The Merger – 37

 

The next two weeks passed as they normally would for Mike and Josh, with the exception, that is, of the fact that they'd spend the night together whenever possible in one of their apartments—eating, relaxing, and making love.

There were three nights when Mike had to work, doing surveillance for a client. By the time he'd finished, he went home and collapsed into bed—alone. And Josh spent the whole of one weekend as part of the bodyguard team for the same political candidate he'd protected a few weeks previously. The man was in the final days before the special election and was campaigning hard, as a result.

On Thursday of the second week, as he was on the way back to the agency after talking with a runaway teen, trying to convince him to return home, Mike got a call from Detective King.

"I thought you'd like to know," King said, when Mike pulled to the curb to answer his phone, "that Comstock was moved to the prison hospital at the beginning of the week then into a cell two days ago. His arraignment was this morning and the preliminary hearing is set for next Monday."

"Was he granted bail?" Mike asked.

"That won't happen, one way or the other, until the hearing. The prosecutor doesn't think he will be, given the gravity of the charges and the fact that he's a flight risk."

"What about Nowell and the others?"

"They were all given high bails. Only Nowell bonded out."

"Great. So we get to look over our shoulders until he goes to trial."

"Actually, no. He had a long talk with the district attorney and decided to turn state's evidence rather than face murder charges for the death of Mr. Walker, the man who rented the safety deposit box. Plus, there was a great deal of information in the papers we found that linked Nowell to Comstock's various activities."

"You know for certain Walker was murdered?" Mike asked.

"Yes. We received an anonymous tip about where to find his body. When the DA told Nowell, he quickly decided his decision to turn state's evidence was definitely preferable to facing trial for his part in the killing."

"Smart man, I guess."

King chuckled. "He'd have been smarter not to hook up with Comstock in the first place."

"No kidding."

After the call ended, Mike continued on to the agency. Josh was already there, inventorying his supplies in preparation for ordering what he needed for the next few jobs. When Mike told him about the detective's call, Josh pumped a fist.

"So, unless or until we're called as witnesses at Comstock's trial, this is over."

"That's my take on it," Mike agreed. "I doubt his people are so stupid they'd come after us because of our involvement in his arrest. Nowell might have tried something, but he's out of the picture now and undoubtedly in a safe house for the foreseeable future."

"We should call George to let him know," Josh said.

"I'm sure Detective King's already done that. How's Stockton doing, by the way? Have you talked to him recently?"

Josh nodded. "This is George we're talking about. He was back at work the day after they released him from the hospital. I thought I told you that."

"Nope. Next time, make a sticky note when you've got something non-business related to tell me and put it on your forehead."

Josh laughed. "I'm not that forgetful—usually. Besides which, how can I see it if it's up there?"

"You can't, but I can," Mike pointed out. "Are you ready to leave?"

"Just about. I need to get in touch with my supplier, first," Josh replied, tapping his list before going to his desk. He brought up the company's website on his laptop, placed the order, adding the cost of rush shipping so he'd get it in the morning then closed down. "Now, I am."

Mike went into his office to shut everything off, saying goodnight to Rosie when she came to his doorway to tell him she was leaving.

"Do we want to pick up dinner or do you feel like cooking?" Josh asked as Mike armed the security boxes then locked up when they were in the hallway.

"Since I'm not in the mood for cooking—and apparently you aren't either—let's stop at the deli. We can eat there then catch the movie we've been talking about seeing."

"On a Thursday night?" Josh replied in mock disbelief. "Are you sure you're feeling okay?"

Mike grinned. "I'm feeling fine. We could skip the movie and move directly to my place and bed."

Josh appeared to give that some serious thought as they walked to the elevator. "I guess we could postpone the movie until this weekend. Miracle of miracles, we're both free Saturday night."

"Works for me." Mike hugged him as they waited for the elevator to arrive then kissed him quite thoroughly on the ride down since they were the only ones on it. They held hands as they walked to the deli, which was only a couple of blocks away. Then, their hunger for food sated, they went to Mike's place, where they sated other needs to their mutual satisfaction.