Page 127 of Zorro

Zorro stepped in, barefoot, dragging his IV stand like a prisoner on the run. His head was down, eyes flicking over his shoulder like he expected sniper fire.

“Sorry,” Zorro whispered, “but I need to use your phone.”

Bear’s brow furrowed. “Why?”

Zorro crept closer, clutching the jangling IV like it offended him. “Keep your voice down. I’m being watched.” He raised his hand. “Joker took mine. Said I was texting too much. Can you believe that shit? Who does he think he is? My dad?”

Bear let his head fall back against the pillow. “Everly.”

Zorro nodded solemnly. “So do me a solid?”

“No,” Bear said flatly. “Go back to your room and rest like he said.”

Zorro stepped closer, the IV rattling again before he snatched the metal arm like it might betray him. “Come on, man. She’s alone. I can feel it,” he hissed fiercely, checking behind him again. “She’s trying to be strong, but she needs me. I have to talk to her.”

Bear groaned. “You need rest, Mateo. You were shot, and you’re on meds. Joker will have your nuts in a vise if he finds you out of bed.”

Zorro’s face contorted with anguish. “You think I can rest knowing she’s out there thinking I’m not fighting for her? I’ll clean your gear for a month. Clean stalls, brew tea. I’ll even braid your hair, man. Anything. Just one text. I’m dying here.”

Bear blew out a breath, rubbed his eyes. “You sound like a drug addict.”

Zorro didn’t miss a beat. “I am. I’m addicted to her.”

There was no winning this.

Bear sighed like a man preparing to be arrested. “Okay. One text. Then get your sorry, recovering ass back to your room before Buck hogties you to that bed.”

Zorro beamed. “You’re the best.”

Bear rolled over. “Tell that to Joker when he kicks my ass.”

Sleep finally returned. For maybe forty-five minutes. Then the door slammed open.

“Bear!” Joker barked.

He jolted upright. Flint growled. “Son of bitch. I’m recovering here. What the fuck is going on?”

Buck and D-Day flanked Joker like hospital-orderly bounty hunters.

Joker’s eyes were fire. “Have you seen Zorro?”

Bear blinked groggily, his voice sleep-rough. “Yeah. He was here earlier.”

“Oh, shit,” Buck muttered. “You didn’t let him use your phone, did you?”

Bear hesitated. Sighed. “Yes. He was desperate.”

“Fuck!” Joker snarled. “Fucking Martinez.”

Buck tossed Bear’s phone at him. “Unlock it.”

Bear did.

Buck tapped furiously, then turned the screen toward the others.

D-Day squinted. “Is that…”

“Yup,” Buck gritted between clenched teeth. “Confirmed reservation. Seat 6F. Wheels up thirty minutes ago.”

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