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“I didn’t see anything,” Karl said. “Just heard the crash and came running.”
“I was just walkin’ by,” the stranger replied. “This old-timer swerved off the damn road and right into the wall.” He shook his head. “He ain’t with us no more.”
“Thanks, we’ll take it from here,” one of the other paramedics said briskly. They extracted the old man from the car in seconds, quickly and efficiently laying him across the stretcher. Blood was everywhere, and the paramedics went to work trying to revive the man.
The stranger stayed beside Karl, and his expression was grim. Karl wanted to believe that the paramedics would be able to do what he and the stranger could not, but he didn’t have much hope.
Especially after seeing thatthingagain.
The crowd closed in tighter around them, and several people were still taking pictures and recording.
“Fuckin’ vultures,” the stranger muttered.
“Why would you want pictures?” Karl asked quietly. “Who wants to remember this?”
“Some people are just sick,” the stranger said. There was bitterness in those words, as if he’d seen shit like this before.
Scowling, Karl turned his face away from the crowd’s phones. “They’re assholes is what they are.”
“That too.” The stranger reached into his jacket pocket for a cigarette. He lit up, inhaled deeply, and breathed out the smoke with a long sigh. His eyes flicked over to Karl. “You okay, man? Seein’ somethin’ like that. It’s heavy shit.”
“Honestly? I could use a drink or five.” Karl snorted.
“Five sounds like a hell of a good place to start.” The stranger brightened up a little. “You know a place?”
“Yeah.” Karl crossed his arms over his chest, trying not to sound too eager as he suggested, “We could go to my place. I just live a few blocks away.”
“Yeah, I’m down. Fuck it. Ain’t nothin’ else we can do here no ways.” The stranger offered his hand out. “I’m Cephus. Cephus Riley.”
Karl shook Cephus’s hand firmly, perhaps holding on a moment longer than was needed. His heart skipped over itself, and his cheeks got hot. “Cephus, huh? Cool fucking name. I’m Karl Rogers.”
“Thanks.” Cephus grinned. “Yours sounds like a cowboy.”
“Cowboy huh?” Karl chuckled and pointed two finger guns at Cephus. “Yippee ki yay, motherfucker!”
Cephus laughed. “All right, Mr. McClane. Lead the way.”
“We can go through there, past the crowd.” He pointed to the alley. “I got booze and some leftover pizza if you’re interested.”
“You had me at booze. Let’s go.”
It was a short walk and if they’d met under any other circumstances, it would have been incredibly pleasant. The weather was chilly but nice, and Karl liked how easily he fell into step beside Cephus.
The apartment building wasn’t anything special, but it was hardly the worst one in the city. It was old but clean, and most importantly, it was cheap.
“This is me.” Karl opened the front door and then held it for Cephus. “Third floor.”
“So.” Cephus paused, turning so he was facing Karl. His eyes were on Karl’s lips. “So. Am I just comin’ up for a drink?” he asked casually. His gorgeous eyes found Karl’s. “Or… am I comin’ up for adrink?”
Blushing at the intensity of Cephus’s gaze, Karl stammered, “Oh, uh…”
Now that he actually had Cephus here, Karl was surprised by how nervous he was. It had been some time since he’d invited anyone up to his place, but his eagerness easily won out over his anxiety when their eyes met.
“The second?” Karl said, his stomach dipping like he’d just gone down the steep end of a roller coaster. “Definitely the second. If you want.”
“Yeah.” Cephus’s voice was low, husky, and he smiled. “Definitely want the second.”
“Good.” Karl grinned and gestured for Cephus to go ahead. “Let’s go then.”
