Page 32 of KingPin
I’m loading up the car with the duffle bags when I feel my phone vibrating against my leg. Who the fuck could be calling me at ten at night? I’m not expecting anyone…
I throw the bags in the back of the car and quickly slam the door before fishing my phone out of my pocket. Even though it’s pitch black outside, the light from the car door being open is enough light for me to walk around to the driver’s side door.
“Hello?” I answer into the phone as I slide into the front seat. I’m looking around the area to make sure no one could see me get into the car. The last thing I need is to be followed around while I have all of these baggies of drugs and a duffle bag full of money.
“Is Mason available?” A Hispanic sounding woman asks.
“This is he. What is this regarding?” I lock the car and don’t bother to turn it on just yet.
“This is Nurse O’Malley. I’m one of Paul’s night nurses. I was told you were the one to call with any concerns.”
That has my attention. “Yes. What is going on with Paul?” Fuck! When was the last time I went to see him? When was the last time I even called to see how he is doing? Instead, I have been too busy playing Scarface for Lucian.
My guilt and anxiety is about to make me freak out.
“Mason, this is hard to talk to you about over the phone, but I think you should come down to the hospital right away.”
“What is going on?” I ask again without the polite tone I had seconds ago. I hate when people try to bait me or bait other people. Just say what needs to be said. It is as simple as that.
“He has been put on life support.”
“What the fuck did you just say?” I blurt.
“Yes, I feel it is important you come down to the hospital to see your brother. Decisions might need to be made soon and it is important you are here.”
“I’m on my way.”
I throw the phone down to the passenger’s seat and turn the car on. Within a matter of five minutes, I’m pulling into the hospital. I didn’t bother calling Ralf or Lucian to tell them about my detour. Paul is more important than these drugs.
“Let Paul be okay,” I repeat under my breath as I pull into the parking lot at the hospital. I barely have the common sense to put the car in park and take the keys.
I’m running towards the front entrance of the hospital and the sterile smell hits me right away. The starch smell from the bleach attacks my nose at a rapid pace.
I look from left to right to see where the registration desk is. Finally, my eyes see her at the end of the lobby with her head stuck into her phone. “Excuse me,” I call out.
The woman with the short blonde hair, sets her phone down to help me. I can see her eyes narrow on my face and then her eyes greedily devoured my body.
“What can I do you for?”
The innuendo isn’t lost on me. I know exactly what she means but I’m not going to fall for it. How do I know Lucian isn’t around the corner watching us. Plus, these guards and personnel that are lurking are going to tattle more than anyone else.
“I’m Paul’s brother. I’m here to see him,” I inform her as I watch her roll her eyes. The nurse starts typing something into the computer.
“Yeah. It shows he only has one next of kin. Are you Mason?”
“Yes.” My phone vibrates in my pocket making me flinch a little bit. I know Lucian is going to be wondering where the fuck I have run off to, especially when Ralf is probably going to be watching me.
“He’s on the second floor in room two-oh-four.”
“Thanks!” I call out as I quickly run to the stairs. I need to get to Paul as soon as possible. Time is running out for him.
He was doing fine a little while ago. I wonder what the hell happened to have caused him to be on life support.
My phone vibrates again in my hand but I shake it off.
By the time I get to his room, I’m ready for some answers. The doctors are standing outside of Paul’s room with a clipboard in their hands.
“I’m Paul’s brother. What happened to my brother?” I demand. I push my hair out of my eyes to focus on them.
