Part 36 (1/2)
”We'll need you to come and give statements,” one of the policemen said.
”After the hospital.” Haris stepped closer to Tyler.
”I'm okay,” Tyler muttered.
”No, you're not. Not yet.” Haris was desperate to hold him and he didn't even dare touch him. He lifted his coat from the floor and carefully put it over Tyler's shoulders.
”I would have lived in peace,” Ras.h.i.+d whispered. ”Your brother made me believe... Ah, too late but I am sorry.”
”I need air,” Tyler gasped.
Haris followed him up the stairs and out into the street. He couldn't believe how much it made his heart ache knowing Tyler was hurt-and because of him. Why hadn't Tyler phoned him? More police cars arrived and a crowd started to gather. Ras.h.i.+d and two officers appeared at their sides and Ras.h.i.+d murmured, ”Peace be with you, brother.”
Ras.h.i.+d was so fast, Haris didn't realize what was happening until it was too late. He wrenched free of the man holding him and ran straight out into the busy road. There was a screech of brakes, a sickening thud and Ras.h.i.+d was tossed into the air. He landed on top of another car and slithered to the ground.
”Oh s.h.i.+t,” one of the cops muttered and pandemonium followed as people screamed and traffic screeched to a halt.
The officer who'd been holding Ras.h.i.+d dashed into the road, other policemen following.
Tyler turned away with a look of horror on his face. ”How did he think he was going to escape?”
”I don't think he did,” Haris said. ”He's had a wasted, unhappy life and preferred death over re-imprisonment.”
There was frantic activity in the middle of the road. Paramedics raced to help but when a policeman walked back toward them, his face pale, it was clear what he was going to say.
”He's dead. We're going to need statements from all witnesses.”
”Can it wait?” Haris asked. ”Tyler should go to the hospital.”
The policeman nodded. ”I need your names and addresses.”
”I'll stay with the police,” Stan said.
”My things,” Tyler muttered.
”What things?” Haris asked.
”My guitar and coat and bag must be in his car. A black Peugeot. He parked close by but I don't know where. I was too out of it.”
The policeman nodded. ”We'll find it.”
Stan sidled closer to Haris. ”Don't mention the cell phone tracing. Say you were just searching everywhere you could think of. Don't mention your link with Ras.h.i.+d. I'll call you tonight and tell you what I said.”
”Oh f.u.c.k,” Tyler mumbled and continued to stare at the ground.
Haris reached for his hand and Tyler pulled away. Still p.i.s.sed with me then. He didn't blame him.
”What happen?” someone said.
When he saw Lu, Haris bristled. He didn't want that rigger anywhere near Tyler.
Tyler took a shaky breath. ”The man that tried to strangle you got hit by a car. He's...dead.”
”Save me trouble.” Lu put his mouth to Tyler's ear and Haris moved closer to hear what he said.
”You come Sat.u.r.day,” Lu whispered. ”That Prescott's price for my help.”
”My back,” Tyler muttered.
”Some guys like damaged goods.”
Haris reached for Lu and Tyler caught his hand. It was the first time they'd touched all night.
”No,” Tyler whispered.
”No to me or to him?” Lu said with a smile and went back into the club.
Tyler began to shake and when Haris spotted one of the paramedics returning to an ambulance, he beckoned him over.
”What's wrong with him?” the man asked.
”I'm okay,” Tyler muttered.
Haris gritted his teeth. ”No he's not. He's in shock. He's been...a.s.saulted.”
”What's your name?”
”He's Tyler. I'm Haris.”
”Let him speak, sir. How old are you, Tyler?”
”Twenty-one.”
Haris swallowed hard. He ought to keep reminding himself how young Tyler was. He ought to have considered that more carefully before he pulled him into his life with that b.l.o.o.d.y contract.
”Come and sit in the ambulance and let's have a look at you.” The gray-haired paramedic held out his arm to keep the way clear.
Tyler walked with Haris at his side.
”Are you a friend of his?” the paramedic asked Haris.
”Yes.”
The guy turned to Tyler. ”You want him with you?”
Haris thought his heart was about to stop.
”Up to him,” Tyler muttered.
The three of them climbed into the back of the ambulance and the paramedic pulled the doors closed.