Glenn: Brothers, #1

By Hayden West

Glenn Howard was one of seven brothers until the day the call came telling him he wasn't. When the focus is on him for the next potential target, he reaches out to a lover he'd never forgotten.

Tate Eder, a proud member of Boston SWAT realizes this second chance may be his last to make Glenn understand they were meant to be, and he's not about to turn that down.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hayden West
• Release date: May 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224945443

Book preview

Prologue

L et me say this again. Brix Thorsten, the eldest, the leader of their group said, staring at the six before him. "There is nothing wrong with us. Others may not like us but we seven, we , are family. We support, protect, and defend one another. Am I clear?"

They were outside, sitting on stumps. They weren’t allowed to be in any building unsupervised. Unless it was to be in their rooms.

He crossed his arms and dared them to drop his gaze. His life had been unfortunate and on the streets before the system had nabbed him, then he was in a home, and now he was here. This so called rehabilitation center to work their Conversion Therapy on him and the others he looked at.

As if being gay were a horrible thing, a sin, evil.

On the inside he trembled, unsure if he’d be able to do this but he knew they depended on him. All of them and he wasn’t about to let them down. If he had to dig into the bowels of hell to find the strength, he’d do it, and they would get out of here. Alive and together as they were meant to, as brothers.

In the distance, the bells chimed for their evening meal. He gestured with his chin for them to get up and move out. All but one left and he stood there looking at the thinnest of the group, Glenn.

What?

They fell instep together and he waited for Glenn to speak. He didn’t, but he did see two of the counselors waiting by where Glenn would have come out at, and anger ran hot and fresh once more. As they neared the duo, Brix, held each of their gazes, aware his own burned with pure hatred.

He wasn’t the biggest guy here, but he knew how to fight. And this one beside him was his brother, he’d die to protect him. As they stepped inside the dining hall, he muttered to the one beside him, "Head up. I’m working on a plan to get us out of here. All seven of us."

Not even looking at the glasses wearing boy, they went to their designated seats, heads down, silent and waited for the long spiel how evil they were and how they could be saved if they renounced their ways.

Brix turned a deaf ear to the hypocrisy and shit they spewed. He knew better, than many, of what truly went on behind those doors. Instead, he began counting. How many seconds it took people to move through the room, from one door to the next.

His mind never slowed. Never rested. He broke it all down, everything.

Their chance came seven months later and under the cover of the new moon sky, they ran, ignoring the sharp rocks cutting into their feet, the worry of poisonous snakes, or other animal dangers. Aarne led and Brix took up the rear, keeping the rest of their brothers between them.

Glenn, Valentino, Liam, Todd, Prince, Brix and Aarne made their way to freedom.

Fifteen years later

Mr. Howard. There’s a call for you on line two. Mrs. Lance, his secretary for the past four years, had a calm and steady voice that never got rattled. Right now, it filled his ear as he stared over the cityscape of his city—Boston.

Send them on. Who is it?

A Detective Sutol.

Glenn frowned. He didn’t recognize the name, but he did donate a few times to some police funds throughout the year.

Send him.

Yes sir.

He waited for a moment and said, Detective Sutol, this is Mr. Howard. How may I be of service?

Mr. Howard, he responded in a low, raspy tone. I hate to have to do this over the phone, I’m calling about Todd LeGuere.

Icy claws closed around his heart and lungs. Not because of the name but because of the place. His gaze darted to the large desk where one photo sat. Of him and his brothers. There was no need to actually lay eyes on the picture. It not only held the distinction of being the only one in the room with people in it, but it was the only one on his desk.

He could see all seven of them, standing on a beach in Florida celebrating. All were shirtless, goofing off, beers in hand and a campfire before them. One of his last, best days before the brothers—not by blood but by something much stronger—scattered to the wind.

After clearing his throat, he pinched the bridge of his nose before pushing his palm against the cold glass. What happened? Do I need to get him a lawyer?

"No