Chapter 34

"You... you can't be serious," Luke said, looking at the doctor with narrow eyes, anger radiating from him. Luke was trying his hard to stay strong and deal with that but really, he was still shocked. He didn't know what to think. His defenses were up right away though as were mine. Looking at Luke as he faced the doctor, I saw there was more in his eyes, something between panic and alarm. He shook his head, still showing his anger, hiding his pain and worry.

I understood where his anger was coming from. Because he was absolutely not looking at me in that way. Christ, figures it was the damn doc that saw, the one that knows my mother.

Scoffing, I saw his eyes found mine. "Yeah, who do you think you are? To accuse us for being attracted to each other... because we make eye contact? That’s what people do: glance and look at each other when communicating!”

The doctor only continued to smirk. “You’re right. But there is a difference between looking at each other and staring with want.”

“We were not!” I said, cracking up at how fucked up this guy was. I mean maybe I did a few times. But I'm positive he wouldn't stare at me like that, even though I didn't look at him long enough during the appointment to make sure.No wonder he didn’t have a clue. “We were too busy mocking you to bother. Even if we were attracted to each other, you wouldn't be able to tell. You are a clueless doctor who doesn't even know how to see a patient of his is not insane!"

Luke gave a hard yet shaky sigh beside me after I was finished speaking. Turning to him, I saw he was looking down at me with fury over the doctor, stifled behind his eyes. "Albany," he said as calmly as he could. "We are going. Let him think what he wants."

"Oh hell no, he deserves a good ass beating," I said.

"No he doesn't. If he wants to be an idiot, let him."

Then, after we went through the door, as soon as Luke got my prescription, we left that damned place. The damage that stupid doctor created was done and it was so obvious the whole drive. What was better? We now had another stop to make: the drug store. All I wanted was to be away from Luke and this clear tension through silence. Not once did he speak or bring that up. He was still upset over the whole thing. I was just feeling awkward around him.

***

I still couldn't believe he would accuse us of that. But to say we both are looking at each other, in that way... How could he have been serious? He couldn't have been. No matter how observant he is, I wouldn't believe it. I didn't want to know the condition my heart would be in to just think about Luke looking at me with attraction.

True, I was attracted to Luke and looked at him; maybe Blake possibly was able to see that attraction for him. But how the fuck does he go about blaming Luke for doing the same, looking at me with desire? The thought was impossible, wrong, and made my breath pick up. He couldn't have looked at me like that. I don't even need to explain how wrong that would be on a number of levels.

Both of us telling the doc how he was wrong on all accounts, it was clear we were in agreement that what he said was out of line and not true. But after leaving the office, it couldn't erase the tension that grew. It didn't help I was so close to him either in the truck as we drove when; the awkwardness between us was so thick.

The longer time passed, the more silence there was and I was becoming slightly worried. It seemed to have hit him harder than it did me for some reason. Maybe because I actually was attracted to him and he wasn't. It had to be more of a shock to him. But... something just wasn't right. Watching Luke out of the corner of my eye, I saw both of his fists on the wheel were clenched tightly. His face all stone, all for his eyes. We only made eye contact once and it had the impact of a dozen glances. Because his eyes... they were filled with more than the reason for tension, the anger at the doctor. A sadness or guilt.

I knew Francis could tell something happened by the way he was being quiet as well, clearly noticing the new intense air around us. Luke driving closer to the outside of downtown to the drug store, once he pulled in and parked, he sighed, glancing over to us both.

"Um... I'll be back in a bit." He didn't wait for an answer. He obviously was using this time to escape and I couldn't blame him. Grabbing the prescription, I saw him look down and away from me when he opened his door and got out, slamming it shut and walking inside.

"So what the hell happened when you both were with the doctor?" Francis asked immediately after Luke shut the door and went inside, leaving us both in his truck.

My shoulder pressing into his, I looked up at him and saw him looking down at me with curious and worried eyes. Worried. It looked strangely nice on him. It was still hard to get over how much he has changed. Especially his eyes... they seemed to have transformed with the new emotion in them.

