Chapter Text
Alternate Ending: Swinging on a Star
A clear and cold winter night accompanied him through his trek across town. Jack reached the grand foyer of the dance hall and automatically went to check his thick wool coat and hat. Cecil, the young man behind the counter stopped him. “Mr. Reyes is not here tonight, Mr. Morrison. He asked that the next time you came in that you receive this.” That thick parchment, same as the initial note bearing the address of this club, was presented to him on a silver tray.
Immediately Jack opened it. *Dearest Jack, Please forgive me for not being present this evening with you. There was some important business I had to attend to following my departure from your apartment. For reasons we both understand, I could not inform you of my movements nor my decisions. I know you must be desperate for answers at this point. I wish I could provide them to you myself, however I must direct you to Monsieur Gerard Lacroix. Through him I believe most of your concerns may be addressed. May these days be fortuitous for us both as I do not know how my choices will transpire. Eternally yours, Gabriel.*
Jack folded the letter neatly and closed his eyes to grant himself a moment to think. What had happened between yesterday morning and tonight? Gabriel had been in serious trouble but would not clarify. All suspicion rested on the mafia. He had one name that might provide answers on Gabriel’s disappearance. “Cecil? I need a phone and privacy. Can you accommodate?”
“Of course, Mr. Morrison. Ernie! Take Mr. Morrison to Mr. Reyes’s office.” A teenager no older than young McCree exited the coat room and beckoned Jack to follow.
Up a back flight of stairs, Jack found himself in a small office with a window overlooking the alley. It was neatly arranged, almost void of any material one would expect to find in an office. No ledger or invoices expected of a restaurant. Just the stack of thick parchment stationary identical to the one Gabriel wrote that letter on. Also on the desk was a phone. Not the ornate ones he saw patrons using on the edges of the dance hall. This one was simple and black. Functional. Jack dialed the one person he knew who could answer his question and not think him an idiot. “Amari residence.” The precise female voice answered.
“Ana, this is Jack.” He rubbed his eyes and forced a pause for breath. He did not need to sound frantic. “I need to know if Mr. Lacroix is home.”
The tone carried all the irritation of her words. “Jack, do you know what time it is? It’s too late for social calls, and much too late for phone calls.”
“It’s important, Ana. It’s about someone I care a great deal about.”
The silence from the other end made Jack nervous. “Jesse said you might call.” Ana’s voice had gotten serious. She no longer thought him an idiot. “I can’t talk about it more than that. But yes. Mr. Lacroix is home. He might not like you visiting at this hour, but I think he’d understand why.”
“Jesse?” That name. How did the female detective know Gabe’s errand boy? “Jesse McCree? What has he got to do with this?”
“It’s a long story, Jack. Better you talk to Mr. Lacroix before we get into it.”
“I’m coming over as soon as I get a cab. Thank you, Ana.”
“You’re welcome. Now get moving. He’s not going to stay awake all night.”
Jack hung up and rushed back to the coatroom. He had no idea how accommodating the District Attorney would be this late on a Saturday night. Ana was right. The earlier the better. Cecil was there waiting for him. “A cab for you, Mr. Morrison?”
“Yes, thank you. How…?”
“Usually when someone is in that much of a hurry, they need one. It’s waiting outside.”
Jack called out his thanks once more. Directing the cab to Ana’s address on High Street, Jack fiddled with Gabriel’s letter in his hands. What had his club owner gotten himself into? Why couldn’t Gabe had just stayed and let them deal with the fall out together? So many ‘could have’ scenarios ran through Jack’s brain as the cab wove through city traffic. There must have been at least one possibility where Gabriel was not in the mortal danger Jack imagined.
Paying the cabdriver barely registered as he exited the car, intent on the address next to his friend and colleague. Ana must have seen him roll up as she was out to meet him within moments. She did not ask questions and only informed him that Lacroix knew Jack was coming. Ana explained that she had called him after Jack hung up. That expedited matters. Still Jack was on pins and needles as they waited for the District Attorney to answer the door.
Neatly dressed as though he had come directly from the office, the Gerard Lacroix greeted them himself. “Detective Morrison. Please come in. Miss Amari informed me you were coming in regards to one Gabriel Reyes?” The French gentleman gestured them inside to the parlor.
