The Nature of Things

Chapter 56

************************************************************************

Brian looked around to see where the shot had come from and found Carl holding a still smoking revolver.

"Well, well, the police actually got to the scene of a crime before it was committed."

"You're welcome, Kinney."

"I guess a thank you is appropriate in this instance. So, thank you Carl."

"Did you have any idea he'd be coming after you?"

"Not a clue. How did you?"

"I found his list and you were next on it. After you, he planned to kill Justin and then Ben."

"Lucky for us you got here in time."

"Not luck, Brian, a miracle. Ted was determined that you die. He had detailed notes on how he planned to murder you. He was really messed up."

"Theodore was jealous of what Justin and I had."

"He was more than jealous. He was envious. Not only of you and Justin, but of Michael's relationships with you and Ben. It appears that Ted was spiraling out of control for years."

"I can understand me and Michael, but why Justin?"

"Best I can figure was that Justin had the life Ted wanted. I've got techs going through his computers and files as we speak. How much have you told Justin?"

"Not a lot. With everything going on with Maya, I didn't want him to worry anymore than necessary."

"I know the feeling. Look, Kinney, I didn't tell you this earlier, but Molly was involved with Schmidt."

"How?"

"She was the mastermind behind the first few murders, before Ted decided that he had his own agenda. I've asked a few questions and Father Adam filled me in on how Molly'd been supplying Ted with Crystal Meth and had a little habit of her own."

"Molly's a crystal queen?"

"No, Molly's drug of choice was heroin. The good Father told me that he'd been trying to get her into rehab for a few weeks now. He also told me that Molly was having second thoughts about giving Maya up."

"I guess I was just too busy with Maya to see it. Where is she now?"

"She's dead. Schmidt killed her, after she shot and killed Emmett."

"So Justin loses his best friend and his sister all in one night. Some life."

"Justin has a lot to be thankful for. He has a partner who would've given his life for him and their daughter. Let's not forget that he also has a daughter who got a second chance at life."

Carl watched Brian walk silently away and wondered just how he planned to break it to his partner that their lives were changed forever.

************************************************************************

Three days later Molly was laid to rest next to her grandmother. Justin's blue eyes filled with tears numerous times, but he faithfully held them back as he supported his mother. Brian stood stoically next to his partner, sad and angry all at once.

His anger was for the innocence that was stolen from a young girl who had so much to give the world. Justin locked eyes with him and at that moment Brian would've given anything he had to erase the sadness from his face.

It was over an hour later that Justin found his way into Brian's embrace. He finally felt safe with Brian's arms wrapped tightly around him.

"How's Jen?"

"Thank God for Tucker."

"I never thought I'd hear you say that, Mr. Taylor-Kinney."

"I honestly don't have the energy to argue with her about him."

"He makes her happy, you know."

"I know."

"There's nothing wrong with having a much younger lover."

"If you have the energy to keep up with him."

"Are you complaining?"

"Never."

TBC.......

Return to The Nature of Things