Page 32 of Breathe
“I have no fucking clue why.” Real rubbed his hands down his face.
“According to the police, the gunman made a mistake and turned his back on Cash. I don’t think he knows Cash’s background,” Stone said.
“Maybe…but why else was the guy there looking for me?” Real shook his head.
“We don’t know. According to Cash, the asshole walked in, killed Jess and shot Apollo, then handed the phone to Cash to call you.”
“Motherfucker. I never got the call.” Real squeezed his hands into fists.
Stone walked over and took out Cash’s phone that was inside a plastic bag along with his keys and wallet.
“He dialed the wrong number. Two digits off,” Stone said.
Real took the last step that would take him closer to Cash. He gripped the boy’s ankle through the sheet.
“He was trying to protect me,” he murmured.
“Call Azrael. If Apollo dies and he’s not here, that’s not right,” Stone said, tucking Cash’s phone away.
“I know.”
And although he didn’t have any further information on Apollo, Real knew he needed to call Azrael now.
He turned away from Cash and gazed out the window. Right now, Azrael should be back in the house located close to Angeles National Forest.
That wasn’t too far from UCLA Medical Center.
Taking a deep breath, he pulled out his phone and dialed.
It went straight to voicemail.
Of course it did. There was no way in hell Azrael wanted to speak with him.
Fuck. Real turned to Stone.
“Call him from your phone.”
Stone gave him a weird look, but dialed Azrael’s number and handed him the phone.
“What’s up, Stone?” Azrael said.
“It’s Real. Don’t hang up.”
“What the hell do you want?” Azrael’s voice sounded tight…and wounded.
“Is Boston or Beck with you?”
“Yes.”
Good, no way did he want Azrael alone when he heard the news.
“Do you want to talk to either of them?” Azrael asked tightly.
“No…listen.” Real swallowed hard. “It’s Apollo. He’s been shot.”
Later, Real shot up from his chair when Cash stirred in the bed.
“Cash,” Real murmured, holding the young man’s hand.