Where the other two occupied the chairs, Jack paced. He could not sit still while he had no answers. “Where is he?”
“Patience, Mr. Morrison. There are a few things you must know.” Lacroix was all business now. Jack knew better than to argue with that tone. The detective had presented cases to this man in hopes of getting an indictment for some suspect or other. When the District Attorney spoke, law enforcement listened. There was only so much persuasion one could do to change a man’s mind. “First being that Mr. Reyes’s location is not to be revealed to anyone. Specifically I should not be informing you, but I understand your relationship with Mr. Reyes is close. And Mr. Reyes requested that I tell you what has happened should you come asking. As he is a very good friend of mine, I agreed. Though this is highly against protocol.”
“Mr. Lacroix, I am aware of how important protocol is, but I must know what has happened. He… We….” Jack had no idea how to identify their relationship. It just was.
“You are important to him as well. I do not judge. Otherwise, Gabriel would not have confided in me. The little that he did while we made arrangements. First allow me to ease your fears. He is alive. Though injured, he is expected to make a full recovery.” Lacroix held up a hand to halt Jack in his tracks of incessant questioning. “Gabriel and his three surviving followers are now state’s witnesses. We must keep them in protective custody for their safety. It is unknown how many of their enemies remain alive. Ernesto Alcazar was killed in a shootout between Mr. Reyes’s faction and Alcazar’s faction. Earlier this evening I received news that Estela Alcazar Reyes, Gabriel’s wife, committed suicide upon learning of her husband and her brother’s demise.”
Jack felt as though he had been punched in the gut. “Gabe was… married?” He knew his dance partner kept secrets from him, but this? He sank to the sofa as the implications of their affair filtered through his addled brain.
“He never told you?” Lacroix sounded surprised. “I am sure he has his reasons.”
“And he was in a shootout?” This whole situation just wasn’t making sense to him. “Where is he now?”
“In the hospital. Where are you going?” The District Attorney stood as if to stop him. Jack would not have it.
The detective was already up and pulling on his jacket. “To see him.”
Ana tried to be the voice of reason. “Jack, it’s long past visiting hours.”
“I just found out that Gabe was shot. I can’t sit here and wait for morning. I need to see him.”
Lacroix sighed. “We were afraid this would happened. Very well Mr. Morrison. We’ll accommodate but when I tell you it is time to leave, we must leave.” Lacroix led the way to his own car and driver. He must have expected this turn of events. Or had Gabriel explained Jack’s predictable response. Ana elected to stay as Fareeha was still asleep.
The trip to the hospital almost killed Jack with worry. He was able to compose himself before they reached the exterior doors. Following Lacroix in Jack was terrified of what he would see. There were police officers outside the ward and sitting just outside a bed curtained off. The district attorney sent that officer away as he and Jack rounded the privacy barrier. There laying on the bed was a badly scraped and beat up Gabriel Reyes. Right hand and left ankle handcuffed to the bed. Left arm heavily bandaged and in a sling. More stained bandaged hugged the man’s chest, betraying a brutal encounter. But he was breathing gently and appeared to be resting well. Jack immediately took the vacant chair and tucked his hand into Gabriel’s right, willing the man to wake up.
After a few moments the man stirred. An unrestrained quiet moan of pain accompanied the movements. Under the dark swelling, the eyes of burnt caramel sought the cause of his waking. Jack’s heart ripped at seeing his gentleman in such a state. But even in the physical pain and restraints, Gabe had a soft smile under his beard just for Jack. That perfect curl finally mussed beyond repair. “Jack….”
“Gabe. I’ll get the full story later. I’m just glad you’re alive.” Jack leaned in, pressing gently against Gabriel’s side in as close to a hug as a man with bound limbs could accommodate. When he withdrew, Jack abruptly swiped Gabe’s cheek. It was playful but because of the bruising it did cause the performer to wince. Jack felt his heart squeeze in sympathy, but bit out in annoyance. “That’s for not telling me you were married.”
A deeper wince crossed the man’s expressive face, quickly followed by regret. “Alright… I deserved that one. Sorry… I just… It never seemed important when with you.”
