Safe Place, page 9
"And that should have been the end of things." Kent nodded to another officer. "Cuff him. We have more than enough to take him in. I've read the restraining order and since then have taken two reports of him stalking his victim." Kent glanced at Trevor. "Is anyone hurt?"
"No, everyone is safe. Aydin's in back while we handle this," Trevor told him.
"Good." Kent seemed to relax.
"You want to get reports and we'll take him in?" one of the officers asked Kent.
"Works for me. Just know he'll be on the phone to the congressman the moment he's allowed a call." Kent glanced around the restaurant. "Is there a place we can talk where we won't bother your customers?"
"Of course. Follow me." Trevor glanced at Chris. "Can you handle the front?"
"Got it." Chris nodded.
"Sorry for the interruption." Trevor smiled at his customers before leading Kent and another officer into the back.
"Thank God you came." Aydin had to keep from hugging Kent. "I didn't want to have to go through everything again."
"I know. I'll still need you to write a statement, but I know your case well enough you don't have to go through telling it all. You're okay?"
"Yeah, fine. I saw him walk in and got help. They made me stay back here." Aydin turned to Trevor. "I'm so sorry. I didn't want to bring this shit to your door."
"It's fine. It's not the first time and it won't be the last. My customers are loyal. This will increase business if anything." Trevor tossed an arm around Aydin's shoulders. "You should have come and got me, not Chris."
"I was just going to hide out while he was here. I didn't want a scene."
"You need to cause a scene anytime he's around," Kent told him as they all walked into the break room. "He's a danger to you. Don't trust him for a minute. After we got your stuff from the house, he should have let things go. It's clear he isn't going to do that."
"You've had issues with him since he followed you to work that morning?" Trevor asked, looking concerned.
"A few. Nothing I wanted to worry anyone about. I'd reported everything to the police." Aydin sat down at the large table.
"He hasn't bothered you since we got your stuff?" Kent asked.
"No. I haven't seen him at all until tonight." Aydin looked at Trevor. "Thanks for standing up to him like that."
"I hate men like him." Trevor shrugged. "They remind me of my father."
Aydin didn't know what to think about that, so he let it go. He turned his focus to Kent and the other officer as they handed them each a sheet of paper and a pen from a binder they'd brought in with them.
"If you could each give a statement about what happened. I'm expecting he'll bail out, but just maybe we'll get a judge who doesn't care what the congressman threatens." Kent sighed. "I just pray someone locks him up before this escalates."
"I need to find another job, or he'll just keep coming in here causing problems." Aydin had no idea where he'd find work, but he couldn't let this happen to Trevor. He'd been too good to him. This would bring bad reviews to his restaurant and make people hesitate to dine there.
"You will not go find another job. He didn't cause any problems. All he did was make himself look like a fool. Wait until those videos hit social media. People will see him for what he really is. Trust me. My father made the mistake of coming in here gay bashing me a few years ago. He still hasn't lived it down." Trevor smiled.
"Trevor's right. You're safer here where people know what's going on and can back you up. Now the employees know what Jason looks like and can watch for him. He's taken enough from you. Don't let him take a job you love as well." Kent gripped his shoulder.
"You love your job here?" Trevor grinned. "Tell me more."
Everyone laughed, easing the intensity of what had just happened. With renewed focus, Aydin got to work writing out his statement, hoping that it would be the last one he ever had to do.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
"You're friends with the victim?" Roger, the officer assisting tonight asked Kent as they waited for reports to be written. They stood out back of the restaurant so Roger could have a quick smoke.
"I guess you could say friends. I've been called to several of the incidents involving his situation and we've come to trust one another. I helped him get his belongings back and am storing them at my place until he gets on his feet again." Kent stared up at the darkening sky. "I can't help but feel for him. He had the shit beat out of him, then everything he knew was taken from him. He's the victim, yet he was the one sent out to the shelter when the hospital released him. He's had a tough go of things."
