The Colors of Hate - 51

Dean looked at the tall condo complex when Kirby told him it was where he’d be staying for the foreseeable future. “The police have a safe-house in there?”

Kirby just nodded as he drove around to the lot at one side of the building and pulled the car into a parking space. He got out, waited for Dean to join him, and they walked to the front entrance.

“Good evening Mr Lasiter,” the guard at the front desk said. “This is the man you mentioned?”

“He is.” Kirby introduced Dean to the guard before heading to the elevators.

When they got off on the seventh floor, Dean followed Kirby down a long, carpeted hallway. Kirby took out some keys and opened the door at the end.

“Wow, not quite what I was expecting,” Dean said when they were inside. There was a small entryway that opened onto a large, well furnished living room. Off to one side was a alcove that was the dining area. Next to it was a door he presumed led to the kitchen. On the other wall, an arch opened on to a hallway. Large picture windows filled the wall opposite the entry.

“It serves its purpose,” Kirby replied with a smile. “Come on, I’ll show you to your room.”

It took a second for Kirby’s words to sink in. Dean looked at him, unsure if he was really all that surprised when it came right down to it. “You own this place? I thought…”

“I do. I keep the apartment because it’s close to work and handy when either Reid or I need somewhere to crash for a few hours, but this is my home.”

“Don’t you think you could have said something?”

“And have you tell me ‘no’?”

“I still can.”

Kirby nodded. “True. And then I’d have to take you to a hotel where your father’s people would undoubtedly find you and do… whatever they do.”

Dean thought about it. “Okay, lead on Macduff.”

A moment later he was looking around a small, but comfortable bedroom with an en suite bathroom. “Not too bad,” he commented, tossing his bag on the bed.

“I’m glad you approve,” Kirby replied somewhat sardonically. “Ready to eat?”

“Sure, I guess. I hadn’t really thought about it.”

“Then it’s a good thing I did. Supper should be here any minute now.” Almost as the words were out of his mouth the buzzer rang. He went to answer and a couple of minutes later there was a knock on the door.