Dire Straits Read Free Page B

powerful on the west coast. It took me seeing Kate once to decide that Deputy of this Podunk town was the life for me." He settled his hat on his head. "I’m thinkin' I'll go have another word with the Sheriff, and leave you to wait for the necromancer. Damn train is late, anyway." He winked and was gone.
    Bannick rolled his eyes. Honestly, if there was one thing he really did not miss about this side of the country, it was the nosey, busybody nature of folk.  Then the train came into view, and even Bannick's irritation slid away. He waited, sucking on his cigar as if his life depended on it as the train slowed to a stop and the passengers slowly began to disembark.
    When he saw Ezell, it was like a punch to the gut, stealing all his breath and leaving him dizzy for a spell. Ezell was still so beautiful, even rumbled from hard travelling.  Older, harder, rougher, but the hair still fell to his shoulders, as rich as gold in color, and there were gold-rimmed spectacles perched on the delicate nose—
    Then Ezell looked up and saw him, his jaw dropping and eyes widening in complete surprise. He hadn't known, Bannick realized. Ezell hadn't know who, exactly, was meeting him.  But the recognition that filled his face made Bannick the happiest person in the world. He pushed his way through the crowds of people, meeting Ezell halfway.
    "I don't believe my eyes," Ezell said, hazel eyes still sharp and pretty behind the fancier spectacles. His accent was still sharp, smooth city, but Bannick had always liked it. He smiled at Bannick, and he might be a little rough around the edges now, but that smile was still soft and sweet. "Bannick Poore, as I live and breathe, and wearing an Exorcist's collar. Wonders never cease."
    Bannick smiled and lowered his cigar, leaving it to dangle all but forgotten from his fingers.  "Wonders, indeed. When did you turn to necromancy, Ez?"
    Sadness flitted across Ezell's face, but all he said was, "I got one hell of an education, overseas. How have you been, Ban?"
    Bannick reached up with his free hand and lightly touched Ezell's cheek. He was in need of a shave, but didn't look bad at all for want of it. To his surprise, Ezell leaned in to the touch, eyes closing briefly, something like longing flitting across his face just as the sadness had a moment ago.
    Kissing him seemed as effortless and natural as breathing, after that. Ezell tasted like coffee and cream, a hint of porridge and honey—and sweetened calm weed. Drawing back slightly in surprise, Bannick looked into the sad hazel eyes and asked softly, "Why the calm weed, Ez?"
    In reply, Ezell plucked the forgotten cigar from Bannick's fingers and took a long drag, blowing the smoke out like a man who had done it a thousand times. "I told you," he said. "I got one hell of an education."
    Bannick just kissed him again, figuring questions could wait. Ezell's kisses were new and old—the sweetness was there, the enthusiasm, but time and experience had transformed both into something much surer and richer.
    "We should go," Ezell said softly when they finally parted. "You're making a spectacle, Father."
    "I'm a spectacle anyway," Bannick said with a soft snort, but he stepped back to a more respectable distance. "Any bags or trunks we need to retrieve?"
    Ezell shook his head. "No. I travel light."
    Bannick nodded and led the way through the station, asking over his shoulder, "Do you ride?" The Ezell he'd known once had never been on a horse, a pure city slick who walked or took a carriage, but given the way he was dressed and the way he packed…
    Laughter drew him up short, and he looked over his shoulder, drawing to a stop as Ezell replied with a smirk, "Now, Ban. You were the one who taught me to ride."
    Bannick stared at him, surprised by the response even if he should not have been. Ezell had been inexperienced when they had met, but he had not been shy or hesitant, either. Fourteen years later, it only made sense he had no inhibitions