A Change of Worlds

Book 5 of the Killian Kendall Mysteries

By Josh Aterovis
Copyright 2026

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Chapter 7

A voice unexpectedly emanating from the darkness would be startling at any time. When you often experience dead people popping up out of nowhere, it's even more unnerving. I let out a high-pitched squeal and slammed myself against the door.

"For God's sake! It's just me." Steve stepped into the dim illumination of a nightlight.

"You scared the crap out of me," I panted. Then a thought struck me. "Were you waiting up for me?" His guilty expression was all the answer I needed. "Steve, I'm almost nineteen. You don't need to do that anymore."

"I wanted to talk to you," he said defensively.

I sighed. "I'm just taking a wild guess here, but I'm betting you don't want to talk about politics."

"Killian..."

"Don't start. Please. It's been a very long day."

"Just tell me what's going on."

I gave a short bark of slightly bitter laughter. "I wish I knew."

"Asher...?"

"He showed up earlier this week. I ran into him downtown. He said he wanted to get together sometime to catch up. I avoided giving him an answer and left. But when I told Micah about it, he thought I should go out with Asher."

"That's very big of him."

"He said I needed to settle my feelings for Asher once and for all. I still wasn't planning on doing it until Asher asked me tonight...and I just figured why the hell not?"

"And?"

I shrugged. "We had a nice time. It was really awkward at first, until we both relaxed. After that it was almost like old times. We went to dinner, then dancing, and finally he brought me back here. End of story."

"What about that kiss?"

"Jeez! You're spying on me too?"

"I heard the car pull up and looked out the window. I wasn't spying."

"Semantics."

"The kiss?"

"Look, Steve, I'm tired. It's been a very weird day. I really don't feel like talking about this right now. I don't know what the kiss meant. I haven't even had time to process it. He kissed me. I didn't kiss him back, and it was practically over before it started. Don't make a big deal out of it, okay? Can I go to bed now?"

He sighed. "Yeah. Get some rest. Adam will be here in the morning."

I gave him a half-hearted wave and started for the stairs.

"Killian," he called. I stopped but didn't turn around. "I'm sorry if it feels like I'm interfering in your life. I love you."

I glanced back at the man who had been like my second father for the last several years. In the dim light, he appeared older and worn. Maybe I just hadn't taken the time to look at him lately. I knew he and Adam cared for me deeply. They'd sacrificed a lot for me. I walked back to him and gave him a big hug.

"I love you too," I told him.

"Good night," he said, kissing the top of my head.

"G'night."

He ruffled my hair, and I went up to bed.

Adam was indeed in attendance when I went downstairs the next morning. I found him in the dining room refilling the coffee carafe.

"Want some?" he asked as I walked in.

"Sure." I wasn't quite awake yet and figured I could use the caffeine boost.

Adam handed me a cup of steaming coffee. "So..."

I knew what was coming and wished the java wasn't quite so hot so I could gulp it down in preparation.

"Steve told me you and Asher went out last night. I didn't even know he was back in town."

"He's home for the summer." I blew on the coffee in quiet desperation.

"Cool." I blinked. Not quite what I expected. "Did you guys have a nice time?"

"Yeah, we did. I was pretty uncomfortable at first, but then I relaxed, and we really enjoyed ourselves."

"I'm glad you guys are working out your differences. Just be careful."

"I will," I said cautiously, still waiting for the other shoe to drop. Where was the lecture? Where were the questions about Micah?

"I saw your help wanted ad this morning. I didn't know you guys were hiring at the agency."

It took me a few seconds to follow the sudden shift in topic. "We decided we're too busy these days for me to work as an investigator and still keep up with the secretarial work, so Novak had me place the ad earlier this week. He wants me to get my PI license."

I decided not to mention the gun permit right then. I was still marveling at being treated like an adult and didn't want to risk a lapse back into parent mode.

"Wow! Your license, huh? That's a pretty big deal, right?"

"Yeah, I guess so. It'll mean I can take my own cases instead of working through Novak."

"That's great, Killian! I'm really proud of you."

I smiled and released the last bit of tension I'd been holding in my shoulders. "Thanks, Adam." I picked up a pastry and bit into it.

"So have you thought anymore about what you're going to do about Micah?"

And there it was. I knew it was too good to last.

"Not really," I replied after I'd swallowed.

