Chapter 63

“I never had a chance to thank you,” Justin suddenly said. “For that day.”

“You wanted to put a bullet in my head.” Joe glanced down at him. He was almost a foot taller than Justin was. “Why didn’t you?”

Justin looked straight ahead, sustaining his weight, but Joe noted the blush in his cheek again. “There was something…quite beautiful about you. I just couldn’t do it.”

Joe looked at him, and their eyes met briefly, but it was enough.

This young man was like Christophe. Joe saw it there, yes. They were of the same kind.

“Well,” Joe said, looking away. “Thank you.”

Justin laughed a little. It was a nervous but pleasant laugh, and they kept walking. When they finally reached the west wing, near Cooke’s office, Joe tried to stand on his own. He could manage it, but not very well.

“Guard,” Justin called out, to the man by Cooke’s door―it was Guard Dawson. “Take this man inside.” Justin then looked over at Joe, obviously still flustered. “Well, goodbye, Joseph.”