Cattle Valley 28 - Second Chances Read Online Free PDF Page B

fob and locked the car. After waiting for Oggie to join him in front of the building, Drake wrapped an arm around Oggie’s waist and kissed him, slow and deep. “Good, because I like kissing you.”
With his arm still around Oggie, Drake pushed the intercom mounted beside the door. “Drake Smith and Robert Ogden to see Joseph,” he announced.
“Just a sec,” a young voice replied.
Several moments later, a buzzer sounded and the door unlocked. Oggie followed Drake inside. The room they entered was small, with pale yellow walls and a few metal chairs. Drake went immediately to the next steel door and waited for another buzzer to sound.
“Wow, they’re serious about security,” Oggie remarked.
Drake nodded towards the front window. “Bulletproof. Nate Gills donated quite a bit of money for upgrades, but Joseph said his number one priority was the safety of the kids living here, so that’s where the majority of the money was spent.”
“Are bulletproof windows really necessary?” Oggie asked as Drake opened the second door.
“You’d be surprised what some of the dealers and pimps will do to get these kids back,” a handsome man answered.
Oggie recognised Joseph’s voice from the phone conversations they’d had. He held out his hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”
Joseph smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You as well.” He turned his attention to Drake. “I’m glad you were able to come so quickly. I’m really worried about Cullen.”
Joseph glanced around, clearly uneasy about something. “Let’s go into my office.” He led them down a short hallway and into a small, eight-foot by ten-foot windowless room.
Oggie took a seat next to Drake in front of Joseph’s desk. The room was incredibly plain as if Joseph hadn’t spent a penny of the donated money on anything in the room. Even the computer looked years out of date. The more he looked around the place, the more confident Oggie became in Joseph’s ability to put the needs of the teenagers first, unlike a lot of charities he’d come across over the years.
Joseph rested his elbows on the desk and rubbed his forehead as he spoke, “I’m afraid I drove Cullen away.”
“Impossible,” Drake argued. “Everyone here loves you.”
Joseph glanced up, wearing a troubled expression. “Yes, well, that’s part of the problem. I was working closely with Cullen because the transition from the street to the shelter seemed hard on him.” He stopped speaking and shifted in his chair. “Cullen kissed me, or at least he tried to. I pushed him away and he ran out.”
“And that’s the last time you saw him until last night?” Drake asked.
Joseph nodded. “I wasn’t totally honest with Asa. Cullen didn’t disappear, he left. I knew I had to make the situation sound dire or he wouldn’t have sent you, and from the bruises I saw on him, he needs help, fast.”
“Was he hustling before he came here?” Drake asked.
“Yeah. I first approached him about three and a half, four years ago, but I couldn’t convince him to come in.” A slight smile crossed Joseph’s lips. “I think the only reason he finally came in was to shut me up.”
“I asked you to come because I doubt I’ll ever get Cullen back into the shelter, but I think he’ll go with you to Cattle Valley if it’s offered.” Joseph’s deep voice had grown thick with emotion. It was obvious he felt responsible for the situation.
Oggie didn’t even need to meet the kid. “I’ll take him.”
“Thank you.”
“No need. I’ve seen my share of kids on the street.” Oggie glanced at Drake, wondering if he’d spoken out of turn. He realised he wasn’t the only one who had a say. “I mean, if you agree?”
Drake shrugged. “My job is to find him. It’s up to you whether or not you wanna open your ranch to him.” He gave Oggie a reassuring smile before returning his attention to Joseph. “What exactly did Cullen say last night?”
Joseph raked his fingers through his