This was bad. Very bad.
They sat in the back of the limo just wondering where they were going. Clearly whoever was taking them knew but it concerned Phil begging that Jess was safe. Finally, after a long time, the limo arrived at its destination.
"Welcome back," he said opening his arm and waving them toward the back.
"What the fuck," muttered Phil looking around at Stu and Alan completely confused.
It was the same villa they had been to hours ago. The very same. Looking around, Phil gulped feeling his heart began to beat faster in worry and guilt. Eyeing Stu, he appeared to be thinking the same. Shrugging his shoulders, he followed the group around the villa toward the back.
"Let's go, guys," offered the driver leading them to a gate. Opening it, he motioned inside. "Out to the back."
Following a similar path, they saw a few people there including Doug. Calling out his name, the man looked up giving them a warning of concern before his arm was pulled back by a tall man beside him.
"Get your ass back over here," the tall man snapped as Doug holding him firmly.
The group started, seeing both as they looked back equally bewildered. Neither appeared to realize there was a person missing from their party. To the right, a booming voice called out shocking everyone. There standing by the main door and large windows was John and Jason Marshall, deep frowns outlining their faces. Jason was leaning against the window, anger on his face, from the mess caused inside, Phil concluded.
"Leslie Chow never lived here!" shouted the older Marshall. "You didn't break into his old house. You broke into my house!"
Jason looked up at his father, a scowl crossing his face.
"My house!" he snapped off firmly uncrossing his arms. "I bought this for me and Jess, but I don't seem to have either in my possession!"
"You should really shut your damn mouth boy!" snapped back Mr. Marshall, a firm glare aimed at his son.
Everyone became quiet as the fury escaped Jason, his teeth gritted, but he remained quiet as Phil spoke up.
"I don't understand," he mumbled, still confused, watching Jason tapping his foot impatiently. The younger man clearly wanted to say something, but he stopped long enough to look at the people surrounding the outdoor patio.
"You didn't get back the gold he stole from me. You got the other half that he didn't!" shouted Mr. Marshall with a little stomp.
"What? You mean the half he never had?" dared Phil keeping Jason within his sight as the boy began walking in a tight circle and back toward the main gate. Disappearing, the boy took off near the main gate.
"He's a world-class rat, and you three were his accomplices," stated Mr. Marshall determinedly pulling his pistol from his waist band, crossing his arms across the middle. Everyone, minus Jason, took several steps back as the older Marshall appeared menacing before them.
"Oh my god!" shrieked Stu seeing the gun held firmly against Marshall's waist. Crossing his arms, he let out a loud laugh.
"No! We had no idea. We were trying to help you," Phil begged. "We thought you'd be happy!"
Laugh again, Mr. Marshall gripped the pistol firmly. "Thank you so much. Thank you for ripping me off. Thank you for desecrating my home! And thank you for killing my fucking dogs!"
Stepping forward, Stu held his hands out in protest. "We didn't kill your dogs. They're just tranquilized!"
"Oh, right. You don't know. Chow snapped their necks on his way out…"
Standing there shocked, Stu looked over as Phil let out a gasp beside him as Jason jerked him backwards. He stood there, rage fully taken him over, as the younger Marshall jabbed a finger into the man's chest. The boy was so close Phil could see deep emerald-green that stared into him. All he saw was desperation, fear, and most of all, anger only just contained.
"Where is she?!" demanded Jason as Phil pushed him off. Stumbling back, he let out a soft laugh in equal surprise.
"I would love to fucking know!" he shouted back seeing Doug try to walk forward and question about Jess's whereabouts. Jason threw up his hands in defiance before curling fists beside his leg.
"Wasn't Jess here with all of yall?" asked Jason, his voice rising. "I saw briefly on the cam—"
"She was but I told her to stay on the main level. Away from Chow! She was outside the door when we were locked in the basement!"
"I didn't see her leave! And I looked everywhere for her!"
"Then I don't fucking know!" barked Phil pushing the boy off him once more. Jason took several steps forward grabbing his shirt tightly.
"And somebody's gotta pay," said Black Doug in a sing-song way.
Jason turned around menacingly before letting out a loud scowl. Looking up at his father, the younger Marshall slowly turned and withdrew his own pistol from his belt. Staring, Jason let out a low murmur before turning slightly, a hand firmly holding Phil in place.
