CHAPTER 2
1602 Words
CHAPTER 2
After a few hours of deep sleep, he had awoken with nightmares from the past. Ones he hadn’t had in a long time and they made it impossible for him to go back to sleep. Logan figured it was because of his run-in with the homeless guy the day before. Jensen. So, after an hour of failed attempts to get back to sleep, he decided that maybe two in the morning was a great time to head out and stretch his legs, let his animal free, and run.
The sun had come up about four hours ago. He had been having such a wonderful time running that Logan just kept going. Then he realized he was so far away and needed to work his way back to town. He had been out a lot longer than he wanted, but he didn’t regret it; he and his animal needed it. Running back into town just before noon, Logan knew he needed to hurry. He had already missed the morning visiting hours at the hospital, but he wanted to make it for the one in the afternoon. As soon as he stepped through the door, Logan jumped in the shower and dressed, ready to head out to the coffee shop on the corner and grab something to eat, then see what was going on around town before he headed over to the hospital to check in on Jensen.
Visiting hours weren’t for another three hours so he had plenty of time.
As he walked down Main Street, a large truck parked in front of the club caught his attention and Logan stopped to see what was going on. A few guys were climbing scaffolding and adjusting a large tarp hanging on the front of the building. He knew that Rhys was spending a fortune having the old club renovated and attached to the larger building connected to it, that used to be an old furniture store from what he heard. Now, not only would Maddox have the gay dance club where you could go for some fun or a hook-up, but the attached building was becoming a place where anyone could go for some fun, talk, and from what Logan heard―sports.
Logan saw Rhys step out, along with his mates, Daytona and Ethan, who were each holding one of their little ones. The happy family moved to the corner to watch what was happening and Logan made his way across the street to join them.
“Hey guys,” Logan called out in greeting as he approached.
They all turned and greeted him with friendly smiles, as Day said, “Hey, Logan. After
yesterday’s activities, I didn’t expect to see you up and around so soon.”
“Yeah, I was up before the sun today and went out for a run. Speaking of being up, these little cuties look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed,” Logan said as he tickled Amelia’s toes.
“Talk about getting up before the sun. These two think the day starts at four and that’s that, and we need to work around them,” Rhys said with a tired sigh.
Ethan chuckled and wrapped an arm around his pixie mate’s shoulders. “Just think, baby, Day will be home tonight so it’s his turn to be up with them, and you and I get to have some
uninterrupted sleep.”
Rhys cuddled into Ethan’s embrace as a peaceful expression crossed his face. “Is it time yet?”
Day laughed at his mate’s antics as he shook his head. “Can we have some lunch first?”
“Sure, but then Ethan and I get to go have a nap,” Rhys replied. Day leaned over and kissed his mate on the head.
“So what’s going on here?” Logan asked.
Rhys straightened before answering, “The new sign is going up. The club is finally finished.
With a few last-minute things to be done inside, it’ll be ready for the Grand Opening this weekend. You’re coming, right?”
“Hell yeah. I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Logan replied.
“That’s great. Jett will be happy you’re coming. He’s excited to have a night off, so he can hang out with you guys instead of just seeing you at work once in a while,” Day said.
“Yeah, it’s been a long time since we’ve all been able to get together. So, I hear this place is supposed to be huge inside.”
“Huge would be the operative word. Our mate’s genius has created a place for anyone's taste.
Along with the original club next door, there are now five other clubs inside,” Ethan said proudly.
“Five? Damn. What do you have in there?” Logan asked.
“Seeing as we have such an eclectic group around here and not just us paranormals, the largest area is a country theme, for anyone who likes to get their cowboy boots on and do a little line dancing. Then we have a techno club for mixed couples, if that’s what floats your boat. As well as a sports bar, restaurant, and last, a sort of dinner show club. Certain nights we’ll do a showcase of Drag Queens, other nights, karaoke, maybe open mic night? We’ll see how it goes.”
“That’s sounds awesome. I can’t wait to check it all out. Not for nothing, but I think I might be enjoying that sports bar. It’s been a long time since I just went to a bar, had a few beers, played some pool, and watched a game.”
