Free Linked by Barbara Huffert

Barry, I was going to call you but it was too early and then I got lost in Tori’s—”
    “So that’s what all this is about. At least now it makes some sense. What the hell happened, Guy?”
    Guy filled Barry in on all that had occurred since they’d said goodnight at work the previous day. Although his partner didn’t comment his various grunts were enough for Guy to know his thoughts.
    “There are so many things I don’t know where to start. What the fuck, Guy!”
    “I know, Barry, I know. Believe me, I know.”
    “Do you? Because from what I’m hearing—”
    “I sound certifiable. My attitude has gone from one extreme to the other. My belief in a possible mental connection has gone from skeptical at best to acceptance to the point where I think I’ve joined it. I acted totally out of character by not hashing this out with you before I called Todd. See? I do know.”
    “That’s a good start but you left out one very obvious concern.”
    “Tori.”
    “Hell yes, Tori. Where are you? Did you skip her because you can’t speak freely at the moment?”
    “No, it’s okay. I just heard the shower start so I can talk.”
    “Then why aren’t you? There are rules, rules even a rookie knows. Damn it, Guy!”
    “I know, Barry. I’ve been telling myself the same things.”
    “Then why the hell are you doing this? You’re about to cross the line, if you already haven’t and then what?”
    “Then we’ll see. Everything you’re saying is right and I know I should hand the whole mess, including Tori, over to Todd. I know he’d handle it and take care of her but, Barry, I can’t. I just can’t. The look on her face when I got here, the trust it took to offer me her notebooks, the way she accepts that I’ll stop them before they get to her and keep her safe. I can’t turn my back and walk away. I won’t do it. Tori’s already been alone with this way too long and I’m not going to let that continue.”
    “So you’re just going to drop everything, put your whole life on hold, if you even have one to go back to after this and move in with some girl you just met?”
    “Yes. I have to, Barry. I don’t have any other choice.”
    “All right then.” Barry sighed. “How can I help?”
    Guy chuckled. “Thanks. I owe you.”
    “Big-time and you better believe I’ll be collecting every bit of it.”
    “I expect you to.”
    “Seriously, Guy, are you sure you know what you’re doing?”
    “Honestly, I have no idea. I’m in so far over my head I might drown but that’s not important as long as Tori’s okay.”
    “Easy for you to say but personally I’d rather not see either one of you get hurt.”
    “Do my best.”
    “Yeah, yeah, just don’t forget you have backup. No matter what you think now you really don’t have to do this all on your own.”
    “Point noted.”
    “Good. You can prove it by stopping by tonight. Debbie and Diana are coming for dinner and your first token payment can be to spare me from the inquisition.”
    “Christ,” Guy groaned. “Okay, we’ll drop in. I’m not promising dinner because I may be putting myself on a limb here already but I’ll think of something.”
    “Good enough.”
    “Yeah, good enough to count as an installment not just a token.”
    “We’ll see. Check in, Guy. You left me hanging this morning. I’ll be royally pissed if you do it again.”
    “Understood. Thanks, Barry,” Guy repeated even though he knew it wasn’t necessary.

Chapter Seven
     
    “That was nice of Carla to invite us to stay like that,” Tori commented as she pushed things around on the counter.
    “Yes,” Guy agreed, watching her fidget.
    “You sure you’ll be okay? I don’t have to turn the heat down so far if you’ll be cold.”
    “Tori.” He caught her hand and tugged her next to him. “Stop. Yes, Carla’s wonderful. They’re all wonderful. I’m fine with the heat wherever you set it. I have everything I need and if I don’t, I’ll find it or I’ll ask.