“Well, when you get out, you’re telling me everything. Answering every question I have ever had.” Speaking firmly, Jack promised both of them that no further secrets would lay between them after this moment.
A resigned sigh accompanied Gabe’s shallow nod. “Of course, Jack. I owe you that much.” The cuffed hand grasped Jack’s tightly. “Thank you for coming. I hoped…” Fear that Jack would have simply dismissed the man as a common criminal shot through Gabriel’s eyes.
“I owe you a chance to explain all this. And I did have suspicions that I never tried to answer.” A cough from behind the curtain signaled that Jack had to wrap it up. He leaned forward with only a brief glance to see if anyone was looking and kissed Gabe on the temple. He felt the man relax completely from that kiss, as if he had been terrified Jack would never want him after all of this and now had a promise things could return to something of what they had before.
The opportunity for explanation came several days later. Over dinner at the Lacroix townhome, Gerard and Ana did explain the deal to turn state’s witness for testimony against much of the Alcazar gang in exchange for reduced sentences for their own crimes. Ana dovetailed into the arrival of Ernesto and the shootout between the cars. The brawl between the two leaders once their bullets were gone. How Jesse’s revolver gave the fatal blow just as Ana’s backup rolled onto the docks. Jesse was sitting in another prison waiting for this whole situation to come to a head. But without that shot, Gabe might have been beaten to death. Already wounded from a bullet to the arm he was compromised in trying to fend off the more muscular opponent. Broken ribs and severe bruising were the extent of the injuries. Jack promised to see the kid himself and thank him.
Then came the verdict as to Jesse and Gabriel’s future. And the others from Gabe’s faction. Because Jesse was still technically a minor, he was granted some leniency. Lacroix managed to get McCree to serve his time under house arrest with Amari. The prosecutor also promised to try him as a juvenile. All accounts said it was in defense for another. Nor was anyone denying the facts.
Gabriel was a different case. The deal with the District Attorney only included immunity for murder charges in exchange for passing information regarding the other gangs in New York to the police. With Alcazar dead all that remained were the underlings. A few still wanted to prosecute Reyes for smuggling weapons and drugs across international lines. All the while the man remained under guard. First at the hospital. Then within the jail. Officially Jack knew nothing of where the former mafia boss was. However the long days at work could not keep his mind off how his entertainer was stuck behind bars.
Jack pushed Lacroix to get Gabriel out. But in reality the District Attorney had little power over the mafia boss’s release. The Frenchman had already put their deal into action. With gangsters still at large, Gabriel’s safety was of primary importance. It was easiest to keep the entertainer within the stone walls of jail. None of it sat well with Morrison. But there was nothing he could do. He traveled between his own apartment, work and Ana’s townhome.
Young McCree was perhaps the only one who did not know the full truth. Jack watched as the teenager started to piece together the facts. He asked after Gabriel’s health and only got unsatisfactory answers in return. Life meandered on and neither of them were allowed to visit Reyes.
Then one afternoon Jack received a slip of paper saying a watch was ready for him to pick up. Knowing he had not made this order, Jack wondered if Gabriel was behind this. The pocket watch he picked up was beautiful. It was far more elaborate than anything he had ever seen. When he read the inscription, Jack could only smile. Of course Gabriel would create such a gift. He took it back to Ana’s and showed it to Jesse. “What am I supposed to do with this?”
Jesse laughed and grabbed the watch. “It’s exactly what boss wanted. You should have heard him talk. ‘A blond more precise and punctual than Big Ben.’ He said he was expecting this soon. Didn’t know he put you on the receipt.” Jack took back the watch. Pocket watches were not his choice in fashion, but because Gabriel had gone through such effort Jack tucked it into his vest pocket.
There it remained. A constant reminder of Gabriel’s presence even when the man could not be by his side. At least until he saw a familiar profile across the street as he walked home. The thick wool coat and dark hat could not hide that perfect curl or neatly trimmed goatee. Neither were quite as precise as Jack remembered. But grooming while in a jail cell could not have been easy. The performer stood in the lightly falling snow gazing up at the train tracks passing next to the apartments. Jack simply stood behind the man. “Not thinking about the night we met, are you?”