"He's right," offered Mr. Marshall with a smirk aimed as arm up. Seeing the rage, both Marshalls swiftly fired off numerous rounds from their pistols. As they did so, everyone let out screams in shock as Black Doug let go of Doug falling backwards into the pool. As his father walked over to Black Doug, he let out an evil scowl.
"My head of security," said Jason in disbelief. Snickering as he turned around to face the group, he gave Phil a look of earnest determination. Phil kept his eyes on Jason's hands against his collar, trying desperately to get out of this.
"Couldn't stop three fuckups and a Chinaman with a pair of wire cutters. Unreal," muttered Mr. Marshall confidently as Alan peed himself in fright at the whole affair. "Aw! Man, that's okay."
Mr. Marshall held out his hand a moment seeing Alan's fright. "I know it's scary. Hector? Run upstairs and grab a pair of sweatpants for Alan here?"
"I'm a 44 slim. Can you bring me a few options?" requested Alan as Hector turned away to fetch the item.
"You found Chow once," demanded Mr. Marshall pointing a finger at Phil, Stu, and Alan. "Find him again. And my gold!"
"And Jess too!" said Jason mockingly extending his arm to stretch as he measured the length against the two of them. "She's in more danger with you. Find her and bring her back to me!"
"I'm not bringing her anywhere near you," whispered Phil, feeling the heat rise once more. Before he would stop Jason though, the boy had pulled them together as he smirked. With a complete firm grasp on his shirt, a crooked grin beamed in delight at riling him up.
"I would think hard at what you're doing," he smiled ominously. "She's told you what I've done. Do not think for a minute that you provide everything for her. Don't doubt that I won't steal her back."
Here, Phil saw his opportunity to strike back. Sneering, he glared bitterly watching Jason tense up at the changed composure.
"You're a weak-willed little boy who can't live without Daddy paying for his crimes. We know of the other women— Was it Betty, who you killed—"
Jason grin turned suddenly as Phil loosened his grip on the boy's shoulders.
"I didn't mean—" his eyes got wide as he realized Phil knew about that.
"Or what about the attempted one in New York? Yeah, I read about that one too."
"She was the daughter of a rival gang!" barked Jason wrapping his fingers tighter. Phil could see the anger building inside the boy.
"And you hired someone to kill her! Or what about your first child? Your only real son?"
Jason's color escaped as his fingers went limp. His eyes were as wide as marbles before stumbling back a few steps clearing in shock. For once Phil trapped the boy in his own words, and this he smiled against.
"Kate was innocent," mumbled Jason looking down at his hands seeing the red lines from nails digging in. "I was innocent back then!"
"You fucking lied to everyone, to me, to Jess, about Jack!" shouted Phil curling his fingers into a fist waiting for Jason to speak again.
"I didn't mean to—" started Jason looked up into Phil's eyes seeing the anger and shame settling in.
"You took my son away from me! How could I ever forgive you for that!? I lost three years because of your selfishness."
Jason's hands loosened on Phil's collar as the man finally submitted in defeat. Sighing softly under his breath, Phil knew his heart was still pounding harshly against his ribcage.
"I don't know when or how you ever met Jess, but I do know that because of you, she can't live happily. She lives in constant fear of you taking her and Jack away. I know you hate me so much! You are the reason she can't sleep more than a few hours every night! You are the reason my son doesn't call me his father! You are so fucking weak,and Ihope you never find happiness because you robbed Jess of hers!"
Finally, Jason's grip loosened.
Around them, everyone stared at Phil's proclamation at Jason. His father even stood there with a smirk, never speaking a word as his son was berated. This was one time that silence was a gift, and it was Jason's curt nod that confirmed his understanding of the actions taken. Walking away pulling Stu and Alan with him, Phil turned to Mr. Marshall.
"We don't have a vehicle. Chow took Jess and hers."
"Take the limo," said Mr. Marshall as the group turned fully. "And get going. I'm killing Dougs today."
*dot*
"Are you fucking serious! I'm not going there!" she screamed at her passenger holding a gun at her side.
"You go where Chow tells you!" he yelled back.
Jess and Chow had crossed over the border nearly an hour ago on their way outside San Diego, when they started yelling about where to go.
"I don't want to! This is crazy!"
"Marshall will kill me if we go back. Chow knows that! You know that too! OHH! Maybe Boy Marshall kill you too!"