Taking a deep breath, I pursed my lips and couldn't help but slightly chuckle at the situation. "Well," I started, finding his eyes after a quick glance away. "My doctor brought up... incest," I said. Francis's eyes grew immediately with surprise. He didn't say anything, waiting for me to finish. "He told us that he saw the way we were looking at each other." I shook my head, disgusted at that guy for recking our night over a mistake of his eyes. He was a good observer but I mean come on.

"Incest?" Francis asked as if this was crazy too. "First of all, you two are not even related. And why would he say that?"

I honestly wasn't sure how to answer that. I shook my head. "I really don't know why he would say that. He didn't accuse us of an affair really; just attraction so far."

There was silence between us as we thought it over. Francis's eyes, through his glasses that framed his face perfectly, seemed to look at me carefully. Trying to figure something out. "Is..." He paused, appearing hesitant to ask but did anyway. "Is it true? Are you guys....?"

My eyes widened. "Of course it isn't! Luke is married, a cop, much older than me... I mean come on."

"Just because there are reasons it's wrong doesn't change his view of you. I think it's possible."

Was he joking? Why was he doing this? Putting stupid thoughts in my head I needed to avoid. "Are you kidding me? You think he's attracted to me? He is not." How I wish he was though.

"No, I don't think he is. I can't be sure though. I haven't seen him in awhile to know how things have really been with him. I'm just saying it is possible," he said, looking away slightly for a moment before he sighed, his eyes looking back to me. "But what about you?"

"What about me?"

"Are you attracted to him?" He asked, face blank and mature. I had to be extra careful around him. He was never into 'serious talking' before. But then again, neither was I.

"No," I lied, shaking my head and looking away. I wasn't sure of what his reaction would be. I figure he wouldn't make a huge deal out of it and tell people or worse, Luke. But there was enough drama right now to risk it.

I saw Francis grin a playful smirk, eyes teasing. "Yes, you are," he said quietly, as if it was a huge secret he was unveiling.

I scoffed. "You keep thinking that, genius."

"I will. Because I bet it's true."

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever," I breathed, acting as if I could care less about what he thought. At the same time though, my heart was going fast as I looked up into those testing eyes. I didn't want him saying anything to anybody, even if he was just 'guessing' or 'assuming'. Plus, I wasn't even sure about how I felt about my attraction.

"Are you attracted to me?"

I lowered my eyebrows, observing his face and that playful smirk was on his face again. I chuckled lightly. "Why?"

"Because I'm pretty, just like my brother. And you're attracted to him."

I groaned. "I'm not attracted to either of you. So drop it."

"Alright," he said in a light voice, surrendering. "Liar," he murmured under his breath and I elbowed him, smiling at his slight discomfort and he chuckled as well.

Looking up at him, he looked down at me and smiled genuinely. I shook my head, still unable to wrap my thoughts around him. "You know, I still can't believe Luke is your brother to begin with. I mean, what are the chances?" I asked.

he laughed. "I know. When Luke was getting married and I found out it was to your mother, I thought it was crazy! I mean, I never thought Clare to do those things to you but it was still strange, seeing my brother marry her."

"Should I start calling you Uncle Francis?" I chuckled and he made an ugly face.

"Oh god," he over dramatically cringed. "Don't ever say that again."

A few minutes later, Luke came back with my pills. I internally sighed. It wasn't Luke's fault, the anti-psychotics. It was Clare's. I knew he didn't approve, which is why I think he looked even more pissed with the reminder in his hands. Opening the truck door, he handed me the little bag while his eyes were down as he got in.

We had one more place to go to. The one that was originally the main focus of today until stupid Clare said I had an appointment. The police station. Despite what happened at the doctors, I kept wondering about what Luke needed Francis for. I'll find out soon enough.

***

We were in a small office. Dull, just like the doctor’s office. There were file cabinets against the left wall when we walked in, a small window against the back wall. And in front of in was a desk. It was very organized, save for a few stacks of paper on the desk with the computer. Across from the desk were a few chairs.

