ODDS OF LOVE SEASON TWELVE

Episode 75

Winston was responding to texts from Spencer, Faith, Joy and Richard about if Joe had showed up ( he had not ) when he heard the front door opening that afternoon. His heart soared with hope and fear at the sound. Hope that it was him. Fear that it wasn't and a stranger was entering the house.

He jumped up from the sofa and practically ran to the foyer where he saw his husband standing before him in his fucking pajamas and bare feet , his hair ruffled , his eyes wary. In his hands he held his phone and what looked like a bottle of pills along with his leather wallet.

He quickly signed," Joe ! Where have you been? I've been worried sick. "

Joe put what he was holding on the table and came over to grab him firmly, pressing his body against his own. Joe didn't answer him which was worrisome. Winston could feel his heart beating so hard and fast. He smelled a little.... off but then again he had been missing briefly.

Winston took a moment to just hold him tightly. He had never been so scared in his life. He was genuinely afraid he would have never seen him again. And that had been so devastating to him. Loving this man was frightening to him emotionally.

Joe pulled away first and smiled sheepishly at him. " So ... I ..... was away. I was.... I think I was kidnapped. "

Winston signed," I know you were. I called the police and Faith Lane and Joy and even Richard Norland. That hospital is incompetent. We should sue them. And that cop was annoying. I don't remember him from my days prosecuting. "

Joe smiled at the rush of words coming at him from Winston's fingers. Then the smile slipped as he saw the sign ," We need to call the police now. Who was it ? How did you escape? Why didn't they ask for ransom? "

Joe sucked in a breath. Then he exhaled it. His hand rose to actually touch Winston's face on the scarred side. He looked so scared, Winston thought with alarm. What had they done to him ?

" Winston, I don't want to talk about it. I don't want the police involved. Just trust me it won't happen again. I promise. "

Winston was puzzled. He did not want to press charges against whoever had done this to him ? What the hell..... Then a thought popped into his head and his mouth fell open.

He quickly signed," Oh my God, were you......"

Joe began to look sad. " No. I'm fine. Just happy to be back home with you again. I'm fine. I need to rest though. "

Joe moved towards the staircase but then turned back around and gazed at him. " I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I had no choice. "

As he walked up the stairs with all the energy of a much older man Winston was troubled.

What the hell was going on? Who had taken his husband? Why wouldn't Joe talk more about it?

Or ..... was it even a real kidnapping? Had the obnoxious cop been right after all?

He sagged against the wall with a pensive expression on his face as he thought.