Page 75 of Ready to Cash Out

Howell shrugged. “I think that’s a no.”

“Well, we need to get Jupiter to stop bleeding everywhere and then we’re getting the fuck out of here,” Trev said firmly. “The Luchesis saw you leave with us, so it’s only a matter of time before they come banging on the door. I, for one, would like to not be here.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Howell waved his hand. “Don’t worry. We got some time, all right? Let me go check the bathroom and see what I can find.” He gave the real Howell a friendly pat on the head and then left, heading down an adjacent hallway.

Trev sighed, his shoulders sagging. He was exhausted down to his bones, and he melted when Jupiter wrapped his uninjured arm around him. He let himself relax, bowing his head against Jupiter’s chest. “Holy shit, can we do that again, like, never?”

“Which part?” Jupiter teased. “The car chase, me getting shot, or the leash?”

“All of it. Except maybe the leash.” Trev managed a tired smile.

Jupiter gave the collar a small tug. “Yeah? Not gonna lie… I did like leading you around.”

“I bet you did, Daddy.” Trev snorted. “Freak.”

Jupiter smiled warmly and kissed Trev’s brow. His expression grew serious, and he squeezed Trev a little closer. “Are you all right? You didn’t get cut up or anything, did you?”

“No, I’m fine. Promise. Just…” Trev shivered. “Rattled, I guess. Have all of this adrenaline and nowhere to put it.”

Jupiter grinned.

“I am not fucking you right now.” Trev swatted him.

“Why not?”

“First of all, there’s a tied up arms dealer right there, we’re still on the run from the Luchesis, and oh yeah, you’re bleeding on me.”

“Ah. So, later?”

“Later.”

Howell returned with a small first aid kit. “Ta-dah! There’s some gauze and shit in there. Might be enough to fix ya’ up.”

Jupiter still had the gun in his hand, and he hesitated to put it away.

Howell waved the case. “C’mon. I ain’t gonna try to shoot yous right now. We’re on the same side, remember? The side where I deliver Trev here to Cold, alive and well.”

Trev’s heart thumped. “You’re taking me to Cold?”

“Uh, yeah.” Howell tilted his head. “Am I speakin’ English okay? Jesus, that is why I’m here! To get your ass to Strassen Springs.”

Jupiter tucked his gun under his jacket to accept the first aid kit. “You’re about as clear as fucking mud.”

“Choke on a crusty sandpaper fuckin’ ball sack.”

“What?” Jupiter grunted as he set the first aid kit on the counter so he could take off his shirt. “That doesn’t make any fucking sense.”

“It’ll make plenty of sense when your chin gets all fuckin’ raw from the sandpaper!”

“Oh my God.”

“Can both of you shut up for two fucking seconds? I can’t even hear myself think!” Trev shook his head. “I want to leave the fucking country, okay? I want to get as far away from all of this bullshit as possible.”

“And that’s fine! Groovy!” Howell flashed two big thumbs-up. “Whatever. But first you’re going to see Boss Cold.”

Trev thought he heard the door open, but when he turned around to check, he didn’t see anyone. He turned his attention back to Howell. “You still haven’t told us who you really are,” he reminded Howell. “Why the fuck would I go anywhere with you?

“Oh! My apologies.” Howell bowed his head politely. “Allow me to introduce myself.”

---