Randomly

Chapter 9

Steve ran over to a gate-cut wheelhouse and sat down on some pallets to take a breather. He glanced at his wound and winced, the wound was deep and bleeding badly, he had to find a way to stem the flow of blood before he lost too much. He thought of Charlie, his man might be able to treat him, but he couldn't risk going to his house - the police were probably already staking out the front. Once in the bathroom, he cleaned and bandaged the wound as well as he could, but he knew he needed better care. He began to list the places he could go as he opened the toilet door, but immediately turned back, as a police car had parked in front of the exit. Steve sat down on a toilet and hoped the officer would leave without spotting him, but he didn't. The man approached his cubicle and stopped in front of it. Steve braced himself and when the man tried to open the door, he hit him with it, a fight ensued in which Steve got the upper hand, effectively disarming the officer and knocking him out in the process. Then, he didn't hesitate long before swapping his clothes for the agent's and taking off in his car. He drove to the only place where he could get help without attracting attention: Max's house. He parked the car a few blocks before his destination and finished on foot. He could feel his strength ebbing, he knew he was losing too much blood, but he held on. He thought he was going to turn a blind eye when he realized the house was empty and locked, but he pulled himself together and broke a window to get in. He made it to the kitchen, but fainted before he could patch his wound.

Steve was brought to his senses by Max's voice; he was shirtless on a sofa, torso bandaged.

"The least you can do is call me Steve after you've nursed me back to health."

He saw that the doctor was touched, but Steve couldn't help wondering how he'd managed to set him up there and heal him alone, he wasn't a small man and Max wasn't a force of nature.

"Sorry about your house, I had nowhere else to go."

No problem, I'm even honored that you came to me. However, I'm curious to know where you got that wound, I'm leaning towards a sharp object made of unsterilized metal..."

"I was stabbed in prison."

"So, then, you didn't acquire this uniform legally?"

"You don't watch the news, do you?" asked Steve, surprised that Max didn't seem aware of his situation.

"I try not to. It's terrifying."

This response amused Steve, who figured that Max really was unique, but not so unique that he could carry him alone on the couch.

"Max, did you have help fixing me up?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact, he'd like to see you, alone."

Steve worried who it was, especially as Max left the house, still talking.

"My roommate sees family on the mainland. You're about the same size." he said, pointing to some clothes on the coffee table.

The soldier grabbed the shirt and began to dress defensively, expecting someone to arrive, but not knowing who to expect. He drew his gun, tense, and turned with a start when he heard movement behind his back. Relief washed over him when he discovered Charlie. He put his gun away and joined his man, who embraced him as soon as he was close enough. They exchanged a passionate kiss, but didn't make it last.

"I didn't expect you to come out like this." whispered the sorcerer.

"Neither did I, but I didn't choose to."

"Let me heal your wound..."

"No, if I get arrested, I won't be able to explain why I'm not hurt anymore."