Hunters And Foxes

Chapter 20: Death trap.

"I'm in hospital, some newbies from the gang, attacked me- I think it was part of their initiation..." Before Conroy has time to finish his sentence both Zac and I are down the fireman's pole and running towards the car. I am seething. 

This wasn't how it was all supposed to go down. Conroy didn't want any beef with the gang, he gave them the money what else do they want? The drive to the hospital is tense. The last time I visited the hospital- Bryn was dying and he died the last time Zac was here. We can't lose another person close to us. It feels as though we just can't escape these people. They are constantly in the shadows and I don't want any part of this life anymore. 

Our fingers are intertwined as we walk through the hospital. My heart drops when I see Conroy lying in his bed with tubes attached to his chest and arms and wounds covering nearly every inch of his skin. Zac and Conroy exchange whispers and all I can hear is "fight tonight". This is just about the worst thing that could happen. There will be another group of people after him if we don't figure out a solution fast.

 I know I shouldn't ask it but for the sake of my best friend I ask the question Conroy tries to avoid- "Do your parents know you're in here?" Conroy shakes his head guiltily. I look at him with full seriousness in my expression, "they need to know Conroy, you don't have to tell them why the guys attacked you- just that you were part of some fucked up gang initiation. But they need to know. They love you and I'd rather they know you're in hospital than assume you're MIA doing drugs or any other bad boy thing. They can help you Conroy," I take his phone from the cabinet beside him and inspect the damage (shattered screen and a splatter of blood) before handing it to him. 

"Can you sit with me while I call them?" He asks us. Zac nods taking a seat in the chair next to the bed. Noticing there isn't anymore chairs, he pulls me onto his lap. 

Silence fills the room as Conroy dials his mother's number. He reaches for my hand when Eunice picks up. "Hey darling, you never came home last night. Is everything alright?" I can hear the worry laced through her words. 

"Mummy, I'm not. I'm so sorry. I'm in hospital- some gang members attacked me last night. My arm is broken, one of my ribs is cracked and there are a large amount of bandages and...." By then I know that Eunice is already in the car on her way. Even if she is dressed in fat pants and baggy tee. Her son means the world to her. 

"My baby I'm about fifteen minutes away let me call Dad. I love you my darling. I'm sorry that this happened to you, I'm so glad you're alive though honey," I can hear cars whizzing past as she speaks. She's going above the speed limit and boy oh boy I don't blame her. 

"I love you too Ma," Conroy says before ending the call. I can see there is a sense of relief in his body. He's still rigid and tense, he's probably trying to figure out what to do about his fight tonight. 

"I'm going to call Storm, thank you for pushing me to call Mum. I really do need them. I've been trying to live as an independent guy. But I actually need my family so much. Thank you for coming to see me. It's probably not the best idea to be here when Storm arrives - I don't want to ruin your friendship. I love you both, you are truly amazing friends. I'm still stressing about my fight tonight. If I don't show up I won't just be in the hospital I'll be in a grave," Conroy gives my hand a squeeze. 

"I'll fight for you," Zac says and my heart nearly falls to the floor.

Strong exhaust fumes fill the car when Zac winds his window down claiming "It's far too hot." I know for sure that he is driving way above the speed limit. The wind rushes through my hair as we race through the rough side streets of downtown Hurdleton.