Chapter 55
New Orleans
“Don't let them force you into anything you don't want to do, mon frere. Destiny, alone, can be pursuasive.”
“It's not that I'm afraid to test my limits and see how far the power of the Abraxas Stone can be stretched, Evan. It's more that I'm concerned about failing to protect the people who rely on me—like you.”
The boys lay in bed together, having just returned from the meeting at Destiny's place. It dragged on longer than anyone had suspected but they made progress as a group, on many levels. That Sylvanna and Destiny actually saw eye to eye on more than one matter was the biggest surprise of the evening. When their get-together had ended, the attendees had dispersed with the agreement that they would make their final stand against Federal agents at St. Louis Cemetary #1; the “when” depended on how soon those agents showed themselves. Exhausted but sated from the spread provided by Destiny, Sykes and Evan retired as soon as they got home.
“I get it, mon frere, but I don't expect your protection 24/7. Apres tout, after all, I got by just fine before we met. The others, well they have the choice to go or not and can defend themselves if they choose to go.”
“There's also peripheral damage. Y'know, hurting people that don't deserve to get hurt,” said Sykes. “Who knows how many innocent bystanders could be affected by the kind of showdown we're talking about? People who won't even realize what hit them. Maybe you were right all along, Evan. Maybe I shouldn't have encouraged the confrontation we're planning. Just fighting fire with fire, as they say. How could that have a good outcome?”
“Listen to you, now you decide to go all pacifist on me? And just when I start to believe in you as my big, strong, brave hero.” Evan slid closer to Sykes.
Sykes couldn't help but crack a smile. With all his misgivings, it was hard to ignore Evan's advances, especially when he had such a sweet way of putting things. Sykes wrapped his arm around him and stroked Evan's torso, finding a reserve of energy within.