Father and I had suffered multiple fractures in the tussle. He got some stitches on his head and a strap on his terribly sprained ankle for a month. But it was worse for me.
By the time we reached hospital, I had already lost a lot of blood and had fainted. I had to be operated immediately on my leg because of a heavy amount of ligament tear; and then on my broken rib. Bob and Fred had rushed to the hospital when the Police gave them a call. My dad and my sister, alongwith Rick and her husband, arrived the next day. After the operations, I got 8 stitches on my shank, 3 on my cheek and got a plaster on my forearm. I had also suffered a minor skull fracture by the temples.
'Kidnapping and Assault' was the case made. The news spread all over Reynburg that there was a brawl at the infamous The Warwick's and it actually got survivors for the first time. But it wasn't the case with the Police. It would absolutely be ridiculous for them. So we had to make it up.
We told the Police that some masked men tried to kidnap me from a nearby sidewalk and as Father was with me, he was nabbed too. We were being taken to The Warwick's. I told them that the kidnappers had somehow got information about an antique silver coin which I had been possessing. They thought I had kept it in my home while in actual, it was with me right then. As soon as we got into the mansion, I hid the coin in a vase while they were preparing to cuff and tie us up. They searched through both of us and couldn't find it. When I denied to hand it over to them, they started physically assaulting us.
Finally, they spilled it out from my mouth about where I had hidden it. They broke the vase, took away the coin and left us back there. It took a lot of pain to untie both of us. After getting free, I took out my phone and called for an ambulance.
I was afraid if the Police would believe it. But to my relief, they believed and framed a charge. But it was the mass which knew what possibly would have happened. It was the very first time that a man, and here, two, had escaped The Warwick's. Our case got famous all over the city and we were being hailed as heroes.
***
It had been a month since then. I had been discharged from the hospital the night before only. I had also been up from the wheel-chair. Now, I was standing before the burial site of Larry at The Stanley Cemetery. With me were Bob and Fred, my dad, my sister with her family, and Father Richard. My dad asked me to do it later, when I had recovered, but I insisted on this.
All of us had bought flowers and laid them down on his grave. Then we shared some happy memories of ourselves with Larry from the past. After an hour or so, we were about to leave when I asked others to wait for me outside the gate while I needed to have some chat with Larry. My father was about to say something when Father Richard stressed his palm over his shoulder and then nodded at me. All of them walked out of the cemetery and stood by there, gossiping.
I turned towards Larry's grave and sighed. 'Hey buddy, it's been a long time', I said. 'Ha! Even Bob and Fred believed in the story'. I chuckled and became silent for a while then. 'You know... Friendship is the best bond a man can get. Everybody gets a family. But you choose your friend by your own. And it's really been such a virtue being with you, Larry... I can never forget those small fights or naggings which we used to have since our childhood. I can never forget the bond we ever shared. You were a brother to me'.
I had been trying really hard to suppress the overcoming emotions on my face. 'Every time I see a beach, I remember you. Every time I see our photos together, I remember you. Every time I pass by your flat, even your floor, I remember you. Every time I listen to the songs we used to vibe on together, I remember you... Every time I see that fucking mansion, I remember you. I wish I could go back in time and prevent us from going in that night. I wish we had better drenched ourselves rather than cursed. At least, I would fetch that bloody coin before you did. Oh Larry! Why did you pick it up?!
'I just don't know when it exactly will be when I finally overcome the grief and guilt. But I wish you are content now. I have killed the one who killed you. I have avenged my brother. I know, it isn't going to bring you back but -'. I chuckled again. 'It's because of us, after all, that the mansion is free of its year old curse now. We are the ones who paid the sacrifice for the betterment of the multitude.
'I won't disturb you much my friend'. I bit my lips. 'I hope you have a peaceful time up in the abode. Just wanted to say... I just love you, my friend. I wish-wish-'. My voice was shaking. 'I just wish you a happy after-life, Larry. I know you never believed in it. But we never believed in spirits and legends either... and don't you worry. You ever need someone to talk to, I-I will come and lie by you, righ-right here.' I was about to break down now.
'Good-bye, Larry! See you on the other side', I said with a smile and turning around, started towards the gate. I didn't have any courage to look back. I was portraying Larry standing by his grave and glancing at me. I didn't want to show him the tears in my eyes. I started weeping as I crossed the gate and walked out.
***
The kidnappers were never found.