To my surprise, Adam gave me a look and then let it go. What was going on? Had I slipped into an episode of The Twilight Zone?

"So, um, what's going on with you?" I ventured after a moment.

"Remember the client I had you deliver that proposal to earlier this week?"

"The magazine?"

"Right. They hired me. It should be a big account."

"Awesome! Congratulations."

"Thanks. It'll help a lot financially. Now, if only things with Tad were going as well as my business."

"Is he still causing trouble?"

"About as much as before, nothing new. I'm just fed up with the whole situation. Maybe you can get a chance to talk to him soon?"

I shrugged. "I have nothing planned for today. Why don't I go over later?"

Adam grinned. "I was hoping you'd say that." I wasn't sure why, but his grin made me nervous. "He should be home. I told him not to leave or have anyone over. Of course, that doesn't mean much when it comes to him."

"Where's Kane?"

"He drove up to visit his mother for the weekend. She's having some health concerns and Kane figured he should make an appearance."

"Health concerns?"

Adam shrugged. "A cancer scare. Evil rots from within." He clamped a hand over his mouth, eyes wide. "I shouldn't have said that," he mumbled, then dropped his hand. "Cancer is a terrible disease and she's still Kane's mother."

"I don't think anyone could really blame you," I said. "She did some truly awful things to you and Seth. And Kane too, for that matter."

"Still..."

"A cancer scare, you said? So it turned out not to be cancer?"

"I think they're still running tests. I'm getting all of this second hand through Kane so I don't have all the details."

Just then, Steve came bustling in, full of excitement. "You'll never believe who just called!"

Adam smiled and raised an eyebrow at his partner's obvious enthusiasm. "Judging by your level of giddiness, I'm guessing Meryl Streep?"

Steve laughed. "Even better! It was a reporter from Southern Living. They're writing an article about inns on the Eastern Shore, and want to feature Amalie's House!"

Adam jumped to his feet. "Steve, that's amazing! You can't buy that kind of advertising!"

"I know!"

I raised my coffee mug in a toast. "Here's to Amalie's House."

Adam picked up his mug as well. "And to Southern Living."

Steve floundered for a moment, then quickly filled a mug from the carafe and raised his as well. "And hopefully to a fully booked season."

We drank to the toast and chatted for a few more minutes about the article. Then I excused myself to go have my talk with Tad, leaving the two of them to their own celebration.

When I pulled up to the beach house, I was surprised to see an unfamiliar car parked in the drive. Immediately, my suspicions were aroused. What was Tad up to?

Intending to catch him red-handed, I shut the door of my car so gently it caused only the softest click. I let myself into the house just as stealthily and stood listening for a few seconds. Everything was completely quiet. Had he left with someone? Then why was the car still in the driveway?

I heard a muffled thump from upstairs and slowly made my way to the second floor, being careful to avoid the squeaky steps. Living in this house as a teenager definitely gave me the advantage.

At the top, I stopped and listened again. I'd expected the noise to originate from the bedroom Kane and Tad shared, but instead it seemed to be coming from Adam's room. I recognized the sounds, the rhythmic creaking of a mattress. My mind recoiled from the obvious meaning until a low moan a few seconds later confirmed my suspicions. I couldn't believe Tad would do that.

I walked quickly to the room, no longer caring about stealth, and threw open the door. They didn't even notice me at first. The guy humping Tad was young and well-muscled. I vaguely recalled him being a few grades behind me in school, a jock if I remembered correctly.

Finally, Tad saw me standing there. Slowly turning his head and looking directly into my eyes, he gave me a small, smug smile. "Enjoying the show?"

Jock-boy stopped thrusting in surprise at Tad's voice. As he followed Tad's gaze to me, a horrified look came over his face. In one quick motion he leaped off the bed, yanking the bedspread up in a futile attempt to hide his nakedness. Tad made no such effort.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I demanded.

Tad rolled his eyes. "Oh please, Killian. You know exactly what we were doing. You're not that innocent."

I struggled to maintain my composure. I couldn't remember the last time I'd been so furious. "You know exactly what I mean," I managed between clenched teeth. "You weren't supposed to have anyone over. And in Adam's bed?" Jock-boy was still standing there, mouth agape and eyes wide. "For God's sake, get dressed! Both of you!"

The jock set quickly to obeying. Tad moved slower, arrogance showing in every movement.

"Please don't tell anybody about this," the jock pleaded as he stumbled in a rushed attempt to pull his pants on. "Please, Killian..."

