Page 160 of Be My First

Chapter Fifty-Eight

Bode

Eli yawns and stretcheshis hands over his head. “My car is almost here.”

We’re just wrapping up a dinner meeting. One of many during a long week.

“Want to jump in my car? I can drop you off,” he asks.

I shake my head. “No. It’s a pretty night. I’m going to walk.”

He nods. “I’m too tired. I’ll see you at the office tomorrow.”

His car pulls up, and he jumps in, “Night.”

I head toward my house. It’s not too far, and we’ve had such a busy day, I haven’t had a chance to get outside.

I’m lost in thought when two guys jump out from behind a corner. One is holding a knife.

I hold my hands up immediately.

“Wallet, phone,” the one guy says.

“Yeah,” I say, handing over my phone and reaching for my wallet. I have nothing of value in it. I almost never carry cash anymore, and I can replace everything else.

Except.

I hesitate. Juno’s drawing of the Spanish steps. It’s in my wallet.

The guy with the knife steps closer. “Hand it over. Quick. Don’t try anything.”

The wallet is in my hand. I look down at it considering if I can ask to take the drawing out.

“Just grab it,” the big one yells.

The other one lunges forward, driving the knife into my gut. I slump over, and he grabs my wallet. I hear them run off as I crumple to the ground.

“Shit.” My shirt is covered in blood. My vision blurs. I look at the blood covering my hands and pouring from my torso. I should be in pain, but I don’t feel anything.

Juno. Why didn’t I talk to Juno sooner? Why did I waste time?

I hear yelling in the distance. By the time they reach me everything has faded to black.

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