Page 79 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

Mano recognized the voice. “Good.”

“Don’t get comfortable,” the man said. “Stay alert.”

The line went dead.

“What happened?” Ody asked.

“They’re not watching you anymore.”

Relief flickered across Ody’s face, but it didn’t last. “You’re not worried? Getting involved with people like that…”

“There’s a guy I used to train with at the boxing gym. He was kind of a mentor to me,” Mano explained. “He used to tell me that if I ever needed anything, I should call him.”

Ody’s brows lifted. “Anything?”

“I didn’t know what he meant at first,” Mano added. “But after a while, he made it pretty clear he had connections. People who could handle things most couldn’t.”

Ody tensed. “And you called him?”

“I had to.”

“And now you’re involved with them. What if you can’t get out?”

“I’d do anything for you,” Mano said, the words slipping out before he could stop them.

Ody’s gaze softened.

Mano swallowed, looking away. “To keep you… to keep you safe.”

The phone rang again. Mano answered with no hesitation. “Yeah.”

Silence stretched across the line.

“I didn’t expect you to go that far, Mano.”

Mano’s jaw tightened. His body shifted, putting space between himself and Ody.

“Turns out you belong in this world,” Andreas went on. “We’re alike.”

“I don’t,” Mano said coldly. “You made me. I didn’t have a choice. We’re nothing alike.”

A quiet chuckle came through the line. “I don’t like when people ruin my plans. I become someone… unpleasant.” The silence that followed felt deliberate. “So I’ll give you one last chance. We end this in person.”

“Just us,” Mano said.

Ody’s hand shot out, catching his arm.

“I’ll text you the location. A bar downtown. Thirty minutes.” Andreas ended the call.

“Mano, what are you doing?” Ody asked, alarmed. “You’re going to meet him?”

“It has to end.” Mano turned to him.

“You’re serious?” Ody snapped. “You’re going alone? At least take someone with you.”

“No. That’ll make it worse.” Mano stood.

“Then I’m coming with you!” Ody moved toward him.