Jared Gaines (thatbigguy) wrote in shadows_rpg, @ 2020-12-06 16:58:00 |
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Entry tags: | #may 2018, grady, grady x jared, jared |
Who: Grady & Jared
Where: Police station
When: Afternoon, mid May
Jared had this sweet idea in his head for the first couple of days in Point Pleasant that he was never letting Ty out of his sight again. Ever. It kind of worked while they were holed up together in Juniper, ignoring the rest of the world and making grand plans for the future, but of course it didn't stick much longer than that. Jared wanted to go see Grady, Ty wasn't fully ready to go back to the station but he did need to tell his mother he was going to Texas in a few days and Jared wasn't exactly eager to be there for that conversation. He dropped Ty off at his mother's house and promised he'd come right back there after meeting with Grady and that was that; Ty was out of his sight again.
Jared felt calmer about it than he'd thought he would since he'd honestly been worried that all the trauma of losing him the first time would leave him a jittery mess the moment he wasn't around anymore but he was weirdly okay. Maybe it was the sunny day, or the fact he knew exactly where Ty was and why, but yes, he was calm as he drove to the station and headed inside to find Grady in his office.
Grady was working on connecting the dots of what had happened in Blackwater Woods. He had started a file as soon as the first missing resident had magically reappeared with no memory of where they had been and it had seemed to snowball from there. The file was password protected on his computer because he wasn't quite ready to share anything, at least not until he came to some kind of conclusion. The rest of the town had been quiet for the past few months, save for an incident here or there. Everyone seemed to be enjoying it, but... not Grady. No, Grady was just waiting for the other shoe to drop, especially now that people who had vanished off of Witcham Road were suddenly back. Why and how were the two biggest questions in his mind.
The presence in his doorway drew Grady's attention away from his computer and as soon as he saw Jared, he saved his file, clicked off of it and stood, offering his hand across the desk to shake. "Hey there. I was wondering how things were going for you. How's Ty doing?"
"Hey, boss," Jared said with a smile that said more than words could about how well things were going. So, Grady wasn't his boss anymore, old habits were hard to shake. He shook his hand and gave it a little squeeze when what he really felt like doing was grab him and pull him into a giant bear hug. "Things are great, Ty's doing better. We're uh, planning a little getaway, talking about the future." When Grady sat, he sat too and it felt weird to be back in Grady's office after all this time. Not much had changed in there, if anything, but it still felt different somehow. "How are you holding up? And how's the squad doing?
Jared looked at ease, even happy, so Grady had to assume Ty was doing better than expected. Jared confirmed as much when he mentioned he and Ty planning a vacation. Grady smiled and nodded. "Glad to hear that. I'm sure getting away for a while will do you both some good. I'm doing fine though. Business as usual." He settled back against his chair. "And the squad is doing well too. Bailey's second in command now... had to fast track her a bit. But we've got a couple new deputies who seem capable. Things have been pretty quiet in town lately, so it's been a smooth transition."
It was good to hear and at the same time Jared almost felt disappointed that things were doing well without him. It was a silly thing to feel, especially considering everything, but it made his real reason for being here a little harder to bring up. "We're considering living here," he said and they were both aware how crazy that probably was with everything that had happened. Point Pleasant felt like home to them and Ty's mother, difficult as she was, lived here so it made sense to them despite everything. "Buy a house, settle down properly together. I don't think Ty will be working for a while but..." He gave Grady a little smile. "It'd be good to come back if you have anything open by then."
Grady was surprised, though he didn't let it show on his face but for a raise of his eyebrows. He had figured after Ty felt up to it, they would move to Texas to be near Jared's family. Maybe he did think them a little crazy for wanting to settle back in Point Pleasant, but what would that say about him? He was the sheriff of this town, after all. "I don't blame you for leaving," Grady said. "Under the circumstances, I would have done the same thing. You're a good cop, Jared. When you and Ty get settled, I'll get you back to work, if that's what you want. I just need to make sure all of my deputies are committed. We can't afford to lose anyone else." The station had always been short handed and while Grady didn't blame Jared in the least for wanting to leave, it had left Grady in a bind, considering Ty had gone missing as well. Things were quiet now and he had a good squad. Adding Jared back to the mix would certainly give them a boost.