Jess slammed on the breaks knowing his words were truthful. They rocked forward and thumped back into their seats making Chow stare at her.
"Chow always liked you," he clapped in his seat, lowering the gun to the floorboard. "You do what Chow asks and you live. It's that simple."
Considering his order, Jess turned fully to face him and let out her held breath.
"I'll do it on one condition," she asked holding her hand out. "We go back to Jason' house in San Diego and we take everything about him and his family. I promise, I will never report you ever to anyone."
"Why would you go to such extremes? Chow doesn't care about Marshalls. They are criminals like Chow—"
"I want Jason Marshall to suffer by your hands. This way you can rob them of everything."
Chow's eyes got wider at her words. "Why?" Jess stared him down knowing full well that Chow would take this bait.
"Jason took everything from Phil. He lied about Jack, his life, everything; and prevented Phil and I from having our future together. He stole Jack and I will not tolerate anything Jason did to hurt Phil now or ever again."
"Chow gets he wants in return? Chow does love to party."
Staring him down again, Jess held her breath praying that Chow would agree before she agreed to take him anywhere. Nodding finally, and shaking hands, the two of them turned back south and returned to the neighborhood Jess remembered. Memories came back as she pulled up in the driveway.
Stepping outside the vehicle, Jess and Chow entered the home after she turned off the alarm. Surprisingly Jason hadn't changed the code. Checking for cameras, Chow shot them with paint before they entered the main living room observing the broken portrait on the wall. Staring at it, Jess shook in place knowing the lies it represented.
"Boy Marshall never was the star in his father's business. He never gets to shine like Chow does. That's why Chow have no have kids! HAHAHA!"
As Chow laughed, Jess saw the bat Jason used that night long ago. Gripping it and swinging at the portrait once more, she also hit anything and everything she could of value in the home.
"Chow see anger in Jess! YES! Take his shit out! Hit him like you want!"
Aided by Chow's encouragement, she broke everything in sight and let out a laugh with him as they stood in the rubble around the floor.
"Chow knows your pain with Pretty Boy. Chow see that. But Boy Marshall can't hurt you here."
Smiling, Jess led Chow toward Jason's safe which was closed. Breaking it open with surprising ease, Chow smirked at the remaining items and papers in it.
"Anything else?" asked Jess.
"Yes, what berry is Boy Marshall allergic to?"
"Strawberries. Why?"
"Chow just curious."
Raising an eyebrow, Chow let out the usual giggle before stopping seeing her stern expression. Standing up and exiting the house, the two of them went back to the vehicle where Chow held his hands out.
"You promised Chow," he said firmly, a blank expression crossing his face.
Gripping her keys, she sighed. "I know Chow. Drive the speed limit at least. I cannot afford a ticket."
"Chow will. He promises. But you have an international criminal with you, so Chow doesn't care bout that!"
Chow laughed again as did Jess seeing the humor in the situation. Yes, she was being held somewhat hostage by him as she willing gave her keys to him. Getting a traffic ticket did seem the better of the choices. Taking a seat and putting her seat belt on, Chow changed the radio to classical music before heading out of town.
"Classical?"
"What, don't think Chow is cultured?"
Giggling at the choice, she crossed her arms and let him guide them wherever they were heading.
*dot*
They sat again on the side of the highway, without Jess this time, pondering where the hell she was or how to find Chow. Accepting the limo from the Marshalls, Phil had one foot inside the vehicle while watching Stu and Alan. Concern riddled his face as he only could think about Jess and their child.
"I never saw anyone get killed before," he mumbled out loud.
"Right?" asked Stu suddenly, throwing his hands up. "My God, that was so intense. I mean, he just fell and then he's dead."
"I feel sick," said Phil. Stu agreed and silence surrounded them again.
"Well, maybe we should get some food, guys," offered Alan but this was ignored by them.
Going over options, Stu and Phil stood there as they made suggestions to report Jess and her vehicle missing, that way at least they could gain a lead. But as Phil reached into his pocket, he exclaimed loudly gripping his fingers into a fist.
"Oh, fuck! I left my phone in her car."
"Well, if you lost your phone, Phil, I have that Find My Phone app," offered Alan digging his out.
"We have bigger problems than that, Alan," stated Phil throwing his hands down.