Turning just enough to show off that fond smile poking through the black goatee, Gabriel returned. “No. Thinking about the afternoon you made hot chocolate.”
“Would you like a cup?”
“If it would not be too much trouble.” Gabriel sounded tired. He bore scars from the serious injuries on his face. The bruises had healed at least. Jack found himself wondering how well his gentleman had faired behind bars and if Gabriel would ever talk about that time. All he could offer was a place to sleep. Perhaps for more than one night.
~~~~~~~ooooo!!!!!!!ooooo~~~~~~
A few nights brought them to a front porch of an acquaintance. Jack did not know many people on High Street, but Ana insisted they attend a Christmas party. Beside him Gabriel fidgeted with his tie. “You look fine. It’s just a group of friends.”
“You’ll have to forgive me. I’ve not actually been to one these types of parties.”
Jack chuckled. “Owner of one of the most glamorous supper clubs in the city has never been to a Christmas party?” Gabe scowled at the teasing but did cease his fiddling. Both hands secured the scarf wrapped bottle of wine. A gift he insisted on giving the host and hostess. When the door opened to the striking image of a blonde woman taller than either man, Jack made the introductions and how Ana Amari had extended the invitation. Ingrid Lindholm accepted them with a warm welcome. Apparently the couple was the talk of High Street, much to Jack’s embarrassment.
The house was filled with decorations and lively chatter. Children scampered through the halls, playing with new toys or stealing desserts. The older kids hung out by the fireplace. Jesse was among them. It never ceased to amaze him that the rough and tumble kid had befriended two daughters of wealthy families and got his own invitation to this event. Jack knew Brigette followed in Reinhardt’s fighting spirit. He had only met Lena once at Lavender Shade, but suspected she frequented the establishment more often. The lanky boy uncomfortable in a second hand suit was new to him. Though Jamison was no stranger to Gabe, judging from the performer’s lighthearted accusations about the boy messing with a delivery truck’s radio.
Regardless of whether or not Gabriel had been to an informal Christmas party before, he was social enough for it to never matter. When the massive German discovered Gabriel spoke his native language, the two were soon deep in an animated discussion. Jack had no idea what they talked about, but Reinhardt was all grins. Nor had he known of the many languages his entertainer knew. Soon enough Reinhardt took control of the piano and Gabriel started to sing German songs and carols. The children begged to join and immediately Gabriel switched to English. Jack didn’t think he had ever seen a smile broader or happier than the one plastered under Gabriel’s goatee that night.
Ana stood beside Jack watching little Fareeha join the multitude of Lindholm grandchildren in singing and dancing beside the decorated Christmas tree. “He’s not what I expected.”
The detective hid his smile behind a glass of whiskey. “You were expecting dark and brooding with a touch of evil? Don’t let this fool you. He can be that. But this is who he is. Who he wants to be. Otherwise I don’t think he would have stayed with me for so long.” Songs filled the evening. Gabriel taking a break when Gerard and Amelie entered the room. Soon French flowed from the mouth of the entertainer. Jack could only assume it was gratitude for the plea deal that allowed him his freedom this holiday season.
Slowly the younger children started to fall asleep. That left space for the adults to start dancing. Either to Reinhardt’s piano and Gabriel’s voice or to chosen records. Jack was hesitant to dance before his friends. Somehow the anonymity of the club made it so much easier. Gerard and his wife also made such a beautiful couple on the make shift dance floor that Jack was surprised when the prosecutor deferred to Gabriel as a lively tune sounded from the record player. Then two professional dancers took center stage in a highly embellished foxtrot around the room.
Gerard confided in the detective. “I love dancing with Amelie, but I cannot keep up with her. But I suppose it is a good thing they do not have an eye for each other. Then all might be lost.” Jack chuckled at the thought. The two created such graceful lines and swirls together. The District Attorney had a point in how perfectly they moved. It was watching artwork come to life. Nor did it last. As much fun as the ballerina and jazz performer had, as soon as the song was over they immediately returned to their respective partners.
