Switch master 6 ink and.., p.22
Switch Master: 6 (Ink and Kink), page 22
He wore the nicest pair of jeans Sam had ever seen, a button-down shirt and a pair of clean boots. He was still the same sixteen-year-old addicted to his skateboard, but he kept looking at Taran for approval. Sam realized Luke had made an effort to look nice for Taran.
“You impressed me Friday night,” Taran assured. “Your effort is to be commended, young man. Good job.”
“Does that mean I got the job?”
“Not quite yet. Based on my knowledge of Massachusetts labor laws, you’ll have to apply for a work permit and teenagers your age can’t work more than forty-eight hours a week. Monday, I’ll check with your school district for further restrictions, just to make sure we do everything aboveboard.”
“And my case?” Luke asked. “You’ll still help me with that?”
Taran nodded his head, tucking the envelope under his arm. “You’ve got a lawyer, Luke. Try not to worry or think otherwise. You’re going to have to trust me going forward.”
“Let’s talk at lunch,” Sam suggested.
Luke went to get his and Glenda’s winter coats, assisting his aunt into hers. Shortly, the four of them headed off to lunch at a fondue restaurant that resided very close to the Roller Emporium.
During lunch, Taran used the three-course meal to read through the legal documents Glenda Davis provided to him, periodically asking questions. By the time they got to dessert, he told them that he had a pretty good handle on how he’d approach Daria and Russell Walker’s attorneys.
With the legalities aside for the moment, Taran tucked the documents into the envelope and set it carefully on the table, turning his attention to Glenda.
“I’ve something to ask you, Glenda,” he said.
“Anything,” Glenda replied, taking a sip of her soda.
“Sam mentioned that you used to work for a business in Boston,” Taran began.
“Yes, I was a secretary, but the company went under. Sadly, I was old school and couldn’t keep up with technology, thus the job with a temp service.”
“You’ve computer experience, don’t you?”
“Luke’s taught me what he could. We don’t have a computer at home. My old desktop conked out years ago.”
“I have plenty of laptops,” Sam said. “It’s a bit of a habit of mine, collecting them and restoring them. You and Luke are welcome to have one. I’ll make sure you get the best to suit your needs.”
“That would be lovely, Sam, thank you,” Glenda said. “Go on, Taran, please.”
“Can you answer phones and handle a busy schedule?” he asked.
“Yes I can. Dare I say it feels as though I’m being interviewed?”
“I’m hoping you’ll consider working for me,” Taran replied.
Glenda’s eyes went wide as saucers and she had to put her drink down. “You don’t even know me. Why?”
“I’ve recently opened my own law firm and am still in the hiring process. I could use a receptionist.”
“Your office is based out of the same building where you run a tattoo parlor,” Glenda said.
“Yes, Maddox Ink is the family business. My brothers, Phalen and Ethan, all have a stake in it. Phalen, who’s a PI, has a second tattoo shop in Salem. We grew up around tattooing, as our father taught us.”
“Aunt Glenda, you should take the job,” Luke piped in, looking eager and somehow younger.
“I want the job, Luke. I suppose my hesitation is my age. I’m sixty years old. What if I can’t learn how to take care of a law office like Taran’s?”
Taran held up his hand to calm her. “You can do anything if you put your mind to it, Glenda. Working for me full time will provide you with a steady income and health insurance.”
“Is it still okay to take the remainder of the day to think about it?” Glenda inquired, seeming to get shy all of a sudden.
“Yes, of course,” Taran answered. “There’s no obligation here. If you choose not to accept the job, I’ll remain Luke’s lawyer and he’ll remain in my employ in the shop. His job is really to help clean up and be of assistance to any of the tattooists.”
“Thank you. I’m blown away,” Glenda admitted.
Luke leaned in. “Mind if I run to the bathroom?” he asked.
“Of course,” Sam said, watching as he slid out of the booth and rushed off.
