Page 115 of Five for Silver

“No. It’s … It’s not Merc’s blood. It’s notmine either.”

He’d been pressed against Romeo. It wasRomeo’s blood. Chad scrunched his eyes shut at the images of Romeoclutching his arm, and the blood leaking through his fingers.

His bicep had been twitching.

Chad didn’t know how bad the injury was, hedidn’t know if Romeo was upstairs unconscious.

“Chad?”

He opened his eyes. Josh was frowning athim.

“Who’s blood—”

“He was out here with me. It’s hers. Ilocked him back in the house when I heard the sirens.”

“Okay,” Josh said, nodding. He got to hisfeet, before closing the back door with his elbow. “You stay withus,” he directed at Merc. “I’ll even let you ride shotgun. Fuck, Ididn’t mean…”

Chad shook his head. “I can’t leave.”

“We’re going to walk around the other sideof the house, and we’re going to sit you down in my car.”

“Josh,” Chad gestured to himself. The bloodon his face had dried, and pinched his skin as it cracked, but hist-shirt was still wet.

“I know,” Josh shot him a sad smile. “I’llput a protective sheet over the back seat.”

“And the floor.” Chad added. “We need to dothis by the book.”

“And the floor,” Josh agreed with anothersad smile. “We’ll calm you down, then—”

“Drive me to the station. My clothes need tobe bagged up, swabs need to taken … and fingerprints. Myfingerprints. They’ll be on the gun—”

“Yes, yes,” Josh interrupted, “but first weneed you checked out by the doctor.”

“I told you I’m not hurt.”

“You’re acting pretty spacey. It’s scaringme if I’m honest.”

“Sorry.”

“No,” Josh sighed. “Don’t be sorry, Chad. Idon’t know how to help you that’s all. Come on.”

Chad let Josh lead him around the side ofthe house. He counted five police cars, no longer screeching, buttheir blue lights continued to flash. The DI approached, thoughtbetter of gripping Chad’s shoulder, and instead did a once overwith his eyes.

“Are you—”

“I’m not hurt,” Chad told him. “None of thisis mine.”

“Ally’s here,” Josh said, pointing in thedirection of her car. Someone shouted for the DI. He groaned beforetelling them he’d be right back.

Ally hurried over to them, and hugged Chadtight.

“You can’t,” Chad said, not embracing herback. “The blood.”

“I don’t give a shit about the blood,” shelet go, “unless any of it’s yours.”

“It’s not.”

“Good,” she nodded. “That’s good. You needto sit down.”

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