The Soldier's Hostage

Chapter Fourteen

I did my best to learn what I could about Arthur. He certainly didn't make it easy. The TV tended to take up his attention most of the time. Any attempt to talk over meals was a complete flop. It didn't matter the topic, he just didn't want to open up. Add onto that the fact that he didn't talk much, even to the rest of his family, and I was beginning to feel I would never make any progress.

I was going to need some outside help.

I had to stare at the door for a minute before I could work up the courage to go through it on my own. Especially since I hadn't asked Arthur's permission before he had left for work. I grit my teeth and forced myself through the door. Then I winced when it clicked loudly behind me. But no one rained down punishment or started yelling. There was no one even around.

I swallowed and started for the elevator. I could see the lights that indicated it was moving and lost my nerve. I ducked into the stairwell instead, using those to climb up to Katty's floor. I had to hesitate outside her door as well, then I took in a steadying breath and walked through it.

I slipped inside and towards the living room where I could hear a movie playing. I found Max, Katty and Jason all staring at me curiously when I came around the corner. I bobbed my head in greeting. "Hello."

Max shifted from his place next to the two Vampires. "Hey Tucker. What's going on?" He got to his feet, suddenly looking a little embarrassed when I stared at their comfortable closeness. Particularly between him and Jason.

I shook my head, shaking off the feeling that there was more going on here. "I need a little advice is all."

Jason grinned and lounged back comfortably. "We're pretty good at that. Unless you're looking for just Max." He reached out and brushed his fingers through Max's. Max jerked his hand away and took a quick step out of reach. Jason sighed and got to his feet, heading for the bedroom. Katty chuckled and tugged at his sleeve as he passed, asking him if he wanted some comfort. Jason smirked and nodded.

Katty hopped to her feet as Jason disappeared and smiled at me. "You two talk. I'll go take care of Jason."

I fidgeted. "Actually, I was hoping I could talk to you." Both of them blinked in surprise. Then Max cocked his head curiously.

"Need me to stick around for moral support?" I shook my head and he turned to Katty. "Then I guess you two talk. I'll go take care of Jason." Katty nodded and Max shot me a guilty look as he disappeared after Jason.

I could only stare after my friend in confusion. That had really settled it in my mind. There was something going on between Max and Jason. And if Katty's familiarity with Jason and ease with the two of them was any indication, she was in on it too. Which didn't really surprise me. I had suspected Max of liking both men and women. But he had always hidden it. Just like Jake had hidden the fact that he liked men. I wasn't quite sure why, unless they were afraid of what the others and I would think of them.

Katty turned to me with a smile, distracting me from those confusing thoughts and redirecting me towards my previous confusing thoughts. "Have a seat. Want anything to eat or drink?"

I shook my head as I came around the couch and took a seat. "No. Thank you." I waited for her to get comfortable and then got right to the point. "I was hoping you could help me out and get Arthur to talk to me."

She raised an eyebrow.

I licked my lips and decided that wasn't a no just yet. "He won't talk about himself. He'll talk about anything and everything, except what I actually want to know."

She slowly smiled. "What exactly do you want to know?"

"A little about his past would be nice. I've even offered to share some of my past but he never wants to talk about that. What he's working on at his job. I'd even settle for his favorite color." I frowned and stopped before my frustration got me rambling.