19: Tough Luck

“Troy, are you home? Can I come over?” tanong ko sa kabilang linya nang sa wakas ay sagutin niya ang tawag matapos ang ilang beses na pag-ring noon.

“What’s wrong?” he whispered.

“Are you with someone? Am I disturbing you?” Tumawid ako sa pedestrian lane nang mag-red ang stop light, may ilang lumilingon sa akin ngunit hindi ko iyon pinansin.

“They found me.”

“What? Who? Where exactly are you?” nag-aalalang tanong ko nang bilisan ko ang paglakad. Masama ang kutob ko, is he talking about the Sharkteeth’s leader? Is he being chased right now?

“Troy, answer me. Where are you? Ilan sila?”

“There’s ten of them, nasa alley ko malapit sa Ardent Street.”

“Shit! Do you have a weapon with you?”

“No.”

“Okay. Wait for me, I’ll go there.” Agad akong pumara ng taxi at nagmadaling sumakay roon. Pagkarating sa penthouse ay hindi ko inaasahang naroon na si Tres.