Someone to Love Him

Chapter 1 Luke slid deep into the shadows of a shop’s doorway when he saw the patrol car approaching. It was late, after midnight, and the pickings had been slim. That despite the fact he had set up next to a fancy restaurant and across the street from one of the most prestigious condo high-rises in the city. This is usually a great place to make some money. What happened tonight? He glanced down at his ragged jeans and patched sweatshirt. It’s probably time to stop by the drop-in spot for better clothes. Or find somewhere else to beg where people aren’t so particular. The patrol car passed without the cops being aware he was there, much to his relief. He wasn’t in the mood to be hassled. When he was certain it was safe, he slung his backpack over one shoulder and stepped back onto the sidewalk. Two couples were leaving the restaurant, coming his way, so he held up the sign saying he was homeless and hungry with one hand, sticking out the other in hopes they were in a giving mood. One of the women looked at him and quickly moved to the other side of her escort, away from Luke. The man shook his head in disgust, telling his companions as they crossed to the high-rise, “There’s no escape from these lazy bastards. The police should round them up and escort them out of the city, or toss their butts in jail.” You’re the one who should probably be in jail. I bet you’re one of those sons of bitches who send jobs overseas rather than hire people here who need the work. He watched as the doorman greeted them—letting them into the building—and looked up, wondering which of the balconies belonged to each of the couples. He saw a flicker of movement on one twelve stories up, belonging, he figured, to a penthouse condo. A man stepped into view, looking down to where Luke stood, as if watching him. I better book before he calls the cops. Or one of those snooty men does. He moved quickly to the alley next door to the shop, walked down toward the next street, stopping at two dumpsters along the way to see if there was anything edible in them. “Luck definitely isn’t my friend tonight,” he muttered, closing the top of the second one. When he left the alley, he turned south, heading to the spot he considered his, where it was safe to crash for the night. As he did, he heard someone call his name, turned, and saw Tex, as he called himself, one of his few friends on the street. “Hey, Luke, how’s it goin’?” Tex asked. “Could be a hell of a lot better,” Luke replied. “And you?” “Made a bit. Enough for a couple of burritos if you want.” “Yeah, I want.” They walked down to a tiny burrito shop that stayed open twenty-four-seven and was cheap, if all you got was the bean and potato burrito—which they did. “Heading home?” Tex asked as they walked and ate. “Not sure it’s home, but yeah.” “Close as you’ll get at this point,” Tex pointed out. “No s**t. You’re welcome to spend the night, if you want.” “No thanks. I got me a rooftop spot all picked out.” Tex pointed in the opposite direction from where Luke was going. Luke nodded. “Thanks for the food. See you next time.” “No problem.” They parted ways, Luke heading down to the river that ran through the center of the city. He had a spot there, beneath one of the bridges. It was hard to get to, unless you were good at climbing. Luke was. He shimmied up one of the girders and then crawled into a narrow open space on top of a concrete support. Standing wasn’t an option, but he was there to sleep. Unrolling the sleeping bag he had left stored at the back of the space, he crawled into it, using his backpack as a pillow. As he fell asleep, he vowed to get something better to wear come morning.