Long into the night when most were starting to think of home, Gabriel pulled Jack aside. The glow of candlelight highlighting the dancer’s strong features and the tree strewn with tinsel behind him, Gabriel grasped Jack’s hands while slipping to one knee. Within their palms was the golden pocket watch Jack had been wearing ever since retrieving it from the shop. Those dexterous, thieving fingers stole it from his vest pocket. But how could he be mad when such loving and vulnerable caramel eyes gazed up at him. “Jack… I really don’t know what I can offer you, but you make every second I am with you the most perfect moment. I do not want to think of a life without you. If you will have me, I would wish to stay with you for the rest of my limited time on this earth.”
Unbidden scarlet bloomed across his cheeks and Jack gripped the watch and hands within his own. “Of course I will have you, Gabe” Jack immediately pulled his dancer into his arms. And audience be damned, he pulled the man into a kiss. More evenings would follow, but tonight this was all there was to the world.
~~~~~~~ooooo!!!!!!!ooooo~~~~~~
The small crowd within the performance hall of the Lavender Shade was filled close friends. It had been several years since the incident interrupting Gabriel and Jack’s life, but now former mafia boss was certain all those interested in his death were locked away or not in pursuit. Staying in the city was dangerous, but Gabriel would not consider moving anywhere else. Jack’s life was here. So was his supper club.
Removing all illegal activities and escorting the police through every secret within the building allowed Gabriel to keep the dance hall. Now on the finely polished pine floor he stood beside one of his few upstanding friends. Gerard officiated from the flower strewn archway. This would not be legal but they could make their own promises to each other. Ivory roses and sunset orange orchids intertwined along the path created by the rows of chairs. Gabriel wore a pristine ivory white suit, topped with his white Panama style hat. An orchid tucked into his lapel finished the look. All in white, he was not the traditional groom for a wedding, waiting at the alter for his partner.
Beside him stood young Jesse McCree and his taller, somehow more awkward friend, Jamison Fawkes. Both wore the traditional suits and both shifted with the stiff cloth. The Australian actually pulled at the collar several times. A white orchid contrasted against their formal black lapel.
Along the white carpet leading to the alter little Fareeha skipped wearing her soft peach dress, trailing orange rose petals in her wake. The ceremony continued with the young ladies, Lena and Brigette in stunning ivory dresses, bearing the off-white rose and sunset orange orchid bouquets. Both young women grinned and chuckled, betraying the scene behind the doors to be highly entertaining. Gabriel could just imagine considering the fuss Jack made when the two of them planned this symbolic ceremony in Ana’s parlor. Jack had been out voted. Because Gabriel had done the proposing, Ana agreed that the detective would walk down the aisle. It was the only issue regarding this private ceremony Gabriel would not budge on. He willingly agreed to all other traditional bridal duties. White harkened back to his days upon the Cuban shores and how he was beginning a new life. He much preferred it to the formal tuxedos.
Not a moment too soon the band picked up a different tune for the final part of the procession. Gabriel never heard the music. His eyes remained glued to the door. Ana Amari, as lovely as she was in the pastel pink dress and white roses, was not the sight he awaited. On the lady detective’s left arm was Jack Morrison. Blushing bright red and stunningly done in a formal suit, black cravat substituting the simple tie. Ivory rose tucked into his lapel. Top hat crowning his wheat gold hair and those brilliantly blue crystals locked onto Gabriel’s gaze. The most beautiful man in the world had eyes only for the entertainer. A small bouquet of roses rested in Jack’s right hand. Sunset orange orchids alighted within like butterflies.
The girls must have been giggling over this scene. The one that had Jack redder than a radish as all eyes in the room turned towards him. It was all worth it to watch the detective walk towards him as though no one else in the room existed. Gabriel nodded politely towards Ana and accepted Jack’s hands into his own. He smirked as the bouquet was subtly shoved into his hand. Taking it without question, Gabriel grinned broadly, finally having the man of his dreams within reach.
Gerard spoke the ceremonial words. Neither one were properly listening. Jack’s blush slowly faded. By the time they reached the vows, it was nearly gone. Gabriel was almost disappointed. The red blush quickly returned as Jack realized he had to speak. They had practiced their vows many times before and like clockwork Jack’s ears turned scarlet. “I, John Francis Morrison, take Gabriel Reyes, as my partner in life…” Gabriel couldn’t focus on the rest of the words. Jack had never used his middle name in any of their practices. This was new. And from the shade of red shooting down the man’s neck, this was something he preferred no one knew.
