From Bullets To Billions

Chapter 56 - 56: A Big Favour

It was completely unexpected. Max hadn't even seen it coming, how Jay had predicted where he'd be and yanked him down to safety.

It showed Jay had instincts, real ones. But out of everything, the part that surprised Max the most was that this giant wall of muscle had clearly lied, shouting to throw everyone off, sending the others charging in the wrong direction.

Max didn't waste a second. He scrambled to his feet, not daring to linger. Who knew how long it would take for the others to realize they'd been tricked? Still, he had to ask.

"Why?" Max said, panting. "Why did you help me? You know Dipter's not going to be happy about this."

Jay just shrugged, completely casual about it, like none of this was a big deal. "As if you'd be dumb enough to tell them," he said. "And besides, you don't seem like the type to repay a favor like that with betrayal."

He spoke so matter-of-factly that Max almost forgot the situation they were in.

"I meant what I said back at the classroom," Jay continued. "I really thought they just wanted to talk to you. I had no idea they were planning this, gathering so many people... and with weapons too."

"If it was just me," Jay said, his voice low, "I would've dealt with it using my fists. What they did back there... it made me sick. I always act based on how I feel, and that? That didn't feel right. Someone like you, who fights head-on, shouldn't be taken out like that."

It was rare, finding someone like Jay. Someone who had his own code, his own morals, and still had the guts to stand by them, even if it meant going against everyone else.

From what Max had seen and heard, he actually liked Jay. It was just a shame they were standing on opposite sides.

"I'll repay you for this favor," Max said, nodding once as he walked past Jay. There wasn't anything else he could do for now, hanging around would just drag Jay into even bigger trouble.

"If you ever get into any mess, any kind of trouble... come find me. I'll help you, however I can."

Without another word, Max broke into a sprint, racing down the dim streets. He knew the others would still be combing the area,

Max lifted his heavy head, blinking through the haze clouding his vision. In front of him stood a blonde-haired woman, her face blurred at first. He squinted, trying to focus, but even then, he had no clue who she was.

Still, it was obvious she could see the blood staining his arm, dripping down steadily.

"Crap, you really need help," she said, her voice urgent as she quickly pulled out her phone. "You need to call an ambulance, or the police!"

Seeing her about to dial, Max instinctively reached out a shaky hand and grabbed her wrist, stopping her.

"No police..." Max muttered through gritted teeth, barely able to keep himself steady. "No... I need to... pay them back myself."

The woman hesitated for a second, staring at him, weighing his words, and then, she gave a small nod.

"Alright," she said firmly. "No police. But you're coming with me. I can help you out."

Cindy slid her phone back into her pocket and moved to his side, ready to support him before he collapsed completely.