When he disappeared, Glenda opened up some more. “I’m still surprised about the job offer. Ever since Luke came to live with me, I’ve done everything I could to keep a roof over his head and give him the tools he needs to succeed. A steady income such as you’re offering would really help.”
“You’ve done a great job with Luke,” Taran said. “He’s a good kid considering what he’s been through.”
“That’s his mother’s influence. Mercia was the closest thing to an angel I’ve ever seen, and she was forgiving, maybe too much. Time and time again, she’d take Russell back then he’d turn to Daria when he got bored.”
“Well, it’s a cinch Taran and I will do everything we can to keep Daria from gaining visitation or guardianship of Luke,” Sam reassured.
Glenda looked at Taran, smiling softly. “The truth is Luke needs a man like you in his life, Taran. Studies say the best influence on a child is the same-sex parent or guardian.”
“Luke has tremendous potential as an artist,” Taran replied. “He needs to pick up his grades, but that’s doable. I think a job will give him structure, purpose. He’s already shown he can do that by looking his best today.”
“I’m glad you see the young man he could be if he applies himself,” Glenda said. “Is it horrible to admit that if I do accept your job offer, I’d like to save and take a vacation?”
“No, it’s great,” Taran answered. “When was the last time you’ve taken time for yourself?”
“Not since his mother died,” she said. “I’d love to tour New England first, see Maine and Acadia National Park to start.”
“May I ask something more personal?” Taran asked. Glenda nodded. “Luke’s feelings toward his father are understandable. However, he has a lot of contempt for Daria Walker.”
“Yes. I’m afraid she was into some bad things, exposing Luke and her adorable little girls to very real danger when Russell’s drug operation was discovered.”
“All the more reason to keep her from getting visitation rights,” Taran stated. “Luke mentioned his mother set aside a college trust fund for him.”
“That’s right. It’s considerable, truth be known, enough to pay his way through a four-year degree and maybe graduate school if he chooses wisely. I’ve not wanted to upset Luke, but my biggest concern is that money is the reason Daria has taken sudden interest in Luke.”
“That’s my concern too,” Taran said. “Luke told me he has a savings account.”
“A modest one, yes,” Glenda said. “I put a small amount in it for Christmas and his birthday. It’s the best I can do under the circumstances.”
“You’ve done everything right,” Taran assured. “Once he starts working, we’ll arrange for him to get a checking account with a debit card and direct deposit, though he should learn how to balance a checkbook.”
“I can teach him how to do that, as well as placing him on a budget,” Glenda stated.
“Excellent,” he said, his head turning toward the doorway where Luke passed through.
Luke plopped down in the booth next to his aunt. “What’d I miss?”
Taran welcomed him back and reached into the pocket of his coat that he’d placed on a hook along with everyone else’s winter coats. Pulling out the new phone, he handed it over.
“For you, Luke, Sam and I took care of the first month’s payment. In addition to cleaning up around Maddox Ink, I’d like you to consider designing tattoos for me, tattoos that might appeal to a younger generation.”
Luke grinned so wide, Sam thought he never looked happier. He didn’t even bother looking at his phone over the possibility of getting paid to draw.
“Seriously, man, you’re willing to pay me for my artwork?”
“If your work permit is approved, yes,” Taran answered. “Even in this, you’ll have to confine doing the artwork to the hours you’d put in at Maddox Ink.”
“Why, when everyone else tells me drawing doesn’t pay the bills?”
“Because you’ve got talent,” Taran said. “Sam thinks so. Your aunt thinks so. That’s enough of a recommendation for me.”
“What I really want is to draw comic books for DC or Marvel.”
“Then by all means do that. To make an impact in college and beyond, keep a portfolio of your drawings, even the tattoos you design, study up on graphic artistry and take advanced art courses in school.”
“Oh man, more schoolwork,” Luke said, frowning as if the idea of schoolwork didn’t appeal to him, though Sam knew he was sixteen and thinking as a teenager, concerned more about the here and now than the future.
“School’s essential if you want to succeed,” Sam commented. “Maybe Emily can help.”
