SYNCHRONICITY (The Lone Wolf)

38

Sebastian poured the Kentucky Owl into the crystal glass and handed it to his son. "Here," he said in a low voice. "This is the strongest stuff I have in the house. It should definitely take the edge off."

James nodded. "Thanks."

"I'm sorry. This isn't how I wanted your twenty-first birthday to go."

James accepted the crystal tumbler as he smiled and nodded. "I know, Dad."

"I'm gonna hit the shower real quick."

He met Alfred in the corridor, the older man's gaze immediately spying his collar and then to the lapel of Sebastian's jacket. "You got into a fight?"

"I wouldn't have exactly called it a fight." He shook his head and relayed the shortened abridged version to his butler.

"Oh my god, that poor kid."

"It was a classic scenario...good cop, bad cop...I jumped the gun so to speak."

"Well, you've no patience for it any more."

He shook his head. "No I don't. Especially where my kid is concerned. Still, it didn't feel right. None of it."

Alfred nodded toward the man who he felt was a whole lot more than his employer. "Leave the laundry on the hamper. I've got to go into town tomorrow anyway. I'll drop everything off at the dry cleaners. The stain is still fresh, so it should come out.

Sebastian continued toward the shower removing his clothing quickly stepping through his bedroom, replaying the incident in his mind over and over again...he was thankful that he didn't splash blood all over his son...he had tried to ensure a clean kill.

He thought he'd offer to take James to The Secret Place...their secret hideout always seemed to cheer him up.

He finished his shower rather quickly, not wanting to let his son on his own, but he wanted to stay beneath the steam of rain-like hot water, trying to wash his sins down the drain. He exited the shower and donned a pair of sweats and a tee shirt and left his room.

James looked over his shoulder and watched his father walking down the corridor, pain still evident in his eyes.

James got to his feet and stood tall, an inch taller in his shoes than his father. Sebastian looked toward the glass and saw that it was barely touched.

"Didn't care for the Owl?"

James grimaced as he shook his head. "Not my cuppa, Sorry."

Sebastian smiled and nodded. "Yeah, it's certainly an acquired taste."

James chuckled teasing his father about him not really liking it either. James fidgeted and huffed a sigh. "I really should get home. Max has probably peed on my pillow by now..."

Sebastian looked away uncomfortably and nodded.

"Won't take bit a minute...I'll call."

Sebastian breathed in deeply, preparing for an argument.

"Dad, I'm a grown up...nobody's gonna be there...Max will keep anyone out..."

Sebastian smiled as he nodded, still averting his gaze. After a few uncomfortable moments, he spoke. "You know, I think you grew up when you were ten..."

"Ten!"

"Yeah. Megan..."

James nodded as he smiled fondly.

Sebastian's eyes found his son's finally. "Yeah. I remember hearing you tell Toph that you were going to be a firefighter when you grew up..."

James smiled and nodded. "Well, what better way to fight fire than with fire?"

Sebastian's laughter filled the room waking the dogs that were laying nearby.