It was something Jared couldn't exactly apologize for, he'd been grieving, not just a boyfriend but his best friend too and so soon after Sadie. He'd been useless on the job for at least a week before they went missing and now he knew why; Ty had been feeding on his energy - or whatever it was that had a hold on him had, it helped not to think of it as Ty himself, a reminder he hadn't been in control at the time. "I would appreciate it," he said quietly, well aware of all the complications there. He'd never flaked so badly at a job before, he hadn't thought he had it in him but life had a way of proving a man wrong. "I'm thinking of coming back in early August, depends on how house hunting goes. I don't know what else I'd do, I've always been a cop, you know?"
Grady didn't expect Jared to apologize, nor did he want him to. He was just thankful Jared was all right and that Ty was back and seemingly himself again. Things had worked out in the end and Grady had a decent squad that knew what was expected of them. Granted, things had been quiet lately so Grady supposed if this town went off the rails again, he would see what kind of men and women he really had working under him. "Early August sounds fair," Grady said with a nod. "And I understand what you're saying. I heavily considered finding a new career when I was living in Portland, but... I think this is in my blood. I wouldn't know how to do anything else. I'm glad you're back, Jared and I'm sure we'll have a place for you here when you're ready for it."
"Thank you," Jared said sincerely and it made him feel a little more emotional than he'd expected though he managed to keep it in check this time. There were just so many feelings bubbling right under the surface, joy and gratitude standing on shaky legs on what was probably unresolved trauma. "I will definitely need to find work soon after I get back either way, Ty won't be working for a while." Despite the grim reasons for it, Jared still said it cheerfully, glad he could be the support Ty needed. He wondered if he should tell Grady about their plans and while he was sure Grady would be happy for them, he also remembered that he always seemed a little awkward about their relationship. With that in mind Jared figured he'd drop the news just before he left and spare them both the weirdness. "If I live here and don't become a cop again I'll end up snooping around and being one of those annoying private dicks who drop by all the time."
Grady understood Ty not being ready to get back to work. He knew the guy had been through something awful, even if Grady didn't have the details. Grinning when Jared mentioned becoming a PI, Grady shrugged. "You do whatever you need to do. As long as you don't mind me calling you the annoying private dick when you do come around snooping. Hopefully it won't come to that. We could use all the help we can get here. Just keep me updated on where you're at so I can make sure we have the budget and the space for you when you're ready. Jansen has been pushing back on having a partner, but I think she'd give in if she knew it was you. That'd help me out a lot."
Jared had to laugh at that, it was just a comical thing to imagine. A private investigator in this town? He wasn't sure he wanted to deal with the kind of cases he'd get, cold cases mostly he was sure, maybe one or two suspicious Overlook spouses, investigating haunted houses by himself? Hell no, he was not keen on that. "I'd rather you call me deputy," he said with a smile, despite the uncomfortable memory of his last time in a haunted house coming back to him thanks to the pesky train of thought. If Grady hadn't been there at the time...
"I'll be in touch, I'll be watching the housing market as well, I'd rather not have to rent. Moving is such a hassle already." There were at least rental companies around so if it came to it it wouldn't be too bad, just expensive and Jared preferred owning his place so he could do whatever he wanted with it. He also missed having a backyard, somewhere nice where he could light a fire and enjoy the summer nights. "But we're definitely looking at late July or early August for coming home."
Grady chuckled softly. "Well, I don't think you'll have any problem finding a decent house for a good price in this town, which I'm sure you know. If I hear of anything, I'll send it your way." There were plenty of For Sale signs in Point Pleasant, though he imagined some of those homes would be rented out to tourists this summer. "Are you both going back to Texas for a while?" Grady knew that Ty's family was in town, but it might be better for him to heal somewhere away from this place. Grady certainly wouldn't blame them for thinking so and moving away for a bit.
"Yeah," Jared said and paused a moment, wondering if he shouldn't just drop this on his way out like he planned to but what the hell, it was kind of on the table already. "We're gonna have a little ceremony down there," he muttered. "So you can refer to him as my husband in the future." God he hoped that wasn't too awkward, he didn't actually revel in embarrassing Grady, not after all his support both with finding out about them and all the chaos that ensued afterward. "We're going to invite his mother to come but I'm not so sure she'll love the idea," he added mostly to keep talking. "She's kinda old school Christian, even if losing Ty for so long did mellow her out some."