“Francis?” It was his turn, but the vows did not come out of his mouth. A room wide chuckle followed. Even the usually restrained District Attorney had a measured smile at the surprise.
“Don’t you dare,” Jack growled under his breath.
The smug grin under his neatly trimmed goatee would not vanish. “No promises.”
“Gabe. The vows.”
“Of course, Jack.” Gabriel tilted his head in acquiescence. His grin remained plastered to his face throughout the recitation of the vows. “I, Gabriel Reyes, take John Francis Morrison, as my partner in life and love, to have and to hold, for better or worse, and in sickness and in health. I promise to cherish and honor you as my one and only for all of my days.”
Gerard resumed the ceremony to much humor among the crowd. “And if the power were to be invested in me by the state of New York, I pronounce you married in the eyes of all present.”
Gabriel thought he knew what was going to happen. But Jack managed to surprise him yet again. The entertainer had arms slip around his waist and back. With just the slightest push Gabriel arched back and allowed Jack to tilt him as he braced an arm around Jack’s neck. Those blue eyes full of mischief. Gabriel got lost within those crystal orbs. At least until he sank deep into those lips pressing against his. Nothing could be sweeter. Coming up for air he realized his hat was missing. Jack had a smirk across his face from rendering Gabriel speechless.
Cheers filled the performance hall. Music started immediately. Gabriel never expected that Jack had it in him. The detective still held him close and whispered. “It’s Jack.”
Gabriel leaned in for another kiss, removing the top hat as he did so. Softly as he withdrew. “Don’t worry, Francis. After today my lips are sealed.” With the crown of gold finally visible, Gabriel felt all things in the world fall into place. Jesse returned the white hat capped with the ‘something blue’ feather tucked into the band. Gabe settle the symbolic veil back into place and linked arms with his partner to begin the recession through the shower of a cascade of red, orange and cream flower petals. The look of adoration on Jack’s face almost made Gabriel regret his idea. Almost. The detective would still be called by his middle name the entire night. He just didn’t know it yet. The important part was that they were finally together.
As the dedicated staff of the Lavender Shade, who were Gabriel’s family, rearranged the chairs and decorations, all the single ladies grouped together on the dance floor. It was tradition after all. Giving Jack a quick peck on the cheek, Gabriel found an appropriate location at the edge. Ringed close was the rest of the small crowd. Even a few of his female staff joined. He had invited them to partake in the food and festivities as well. He waved the bouquet and turned his back. Share the luck of forever with another. Then tossed the roses and orchids over his shoulder. It’s path carried it over the group of ladies and into the hands of one unsuspecting lad.
Jesse caught the flowers out of surprise. If his confusion was anything to go by. The furious blush as realized what he held was worth the suspiciously calculated throw. The boy tried to give the bouquet to one of the ladies, but none of them would take it. Gabriel let the teen figure it out and he directed his attention back to the man he loved. Jack had already shed his tuxedo coat.
Quickly Gabriel tossed his hat and coat across the same chair and stole his beloved for the dance floor. It was both like before and so much different. There was no slow dance to start them off. This was officially a party now. Gabriel was not picky with who he danced with so long he returned to Jack’s arms frequently.
They were leaving the dance floor for a much needed drink when Gabriel noticed a shadow in the foyer. At first it did not concern him. People came and went freely. Then the figure actually passed the threshold. Gabriel’s heart froze. Immediately he stepped in front of Jack protectively. His face dropping from endless joy to sheer terror in a flash. The unassuming old man in the dark duster, white hair hiding under a gray fedora, appeared to be alone. However Gabriel knew this man and this man never traveled alone. Hardening his face, the entertainer assumed the stiff stance he usually did when facing off against his mafia family. “Uncle Emmanuel.”
Emmanuel made a show of eyeing the palatial performance hall. Including Jack who had a firm hand on Gabriel’s lower back. Mildly without acknowledging the stress he caused, Gabriel’s uncle nodded towards them. “Your parents would be proud.” Then the wedding crasher left without another word. Gabriel felt his breath punched out of him. A pair of hands guided him to a chair. He could not believe what had just happened.
