Page 20 of Broken Wheels
Michael’s eyes gleamed. “Yes, yes you were. In fact, if memory serves, you were in the lobby when it all kicked off.” He fell silent, his gaze fixed on Josh’s face.
It took Josh about a nanosecond to follow Michael’s train of thought.
“You think I was the target?”
“I wouldn’t have said so prior to yesterday. Now? I’m not so sure.” Michael didn’t break eye contact. “And if I’m right, then yes, you do need a bodyguard.”
“Who did you have in mind?”
Michael smiled. “Dixon. And before you complain, he volunteered. Vehemently, I might add.” He folded his arms to match Josh’s. “So are you going to argue?”
Josh couldn’t do that, not when he knew Gary was only trying to protect him.
He expelled a sigh. “Fine, he stays. But you know what I’m gonna do now?” He gestured to the computer. “I’m going to find Tanner.”
“I figured you might. But if you leave here, Dixon will be your permanent shadow.” Michael patted Josh’s arm. “And it’ll stay that way until we sort this mess out.” He turned and headed for the door.
It was no use. There was something Josh had to know, and getting Michael alone was the perfect opportunity.
“Michael?” he called out.
He paused and turned. “Yeah, what’s up? Forget something?”
Josh’s stomach churned. “Tell me the truth. How is Gary really doing?”
At first he thought Michael wasn’t going to reply. He scrubbed a hand over his face and across his head. Then he heaved a sigh of resignation. “He’s not healing as quickly as the doctors would like, and definitely not fast enough for him.”
Josh couldn’t help but smile. “Yeah, that sounds like Gary.”
“The loss of vision appears to be permanent, although they say they could try surgery.”
He frowned. “What does Gary think about that?”
“He’s not sure. He says he’s been under the knife too many times without any positive results.”
Josh could understand that.
“He moves slower,” Michael continued, “which I’m sure you’ve already noticed, but that’s to be expected. It frustrates him, and then I get frustrated too because I want to help him, but there’s nothing I can do.” He shrugged, and Josh got the feeling they were done. Then Michael walked back to him, stopping beside Josh’s chair. He said nothing for a moment, but stood there, biting his lip.
“Something wrong?” Josh had never seen Michael so… unsure of himself.
Michael scraped a hand through his hair once more. “Not wrong, but….” Another bite of his lip. “Look, I’m just going to say this, okay? But you need to know I’m doing it as a friend.”
“Say what?”
Michael took a deep breath. “Open your eyes to the things around you. Life is too short to spend it dealing with regret. So seize every chance you get.” He stared at Josh. “You got that?”
Josh had no idea what he was talking about, but nodded anyway.
Michael matched his nod. “Good. And now I have to go. Gary has a therapy appointment, and I’m taking him.”
They said goodbye again, and Michael left.
Josh stared at the door.
What on earth was all that about?
When he looked at the clock, it was an hour later, and he was still no closer to figuring it out.