Crossfire

By Jon Keys

Murder, kidnapping and a disappearance. Trooper Rick Anthis could use a break. But he hopes it isn't too late in coming.

Rick Anthis, a forty-five-year-old veteran of the Colorado State Police and his husband, Gabriel Thorkelson, a deputy sheriff in a nearby county, enjoy the peace of their suburban Boulder home, but the neighborhood's tranquility is shattered by three rapid-fire gunshots. The pair's quick reaction allows Rick to witness the abduction of his eight-year-old buddy Jacob, by his father.

In their quest to find the boy, the clues are sparse and time is of the essence since Jacob is diabetic, a condition Gabriel is far too familiar with. A search of the father's apartment yields nothing more than an old hiking map that narrows the search down to a few hundred square miles. Rick and his CSI team are on the hunt, but with every bit of progress they make, it seems they are thwarted, especially when Gabriel turns up missing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: Jul 18, 2017
• ISBN: 9781786515940

Jon Keys

Jon Keys’ earliest memories revolve around books; with the first ones he can recall reading himself being “The Warlord of Mars” and anything with Tarzan. (The local library wasn’t particularly up to date.) But as puberty set in, he started sneaking his mother’s romance magazines and added the world of romance and erotica to his mix of science fiction, fantasy, Native American, westerns and comic books. A voracious reader for almost half a century, Jon has only recently begun creating his own flights of fiction for the entertainment of others. Born in the Southwest and now living in the Midwest, Jon has worked as a ranch hand, teacher, computer tech, roughneck, designer, retail clerk, welder, artist, and, yes, pool boy; with interests ranging from kayaking and hunting to painting and cooking, he draws from a wide range of life experiences to create written works that draw the reader in and wrap them in a good story.

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Crossfire

ISBN # 978-1-78651-594-0

©Copyright Jon Keys 2017

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright June 2017

Edited by Jamie D. Rose

Pride Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Pride Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Pride Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2017 by Pride Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, UK

Pride Publishing is a subsidiary of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

CROSSFIRE

Jon Keys

Murder, kidnapping and a disappearance. Trooper Rick Anthis could use a break. But he hopes it isn’t too late in coming.

Rick Anthis, a forty-five-year-old veteran of the Colorado State Police and his husband, Gabriel Thorkelson, a deputy sheriff in a nearby county, enjoy the peace of their suburban Boulder home, but the neighborhood’s tranquility is shattered by three rapid-fire gunshots. The pair’s quick reaction allows Rick to witness the abduction of his eight-year-old buddy Jacob, by his father.

In their quest to find the boy, the clues are sparse and time is of the essence since Jacob is diabetic, a condition Gabriel is far too familiar with. A search of the father’s apartment yields nothing more than an old hiking map that narrows the search down to a few hundred square miles. Rick and his CSI team are on the hunt, but with every bit of progress they make, it seems they are thwarted, especially when Gabriel turns up missing.

Trademarks Acknowledgement

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Eagle Scout: Boy Scouts of America Corporation

Robin: DC Comics General Partnership

Batman: DC Comics General Partnership

Mad Max: Roadshow Entertainment

Jeep: FCA US LLC

Hellfire Missiles: Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrup Grumman

Speedo: Speedo International Limited

Denver Broncos: PDB Sports Limited

Chapter One

The slam of the front door followed by the click of metal against marble brought Gabriel relief. When the more substantial sound of a heavy leather belt joined it, he grinned. Officer Anthis was home safe.

Hey, babe. How was your day? The sheriff had me running all over Grand County. Wash up. Dinner’ll be ready soon, Gabriel called into the living room.

In response, his tall, burly husband strolled into the kitchen, wrapped his arms around Gabriel from behind and pulled him tight. Gabriel inhaled the delicious mix of masculine scents filling the air as Rick planted a kiss on the side of his neck. Damn, he always makes me feel so good. Even after all these years, it’s like my first crush.

Gabriel turned then pressed his lips against Rick’s. The hot kiss continued for quite a while before they separated, and when they did, he had a pleasant, sexy buzz. He ran his hands over Rick’s broad shoulders and sighed as the jolts of pleasure crawled through his body. He kissed along Rick’s jawline, loving the rough texture as he had each time for over a decade, then he asked, So, the day went well?

Rick leaned back, gripped Gabriel’s butt and mashed their crotches together. Well, there goes any chance of an intelligent conversation from me. No blood’s left in my brain. He could bend me over the counter, fuck me silly and I would be a happy man. Gabriel reached up and stroked his fingertips over Rick’s blue-black five o’clock shadow.