"You know that's how I met Mary. She called for help after a purse snatching. We ended up going out and married a year later." Roger winked.
"I'm not looking to get married. Just give him a hand while he's down. It pisses me off he's forced to give up everything when that asshole was the one who beat him. It should be the other way around."
"You're talking about the congressman's son. You know there are different rules for them than there are for us normal folks."
"It shouldn't be like that." Kent shook his head. "What kind of father condones his son beating someone? If that were my son, I'd help them lock him up."
"I agree, but you know how politicians are. It's all about image and reputation." Roger scuffed out his cigarette on the bottom of his boot, then slid the butt into his pocket. "You good to gather stuff if I head back out?"
"Yeah, I'm going to offer to drive Aydin back to the shelter so he doesn't have to walk. Hopefully, the rest of our night is quiet."
"Don't get your hopes up. There's that concert at the fairgrounds that gets out around eleven," Roger reminded him.
"Fuck." That meant drunk drivers, fights, and who knew what else. "There goes my hope for a quiet night."
"I'll see you out there." Roger waved.
Before Kent could turn and go inside, another man parked and got out of his car. Kent grinned as he recognized him. "Prince, I didn't expect to see you here."
Prince flashed a huge smile. "When Trevor calls and tells me there are cops in uniform around, you know I'll make my way here." He winked at Kent as he stepped closer. "Looking good tonight, Officer."
Kent rolled his eyes. "Aren't you a married man?"
"Very, but I'm not blind. Men in uniform have always done it for me. You should see Trevor when I make him put on his entire chef uniform." Prince faked a swoon.
"You're crazy." Kent laughed. "How're things at the bakery?"
"Good. Your boy is a hard worker. One of my best employees."
"My boy?" Kent narrowed his eyes.
"You are the one who saved him, aren't you?"
"I was doing my job."
Prince huffed. "Call it what you want. I see the way his eyes light up when he talks about you. He might not even realize it yet, but there's something there between you two."
"We're just friends," Kent insisted.
"Yep, and Trevor and I were just going to fuck one time and move on." He held up his finger with the wedding ring on. "Never know what life is going to throw in your way."
Kent rolled his eyes.
"Hey, think about it. Every time he's needed help, you've gotten the call. Fate's putting you in the right places at the right time. How many officers could get the calls? Why always you? Maybe fate's working to put you there for him."
"It's my job."
"Again, how many others could do that job? The calls come to you. Tell me that's not strange." Prince leaned on the railing that led up to the back entrance.
It was strange, and it wasn't the first time Kent had thought about it. Even tonight when he'd responded to a problem at Trevor's, he knew he'd be seeing Aydin. Something kept throwing them together, but he had no clue what the fuck it meant. Sure, Aydin was attractive, but he'd just gotten out of a horrible relationship and was facing shit most men would never make it through. He wasn't ready to date. "He's got more important things to focus on than any attraction I might have for him."
"Ah, so you at least admit you're attracted." Prince grinned.
"Who wouldn't be? He's perfect." Kent shrugged. "But the last thing he needs is another relationship right now."
"Maybe that's exactly what he needs before he convinces himself to never trust someone again. I mean, he's going to be gun-shy, but it seems he already trusts you. I hear it in the way he talks about you at work. Right now, I'd say you're more important to him than you think."
Kent just stared at Prince, unsure how to respond.
"Think about it. I get he's struggling, but you might be just the person to help him heal. He'll never admit to it. Not after what he just went through, but maybe if you admit to being interested, he might soften a bit and be open to the idea."
"Why are you trying to play matchmaker? Right now, my focus is on keeping him safe, not confusing him more because I'm attracted to him. I'm attracted to a lot of guys. It doesn't mean anything." God, was he really having this conversation with Prince? He'd barely admitted to himself that he liked Aydin in a way that wasn't professional. "Don't push this, Prince. Aydin needs to heal and get back on his feet first. Maybe later, but I'm not going to push him into something he's not ready for. The last man he was with fucked him over royally. He's not going to want to jump into something else this soon."