"No, wait, wait, wait. If your phone's in the SUV... and Chow has it, then your phone's with Chow!"
Stu plead to Alan and Phil eagerly as the former shot the idea down.
"You heard him. We have bigger problems than that, Stu."
Stepping over toward Alan, Phil reached out for Alan's phone while agreeing with Stu's idea.
"Alan, give me your phone. Quick! That's brilliant! Wait what's your password?" he asked, looking up at him confused.
"Hey Phil," stated Alan not looking up.
"Yeah," asked Phil looking at him for help.
"No, that's it," said Alan.
"What?"
"That's my password. Hey Phil."
Blinking several times and shaking his head, Phil typed in the password before sighing.
"It is it," he muttered softly opening the app to find his phone.
"Phil gets it. Nothing worse than losing your phone," said Alan confidently as Phil continued.
"You just saw a man get murdered. Your brother-in-law is kidnapped. You sure there's nothing worse?" questioned Stu holding up a hand in confusion.
"You don't get it, Stu," said Alan quickly standing tall. "You just don't get it, do you? I have over 60 apps on that phone! What if I lost my phone? Do you have any idea how much time and man-hours it would take... to re-download those apps?"
Alan was shouting at Stu as Phil looked up quickly, seeing Stu holding his hands up.
"You are right. I had not thought of that. Thank you."
"Oh, God, it's not always about you, Stu!" shouted Alan once more throwing his hands down.
"It's locating," said Phil loudly over Alan and Stu. "Oh, God, of course."
"What? Where is he?" asked Stu nervously.
"He's in fucking Vegas," said Phil sighed heavily. Pocketing Alan's phone, he stepped into the limo and started the car as Alan approached Stu.
"Hey, Stu? I don't enjoy talking to you that way. I don't know why you insist on making me blow my top. We've been on a lot of adventures together... but it seems like you haven't learned anything."
"Anything! You think on it. I'll be in the limo," finished Alan patting Stu's shoulder.
Clenching his fists, he reluctantly kicked the dirt before getting into the limo too. The long drive to Vegas took a little over seven hours including crossing the border back. The wait at the border was rather quick given the time of day. Nightfall carried over the neon lit city as Stu and Phil looked at each other.
"Someone needs to burn this place to the ground," said Stu nervously. "I told myself I would never come back."
"Well, don't worry," offered Phil. "It all ends tonight."
*dot*
Spotting the RAV4, Phil jumped out and opened the door.
"Let's see if he left anything in here," said Phil quietly sitting in the front seat looking around the dash.
"I found the Demerol," said Stu looking up proudly.
"Good it. We're gonna need it."
Pocketing it, Stu stood up fully as Phil shifted in his seat trying to locate anything in his sight.
"Ahh, I got my phone," he said loudly spotting it on the dash. "No fucking keys though."
Turning, he looked toward the back of the vehicle seeing Alan scuffling a few things around. From under a large brown blanket, he pulled out a bright red electric guitar that looked new before Alan recovered it.
"Al anything?"
"No. Not even the gold."
"Why the fuck would Chow come down here.
"I know right," offered Stu holding his arm on top of the vehicle. "Why here?"
Looking up, Stu pointed at the large sign over the building in front of them. Shrugging his shoulders, they closed the door and pulled Alan inside behind them. It was brightly lit pawn shop with a single person, a short plump woman, standing near the counter watching a small television screen.
"Excuse me? Have you happened to see the driver of that RAV that parked out front? Maybe a young woman and a short Asian guy?" asked Phil pointing behind him.
"They all are short," remarked the woman not pausing from her television.
Alan laughed breaking Stu and Phil's concentration on the woman.
"Right but may have been trying to pawn some gold…" offered Phil again watching Alan walk up.
"That would be my business, wouldn't it." The woman turned fully addressing the three as Alan reached the counter. They conversed quietly about the t-shirt she wore which Alan recognized from a show at the Forum. The woman stared at Alan saying the show was said to have been legendary.
"Wo… men… You have… no idea," empathized Alan as another woman came up in a motorized scooter. A brief exchange between the two before the woman, named Cassie, sighed and laid her arms on the counter addressing Alan.
"The Chinese guy came in here earlier. He was pretty weird. He pawned a gold brick. That thing is worth $400 grand. He took $80,000—"
"Did he say where he was going?" interrupted Phil quickly.