As I was looking around, Luke and Francis wasted no time. Both walked through the door, Luke heading behind the desk and Francis taking a seat across from it. It was clear this happened before.

"Is this your office and desk?" I asked, looking towards where Luke sat down. I wanted to make some sort of communication. The dumb doc wasn't going to fuck away my only real friend I had over something like misunderstanding signs.

He looked over to me for a minute before he shook his head, looking away at the papers on his desk. "This is the sheriffs. We keep the most recent files in here."

I nodded, walking over to where Francis was sitting, smiling up at me as I took a seat myself. He did look somewhat nervous and I think it was the same reason I was. This involved our past, one in which we were connected in, was my guess. Hell, it felt like it since I was sitting on Francis's side.

"Luke hopes one day though, this will be his office," Francis said to me as Luke was going through the papers, trying to find what he needed. Looking up at Francis's smirk, he looked to Luke and you could tell they were brothers from how Francis was about to taunt him. "'When I grow up, I wanna be a sheriff and shoot people,' Francis said in a lighter voice, imitating a younger Luke.

I chuckled and Luke looked up, smiling at shook his head. "I was a kid," he said in defense.”But I’ll still be sheriff one day,” he murmured. He found the papers a second later and looked up at his brother. With a deep sigh, trying to relax as this process was about to start, I was ready to listen out of curiosity and wonder.

Luke started. "Okay, first off, the group you were with before... well, you know they have expanded and have become much more violent. Well, a few days ago, they killed someone. In fact, they killed a man who apparently was going to buy some of the smuggled drugs at the time. We suspected it was a man by the name of Mark Jacobs from a few witnesses but we couldn't find much of anymore evidence after that. Checking his file though, he isn’t exactly clean. Did you know him?” He asked Francis. Thank god his eyes weren’t on mine; I would have no excuse as to why my eyes are huge and have a pale face since Luke didn’t know there are the same people I use to hang out with.

He... he killed someone? And out of all the people, it was Mark. He was someone I considered one of my closer friends. I mean, they were all my friends before but I specifically relied on him all the time. In fact, there was a short time where we went out a few times. Well, I wouldn't call it 'going out' as in on dates. Most of the time we just got high together and make out. Nothing more than that though, no real feelings besides just friends, if anything. It was just... hard to get through my mind. I wasn't sure what was more shocking: my doctor telling us we were attracted to each other or this.

Looking to Francis, I could tell he knew I was watching him but didn’t move his eyes from Luke’s as he only nodded slightly. When he did, Luke went on explaining.

“So, we figured that if we searched his house and found the drugs he's smuggling, that would be enough evidence to convict him of murder – not to mention dealing drugs. But when we couldn't get a warrant, we did what we had to and actually asked him for permission to search his house. He let us and we found nothing." Luke sighed, obviously in a stressful state. “So, since we don’t have anything on him, can you tell us something that could help?"

My heart picked up and I started to feel sick. I couldn't relax; my muscles were tense and I couldn't keep my eyes anywhere but between the brothers. There was a silence between us as they thought it over. All I knew was that Francis couldn’t say a thing. If he did, he would pay for it. I went to the cops once for what they did to my old boss and got beaten badly. If Francis helps them get Mark, he will be guilty for killing. So I could only guess what would happen to Francis if they found out he was the one that led the cops to Mark.

“Alright, I--"

Turning to Francis as he started talking, I snapped at him. “Shut up,” I hissed at him. “Do you want to die?! Christ, you remember what happened to me.”

After the words were out, I bit my lip. Well, little kitty just exited the bag people! Thanks to yours truly. I scolded myself, seeing Francis groan at what I just revealed to Luke. Looking over to Luke hesitantly, I pursed my lips at his face. More shock and confusion.