The word "husband" prompted Grady to lift his brows in mild surprise because for a very brief moment, it confused him. Then it all clicked into place and his expression smoothed out with a smile. "That's really great. I'm happy for you both. Hopefully Ty's mom will come around, or at least get used to the idea." He paused, not entirely sure what kind of advice he could give, if he should even give any. He was a father and he knew his own son was gay, but it always felt like something he accepted and understood, even if he didn't quite know what to do with it. "You'll let me know if you need anything, all right?"
Jared wasn't sure what he expected, he worried people would say it was too soon and while he knew that wouldn't deter him it still felt nice to be supported instead of questioned. He felt something relax in his shoulder and back, an easy smile curling his lips. "Thanks, I will. I'd like to think you'll do the same? Do you need anything from Texas?" He didn't think there was much Grady would need from him before he came back to work for him. He now had information that would crack Sadie's cold case and scratch that off the long list of mysteries but that was something he couldn't do. He was still coming to terms with what it all meant and while Carson was still missing there was a chance he might return. Jared was torn between rage and sympathy for his friend and that was something he needed to deal with on his own. So, a dumb souvenir would have to do for now.
Grady chuckled. "I'm not sure. If you think there's something in Texas that'll benefit me here, feel free to bring it back with you. If not, I'll be fine. You two just enjoy yourselves down there. We'll be happy to see you when you get back." Hopefully the town was still standing in August. Grady thought things had been going well so far, but he had lived here long enough that he was continually waiting for the other shoe to drop.
"I'll see if I can get my hands on a big ole Texas Sheriff hat for you," Jared said jokingly and he could only imagine Grady wearing something like that. Maybe for Halloween. "Damn, shouldn't be getting your hopes up, boss," he added cheekily, giving him a toothy smile. "It's real good to see you," he said then more seriously. "Good to be back. I don't know what it is about this place but I felt homesick for it, despite everything, and I missed you lot, the station and everyone."
Grady tried to imagine himself walking around Point Pleasant in a large country hat and he couldn't help but laugh. The looks he would get would be stranger than the ones he got now. "It's good to see you too. I've had people asking about you here and there since you've been gone. They'll be glad to see you back, believe it or not. Mrs. Spencer, especially." Grady's smile widened. "She hasn't called as often with you gone, but I expect that to change when you're back in uniform."
"Oh my god, that woman," Jared groan-laughed, rubbing at his beard and shaking his head. "I'd say I was happy to bring in more customers but we're not in that kinda line of business." He doubted that sporting a new wedding ring would deter her, his marriage to Sadie sure hadn't and he suspected she just liked him as eye candy or held out for the hope of a scandalous affair. "Well, enjoy the time off from her until I get back." He grinned. Dealing with a slightly obsessed older woman had been one of the easier parts of the job but it wasn't all dance on roses and his smile faded a little as he thought of the things he would be returning to. "Did you ever figure out who bought the Rogan house?" That was a place he did not want to go back to. A part of him even hoped it had burned down while he was gone.
The mention of the Rogan had promptly diminished all amusement Grady had been feeling during the conversation. That place was just as bad as the house on Ludlow, if you asked him, although someone had since renovated the Zinneman place. "It's still something of a mystery, but I managed to find out the house is under ownership of some kind of corporation. Skriven Holdings. They have a number but every time I call I get a voice mail system." Grady rubbed his thumb against his brow. "We haven't had any disturbances in the house since mid-March so I'm hoping whoever was living there has moved out... though that damn car is still in the driveway."
Jared had an itch to grab his phone and look the company up right away, maybe even stop by there if they were located anywhere near Point Pleasant, demand answers. He had no ground to stand on though and he didn't know what he would even ask them without coming off as a lunatic and he wasn't currently employed as a cop. Thinking of the problematic places gave him a bad feeling but it wasn't enough to remind him just how bad it could be living in this town. "Maybe nobody's been living there for a while," he said quietly, knowing full well how crazy that sounded but he knew what he saw in that house, it might not have been Sadie's ghost but it was something evil intent on fucking with him.
Grady shrugged one shoulder lightly. "Maybe." There had been no sightings of the home owners since the house sold. The only sign of life at that house had been the moving station wagon... and occasionally when lights were on after dark. Grady often fought the desire to investigate the home again, but he couldn't very well go inside without cause and no one had called to report any disturbances there in months. "I don't want you worrying about that place. I've got it under control for the time being. You just focus on Ty and enjoying your summer."
