Chapter 5

Why,why,it’s not fair.It’s just too cruel.

“Martin?You sure you’re all right?”Colin’s concerned voice came over the phone.“Look I’m on my way now,love.”

“Huh?”Martin was confused.

“Martin,I’m on my way.”The line went dead.

****

Colin got into his car and sped across town.Something was wrong,Martin sounded so distant somehow.He’d only rung up to confirm the time of the meal.He wanted to leave the house;Max and his girlfriend,were getting on his nerves with their endless billing and cooing.Colin needed to escape.

“Martin!”Colin shot through the back door,almost falling over Toby.“Out of the way,boy!”The first thing Colin saw on entering the kitchen was numerous red fingerprints all over the work surfaces.“God,no,he’s bleeding.”

****

Colin’s voice brought Martin out of his funk;he’d been dazedly sitting on the sofa.He rose to his feet.

“What’s wrong?”they both asked at the same time.

Colin hugged Martin to him.“You sounded ill on the phone,and the blood,God,Martin,you okay?”