“Gabriel?” Jack finally got his attention. “Who was that?” Jack’s worried face explained that the man hovering above him had been trying to get answers longer than anyone felt comfortable.
Locking his eyes onto those brilliant blue crystals as relief suffused through him. “That was the King of the Kings of Havana.” Uncle Emmanuel, the leader of the Reyes Cartel, had left Cuba. To attend the pseudo-wedding could not have been the reason. But for Emmanuel to know that this private ceremony was to be held that day meant the Reyes family must have been watching them. Yet they had done nothing. Not being part of the Cartel any more meant that Gabriel knew nothing of their current workings. Only that he was not needed. It was liberating. And oddly mournful.
Voices talked around him. None of the words made sense. All he could think of was how empty he felt knowing his family had no interest in him. Gabriel had been worried for nothing. Jack’s worry relaxed as he accepted his partner was no longer distressed. “Do you want me to call the police?” Jack asked wiry. They had two detectives and a prosecutor in the room. Along with several others who knew how to fire a gun.
If there was one thing Gabriel understood from that brief encounter with his uncle, it was that the Reyes family had disowned him. No one from the Kings of Havana would bother Gabriel or his friends so long as he never contacted them. He could do that. Even if it meant never seeing his island home again. “No. He is not here to cause trouble.”
“Are you sure.”
“Yes, Francis, I am.” Gabriel grinned at Jack’s wince. He pulled Jack into his lap, laughing at the surprise flash across the other man’s face. “Now Francis, when do I get to meet the in-laws?”
“Not any time soon with you insisting on using that name.” Jack chuckled, relieved to see the entertainer back to the man he knew. “Now you owe me a dance.” The detective gathered Gabriel into his arms and almost immediately the band started to play a slow tender melody. The soft smile trailing from the blond’s lips melted Gabriel’s heart as he fell into step. His detective leading the pair through age old steps. Allowing his head to rest upon Jack’s shoulders and listening to whispered lyrics a hair’s breath from his ear, Gabriel never wanted to leave.
~~~~~~~ooooo!!!!!!!ooooo~~~~~~
Jesse drove the newly weds to the hotel. It had been Gabriel’s idea to slip away into a different part of town and just spend the weekend together. Jack was starting to understand why the longer the two of them were old up in the back of Gabriel’s luxurious vehicle. Jack had insisted on changing out of that tuxedo and into a more casual suit. Gabe however still wore his ivory suit with sunset orange accents. He seemed determined to make the most of his wedding dress substitute. The hat took residence in the front seat with Jesse so the entertainer could rest his head on Jack’s shoulder.
Upon reaching the no doubt exorbitantly expensive hotel paid for by the fortune Gabriel had amassed from illegal dealings, Jack watched his beloved stride purposefully through the entryway to check in. Gabriel was impatient to get the night started. The detective helped Jesse pass the bags over to the bellboy, wondering what his gentleman had planned.
“Hey, old man,” Jesse held Jack’s briefcase in his hands. For a moment the detective wanted to demand how the teenager had gotten his hands on Jack’s belongings. He sighed and accepted that he had fallen in love with a mafia boss so of course any associated with the man would be capable of theft. Jesse held out the briefcase with a frown. “Here. Proof that boss was an idiot when it came to you. Just… wait to open it long after I’m gone and you two are alone. You know how he can get the perfect pokerface in public.” Now Jack was intrigued. He took the briefcase and watched the kid return to the diver’s side. “You two are getting a cab when you’re done. Mr. Lindholm expects me at the shop Monday morning.” With that Gabriel’s young chaperone was gone.
Jack was still standing at the curb as the sleek black car drove off. Whatever was in this briefcase would no doubt be illuminating. “Jack! What are you still doing out here? The room is ready.” Gabriel called from the glass doors. The bellboy was gone so Jack must have been dumbstruck for quite a bit longer than initially thought. Shaking himself, the detective went to join his partner. Gabriel eyed him incredulously. “Tell me you did not bring work with you.”
“What I bring is not up to you.”
