Page 73 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

“Maybe we’ll see you later. We should get back.”

“Yeah, nice meeting you.”

“Come on, Mano.” He slid an arm over his shoulder, steering him away.

Something inside Ody ached as he watched Mano walk away just like that.

“You sadistic fuck,” Mano said under the music.

“It would’ve been rude not to say hi,” Andreas said, his tone casual.

“I’m going outside,” Ody said, slipping into the crowd.

Steve frowned, turning to Chris. “What the hell was that?”

The second Ody stepped outside, the noise dropped, replaced by air and sudden silence. He turned into a narrow alley, his steps unsteady. His legs gave out, and he hit the wall before sliding down to the dirty ground. His breathing turned ragged, his vision blurred, and sobs tore through him.

A few minutes passed before the guys started to worry and rushed outside.

Inside the club, Mano noticed them pushing through the crowd, and his stomach dropped. Something was wrong.

“Ody?” Steve called.

They found him in the alley, crying. They wouldn’t have recognized him if it weren’t for his clothes.

“Dude—” They rushed over, crouching beside him as the sobs hit them up close.

Back inside, Mano moved to follow, but Andreas caught his arm.

Mano turned on him, eyes burning. “I just want to see if he’s okay. Fuck off.” He pulled free and walked out.

When he reached the alley and heard their voices, he stopped. He took a step back, pressing himself into the shadows before they could see him.

“What’s wrong, man? Talk to us,” Steve said, pulling Ody into a hug.

The sound of Ody breaking hit him hard. I did this to him.

“Don’t cry, man. Whatever it is, you’ll get through it,” Steve murmured, holding him tighter.

Mano stayed where he was, just out of sight, listening as Ody fell apart.

His friends helped him to his feet, and Mano slipped further into the shadows as the three of them walked away.

His mind started racing. This was a call he’d hoped he’d never have to make. But now… he was grateful Andreas had given his phone back.

The bastard thought he had him. Convinced Mano wouldn’t go to the police, wouldn’t contact Ody, wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize what little freedom he had left. He’d gotten careless. Too fucking confident. And now that confidence was about to come back and bite him in the ass.

He pulled out his phone and opened his contacts, his eyes landing on the name. His heart was pounding, but he hit call before he could think twice.

It rang three times.

“I’m not sure I like seeing your name on my screen.”

Mano hesitated. “I didn’t think I’d ever have to call you.”

“Neither did I.”

“I need a contact.”