His breath increased as he looked between the both of us just sitting there, waiting for him to say something. “Albany…” he shook his head and sat back in the chair, running a hand threw his hair. I know it wasn’t the time but man, he looked good when he did that. He sighed deeply and his eyes met mine again. I think he would have acted more shocked if we hadn’t already been to the doctors today. “Well… fuck.”

His brother spoke up. “Hey, I was going to tell you we knew each other before but I didn’t because…” Francis paused and glanced over to me. He looked slightly embarrassed and leaned over towards where I was sitting next to him. In a softer voice, he said, “Wait, why doesn’t he know again?” Francis asked me.

I rolled my eyes but really, there wasn’t much of an excuse. Looking at Luke, I said, “I didn’t want any more drama, I wasn’t sure what to think of him at first, and… well, I just kind of realized today I can trust him.”

Luke’s eyes were still darting between the both of us. “Okay so… when I took you to meet my family, you already knew him?”

“Yep,” I said, relaxing a bit more. “Talk about a family reunion. So technically Luke, I knew your family before Clare did in a way."

Luke rolled his eyes and took a second to think, eyes resting on the desk. He tapped his fingers on the edge of the desk, pondering over something. “So, let me get this straight right now,” he started. “This group of smugglers in town, both of you were a part of it before. Meaning, these people were the ones that beat Albany up.” His eyes on mine, he went on. “And you don’t want Francis to say anything about them to me for the same reason you won’t tell me who beat you up: because you think they will know who ratted them out and therefore, will return the favor.”

We both gave slight nods, both of our heads down, as if in shame. I didn’t like that he figured everything out just because I slipped up.

“How?” Luke asked.

“How what?”

“How will they know either of you blamed them?”

Francis spoke up. “I was the last to ditch them and one of the only ones. They hate me and I openly hate them. It doesn’t matter anyway though. I don’t know anything about Mark that you could get him with.”

Oh you are kidding. Jerking my head to my left, I stared daggers at him. He noticed. “What?”

“I thought you were confessing something to him! That’s why I told you to shut up and then Luke figured it out. So you can take the blame for that one.”

“If you had given me a chance to speak, you would have heard I didn’t know shit. And truly didn’t know anything.”

I shook my head and shrunk back in the chair. “Still your fault,” I grumbled under my breath, playing with the edge of the desk with my shoe in frustration. Looking up across the desk, he actually looked amused at our small outburst. He forced it away for a minute to focus on the matter.

“Albany? If you tell me anything, why would they blame it on you?”

I was going to speak until my thoughts processed and I didn’t have shit. I couldn’t think of anything. “Well… hell, maybe I can tell you. I mean, after all, they can’t pin it on me even if they knew you were my step-dad because you’re a cop, doing your job. Plus, since they threatened me that first time to pay or suffer more, they should realize I wouldn’t bother--” I cut myself off, looking down. Well. Wasn’t the truth anxious to fly today. I have a correction to make from before: now he knows everything.

“Albany! What was the threat?”

I shook my head. “See, I can’t tell you that one because then they will specifically know it had to do with me if you talk to them about it. Because it’s about me. That’s personal. This however, the murder, has nothing to do with me so they wont suspect anything.”

“I think it’s too late for that since now I already know who it was.”

Damn it!

“Talk,” he told me, eyes on mine, such a beautiful green. It was turning out to be a crazy day but it was relaxing, just taking in his features. Hair messy, eyes twinkling, and his presence… just radiated a sense of protection.

Getting back to the heart of this bullshit, I said, “Not a big deal… they said that if I didn’t pay everyone back the money I took, they would be back for me.”

This time, Luke couldn’t sit still anymore. He was on his feet, looking down at me from across the desk, eyes wide and lips parted, like he wanted to say something but couldn’t get the words out. He closed his eyes for a minute, opening them with a hard breath. What a rough day he was having.

“You….” He seemed angry about this one more. “Fuck! Why the hell didn’t you tell me?!”

“Because I knew that you would try to do something about it and even if it worked, I would get a double beating or worse: one from not paying and one from telling you. No thank you, I get beat up enough as it is.”