Free Succumbing To His Fear by River Mitchell

intelligent response. I knew that if I didn’t give them something I’d never get rid of them, and I really didn’t have the patience to let them carry on. “I ran into Alfie last night. We squared shit away and he agreed to start over.” Four large smiles met my statement; they got how important this was to me. They may not all have understood my sexuality, but they cared enough about me to want me to have whatever would make me happy.
    After organizing the shop and making sure that everyone had everything they needed, I went home to shower and change so I could head to the hospital and pick up my sister and nephew. Everything was going perfectly until my phone rang.
    Answering the phone shouldn’t change your whole life, but after hearing Alfie’s story, I knew that anything was possible.
    “This is Detective Unders, am I speaking to Mr. Hunter Williams?” a voice asked very abruptly.
    “Yes,” was the only answer I could get out. Everything else seemed to be stuck in my throat.
    “Mr. Williams, I need you to come down to the morgue on Fifth Street. A body has been found along with the identification of a Mrs. Tula Wilson. As far as we can tell, you are her next of kin.” My initial reaction was anger. I’m not sure why that was the emotion that hit first, but it was, and it hit hard. My whole body started shaking and the fist at my side clenched tight. All I could do was listen to the detective.
    When I was finally able to ask a question, the only thing he would say was that he couldn’t discuss any specifics, but needed me to come and identify the body. After agreeing to meet him in a couple of hours, I hung up. I felt numb.
    It took a lot longer to reach the hospital than it should’ve. I had no idea how I was going to tell Hayley about Mom, or even if I should. Maybe I should wait until after I met with the detective. There was no point in ruining what was supposed to be a beautiful day for her. She had enough going on.
    The whole way to her room, I debated the pros and cons. But when I walked in and saw the tears streaming down her face, I knew I wouldn’t say anything.
    “Still haven’t gotten ahold of John?” She hiccupped and sniffed and shook her head. Ever since Hayley’s water broke, we’d all been trying to reach her husband. “It’s going to be okay H. You got me and the guys here. John will call as soon as he can.” It was understandable that when someone was off fighting a war it wasn’t always easy for him to pick up the phone, but looking at my sister’s face, I would do anything to make it happen.
    “What if something has happened?” I knew she’d be worrying that the worst had happened. It would be hard not to. I just didn’t want her to keep thinking about it. I quickly changed the subject.
    “Come on, sis; let’s get you and JJ home. I can make sure you’re both set up. Sort you out some real food and a nice cup of that shitty tea you like. It’ll all work out.” She didn’t respond, but she helped me pack up everything and get JJ into his car seat. He really was a cute little fucker, a miniature John with little bits of Hayley thrown in. 
    I finally managed to get Hayley home and settled. I was even super uncle and got JJ to sleep. If only I could’ve gotten his mother to sleep as easily. The only time she seemed to calm down was when she had her phone in her hand. I really hoped John called soon and I fucking hoped he called before I had to tell her about Mom. Leaving Hayley to relax, I stepped out to make a phone call. I was going to need the guys’ help with Hayley that afternoon. Carter answered the shop phone and once I filled him in on everything, he promised to let the others know and that one of them would come over to be with H and JJ. 
    Without thinking as to what I was doing, I pressed a button to place another call. “Hello?” The moment I heard his voice I felt a calm settle over me.
    “Um, Alfie, you got a sec?” Something in my voice must have