"Just get out!"

He threw a desperate look at Tad, who shrugged. "Better do what he says."

The guy shoved his feet into his shoes without untying them, grabbed his shirt, and made a speedy exit. Tad had pulled on a pair of boxer briefs and was reclining on the bed again.

"Clothes," I snapped at him. "Meet me in the living room when you're fully dressed."

I turned sharply on my heel and left. Jock-boy was just peeling out of the driveway when I got downstairs.

Tad kept me waiting for several minutes before he sauntered in. "You could have knocked," he sneered, flopping onto the couch.

His perennially rosy cheeks were even more flushed than usual, making me wonder if it was from his exertions or if he might actually be a little embarrassed. I wasn't sure this kid was even capable of feeling shame.

"What is going on with you?"

"What? I get horny. You're a guy. You know what that's like."

I shook my head. "Why are you doing this? Why are you being such a jerk? Adam says you're skipping classes, ignoring the rules here, refusing to do your chores, staying out till all hours of the night, and now you're having sex with guys in Adam's bed. That's the height of disrespect. I don't understand."

"What's not to understand? I don't want to follow all these stupid rules."

"Well guess what? Life is all about following the rules. I realize you've been through a lot..."

"No, you don't realize anything," he interrupted angrily. "You came into my life, turned everything upside-down, then made all those promises to me before dumping me off with a bunch of strangers and disappearing. So, what? I'm supposed to be grateful? Gee thanks, Killian. Thanks for nothing!"

I was stunned. Realizing that at least part of what he'd said was true made me feel guilty. I pretty much had dumped him on Adam and then left him to fend for himself. I didn't understand the part about turning his life upside-down, though.

"What are you saying? You'd rather be with Razi still?"

"It was better than living here."

"But...but..."

"At least I knew where I stood with Razi. I was his houseboy, his sex slave as you put it once. He never hurt me, and he made sure I had everything I needed."

"He was a murderer!"

"He was good to me."

"He was not! I can't believe you could even compare him to Adam!"

"Adam doesn't even want me here. He doesn't care about me at all. The only difference between him and Razi is that Adam isn't interested in fucking me."

I stared at him open-mouthed. "Adam does care! You haven't even given him a chance. You won't let him get close to you."

"It's not like he's tried all that hard."

"Have you given him any encouragement?"

He shifted his eyes away, breaking his defiant glare for the first time. I'd struck a nerve.

"Adam really went above and beyond even taking you in."

"He's a real saint."

"Yeah, he is, actually. I wouldn't be alive today if it weren't for Adam. He took me in when I had nowhere to go—"

"I've heard this story before."

"Then maybe you should pay attention this time. Adam is a great person. He's been through hell, and doesn't deserve to be treated the way you're treating him. You could at least show a little respect. He opened up his house to a complete stranger and gave you a place to live. He provides for you, feeds you, and cleans up after you. And how do you thank him? You disobey the few rules he does have, disrespect him, and skip school."

He was beginning to look a little guilty. Thinking I was starting to get through to him, I softened my voice. "Adam really does care about you. He'd like to be there for you if you'd just let him. You could at least give him a chance."

He shrugged. Since it was better than his insolent attitude from earlier, I took it as a positive sign and pressed on.

"I'm sorry I haven't been around much. I've been swamped with my job and stuff, but that's no excuse. I promise I'll try to do better. And if you need to talk to me or see me, just call or text me. Okay?"

A slight nod was my answer. We were getting better. I sat down gingerly on the couch next to him. "So what's going on with school?"

He scowled and drew his legs up to his chest. I sensed whatever progress we'd made slipping away.

"What's the point?" he said sullenly.

"The point? Tad, you need an education. What can you expect to do with your life if you don't even finish high school?"

"I'll be fine. I can always turn tricks. I know enough about the business."

A horrible thought crossed my mind. "Please tell me that's not what was going on when I got here!"

Tad laughed. "What would you do if it was? Throw me out?"

"Tad!"

"Chill, Kill. I haven't broken back into the biz again...yet. Aaron's just a horny closet-case. I noticed him staring at me on my first day at that stupid school. It didn't take much to get in his pants."

"Is he your boyfriend?"

Another laugh. "No. He's just a good screw."

I shook my head and decided to drop it for the moment. "What's wrong with the school?"

He shrugged and looked down.