“Her daddy won’t like it.” Luke blushed, hanging his head a little.
“You’ll gain her father’s approval once you show him the kind of person you are,” Taran stated.
“What kind of person do you think I am?” Luke asked.
“The kind who defends a friend from bullies and doesn’t care that she wears hearing aids.”
“Can I call her?” Luke asked, holding up his phone.
“The phone’s yours. How you use the minutes is up to you. I will remind you that the phone’s your responsibility to pay for once you start working.”
“Thanks,” the boy said.
“You’re welcome,” Taran returned. Sam really liked watching the two of them interact.
As sullen as he’d been Friday night, Luke made strides to impress his new boss. He’d listened to what was required of him and lit up when Taran suggested he design tattoos.
Not surprisingly, Luke occupied himself with his cell phone and they all talked for a few minutes while waiting for the check. After Taran took care of the bill, they gathered their coats and headed back to Glenda’s modest home.
When they reached the driveway, Glenda invited Sam and Taran inside for coffee. Taking her up on it, they spent some time talking about legal matters.
Luke disappeared for a bit, coming back changed into his usual clothes. Noticing he kept mainly to himself as he texted with someone, Sam figured it was Emily on the receiving end of his frantically moving thumbs.
When the coffee was gone and conversation changed to talking about the weather, Taran politely decided it was time to go. Glenda insisted Luke put down the phone long enough to say goodbye.
Typical teenager that he was, Luke grumbled about having his texted conversation interrupted, but followed them to the door anyway.
“Thanks for the phone, for everything,” he said to Taran. “I don’t know how I would have handled my father and his wife without Sam suggesting I talk to you.”
“If you need to talk about anything other than your case, let me know,” Taran offered. “Maybe we can go to a movie or you can come to dinner at my house Saturday night. My brothers and sisters-in-law would enjoy meeting you. You can witness the Maddox Brothers band practice.”
“Maybe,” Luke answered, trying for nonchalance. “Band stuff sounds cool, wouldn’t mind learning how to play the drums.”
“You’d have to ask Phalen about that,” Taran replied. “I’m sure he’ll be glad to teach you.”
“We’ll see about next week. I might have plans.” Luke blushed, having some trouble keeping his eyes on Taran.
“Hope those plans involve the pretty girl from the roller rink,” Taran said.
“They might. She’s agreed to help me with my paper on Romeo and Juliet.”
“That’s a good start toward picking up those grades,” Sam stated.
“I’ll try harder, Sam,” he promised.
“I’m sure you will.” Sam reached out and touched his shoulder, squeezing gently. “Told you Taran was one of the good guys, didn’t I?”
“So far, he’s been great,” he said quietly. “If he hurts you, I’ll knock his balls into the dirt.”
“You’d have to learn how to do that first,” Taran interjected, overhearing regardless of Luke’s effort to shut him out. “Sam’s important to me.”
“Hope that’s true,” Luke murmured.
“Maddox men don’t hurt those we care about, Luke. Believe that.”
“Do you care about me?” Luke asked, lifting his eyes to look into Taran’s gaze.
“Yes I do. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t,” Taran assured.
“If you two fight or break up, you gonna split?” Luke shuffled but maintained eye contact. He wasn’t nearly as tall as Taran yet, though still in that awkward, gangly stage. In a couple years, he’d likely be over six feet tall.
“No matter what, I’ll be here for you. You need to talk, call me. You need to crash, that’s cool with me. We’ll set it up. Both mine and Sam’s numbers are programmed into your phone.”
“Yeah, you said that at the fondue place, thanks,” Luke commented.
“Luke, you can trust Taran. I know it here,” Sam supplied, touching her heart.
“K, y’all should go.” Luke waved them off, waiting until Taran helped Sam into the cab of his truck before ducking inside the house.
“I’m sorry Luke gave you the third degree back there,” Sam said when Taran backed out of the driveway.
“He was speaking his mind. I’d prefer that than have him say nothing and bolt if I piss him off.”