"I'm sorry, was I talking to you," snapped off Cassie at Phil turning slowly back to Alan. "He wanted three things: he wanted some girls, some guys, and some bath salts for the girl he had with him. Young thing, very pregnant and looked scared out of her mind. I gave him a card for the escort service, and they took off."
Opening the register, she handed a card to Alan. "Pretty high maintenance. Good luck getting anything out."
"The young girl with him? Was she a brunette with blue eyes?" asked Stu.
"I didn't see her eyes. She was standing over there looking at the guitars and asking the Chinese to buy one. He did with another brick," said Cassie at Stu's question. Stu looked seriously at Phil thinking the same.
"Did she look like this?" asked Phil pulling his phone out showing a photo of him and Jess.
Cassie looked at the photo closely and nodded. "Yeah. It was her. She was very young but didn't seem out of place being with the Chinese guy. They left with a red electric guitar."
"That's the guitar we saw in the back of the RAV," noted Stu.
"No shit," muttered Phil watching Alan closely as he picked up a lollipop and began to suck on it. Darting his eyes between the two, he spared a glance at Stu. The red lollipop in Alan's mouth was given to Cassie which she opened her mouth, accepting it from Alan. This caused Stu to nearly puke beside him.
"We gotta go," stated Alan loudly and suddenly. "We should go!"
Bidding goodbye, the group made their way toward the exit when Cassie called out to the group once more.
"Wait! The young girl," she started. "She said something strange."
"What was that?" asked Stu turning back fully.
"The girl said that if a tall man with blue eyes, another with glasses, and a third with a big bushy beard were to come in asking about her to say 'The ancient wonder at the top of the hill is where love first meets'. I don't know what she meant but maybe you do?"
Alan waved at Cassie one last time, as Phil and Stu stared at each other trying to decipher the message Jess left. Walking out, it was bugging them they couldn't figure it out. Stu dialed the number and was placed on hold as Phil stood there thinking.
"The ancient wonder at the top of the hill is where love first meets," repeated Phil as Alan walked out a moment later. "Look how happily this fucking guy is."
"Have you ever witnessed a moment with that much heat?" asked Alan with glee. Phil could think of a few but stayed mostly quiet. "White, hot heat. Brah!
"That was pretty intense," agreed Phil crossing his arms. Images of a smiling Jess filled him and the assurance she was somewhat safe calmed him.
"Yeah," said Alan happily. "Sorta like you and Jess."
Not sure if the others could see him blushing, but silently Phil looked down at his feet and smiled in agreement. Alan's hands were on top of his head watching him closely.
"Like you and Jess, right?" asked Alan genuinely.
"Yeah," smiled Phil thinking of all the times he shared with Jess. Her nightly smiles or the frowns when she would wake up grumpy. It was like the way her pajama bottoms rode up her ass after tossing and turning all night, nearly hitting in his face more time than he could count. Or the way his fingers caught in a messy bun on top her head as they passionately kissed in the kitchen making food.
"Like me and Jess," he nodded happily turning to Stu, who was not getting anywhere on the call.
"It's an escort service. They're not gonna tell us shit."
"Maybe an escort would," offered Phil waving a hand out. "Do you still have her number?"
"Yeah but it would be pretty awkward."
"That's all we got," commented Phil as Alan let out a loud giggle as he was waving at Cassie again by the window. Reaching out to Jade, the group departed and arrived at a beautiful home outside Vegas. Ringing the doorbell, a blonde woman opened the door with a smile.
"Hey!" she said opening it fully and going in for hug. "You guys! It's been so long. Come in!"
Walking in after Phil and Stu hugged her, they admired the home Jade lived in.
"You look great!" said Jade after her hug with Stu.
"So do you! You are pregnant!" said Stu happily, hand pointing at her stomach.
"I feel so fat," smiled Jade brushing her hair back.
"Jess feels the same way," smirked Phil turning back around to face the group.
"Is she? Is she pregnant too?" asked Jade holding her hands together. "Oh, would you guys mind taking your shoes off? I'm kinda a germ freak."
Nodding, they each took their shoes off. Looking up, Phil called for Alan urgently while Stu said loudly "what are you doing". Realizing he had placed his hand on Jade's stomach to steady himself, he apologized before Phil answered her earlier question.
