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Max
Tires screech around a corner in a run-down, deserted area of Rutherford, just off the New Jersey Turnpike. “Sorry, Dad,” I mutter, sharply swinging my truck into an alleyway.
He grunts a response from the backseat, and I grit my teeth.
The other two cars separated from us so we could attack from different entrances. They won’t be far behind. I stare up at the crumbled brick of the abandoned building. There are barely any windows and iron bars stretch across the few that are visible.
Sloane is in there.
I need to get her out.
AC/DC blares from my jacket pocket, and I grab my phone, stabbing the Accept button. “Yeah?”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I was looking for Max Oriani. Do I have the wrong number?”
My brow furrows. I’m not used to hearing such a sweet, grandmotherly voice. “Who’s this?”
“This is Clara from Holy Name Hospital. I’m looking for Max—”
“Clara, yeah, it’s me.” I rake a hand through my hair, shrugging at Rocco. “Sorry about that. I thought you were someone else. What’s up?”
“I wanted to call because I was hoping you could help me. You said to give you a call if Eli ever needed anything.” She lets out a soft sigh. “I’m afraid he’s in very bad shape. The medication hasn’t helped the infection, and the doctors are trying to find Tommy, his brother. I’ve seen you talking to him, and was hoping you might know where I can find him. I’ve tried his cell phone number, it’s the only one we have on file. But the calls go straight to voicemail. I didn’t know who else to call. I was just hoping—”
I swallow hard. Fuck. “H-how bad is Eli?”
Clara sighs. “It’s not looking good, Max. The doctors aren’t hopeful that things will turn around. His body is just too weak. Do you have any idea how I can get to Tommy?”
I stare up at the building again. “I might. Listen, hang tight. Let me see if I can find him for you, okay? I’ll call you back.”
“Thank you, Max.”
I drop my head back against the leather seat and rub my eyes with the heels of my hands. Where the hell is he, and why hasn’t he texted me back, dammit? It’s been hours and nothing. “Fuck!”
“What the hell was that all about? Who’s Clara?”
I poke my head out the window, peering into the dusk. No cars are in sight. I pull two guns from the duffel bag at Rocco’s feet and load them, handing one to him. “I don’t have time to wait on these guys. I need to get inside there now.” I look at Rocco. “Stay here with my dad. Wait for them, okay?”
“Are you insane? You can’t just go in there packing with no fucking clue who you’re up against. You won’t make it through the door! Do you have a death wish or something?”
I turn my head toward my dad. “I have to get inside. Stay here with Rocco.”
Rocco grabs his gun and cocks it. “The hell you will. Pops, lay low. I’m gonna tail your idiot son so he doesn’t get his ass shot up before we can find his girl.” He nudges me. “I’ll bet she’s gonna want it in one piece. Just sayin’.”
I nod. “Okay, let’s go.” I point at my dad. “Stay.”
Dad narrows his eyes. “Are you giving me an order?”
An impatient sigh escapes my lips. “Look Dad, I don’t wanna be a dick about this, but you’re in a lot of pain. And slow as shit. No disrespect, okay? But I can’t worry about you while I’m trying to beat down these assholes. You’re here, and that means a lot to me. I know you’ve got my back. But right now, the best way to help me out is to sit in that seat and not move. You’ve got a phone. If you see anything or anyone I need to know about, text me. That would be really great. A huge help.” I keep talking as I load my guns.
“How many guns are you planning to stuff into your jeans?” Rocco cocks an eyebrow. “Just curious.”
I smack in the last clip. “I think I’m good.”
“Finally. Let’s go.” Rocco pushes open his door and steps out of the car.
I turn to look at my dad for the last time. “Like I said, sit tight. Text me if you see anything.”
Dad nods, his forehead pinched. For a fleeting moment., I wonder if he’ll even be alive when we get back. All the more reason for him to stay put. He’s already got a target between his eyes. I shake off the thought before it sinks in deeper. I know his story is coming to a rapid close, I’m just not ready to turn the page and read the ending.
