I let out another scream, this time out of concern for Nicola, as gunfire erupted nearby.
An enormous load landed on my back, crushing my chest and forcing my breath away.
A rapid-fire double-shot.
“Emily!”
“Matthew.”
My back felt lighter, and then I understood that Gabriel’s lifeless corpse had been thrown upon me. After I saw Mathew push his dead corpse aside, he grabbed for me and felt all over for wounds.
The guy who had held a pistol on Castin was on the floor, whimpering and grasping his shoulder. Mathew’s father loomed over him, his head tilted to one side. When he fired another round into the man’s head, his emotionless black eyes showed no sign of change. He raised his head to Castin and indicated with a nod that everything was under control.
“Nicola,” I whispered, attempting to maneuver around Mathew to get to him.
Blood pooled around Nicola as he lay on his side. At first, I believed it was all Nicola’s blood. When I looked at Samule’s mangled face, though, I noticed that a lot of the blood was coming from the wound in his head.
I coughed violently but quickly redirected my thoughts to Nicola. After a valiant effort, I managed to get past Mathew and fall to my knees next to Nicola. He wasn’t moving, and his eyes were closed. However, the movement of his chest was visible to me.
He’s not dead.
The robbery he was yelling about over his phone was audible to me as Castin called for an ambulance. How he meant to conceal three killings was a mystery to me, but I didn’t care. Getting Nicola to the hospital was the only thing on my mind.
Mathew came over to join me, his expression set in terror as he grabbed for Nicola’s hand. When Nicola offered me her other hand, I gladly accepted it. With the hope that he’d reciprocate, I tightened my grip on his fingers.
There was no sign of life from him.
As I tried to stifle a sob, I found myself leaning into Mathew’s chest for comfort.
Without Nicola, my whole being would feel empty.
Nicola
Most of my recent recollections were hazy. After dozing off and on for… Just how long are we talking here?
It hurt, I knew that much, and then a warm fog would wash the ache away.
A hand hid mine. However, it wasn’t the little, kind touch that I yearned for.
Emily.
Her agonized look as Castin yanked her away from me was the last thing I vividly recalled.
Suddenly, I opened my eyes and took a few steps forward. Unpredictable beeping emanated from all directions, but I paid it no mind. Likewise, I chose to disregard the stabbing ache in my lower back.
“Take it easy, kid.” My father’s hand moved away from mine and touched my shoulder as he helped me lower myself back into the hospital bed.
I clinched my teeth and spat out her name, “Emily,” despite the agony I was in. We needed to talk, and I needed to see her. Assurance that she was secure was essential for me.
“Is Emily OK? ”
” Currently, she is in the company of Matthew. ” My dad’s mouth contorted as he finished that final sentence.
Remembering how he and his goons had harmed her, I snarled his name: “Ferra.” Essentially, “I can’t find him.”
“This man has passed on. He was shot dead. He casually informed me that Mathew’s father had taken the life of his competitor. Little Jim noticed Gabriel and immediately rushed to see him. So, once he saw you, he changed his mind. Gabriel had gone to the restaurant to see me, and Matthew had followed him down. You’re saved because they made it to us in time. ”
I didn’t put much stock in Mathew’s dad. He never had to spend any time behind bars. I had faith that he would succeed once again.
“How about you?”
Although I do not approve of my dad’s way of life, I did not want him to go to prison.
“I’ll be all right.
“Have no fear. Put all your energy towards recovering. ”
However, my mind just wouldn’t let me concentrate on it. For some reason, Emily was all I could think about. Once I knew she was in danger, I wouldn’t be able to sleep.
“I need to find Emily and Matthew. ”
Dad’s shoulders heaved in a sigh of sadness. I warned them you weren’t ready to be seen. I needed to have a chat with you. The wrath in him was evident in the gleam in his whitest of eyes. Also, “You can’t call them relatives.”
“They are,” I retorted. ” I’m sorry Dad, but they’re my family and you just don’t get it. ”
“No, I’m not getting it. But I can’t bear the thought of my only son’s death due to his unconventional lifestyle. I liked his tact since I knew he was covering up a more offensive term. ”
“Once you’re healthy, you’ll have to leave ”
“Everyone. Neither Emily nor Matthew are welcome here any more. ”
I was well aware that my father saw my exile as punishment, but he had no clue what a wonderful gift he had given me.
“Thank you very much, Dad, “I said sincerely. Have we got everything under control? Of course you’re upset about this, but at least we can still communicate, right?
There was a hint of tears in his eyes. ” I really did fear that I would lose you. You looked like you were going to bleed to death on the floor, and I couldn’t help but worry about you. To be honest, maybe I wouldn’t have spoken to you again if it didn’t occur. This being said…” Wetness on his face prompted a swiping motion. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me, son. You may always give me a call if you have any questions or concerns.
“I will.”
“What about Mom? Can you tell me how she’s handling everything?
He dismissed me with a sweep of his hand. Your mother blames Emily for removing you from her care. In time, she will calm down. Yes, she feels the same way for you.