116

**

“We have to leave here, get to another safe house we don’t know who else- this place has been compromised” Arms wrapped under my arms trying to pull me away.

I was staring blankly at the Man I'd grown so close with. I didn't know what to do.

“We can’t leave him here” Tears spilled down my cheeks.

“You think I want to leave him? He was like a father to me, but I have to protect you, he would want you to get to safety”

“Miguel…”

“Now Lola, Now." he shook me "We have to-“ a phone ringing cuts off the rest of his words. Miguel bends down and searches through Matteo’s jacket to retrieve his phone.

I crawl back to him lifting his head into my lap, spatches of blood stained my jeans as I run my fingers through his hair.

“Please Matteo open your eyes,” I begged softly.

He couldn’t be gone. He felt warm despite the blood pooled on the ground beneath him, he couldn’t be gone.

He couldn’t...

“It’s Matteo…” I hear Miguel say to the other person on the phone “He’s gone” is all Miguel says