“He likes you, Taran. It’s obvious. Look at the effort he went through to impress you today.”
“Liking me and trusting me are two different things, especially when his trust has been ruined by his father.”
“I get the sense that Russell didn’t have much of a role in Luke’s childhood unless it benefited him in some way.”
“Russell’s still his father. Luke’s resentment of his stepmother may stem from the fact that Russell frequently pushed him toward her rather than spending time with his son.”
Sam suspected that too. The last thing she wanted for Luke was to see him struggle to find his place in the world, only to have Daria do something to harm him or halt his progress.
“Tomorrow morning, I’m intensifying my research into her past,” she declared. “If Daria’s got something to hide, I’ll find it. If she did anything to Luke, you can be sure I’ll never let her anywhere near him.”
“I love it when your mother hen instinct kicks in.”
“Mother hen? Me?” Sam remarked, shocked.
“Yeah, baby doll, you. Try not to think the worst. Whatever Daria did to him, I don’t think it was sexual in nature and I don’t think she was physically abusive. If it was, I doubt he’d be so open to you or the Femme Fatales,” Taran supplied.
“Based on what Glenda told us about Luke’s trust fund, my guess would be Daria’s interest in Luke is financial not maternal.”
“Remember what I said Friday night, being represented by Bernard Harcourt will be costly. If Russell Walker really intends to appeal, he’s going to need a lot of money to pay for it. And he’s going to need his wife to get it for him.”
“That’s not something I’m likely to forget.”
“How do you feel about Ethan and Morgan buying a house?” Taran asked, changing the subject.
“I’m all for it. Better yet, it’s right up Morgan’s alley, what with it being haunted and all.”
“Ever wonder why the brownstone isn’t haunted?”
“Morgan hasn’t said otherwise?” Sam questioned, surprised.
“My mother visits dreams, but Morgan’s confident my parents are content about what goes on in the house and leave it alone.”
“Has she visited you?” Sam was curious about that.
“Once, when I was sick with the flu my senior year of high school, I thought I was going to die. Phalen was away. Ethan had a hockey game.”
“He’s a diehard hockey fan.”
“He played in high school but a puck to the knee ended his hopes of becoming the next Bruin.”
“Ouch, poor Ethan,” she said, cringing on her partner’s behalf. “Let’s get back to your mom.”
“All I really remember was that I was feverish and I imagined she was placing cool clothes on my forehead as she’d have done when I was a little kid. Ethan came home and she left, yet I still smelled her. She always smelled of lavender.”
“It’s amazing what goes on up there in heaven. I really need to make a concerted effort to improve my relationship with my mom.”
“You will. I’ll help.”
“I hurt my mom when I ran away and stayed away for so long. However there were times when she hurt me too, namely when she refused to tell me who my father was.”
“Why do you think she hasn’t told you?”
“Whenever I asked about him she’d become very sad, almost frightened, as if something terrible would happen if she said his name. He must’ve hurt her terribly. When I came home from New York, I left it alone. Maybe it’s time to ask again.”
“Give her time. Talk to her and let her know that you’re there for her no matter what she says. She’ll open up.”
“I hope so. Since meeting Luke and talking to you at length, I have reason to hope for a family of my own.”
Taran gripped the steering wheel with his left hand, taking Sam’s hand with his right and giving it a tender squeeze.
“I’d like that too. Told you, doll, Luke’s meant to be our son. We’ll start with fostering and see what’s in store from there. Okay?”
“I was hoping you’d say that. Once we put our names in, social services will do background checks and home studies. Someone might object to my past or the fact that I’m a cop and took a life in the line of duty.”
“Don’t worry about background checks or home studies. Our home will be welcoming and loving, that’s what they’ll see.”
“Thank you, Taran. Maybe we can adopt a baby eventually? That is if you’re in this for the long haul.”
Taran continued to hold her hand. His touch was exactly what she needed. She just hoped she wasn’t rushing things or jumping to conclusions when it came to their future together.