He was right, of course. Jared was getting ahead of himself, worrying about taking a call there when he wasn't coming back to work anytime soon. He let himself smile a bit at the advice and nodded. "A later time problem," he agreed but he knew this house was going to influence where he ended up buying a house. If he found the perfect place to live but it was close to the Rogan house, he wouldn't live there. Same with Seaview, there were definitely a few other places that gave him the chills but those were the places that had affected him most. "One last thing before I leave you to your work," he muttered. "Any sign of any of the others? The ones who went missing with Ty?" He was mainly thinking of Carson with all the mixed feelings that came with that. He was in no way ready to face him yet but it was hard not to hope he was okay.
"Not to my knowledge, no." Grady had contacts at the hospital who had promised to keep him updated if any new amnesiacs wandered in, but so far, he hadn't heard a word. "But it's possible that someone else might have made their way back and they simply bypassed the hospital. If that's the case, I wouldn't know about it unless someone told me. I'm keeping my ears open though." He paused and studied Jared curiously. "Are you looking for news on someone specific?"
Jared found himself wishing he didn't know what he knew about Carson, it was harder to admit he was worried about him now, as if he was betraying Sadie and lying to Grady's face. "Carson Durand," he said with a slightly terse smile. "And honestly? Just people in general. Nobody deserves that fate." He thought Sadie might at least agree with that, he'd never known her to be a vengeful woman, nothing like that apparition who appeared to him in the Rogan house. Maybe a violent death twisted a person's soul in that way but he would rather believe that it didn't. He got up, not exactly loving where he'd taken the conversation as it wasn't a high note to end on but he could force some optimism in there before he left. "Let's hope they all show up, no worse for wear," he muttered. "I was a little amused that the Lucas girl found Ty. Like we came full circle."
"If I hear anything about Durand, I'll let you know," Grady promised. "Like I said, there may be others who came back and they're keeping it quiet, not wanting to get the police involved. But you know how news travels around this place, so if something's happened, I'll probably know about it sooner than later." His smile was faint. "I'd say Amelia finding Ty was a stroke of luck. That's something I worry about, if someone comes back with the same memory issues as Ty and the wrong person happens to be around. She's doing a great job as dispatch though. Hopefully she'll still be working here when you two come back home." They had difficulty keeping the position filled, but Amelia was a good fit and he hoped she stuck around.
Jared might not have worried too much about the amnesiacs in a small town like this one if it wasn't for all the awful weird shit that had happened here. Even their scumbags were just small town crooks who wouldn't gain anything from exploiting some filthy and confused person they found on the road. There were other things he worried about though, none of them human. "I'm glad she's the one who found him," he admitted, it sounded like Ty had really needed someone who was not intimidating and Amelia had been the right fit. Plus there was something nicely rounded about them saving each other in a way that made Jared think of karma and such. "And I hope she's still around, even if it was only because we really need to stop losing our dispatches." He gave a little humorless laugh and shook his head. "It can't be more gruesome than working the field, can it?"
"Let's hope not," Grady said. Amelia was an intelligent young woman and he wouldn't blame her if she chose to get the hell out of his town. But given her odd circumstances, Grady wasn't sure how feasible that really was. He certainly couldn't blame Ty and Jared for leaving, even if it was temporary. "Things have been pretty quiet lately, though. So let's hope it stays that way for a while." Sometimes he wondered if the incident with the fog had finally triggered something in this town... washed away all of the darkness. Grady knew that was probably too much to ask, too much to hope for, but he felt it deep in his gut.
Jared had a similar thought, that whatever had swallowed up the infected - for a lack of better word for them - had swallowed up some of the bad mojo in the town. Now that they were returning he really hoped that thing didn't bleed back in with them but he doubted it was gone in the first place. It made him wish he was religious, there was probably a lot of comfort to find in faith, whether that sense of safety was false or not. For now he just knew that once he moved back he'd still keep a loaded rifle in the truck along with the piston on his belt. "All we can do is hope, yeah," he muttered with a faint smile. "I'll be in touch, you take care this summer."
"Yeah, you too. Tell Ty I said congratulations." Grady gave Jared a small smile. "Be safe this summer and we'll see you in a few months." A lot could happen in that span of time. Grady could only hope this blanket of peace that was covering the town would continue. He wasn't exactly holding his breath, but he was okay with remaining cautiously optimistic.