Cast a Shadow [My Stand In]

let me go my own way

Ming sat at the edge of the bed, fingers tapping rhythmically against the wooden frame. He had to do it. There was no other way. Not when Tong was involved. Joe didn't know what Tong was capable of, and Ming had never really tried to explain. Maybe he ought to. Maybe things would go a lot smoother if Ming sat Joe down and told him everything, explaining why they had to take every possibility seriously.

Joe couldn't get a farm. He couldn't live out his days in a peaceful forest if Tong wanted him. Maybe it could have been safer if it was just about work. But Tong's secret trysts with men who'd been with Joe was a whole other story.

Ming sighed, rubbing his temples. Less than a month ago, Joe had been planning the very same thing. Thailand wasn't safe for him, and Ming agreed. He'd already made calls. In a matter of days, Joe would have a passport. In a week, they'd be out of the country.

The sound of a car arriving downstairs brought Ming to his feet. He rushed to the balcony, peering over the railing. From where he stood, he could only see the bonnet of the car. He couldn't see Joe yet to assess his demeanor. He knew Joe might be a little miffed by Ming's abrupt request, but he'd had no other choice and needed Joe to understand that.

Footsteps approached from below. Ming schooled his features, hoping his placating smile would work. He needed to invoke some understanding from Joe.

As the figure stepped out from beneath the balcony, Ming's heart skipped a beat. It wasn't Joe.

Ming shifted back, using the balcony to hide himself.

"Ming," Tong called from below. "Is that you?"

Scrambling backwards, Ming fell on the cushioned pad and rolled to the ground with a thud. He nearly screamed when he felt a pair of hands grabbed him from behind.

"I know it's you, Ming," Tong said, his voice sounding closer to the bottom step.

"Khun-Ming," Willy said, lifting Ming to his feet. "Are you okay?"

Breathing in relief, Ming scurried behind Willy as Tong made his way up the stairs.

"Should I ask him to leave?" Willy asked.

"Wow," Tong said as he reached the top of the stairs. "A short trip but a serious workout." He let out a breath as his eyes finally landed on Ming.

Slowing his movements as he climbed onto the balcony, Tong slid his hands into his pockets, making no move to close the distance between them anymore.

"Can we talk?"

"I..." Ming began, reminding himself that Willy was there. Nothing was going to happen. "I'm busy."

"Doing what?" Tong asked.

"Say what you want and leave." The last word wavered more than Ming would have liked, but he celebrated internally for even making the effort.

"What I have to say, I'm not sure you want your man here to hear it."

"Willy knows everything about me."

"Does he, though?" Tong asked. "I mean, he knows you're violent but does he know the other stuff?"

There was no use arguing with him when Ming knew he'd never ask Willy to leave. Where would he be if he did? He could not imagine where the day would have gone if Willy had been there when York arrived. He wouldn't ask him to leave.

Especially when everyone Ming had sent two to watch Joe weeks ago and had just sent four more to bring him Joe.

Joe, who was coming to the loft. While Tong was still here. He reached down to his pockets and was horrified to remember that he'd left his phone on the side of the bed, where he'd been all evening.