The issue was that neither the big chain store or the delivery service could provide Purrcy’s particular brand of food.

Weirdly enough, the small grocery store actually carried it.

“I asked them one time like three years ago if they had any,” Goldie was explaining as he put on jeans, silently promising his sweats that he’d be returning to them soon, “and they didn’t carry anything for that brand. All of a sudden, they started ordering it. It’s either go there or drive twenty minutes to Petz R Us to get it.” He sighed. “I really should just set up some sort of online subscription delivery thing, but I never think about it.”

Day was listening patiently, dressed and ready to go. He had his headphones around his neck, and he’d put on his hoodie, Goldie’s trench coat, and the pitiful torn sneakers.

“Hey, what size shoe do you wear?” Goldie asked.

Day looked down at his feet. He held up ten and then a three.

“Thirteen? Shit. I wear a sixteen.” Goldie rummaged through his closet. “Here. Try these.” He handed a pair of black leather boots to Day.

Day shook his head.

“Take them. They’ve always been way too tight on me, and it’s better than you walking around with holes in your shoes. I got some real thick woolly socks you could put on so they’re not so big on you.” Goldie smiled kindly as he grabbed them out of his dresser, a fluffy pair of black wool socks, and then handed them to Day. “If you want, we might be able to do a little bit of clothes shopping while we’re out today.”

Day quirked his brows as he hesitantly accepted the socks. “God, my angel needs to know that he… he doesn’t have to do that for me. I don’t need anything.”

“It’s freezing cold outside, so yes, you do need warm clothes,” Goldie replied firmly. “Take the boots, and uh, hang on. I’ve got another sweater you can have too.” He retrieved a forest green wool sweater from his closet. “Here. The color will look nice on you too.”

Day accepted the sweater, and he stared at it and the boots for a moment. He set them down on the bed and launched himself into Goldie’s arms, hugging his neck tight.

“Hey!” Goldie grabbed Day’s waist and held him close so he wouldn’t fall, cradling him gently. “Easy now. Remember, I’m an old man with a busted back.” He felt Day’s shoulders shake, and he realized that Day was crying. “Hey,” he soothed, “there’s no reason to get upset. It’s okay. I want to help you. I said that before, and I still mean it, okay?”

Day hugged Goldie tighter.

“I’ve got you,” Goldie said. “Okay? It’s okay.” He rubbed Day’s back until he thought he might be done. He carefully set him back down on his feet, and Goldie smiled warmly as they parted. He wiped the tears from Day’s cheeks, and he kissed his forehead. “You take care of me, and I take care of you. That’s the way relationships work, all right?”

“We’re in…” Day had to catch himself. “God, my angel is saying we’re in a relationship? And I’m not sure what that means.”

“Well.” Goldie realized he’d backed himself in a corner. “Being in a relationship means we’re committed to each other. We don’t see anybody else, so it’s just the two of us together, and we help and support each other. You know, like dating.”

Day mouthed, “Dating?”

“Yeah.” Goldie smiled. “You did say I was yours, right? That’s pretty much like calling dibs, so yeah, I’d say we’re hanging out right now. Then comes dating, and you know, uh, a relationship.”

Day frowned, but he nodded.

“I like you a lot,” Goldie said, hoping to ease that frown away, “but this is happening very fast, and dating takes time, okay?” He cleared his throat. “Plus, uh, I still have some pretty big concerns about you know what.”

“God, is my angel still concerned about my holy mission?”

“Yes, your angel is very concerned because I’m worried you need some serious help. And well, to be honest, I’m worried. Yes, Michael was an abusive piece of trash that arguably got what he deserved, but I’m still waiting for the cops to show up any second at my door looking for him.”

Day laughed.

“What’s so funny?”