They both turned as the backdoor opened and Trevor poked his head out. "We're done in here if you want to collect our statements, then I'll drive Aydin to the shelter. I don't want him walking. I tried to get him to stay here tonight, but he refuses."
Kent stepped forward. "I'll drive him. I want to make sure he's okay."
Prince raised his eyebrows as if pointing out what they'd just been talking about.
Kent pointed at Prince. "Shut up. It's not going to happen. At least anytime soon." He brushed past Trevor and headed inside, ignoring the delicious smells coming from the kitchen. He was starving and it would be a while before he was able to grab something for dinner. He found Aydin still sitting in the breakroom. "Hey, I hear you're done?"
"Yeah." Aydin pushed a small stack of papers toward Kent. "Have you heard if Jason's out yet?"
"I can promise he's not out yet, but that doesn't mean anything. Booking takes time. We won't know whether they keep him or not for a while yet. It will be up to a judge."
Aydin played with the pen in his hand. "He doesn't care about the restraining order, does he? He'll try this again."
"Probably."
"What if he gets me when I'm alone? When I'm walking or something?" The fear in Aydin's eyes was very real.
"For now, you try to stay around people. Walk in groups if you can. Avoid places you're alone. See if Prince can maybe swing by and pick you up in the mornings for work so you don't have to walk in the dark at four. When I'm free and not on a call, I can give you rides at night." He hated the insecurity he was witnessing in a man he was sure used to be so strong. "Have you ever thought about learning some self-defense? Maybe getting a gun?"
"I'd love to learn to shoot and get a gun, but the shelter doesn't allow them. I was thinking maybe once I get my own place, I'd get one."
"I can help you with that. I go to the shooting range every couple of weeks. You can come with me and learn how to shoot. By the time you're ready to get a gun, you'll know how to handle it. But for now, maybe I could teach you some self-defense moves? We could get together on Saturday for a few hours and I could show you some things. You only need to know enough to get away from him and get somewhere safe."
"Really, you'd teach me?"
"Sure, everyone should know a little self-defense and how to use a gun. If you want, we can start this weekend. I can pick you up Saturday and you pick what we do."
"I can't afford a gun or a permit to carry one right now, so let's start with self-defense. Do I need anything for that?"
"Just comfortable clothes. Do you have sweatpants?"
"Yeah, at your place in my bags."
"That will work. I have a small gym in my basement. We can practice there or even in the backyard. It will help you feel safer and get you away from the shelter for a while."
"I'd be ruining your days off."
"Nah, I don't do anything but sit around. You'd be giving me something to do. I promise if I have something I need to do, I'll let you know, but honestly, my weekends are usually spent in front of the TV."
"I'd appreciate it, if you're sure."
"I am. Now I need to get back to work. I still have several hours left on my shift. Let me give you a ride back to the shelter."
"I just need to tell Trevor to clock me out a few hours ago. He shouldn't pay me for the time I wasn't working."
"Don't worry about it." Trevor walked in from the hall with Prince behind him. "It wasn't your fault you couldn't work. You'll still get paid."
"But—" Aydin shook his head.
"And I'll pick you up at the shelter at four in the morning and drive you to the bakery. It's three minutes out of my way so don't argue," Prince told him.
"I don't have an alarm to wake up. I usually wake up in time, but not always. That's why I'm sometimes a bit late getting there. I don't want you to have to wait."
"You're never late. I told you, I need you there between four and five in the morning. You've always been there by five. I'll wait outside until four-fifteen and if you're not there, I'll head in on my own."
"Actually, hold on a sec." Trevor rushed from the room and came back holding a cell phone. "It's not activated but the alarm on it still works. Can you use that at the shelter?"
"Yeah, a lot of people use them."
Kent had always wondered how people could afford cell phones, but not have money to eat or get off the streets. "I should have thought about that. Didn't we grab your phone when we got your clothes?"