“Then I am going to have to make sure work is the last thing on your mind.” Gabriel reached for the briefcase as Jack approached. The detective smoothly sidestepped the manicured hand and switched the sides he carried the case on. Coy smile playing across his face. The dancer had a moment of surprised, then let it be as they traveled to their room. While the performer tipped the bellboy and settled the luggage, Jack took his briefcase to the sitting area.
There on the lacquered table, he opened it. Within were many loose leaf papers. Thick parchment paper. A familiar parchment that Gabriel had once given him with the address to the Lavender Shade neatly scripted with beautiful calligraphy. These papers were filled with similar handwriting. Fine lines dedicated to fanciful curls and elegant arcs. Overcome with the artfulness of the letters, the meaning of the words was slow to establish within Jack’s mind. Hands full of the stiff parchment, Jack started reading. “‘Dearest Jack, Should this unsolicited letter reach you, I hope it finds you well.’”
“Where did you get those!” Gabriel was upon him immediately. A faint discoloring shadowed the dancer’s cheeks. Hastily he reached for the papers in Jack’s hands. The detective stretched out his arms and slipped away. “Jesse. When I get my hands on that boy…”
“Oh don’t be so hard on him, Gabe. Why did you never share these before?” Jack continued to duck out of Gabriel’s reach as the dancer persisted in trying to steal the letters back. He continued to read those poetic words aloud.
“Jack! This isn’t how I planned for you to find out.” Gabriel reached over Jack’s shoulder when the detective neatly turned his back on the former mafia boss.
Ignoring the man’s pleas, Jack continued to read the letter aloud, between ducking out of the performer’s reach and around obstacles to remain beyond the arms of the letter’s author. “‘Eternally yours, Gabriel.’ Gabe, did you really feel this way only weeks after meeting?” Jack shuffled around the bags and watched Gabe trip over a suitcase in his desperation to reach the letters. Those dignified cheeks flushed to near purple. Jack had never seen his gentleman embarrassed before. It was adorable. The chase continued when Jack picked a second letter to read. They danced around each other, Jack keeping the papers just out of reach. He ducked under an outstretched arm, keeping the letters behind him. It placed him in perfect position to pop up and place a chaste peck on Gabriel’s protesting lips. “You are not going to win this, Gabe. I grew up with three brothers and two sisters. You may know how to dance and steal, but I know how to play keep away.”
The entertainer sagged his shoulders as if accepting the situation. His shadowed blush staining his cheeks. “Alright, I give. Now can I have the letters back?”
Pursing his lips as though in thought, Jack concisely shook his head. “I don’t think so. I can’t be sure you’ll let these see the light of day if I return them.”
“Jack. Is this because I called you Francis all night?”
“Partly. But honestly,” Jack slipped behind the dancer and whispered into the gentleman’s ear. “Your blush is breathtaking.” Gabriel’s skin darkened at this description. Tucking the letters into one hand, Jack let the fingers of his right hand trace the shaved hairline where the discoloration of embarrassment continued. “I have a proposition for you. I keep the letters and I read one each night until the letters are finished. Then I will return these letters to you.” Gabriel nodded and turned towards his beloved. Jack continued to let his fingers trace the strong facial features of the man he had grown to love with his entire soul. “But tonight. I get to read one for every time you called me Francis.”
With purple shading his cheeks, Gabriel hid his face in Jack’s shoulder. “You’re going to go through most of that briefcase if that is your goal. And we’ll be here much longer than the two days I have this room. And I hoped we could do so much more than read letters. So perhaps a compromise? Perhaps three letters tonight and then indulging in some more carnal pleasures?” He kissed along Jack’s neck but kept his hands well away from the papers.
Ultimately Jack agreed that Gabe’s idea would be a much more enjoyable activity. But first he would choose his letters to read. Pulling Gabriel into his arms as they settled against the plush couch dominating the sitting area. Jack began to read again. This time Gabriel picked up several of the touching and intimate lines. Despite the extraordinary color expressed upon the dancer’s cheeks, his melodious voice remained firm and lyrical. Jack felt his well known flush infuse his own skin. There was no greater way to spend their first night following their symbolic marriage than to savor the moments that sewed their lives together, carefully preserved in the magnificent words of an impressive gentleman.
Fin.