Chapter Eight

Kaleb

A fter Kaleb dressed, he went to Jasha’s room to walk downstairs together to meet his friends. He knocked on Jasha’s door and when he heard him say come in; he did so. Jasha wore sexy black jeans, a vibrant red Santa tie, and a gray shirt that mirrored the color of his captivating eyes. He was beautiful and if he could get him to love and trust him, it would be the best Christmas present.

“You look stunningly handsome,” Kaleb said.

“Thank you for the Santa tie. I really love it.”

“My pleasure. Are you ready?”

“Yes.” He followed Kaleb to the stairs. Arlo and Frankie were already in their new red slippers that Mr. Wells had purchased that morning. During the holidays, they always spent a magical week together. Kaleb was really looking forward to them all spending time together for Christmas.

Arlo gave Kaleb a big hug, then Frankie did. “Who is this handsome young man?” Arlo’s hazel eyes sparkled with warmth, perfectly complementing his ginger-colored hair and beard. He was the same height as Kaleb.

“This is Jasha Kozlov.”

As they made their introductions and exchanged greetings, a warm and friendly atmosphere filled the air.

“Why don’t you and Frankie get to know each other while I talk business to Arlo? The front living room is a good place,” Kaleb said.

Arlo quietly trailed behind him to his study, and they found seats on plush chairs overlooking the lake.

“So, is Jasha Valentin’s son?”

“Yes. The scene was bad. Jasha is traumatized by what happened.”

“What the fuck did you do?” Arlo asked.

“I asked for my fucking money back like I’d done once a month for two years. Each time I add interest. He has never paid me a cent.” As Kaleb made them a drink, the clinking of ice cubes and the sound of liquid pouring filled the room.

“What did you do? Knock off his father and keep his son?” Arlo grabbed his drink.

“Last month, I gave him a choice: pay up or I’ll take Jasha. Then when I came for my money, he didn’t have it.” Kaleb sipped his drink.

“I see. So since Valentin didn’t have the money, you took Jasha.”

“That’s right. I told you I warned him.”

“That’s kidnapping.”

“No. I asked Jasha if he agreed to come with me and he did.”

“Are you out of your mind? You can’t just take someone.” Arlo raised his voice.

“I want to make him my boy, my little, like how Frankie is to you. I know this wasn’t the right way to go about it. I’m fucking pissed at his father. I’m not going to hurt Jasha.”

“Something is missing in this story. Why would Jasha agree to leave his father and go with you?”

“I put a gun to Valentin’s head. Jasha had a choice: leave with me or I pull the trigger.”

“You were going to shoot a man in his own apartment and think you’d get away with it? His son was a witness. I can’t believe you did that. Never do that again.”

“No, of course not. I knew Jasha wouldn’t let his father die. It wasn’t much of a gamble.”

“What if he calls the police?”

“He won’t. He thinks I’ll kill his father if he runs.”

“How is he going to trust you after this?”

“I have to work on it the best way I know how.”

“Don’t think spending money will change anything. He has to trust you.”

“I know. I’m working on it.”

“What happened to our last conversation where we were going to deal with legitimate real estate and no more lending to Russian immigrants?”

“I suggested we phase out the lending, but we need to finish up the old cases first.”

“See that you close out all Brighton Beach. You’re going to have to dismiss Valentin’s loan if you want Jasha.”

“I know that, but the chicken isn’t cooked yet. I need time to make this work for all of us.”

“Let’s wrap the boys’ presents for tonight.”

“Good idea. Let’s go upstairs and wrap them.”

Kaleb’s phone rang. He picked it up. It was from his security guard, Nate, watching Valentin’s apartment.

“What’s going on, Nate?”

“Valentin moved out. All his stuff was labeled to return to Russia. He bought a one-way ticket to Canada, but his boxes were sent to Moscow.”

“Did he leave?”

“He’s at the airport. His flight leaves in an hour.”

“Thanks.”

“What happened?”

“Valentin left Brighton Beach. He’s on his way to Canada, but his things are being sent to Russia. We can’t tell Jasha. I don’t want him to be upset.”

“No, of course not. He’s going to need you. Work on earning his trust.”

“Things have really gone to the wrong side. But I have Jasha here. He’ll stay as long as he thinks I’ll kill his father.”

“But what happens when he finds out his father is gone and you can’t kill him if he runs?”

“I’ll have to work faster to make him my boy.”

“I found out some information about his last daddy for you. Remember Daddy Sergei at the Cubbyhole?” Arlo asked.

“Yes. That was Jasha’s last daddy. He told me all about what they did.”

“Fucking too?”

“No, he said nothing about that. He’s shy when it comes to talking about sex. I know what things will make him happy and safe.”

As they climbed the stairs, the sound of their footsteps echoed off the walls, growing louder with each step, leading them closer to his bedroom.

They carefully unrolled the colorful wrapping paper, each fold making a satisfying crinkle as they wrapped. Now both boys would have fun items. Luckily, Arlo had purchased duplicates of some of the items ensuring Jasha could have some toys too. Kaleb just hoped it didn’t scare him away. He had to close the distance between them, and quickly.

“What’s in that box you wrapped for Jasha?”

“Crayons and coloring books,” Arlo replied.

The mischievous twinkle in Arlo’s eyes and the wide, playful grin on his face revealed his joy in giving playful gifts.

Each gift was carefully wrapped, the bows neatly tied, and the ribbons curled. As they finished, Miss Nadia brought them tea, so they sat in front of the window and looked out at all the colorful lights as they drank and talked.