"Come on, Tad. Talk to me."

He took a deep breath. "In case you haven't noticed, I'm not like the kids here."

"What do you mean?"

He didn't say anything for a few seconds, as if he were struggling to explain himself. "They're all so... naïve. I've seen stuff they've never even dreamed of." He looked up at me with haunted eyes. For the first time since we'd started talking, he'd dropped all pretenses. "All they care about is who's wearing what or who's screwing who. I just can't relate. I haven't made any friends since I've been here."

"Have you tried?"

"I haven't even met anyone I wanted to be friends with."

"You're not the only one who's been through a lot."

He rolled his eyes. "Right, I'm sure rich little Susie Cheerleader has just been through hell."

"Don't let appearances fool you. You don't know what goes on at home for any of those people. I...I knew a family that seemed perfect from the outside, but they were abused at home. One of them finally snapped and started killing people. He actually murdered my friend Seth, Adam's son. The guy ended up killing his whole family except for one brother. That brother then moved out to California, where he started doing drugs. When he moved back here a year later, he was so hooked that he would do almost anything to get high. He started sleeping with a dealer and ended up almost dead again from an overdose."

Tad's eyes were huge. "How do you know all that?"

"He's a good friend of mine. I was involved in most of what I just told you, saw much of it first hand. He goes to your school now. I'm sure he'd be a friend to you if you let him."

"Is he okay now?"

"Yeah, but only because he let people help him. He went to rehab and a lot of counseling. He still sees a therapist. It's the only way you can hope to get over something like that."

"Wow. I didn't know..."

"You haven't bothered to find out. You're sharing a room with Kane, who's been through a lot too. He's a great guy. You couldn't ask for a better brother. I'm sure he'd be a friend to you if you'd let him. He could introduce you to other people in your grade. He knows everybody at that school. He's pretty popular."

"I noticed. I didn't think he'd want to hang out with me."

"If you've been acting as aloof at school as you have here at home, it's no wonder you haven't made any friends."

He grimaced and looked down at the floor. "I'm probably worse at school," he mumbled under his breath.

"Look, Tad, you're already behind." He'd missed so much school when he ran away that, when he moved in with Adam, the school system had actually started him over in the last grade he'd completed. "If you keep skipping classes, they'll hold you back again. You really need to try harder. You know, if you just make a little effort, people will meet you halfway and help you. Can't you at least do that?"

He shrugged again. Every time I thought I was starting to make progress, he retreated back into sullenness. A shrug seemed to be as much commitment as I was going to get from him, though, so I decided to move on.

"Now, about counseling..."

"No way! I'm not going back to that bitch. She was so obnoxious. She talked to me like I was some stupid little kid."

"Okay, so maybe she wasn't the right counselor for you. Sometimes you have to try a couple before you find one you feel comfortable with."

"How do you know so much about all this?"

"Because I see a therapist. I need it as much as you, maybe more."

He looked at me skeptically.

"Come on, I saw my best friend with his throat slashed, I got stabbed, beat up by my father, kicked out of my house, and had to shoot somebody I knew at point-blank range. You think I didn't need some professional help after that?"

He quirked his mouth up on one side, almost a smile but not quite. "Yeah, I guess I can see how that might mess with your head."

"So tell Adam you don't like your counselor, and he'll find another one. And if you don't like that one, let him know, and he'll do it again. The important thing is to keep trying — and to be honest with Adam."

"What about the one you go to?"

"He's a good option, actually, especially now that I only see him once a month for maintenance check-ins. If anyone can help, he can."

He shrugged. "I don't know if anyone can help me."

"They can't if you won't let them. We do want to help, though, all of us: Adam, Kane, me...even Steve."

He squirmed a little. "It's hard to accept help. Especially after..."

"I know. Just try. That's all I'm asking. And I promise I'll be here more for you from now on."

He looked away, and I sensed he wasn't buying what I was selling. I couldn't really blame him. I'd made promises to him before that I hadn't lived up to. I needed to do something to show him I meant it this time.

"Hey, I don't have anything planned today. Why don't we hang out now?"

He shrugged. "It's not like I have any plans since you ran Aaron off."

"Oh, yeah. About Aaron..."

He sighed. "I know, I know. That was really low. I won't do it again."

"You'd better not. And you'd better be really glad it was me who found you and not Adam. Now, the first thing we're going to do is wash his sheets."

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