Page 48 of Something Like Hail

“I didn’t lie,” Noah said.“I just didn’t want you to find out about my past because I knew itwould damn me.”

“It’s your future thatconcerns me more, and youdidtell a lie that first day in myoffice.”

He thought about it and winced. “Okay, Idid. I was desperate.”

“And we both know whatdesperation can drive a person to do.” Marcello nodded toward theprison.

“I’m not him.”

“No,” Marcello said. “Youaren’t. For one, you’re not averse to hard work, and you do seemgrateful for the help you receive.”

“Just give me anotherchance,” Noah said. “I’ll do anything. Two clients a day? Noproblem.”

“Your work ethic hasn’tbeen called into question, but you do face a difficult decision. Westand at a crossroad.” Marcello glanced out the window. “Hm. Ishould have instructed Charles to stop at an intersection. Howpoetic that would have been!”

Noah grinned, but the words that came nextmade him somber again.

“It’s time to determine thenature of our relationship,” Marcello continued. “I can either beyour enemy, or I can be your friend. Whichever you choose has adirect consequence in regard to your relationship with Ryan. As myfriend, you must sever all ties with him. As my enemy, you will bein my line of fire should you choose to stand by his side. I don’tmake idle threats. Decide now.”

Noah swallowed and looked at the prison. Heput himself behind those chilly stone walls and tried to imaginebeing surrounded by people who had committed worse crimes.Murderers. Rapists. Child molesters. No loving parents would bethere to provide hugs and reassurance on visitation day. Not evenan ex-boyfriend. Just unhappy memories of the past and a futurewithout hope. He didn’t hate Ryan. Noah loved him. That didn’t meanhe wanted to continue their relationship, but he did intend to bethere for him as a friend. And yet, doing so would mean losing agood job, a potential relationship, and a future that wasn’t on thestreets.

Noah tore his eyesaway from the prison. Ryan was trapped there because of mistakes hehad chosen to make. Noah hadn’t stood idly by and let him. He hadcried and shouted to try to get him off the drugs, pleaded with himto forget about Tim both before and after the shooting, and soldhis only means of transport to see that Ryan received a fair trial.Hadn’t he done enough? And what had Noah gotten in return? Guilttrips, a bruised self-esteem, and a whole lot of misery byassociation.

“Take your time,” Marcellosaid, sounding just as patient as the words themselves.

“I’ve already decided.”Noah locked eyes with the large man. “I’ll do what youwant.”

“Oh?”

“On onecondition.”

“Naturally. Let’s hearit.”

Noah steeled himself. “If I agree to not seeRyan anymore, I want it to be like I never knew him at all. As faras you’re concerned, I’m just some guy who overheard a rumor aboutthe Gentlemen’s Agreement Club and decided he wanted a piece of theaction. No more punishing me for what I didn’t do.”

“In other words,” Marcellosaid, “a clean slate.”

“Yeah. I know you can’tmake yourself forget—”

“I’ve certainly done mybest to try. Speaking of which, let’s wrap this up. I’m gettingthirsty.”

Noah gritted his teeth. “This isn’t an easydecision for me!”

“I understand, but yourwillingness to bargain reveals that you have already made up yourmind.”

“Don’t think I can’t changeit again!”

“I have no doubt, butyou’ve already demonstrated many times over that, when you decideon a course of action, you see it through to the bitter end, and weboth know just how bitter your relationship with Ryan has become.What you really desire is a sweet new beginning. Am Iwrong?”

“No.” His voice soundedhoarse to his own ears. Noah was tempted to look back at the prisonagain, but if he was going to do this, he might as well start now.He offered his hand. “No more Ryan.”

Marcello studied him, then gripped his palmand shook it. “Music to my ears. Now then, you’ve given me what Iwant. It would be remiss of me not to extend the same courtesy.What can I do for you?”

Noah’s mouth moved, but no sound came out.Most people probably had a burning desire or two that they couldeasily name, but needs and wishes were all he had left. How couldhe possibly choose from among them?

“I’ll make it easy on you,”Marcello said. “Let’s begin with our surroundings. Surely there issomewhere you would rather be. The jet is still fueled and waitingat the airport. Pick a place.”

“Uhhh.”