“What I was wearing when this happened,” he said, pointing to his lip.

Studying the older man’s battered face, Gonzo believed him. According to Sam’s report, Sinclair’s body had shown no sign of a struggle the likes of which Quick had obviously endured. “Who were you with, Duncan?”

Quick ran a weary hand though his hair. “You really have to talk to him?”

“I really do.”

“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t mention all of this,” he said, gesturing to his face.

“Why would you want him to get away with that?”

“I’ve been so lost without Julian, Detective.” The statement and the grief behind it touched Gonzo. “I took a risk and paid the price.” He shrugged. “Not the first time, probably won’t be the last.”

“When did you last speak to Julian?”

“A couple of months ago. He called to tell me the nomination was imminent and to assure me he would do his best to keep my name out of the proceedings.”

“And that was important to you?”

“There are people in my life who aren’t aware.”

“What was at stake for you if they found out?”

“Plain old bigotry.” He paused, gathering his thoughts. “Julian has a brother who stopped speaking to him after he found out about us. They hadn’t spoken in thirteen years.” Sadness radiated from him. “Can you imagine? Not speaking to your brother simply because of who he loves?”

“No, sir. I can’t.”

“That’s how it is for people of our generation.” He got up, went to a bar set up by the windows overlooking the beach, and poured himself a shot. “We often have to hide who we are from even those closest to us.”

Gonzo shook his head at the offer of a drink.

“We were very discreet. Always. For the first seven years we were together, only a small circle of close friends knew that we were more than the best of friends. We even maintained separate residences, at least on paper. Then his sister-in-law found out about us and went ballistic. We were much more careful after that.” Duncan poured another drink. “But I reached a point where I couldn’t live a lie for one more day. Twenty years is a long time, you know?”

Gonzo nodded.

“Julian’s mother died. His brother was out of the picture. My family hardly would’ve been surprised if I officially came out. I couldn’t understand what was standing in our way.”

“So what was?”

Duncan smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Ambition.” He returned to the sofa and sat down hard. “Julian wanted the court more than he wanted me.”

“That must’ve angered you.”