Page 116 of Army
Gunfire punctured the night air, and in the distance sirens wailed.
Eagle came over to Army. “We gotta take off, dude. The badges are coming.”
“Taylor’s hurt.”
“We can take him with us.”
Army shook his head. “He’s hurt bad. He’s gotta get to a hospital.” He shook his brother again and Taylor’s eyes opened and stared vacantly at him. “Can you hear me, buddy?” His brother licked his lips then nodded. “Okay … that’s good. Listen to me—I’m gonna get you to a hospital. Just hang in there and don’t fuckin’ fall asleep.”
Army looked up at Eagle. “Did any of the brothers take a bullet?”
“No. A couple of Piston fuckers did. They drew their guns first.”
“Get the hell outta here. No sense in dealing with the fuckin’ badges.” Army glanced back at Taylor. “I gotta make sure he gets to the hospital.”
Eagle jerked his head at Shark. “Is he dead?”
Army looked over at his lifeless body. “Yeah. The fucker attacked Taylor and was aiming for me. Guess I cut a major artery.” Army narrowed his eyes. “He got what he deserved.”
The sirens seemed to be moving closer.
“We gotta get the fuck outta here,” Diablo said as he came up to Eagle and Army.
“All of you go now. I’m staying with Taylor. There’s no reason for you to have trouble with the badges.” Army looked over his shoulder. “Are the fucking Pistons gone?”
“The pussies ran at the first sound of the sirens,” Diablo answered.
“Any of the brothers hurt?” Army asked.
“Just banged up with some cuts. Nothing that can’t heal.” Diablo grinned.
“Then go,” Army said.
“We picked up all the weapons and shit, even from the pussies. That reminds me—gimme your guns. You don’t want the badges finding those on you.” Diablo put his hand on Army’s shoulder. “They’re gonna take you in.”
“I know. Call Hawk and see if his old lady can help out or recommend a lawyer. Now get the hell outta here.” Army glanced at Taylor whose eyes were beginning to close. He lightly shook him. “Don’t fall asleep. The fuckin’ badges will be here soon to get you help.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to stay?” Eagle asked.
“Yeah. Can you let Mia know I’m okay?” Eagle nodded and Army gave him her number.
Eagle clutched Army’s arm and then disappeared into the darkness with the other brothers.
Taylor jerked and Army held him close. “Just don’t fuckin’ die, okay? Promise me that.”
The police sirens splintered the night air and blue and red strobes flashed as the cars came to a screeching halt. For the first time in Army’s life, he was happy to see the badges, and when they approached him with guns drawn, he held his hands up as he told them Taylor needed an ambulance.
One badge handcuffed Army while the other frisked him then they escorted him to the police car and put him in the back seat. Army stared at the ambulance that carried Taylor speed away then he settled back against the seat. Two badges slipped into the car, and the driver turned the ignition and drove away from the scene. He caught Army’s eye in the rearview mirror.
“You want to tell me what happened tonight?” he asked.
Army looked away. “I’m not saying shit. I want an attorney.”
“You may change your mind when you get to the station.”
“I won’t,” he replied.
As the squad car drove down the city streets, Army stared into the dark night.
