He hurried forward and began shoving paper out of the way, revealing more and more of Armandos body as he did. He uncovered Armandos face and drew back with a gasp. Armandos eyes were open, staring upward, and he was gasping for breath like a fish out of water.

Oliver, he croaked.

Oliver leaned forward, resting his hands on Armandos shoulders. Let me help you. Ill call an ambulance.

He went to stand, but Armando grasped his overalls in a tight fist.

Oliver… he murmured again.

Oliver realized then that the old man was trying to tell him something. He fought his urge to run for the phone and crouched back down, bringing his ear closer to Armandos mouth so he didnt have to strain his voice.

I always knew youd come.

Oliver squinted at the old mans face, his gaze darting from one eye to the other. What do you mean?

I knew. I was waiting for you. You have a destiny.

Oliver shook his head. There was no time for this. He needed to get Armando help. But the old man would not let him go.

The room… he mumbled.

He was becoming incoherent. Oliver tried to pry his hands off his overalls so he could escape and call for help.

The room… Armando said more insistently.

What room? Oliver asked with increasing panic. Please, Armando, let me get you some help.

Armando was shaking his head. No time. No time. Remember the time.

Remember the time? What do you mean? Oliver couldnt make sense of his words.

Dont forget! Armando cried with urgency. Dont forget the time…

Then the light left him completely. He slumped back, his clasp of Oliver releasing.

Feeling like he was in a nightmare, Oliver shook Armando. This couldnt be real.

Then he let out a strangled wail. Armando was dead.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

The tears came instantly. Oliver fell forward against Armandos chest, overcome with painful sobs. His whole body shook as he wept. Hed never felt grief like this.

What had he been trying to tell him with his dying breath? Something about time and destiny. It hadnt made any sense to Oliver at all.

Suddenly he heard footsteps coming from behind. He glanced over his shoulder, terrified. Through his tearstained vision he saw the formidable figure of Lucas.

What did you do to him? Oliver screamed. You killed him!

Lucass expression was cold. He looked almost delighted by the scene before him.

Me? he questioned with faux innocence. If anyone had a hand in his death, child, its you. The stress youve put him under, with your constant questions and incessant demands. Not to mention all the extra work youve created for him, with that coat. No one his age and frailty could endure that. Anyway, he said with a nonchalant sigh, the ambulance will be here shortly to take him away.