“Shit.” Evan sank back on the sofa. “My uncle was a protester.”
“Seems like he was.” Mick picked up the envelope. “This is part of the police report. All it says is that Edwin Michaels was at the riots and attacked with a brick. He had his skull crushed and was shot twice. He bled to death, according to this. I’d think the whole package was what killed him, but I’m not a coroner.” He slipped Evan’s hand into his. “From what I’ve gathered, Martha had Edwin cremated and the ashes were divided up. She scattered some in the Bay, brought some home and left some with Neil.”
“Wow.” Evan blew out a long breath. “Well, okay. So he went to the riots and died. I’d like to think he was fighting for our right to be free from persecution.”
“I’m sure. Everything I’ve gathered says your uncle wanted to be respected and accepted for being gay.” His hands shook. The information wasn’t easy to explain and was heavy for Evan to accept.
“He was a hero,” Evan whispered. “Why would my grandmother not speak of him? Seems like he was a decent man.”
Mick had considered that very question. A thought occurred to him. “How’d your parents feel about being gay? You, in particular, being gay? Did they know?”
“They found out because they caught me with a magazine filled with naked men.” Evan stared at him. “They hated my being gay. If they knew I’d come out, in such a spectacular way, they’d be livid. Jimmy’s mother’s reaction wouldn’t compare.”
“Your grandmother encouraged you to be yourself, didn’t she?” He knew the answer to that, but wanted to hear it from Evan once more.
“She knew and she didn’t mind.” Evan scratched his belly. “My great-grandmother and great-grandfather would’ve had a fit if they knew I was gay. My grandfather would’ve been cool with it. Martha and Edwin’s parents would’ve buried the fact Edwin was gay, so I’m guessing Martha did, too.”
Mick considered the situation before answering. “Your grandmother could’ve gotten rid of those letters and photos, but she didn’t. I think she left them for you because she knew you’d understand. She knew you’d let him have a proper send-off.” At least he wanted to think that was the case.
“You might be right.” Evan kissed Mick hard on the lips. “I have to ask—you figured all of that out because you’re my lawyer?”
“Sort of. I got the access because I’m in the legal field, but I followed the leads because of you. I wanted you to know what was going on and who this man was. I wanted to get answers for you.” He wanted to make Evan happy and give him some peace.
“Then thank you. I appreciate it.” Evan cuddled up to Mick. “I’ll go to this interview, but I’d rather stay here.”
“What time do you need to be there?”
“Eight,” Evan said. “I still need to do the evening chores, too.”
“And Jimmy’s gone.” He wasn’t good at chores, but if Evan needed help, he’d give it his best. He’d mess things up, but at least he’d try.
“He is,” Evan said. “I’ll manage.” He paused. “So Cedarwood is still the same as it was before, but not as intolerant.”
“It can be. I’m out and a lot of my friends are, but there are still people who think gays don’t belong here. There was a group of residents against the LGBTQ community. They were super active for a while. They’ve gone quiet, but I’m sure they’re still around.” Mick toyed with the rhinestones on Evan’s thigh. “Hate doesn’t die.”
“Nope,” Evan said. “Someone’s always upset with someone else.”
“We need to rise above.” Mick tucked his hand under Evan’s shirt. “We show the best of who we are so no one can say anything negative.”
“That’s right.” Evan kissed him. “I’ll get the chores done so I can get to the interview on time, then I’m yours for the rest of the evening.”
“I should get work done while you’re gone.” He didn’t want to, but he’d never get caught back up if he didn’t try.
“Work here.”
“You don’t mind?” Mick asked. He refused to assume he could use the house as a temporary office.
“Why not? We’re together. You’d do work at my place if I had an apartment or whatever.”
“True.” He wanted to keep Evan close. Evan might not see it, but farming was in his blood. Mick grinned and massaged Evan’s abs. He’d fallen hard and fast for Evan—not that his crush on Evan had ever faded. He’d never thought he’d fall for a singer, much less Evan, but he wouldn’t question his heart. Evan made him happy.
Mick Ryan was in love.
* * * *
Evan finished the chores and made it to the interview in plenty of time. He suffered through Remy’s questions, but at least Remy was nicer about asking. The previous reporters had wanted to run with the gay angle and make a big deal about his coming out being a publicity stunt.
Remy closed the notebook. “I’m not into country music, but Bobby is. He loves your stuff.”
“Thanks.” He hadn’t brought a marker to sign anything. He should get back into that habit.
“I haven’t asked this yet and it’s horrible of me, but how are you holding up?” Remy asked. “Your grandmother seemed like a great woman.”
“She was.” Evan sighed and a wave of exhaustion hit. Maybe he’d been through too much and he wasn’t sleeping enough, but damn, he was tired. “I’m not great, but I’m okay. It’s not a good time, but I’ve got Mick and I’ve got things to do. If I didn’t have the farm to keep me occupied, I could be in trouble.”
“Makes sense.” Remy nodded and toyed with the spiral wire on his notebook. “On top of everything else you’re dealing with,