"Yes. Jess is pregnant again," said Phil happily. Jade raised an eyebrow and smiled brightly at him, while crossing her arms over her chest.
"Again?" she smirked. "I don't remember her being pregnant when I last saw you guys."
"Yes," said Stu smiling at Phil's shyness. "She became pregnant during that time and gave birth to a baby boy earlier in January."
"She was so happy with you I could tell Phil!" Jade crossing her hands together as she looked between the guys. "Jess was so sweet! I bet she's an amazing mother!"
"She is. She really is," said Stu.
"Honorary Uncle Stu," laughed Jade as they walked into the living room. "I got married a year ago to a surgeon. Another doctor, can you believe it!"
"Another doctor," said Stu happily seeing the connection.
"His name is Jeff, you guys would love him," she said walking toward a playroom. "Tyler, say hi to mommy's friends?"
A small blond boy sat playing with his toys. He looked up eyeing the group of men around his mother. For a moment it was like seeing Jack playing but Phil didn't speak.
"Wait is that the baby?" asked Stu.
"Yeah! Time flies huh?"
"Listen Jade is there a place that we could talk that's a little more private," asked Phil quietly pointing at Tyler who was staring at them. Jade led them to the kitchen as Alan stayed back to play with Tyler for the visit. Explaining the situation, Stu and Phil plead with her to help them. Even Jess was with Chow to their understanding, they explained.
"I don't know. I mean you gotta understand, I've been out of that world for a few years now."
"Yeah, of course, we totally get that—" confirmed Phil.
"I mean Jeff knows everything and he's cool but…"
"We are just asking if you could call around just find out if anybody knows where he might be," offered Stu.
"Jess is with him?" she asked to confirm something before picking up her phone. Nodding, Stu and Phil listened quietly as Jade made various calls. After a bit, Jade finally sighed in relief at getting somewhere.
"Okay… Just trust me. You don't wanna go over there, okay? Not this one. I love you too! Bye!"
She sat the phone down and squared her shoulders, letting out a heavy sigh.
"She says this crazy Chinese guy and an American woman are held up in a penthouse suite at Ceasars Palace. There's girls going in and out. Drugs everywhere. It sounds like a bad scene. She did say that the woman was pregnant and verbally fighting with the Chinese guy a lot."
Nodding, Phil and Stu hugged her deeply thanking her greatly.
"If it's truly Jess, I hope's she's okay," she said hugging Phil. "Get her back safety."
*dot*
(PHONE RINGS)
Yeah.
We got him, said Stu over the phone.
Great. Where is he?
Caesars Palace.
Change of plans. Tell him we're going to Vegas. I'm on my way. There's a spot just outside of town. I'll text you the details. Be there at 6 a.m. And make sure the little fucker's tied up.
We don't have him, said Stu worriedly.
Hey, Marshall, it's Phil.
Maybe Stu wasn't clear. We don't actually have Chow, we just know where he is. Yeah, and we were hoping that you and your guys could go to Caesars and get him.
I don't give a fuck what you were hoping. The deal is you bring Chow to me.
Oh, fuck, muttered Phil realizing it was too good to be true. He sighed heavily as he prayed for Jess.
6 a.m. or your friend is dead.
*dot*
"Shit. Oh, God. This place gives me the chills," shuttered Stu.
"I know, right? It's great to be back. So many good memories," smiled Alan looking up too.
"Are you kidding me?" shouted Stu looking at Alan in confusion. Phil walked back up and put his hands on his hips.
"Okay, so here's the deal: You need a key just to get onto his floor. And then once you're there, he's got security posted at the door. It's ridiculous."
"Let me guess, that's him?" pointed Stu upward at the topmost villa.
"Yep. The one with the strobe lights," confirmed Phil. "I got an idea. But you're not gonna like it."
"It's not gonna work," said Stu unconfidently.
"Not with that fucking attitude," snapped Phil. "Now let's end this and get my woman back."
"You know this whole place is made out of marbles?" asked Alan as they waited on the elevator to the stairwell, they took many years ago.
"After we stick Chow, Alan and I are gonna take him down through the lobby. Be waiting in valet. Engine running, ready to go," Phil had instructed.
"Are you sure about this?" asked Stu standing nervously.
"Give me the Demerol. See you in 20 minutes," stated Phil holding the door for Alan.
"Hey, Phil?"
"Yeah?"
"Don't die."