You have the heaviest beard of anyone I’ve ever seen, and I love it. But unless you want dinner burned, you need to let me cook.

A deep rumbling laugh that never failed to leave Gabriel a little weak in the knees echoed through the room. Rick released him and leaned against the counter. That’s what you get for falling in love with a Greek. We’re shaving from the time we’re out of diapers.

Gabriel pushed the spatula across the skillet, stirring the contents of their meal. The aroma of basil and oregano swirled in the air, and as it mixed with Rick’s heady musk, Gabriel inhaled deeply and the comforts of home flooded him. He couldn’t keep from glancing around the room. The kitchen in their first apartment had consisted of an electric skillet and a toaster. Now Gabriel did most of the cooking, so decisions about how to best handle the room had been left to him when they’d remodeled soon after moving into their house. As a result, the kitchen always made him content.

Rick slipped one hand toward Gabriel’s crotch, but Gabriel caught his thick wrist and spun him in the direction of the glass-fronted cabinet lined with plates. Set the table. Supper’s ready.

Do I have time to change? asked Rick.

Nope. Besides, that way I get to stare at a hot cop.

That same bass chuckle erupted again and built Gabriel’s sense of contentment. He dished up the food and carried it to the table while Rick put out the place settings. Rick filled their tumblers with iced tea as Gabriel eased himself into his chair. After a final check to make sure he hadn’t forgotten anything, he grinned at Rick before leaning over to give him another quick kiss. Eat. Don’t let it get cold.

Rick studied him for a moment as he sat. How was your day? You seem beat.

Gabriel shrugged as he reached for the sugar bowl. Nothing bad. Typical stuff for us deputy sheriffs. Mr. Wisner thinks someone is stealing his cattle, but he still has the same number. A couple of domestic complaints. The usual. I’m just tired.

Rick pulled the sugar out of reach. I can tell when you aren’t watching your blood sugar. What is it?

Gabriel glared at Rick, irritated he would bring the subject up again. It’s one-sixty. I’ve got it under control.

That’s high, and you know it. Your doctor will up your insulin if you’re not careful. You tell me all the time how much you hate the shots.

A gust of breath exploded from Gabriel. Well, shit. All the stuff I want is off limits.

Rick grabbed his shoulder and squeezed. I’ll eat whatever you eat. I can help cook, too. It wouldn’t hurt me to lose a few pounds. We could also jog again, like we did when you were finishing college and I was a broke rookie. He winked at Gabriel and patted his slightly rounded stomach.

Gabriel lifted an eyebrow and his mouth twisted. This should be fun, both of us hungry and bitchy as hell. Add the exercise so we can be sore, and it will be wonderful.

Rick ruffled Gabriel’s hair then ate with relish and without further comments. They were enjoying the final bites of their meal when they heard yelling from outside. Rick listened for a minute before shaking his head. Are they at it again?

Ever since I got home. I thought Mark left, but it sounds like he’s back. They’re arguing in the driveway. They normally aren’t this easy to understand.

Poor Jacob. Those two are tearing up the kid with all their bickering, Rick said.

Yeah, I ran into Rachel at the grocery store. She’s trying to take care of him. She told me money was short, but she didn’t want Jacob to worry. Mark’s behind with his child support, and the stress is getting to her. Gabriel studied his husband before venturing an opinion. Jacob idolizes you. You know that, right?

Rick shrugged, but Gabriel knew he worried about the eight-year-old. He’d been protective since they’d met and had only gotten more so over the past months as his parents' marriage came apart in a very nasty and public way. But they tried to be a safe refuge where Jacob knew his parents’ issues weren’t his fault.

But when he glanced back, Gabriel’s emotions were well hidden. I just try to let him have a little break from the drama at home.

Gabriel motioned toward Rick with his fork. Eat. With them fighting, it won’t be long before he’s at the door looking for his buddy.

* * * *

Rick dried the last dish and put it in its proper place. He glanced around the kitchen they both loved. Their stately house and the quiet, older community it was nestled inside was exactly what they’d wanted. Their neighborhood was comfortable, with a mix of people. Most of them were willing to help each other at any time. He hoped Mark and Rachel could work out their issues. Jacob needed peace and security and should be their most critical consideration.

Rick put his arm around Gabe’s slender waist and pulled them together. He’s as sexy as he was in college. Damn, just being next to him makes me randy. He gave Gabe another peck on the cheek before folding the dishtowel and laying it beside the sink. Supper was great. You’re a damn fine cook.

Gabe snickered and popped Rick with the towel he’d been using. "It should taste good.