30 Days Too Late

War

Rudy

"Beer pong!" Jeff pulls me up out of nowhere.

"Jesus, a warning first," I frown.

"You guys ready to get destroyed?" Michael asks.

"Yeah, okay, bud," I roll my eyes.

"You take the first shot, Rudy," Jeff places the ball in my hand. I squint, hoping to line up my shot better.

I toss the ball, and it lands in the middle cup. Michael takes the cup and drinks it. I take the second ball, and it goes into the cup at the tip of the triangle.

"This seems rigged," Michael says as he picks up the cup.

"No, it's not," I shrug. I take the next ball, and it plops into another cup. I take another ball and land it in the back right cup. This goes on for quite a while until I finally miss.

Julio keeps Michael steady as he looks dizzy.

"You're a good shot, you know that," Jeff says, happy.

"Now it's my turn," he rubs his hands together mischievously.

My phone dings, and I dig in my pocket for it.

"Rudy, pay attention," Jeff flicks my forehead.

I turn to watch, but he misses, and I laugh at his attempt. He completely overshot that. I shake my head and glance at my phone.

It's a text from... Dexter!

"Will you check for monsters under my bed?" the text says.

"I need to go," I set my beer down.

"What? Where are you going?" Jeff asks.

I grab my jacket and keys off the counter. Jeff grips my arm, making me face him.

"You run back to him now?" he asks.

"He needs me. Even if we're fighting, I'll still come," I answer.

I remove my arm from his grasp and make my way out. I press dial, waiting for his slick voice. I'm sent to voicemail, so I dial again.

"C'mon, baby," I say in a panic. I start up my car, and my tires screech as I pull out. I almost hit someone coming in from the open street.

I need to get to him.

...

I park the car and step out. I can't go through the front door since there are too many cars here. His curtains are closed, but maybe if I use this pebble... I throw it at his window and wait.

"Jesus, come on," I grab another pebble. I throw it, cracking the window a little. "Shit," I curse. I stuff my phone in my pocket before climbing the foundation drain. My muscles still hurt from the game yesterday. I'm tired as hell.

I grip the balcony edge and use my legs to boost me up. I'm out of breath; that was a bit much for me. Banging on the window would make too much noise. I press dial, and his alert sound makes my ears perk. The window isn't closed all the way. I slide it up, and it squeaks loudly as it reaches the top. I move the curtains and glance around the dark room.

My breath hitches as I see him on the floor. His phone rings next to him, displaying my nickname. "Dexter," I crouch down at his side. His eyes flutter open, but they're blank. Lifeless. It's almost scary.

I touch his lightly bandaged arm, and he winces. "Why..." I whisper.

"Rue," he mouths.

"What happened?" I ask. Why is his dresser in front of his door? He grips my jacket, using my weight to sit up. His skin is cold and pale, like a ghost.