“Well then, it will be a perfect place for you. And the best part is, once inside, you never have to go outside to move among the clubs. They all have inside and outside access,” Rhys replied.
“See, our baby is genius,” Day said and kissed the top of Rhys’s head again.
“Hey, Mr. Abruzzo-Sutherlan, it’s ready when you are,” one of the men on the scaffolding yelled down.
Everyone looked up and Rhys gave the guys a thumbs up. The two men pulled a tarp from over the sign and everyone oohed and aahed. The old “Male Den” was now “The Cage”.
“The Cage? Great name,” Logan said.
“Thanks, Day thought it was fitting with all the animals around here. Something like a tongue in cheek. I just thought it was cool because of the Go-Go cages in the original club, and the boxing ring seating in the sports bar,” Rhys replied with a giggle as he shrugged his shoulders.
“Well, good luck with it. I have a feeling it’s going to be a big success. Now if we can only convince Twixie to either move to Maddox, or open another Twixie's here, I’ll be set and
happy,” Logan said with a laugh.
“We keep trying to convince him. We’ll see what happens,” Ethan replied.
“Well, I’ll let you three get back to what you were doing. I want to hit the coffee shop for something to eat, then head over to the hospital to check on a patient.”
“Everything okay?” Day asked, concerned.
Logan waved it off. “Yeah, I just want to go check on that guy, Jensen, from yesterday. Make sure he’s doing okay.”
“Oh s**t, that’s right. Day told us Jensen was found in that abandoned house and got caught in the fire. Is he okay? My dad was really worried about him and was talking about going to check on him today, too,” Rhys replied.
“He had some smoke inhalation but beyond that, he checked out. They’ll probably release him sometime today.”
“Oh, that’s good. I wish he would take up Dad’s offer on a place to stay and a job. I feel so bad for him living out in the elements and it’s so dangerous for him to be in some of these abandoned buildings.”
“Unfortunately, people can’t be forced to accept help. They have to get to the point they want to make a change,” Logan mumbled.
“Sounds like you have some experience with this,” Ethan remarked.
“A little. From my time back in P.A.”
Just then Day’s phone rang and he fished it from his pocket. “Day.”
After a few okays and yeses, Day said, “We’re on our way. We just need to pop back home to leave the babies with Aracas.” Day hung up and looked at his mates and Logan could see the stress in his look. “That was Dad, he wants us over at the council building. Says it’s important.”
“Okay, I’ll just let the guys know we’re leaving and get the babies home. Logan, it was great seeing you. When you see Jensen, tell him I said hello and I’m glad he’s okay,” Rhys said.
“I will. You all have a good day and I hope everything’s alright.”
“Thanks, you too. We’ll see you this weekend for the opening,” Day replied before they turned to head back into the club.
As Logan turned, he heard Day say something really odd about Illan wanting to see them because of the “Other” Day finally showing up, and his voice emphasized the word other.
Strange, Logan thought, but what did he know? He had no idea about council s**t and he was happy for it. He crossed the street and headed for the coffee shop.
* * * *
“What do you mean, he’s just gone?” Logan asked the nurse as they stood in the doorway to
Jensen’s empty room.
“As I said, Logan. The night nurse did her final rounds around six and everything was fine. Then she went out to give the day nurse updates on the patients and when the day nurse came in to do first rounds at seven, he was gone.”
“Was he okay enough to leave today or was he still having issues?”
The nurse gave him a sad smile as she put a hand on her hip and said, “Logan, you know I can’t give out information about a patient. Especially to a non-relative.”
Logan smiled back and nodded. “I know. You're right, Marty. I’m sorry. I was just worried about the guy. He’s all alone and smoke inhalation is no joke. But thanks anyway.” Logan turned to leave, when he felt a small hand touch his arm. Logan turned back and met Marty’s gaze.
“The only thing I can tell you is, personally, I would have to guess he was good to go,” she said giving him a pointed look. “Especially when he left here on his own accord and managed to steal some clothes from the doctor’s lounge.”
Logan smiled brightly as he nodded again. “Good to know. Thanks again, Marty. You have a
good day.” Logan then turned and headed down the hallway.
- Writer
