Page 115 of Army
Army’s knee hit Shark’s chin toppling the Piston to the ground. He kicked the downed man hard in the leg and was ready to strike him again when he saw five men emerge from behind a cluster of pine trees. As they rushed toward Army, he stepped back and saw the Night Rebels come out from their hiding places.
Then all hell broke loose.
Fists against skin.
Shattering kicks from steel-toed boots.
Splintering bones.
Grunts. Threats.
As Army wrapped his hands around Shark’s neck, two headlights lit up the field, and the fighters scattered out of the way as a bronze SUV came closer.
“What the fuck?” Army said out loud as he saw Taylor behind the wheel. His brother parked the car then jumped out and rushed over to him.
“You’re okay.” Relief filled Taylor’s voice.
“Get the fuck outta here!” Army yelled.
Shark pushed Army away then jumped up, laughing dryly. “Did your little brother come to help you out, asshole?” He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand then spat on the ground.
Taylor looked over at Shark and smiled. “I’m really good friends with Mia.”
“Well isn’t that fuckin’ nice?” Shark glowered.
“Go home, Taylor. This isn’t your fight,” Army said as he grabbed his brother’s arm.
Taylor jerked away. “I’m here as a mediator. Nothing will be accomplished by beating the shit out of each other.”
“Move outta the way, Taylor,” Diablo said.
“Is this asshole for real?” Army heard one of the Pistons ask.
“I’m here to make peace between you.” Taylor looked at Shark. “And you.” He looked at Army. “Mia’s upset over the two of you not getting along. She’s a wonderful—”
“You don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about. If you don’t get your ass in the car right now, me and some of the brothers are gonna make you.” Army took a few steps toward his brother.
“I’m just trying to help,” Taylor said.
“You’re doing the opposite.” Army had his back to Shark, and the Night Rebels and Pistons started throwing insults at each other which quickly turned into blows. Army glanced behind him and saw the men fighting, and then he turned back to Taylor. “Just get the fuck outta here. I don’t want something to happen—”
Bam!Taylor fell to the ground with a thud as blood poured down the side of his head.Bam!An industrial flashlight slammed across his left leg and Taylor howled.
“Fuck! Taylor!” Army ran over to his side and dropped to his knees. “Can you hear me?” White-hot bolts of rage ripped through him.
“Yeah …”
Out of the corner of Army’s eye, he saw Shark ready to slam the fucking flashlight overhishead, and he reached down inside his boot and took out a knife. Army scooted away a bit then leapt up and plunged the knife into Shark’s gut.
“Fuck!” the Piston cried out, covering his stomach with his hands as he fell to the ground; the weapon he was holding rolled away in the dirt. A dark crimson stain spread around him as his lids fluttered then closed.
Army leaned over and felt for Shark’s pulse. Nothing. “Fuck … oh … Mia,” he said as he walked away.
The fight continued to rage all around Army, but he no longer saw it. All he could see was his brother lying motionless on the brown grass.
Kneeling beside him, Army shrugged off his cut and whipped his T-shirt over his head. He put it against the wound on Taylor’s head and applied pressure.
“Wake the fuck up!” Army yelled, shaking his brother. “Don’t fuckin’ die on me!”