"Yeah, it's in the bag. Jason's probably cut off service, but I can use it for the alarm. If I could use this one until I can get mine from Kent's garage, I'd appreciate it." Aydin looked up at Trevor.
"Of course. I was going to give it to you." Trevor shrugged.
"I'll give it back once I get mine. Maybe someone else can use it." Aydin stood and hugged Trevor. "I can't pay you back for all you've done."
"I don't expect you to. Someday when you're able, you'll help someone out the same way." Trevor pulled back. "Are you okay? I want you to know you're safe here. If he comes back, we'll handle it. Just walk in the back like you did and alert me."
"I'm okay. This is one of the few places I feel safe. I'm still sorry he disrupted things."
Trevor waved a hand. "Any social media attention I consider free advertising, plus, it won't be long before the congressman sees the videos people got today and he'll be pissed at his son again. It's a win if you ask me."
"I agree." Kent stood. "Another arrest will help your case as well. He's digging a very deep hole he eventually won't be able to climb out of. Now, I need to get back to work. Still want that ride?"
Aydin nodded and turned to Prince. "See you at four."
As they walked out to his squad car, Kent thought about how involved he was becoming with Aydin. Not just through the police calls, but now through teaching him self-defense. He knew what Prince said was true, he was attracted to Aydin, but the situation was so messed up that he didn't dare act on it. It would be almost like taking advantage of Aydin while he was down. Kent could play hero and use that to help him in his pursuits, but that wouldn't be fair to Aydin, and he was sure in time it would come back to bite him. This was something Aydin needed to do on his own. At least as much as he could. It was better if Kent just stayed his friend for now and let things play out later, once Aydin had an apartment. Then he could ask him out on a date without the risk that Aydin might think he had to go just to pay back the stuff Kent was doing to help him.
Once they pulled away from the restaurant, Kent glanced at Aydin. "Do you need anything before I drop you off?"
"I'm good. Trevor fed me. I'm going to get a cot and try and sleep a bit if I can. I'm mentally exhausted. I'm trying not to let Jason scare me, but he does."
"I know, and I'll do all I can to try and get charges to stick, but it's not really up to me. I do know the more often he's arrested, the better the chances that they'll keep him. Trevor said a lot of people filmed the incident tonight. The congressman will be all over Jason's ass after it hits social media. That's in our favor as well. He won't want to upset his father."
"I'm not sure he cares anymore. If he did, he would have left when we called the cops tonight or when he saw people recording. What I don't get is why is he doing all this for me? Sure, I thought we had a good thing a long time ago, but it got really bad the last while. There are a million men out there who would date him. Why does he keep going after me?"
"You might never get an answer to that. I'm not sure why some people obsess over one person and not another. Nobody likes a breakup, but most of us are wired to work through bad relationships and move on."
"Leave it to me to pick the crazy one." Aydin sighed as they pulled up in front of the shelter. "Well, thanks for the ride."
"I'll pick you up around ten on Saturday. Does that work for you?"
"That's perfect. I'm not sure how good I'll do, but I'm excited to try to learn." Aydin climbed out of the car.
"You'll do great."
"Stay safe out there." Aydin shut the door and waved.
As he drove off, Kent whispered to himself, "and you stay safe in there."
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Aydin looked up at the ceiling of Kent's basement gym and sighed. "I'm never going to get this right."
"You will. It takes practice. I've had years of training to get this good and I still have a lot to learn. Come on, stand up, let's go through it again." Kent offered him a hand.
Aydin took it, letting Kent pull him up. They were both covered in a light layer of sweat, but even though he wasn't catching on as quickly as he wanted to, the exercise felt good. It had been a while since he'd worked out in any way.
Months ago, he'd jogged several miles every day. Jason had joined him when things had been good between them, then as things started to change, Jason didn't go with him, then started complaining when Aydin would go on his own. It got to the point he just stopped running to keep the peace.
