It rained that night, the night it happened. I remember because we both got soaked when we were running from the car to the hotel. We walked into the lobby, both heaving breaths as our lungs burned from the sprint. You turned to me with a smile.

“We need to get in shape,” you told me. I laughed as we made our way to the check-in desk. The line moved quickly and as I leaned on the edge of the desk, I remember the receptionist glaring at me for leaving water marks on the wood.

“Do you have a reservation?” she asked.

“Last name is Isaacs,” I replied, reaching for my wallet.

You just hung back, letting me do all the talking. She finally handed over the key and we headed for the elevators but there were too many people. You said we should take the stairs. So we did. It took longer but at least our coats were sort of dry when we got to the room.

“What are we doing tonight?” you asked as we laid our coats on the backs of the chairs.

“It’s up to you,” I answered with shrug.

“You were the one who wanted to meet up,” I reminded you.

“We can go check out the bar,” you suggested. I nodded and grabbed the key.

We grabbed two spots at the end of the bar. It wasn’t too smoky....just the way we liked it. To both our surprise there were very few people in the bar tonight. Still we leaned in close, keeping our voices low.

“How are Jen and the kids?” I asked nonchalantly, just as the bartender walked over.

“What can I get for you boys today?” he asked.

“Whatever’s dark on tap,” you told him.

“Make it two,” I add. We always were alike.

“They’re doing well. The kids are out of school for the holiday break,” you muttered as the bartender turned to fill our drinks.

“They’d love for you to visit,” you add as we take our drinks.

“Maybe over Easter. I’m busy the next few months,” I sighed. Family life, that’s where you and I differ. People always said we’d never grow apart but we did. You married, became a father. I didn’t. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for you.

“I’ll hold you to that,” you said with a smirk. I just laughed. We fell into silence as we drank our beers. I set my empty mug down and he came to fill it again. Slowly, the alcohol warmed my body. As if on cue we both tossed bills next to our glasses and stood. You didn’t see it but the bartender gave us a strange look.

This is where thing started to get messy. We weren’t drunk. It was only a couple of beers. But it was enough. We were walking through the lobby. Maybe we shouldn’t have but we did. You walked by the luggage cart and you stumbled, just for a second. The man on the other eyed you like you did it on purpose, sending the bags toppling.

“Sorry, sir,” you muttered in apology. I could see the guy was angry, angrier than he should have been over toppled luggage. I grabbed your arm and started to drag you towards the elevators.

“You’re sorry? You’re not sorry. Get your lying ass back here,” he shouted. Now we were running. I glanced over my shoulder and he was right behind us. The guy was nuts. I was frantically pushing the ‘up’ button but the damn thing wouldn’t come. I dropped your arm when we got to the elevator. I looked at the guy and it was then that we both noticed the knife in his waistband.

“Look, it was an accident,” I addressed the guy.

“You think you can just go around knocking people’s things over and get away with it?” he shouted at me. He couldn’t tell us apart. I chanced a look between you and me. We were both wearing jeans and black shirts. It was an easy mistake. Before I knew it he was lunging at me, knife drawn.

“You’re out of your mind!” you shouted at him, pushing me out of the way. He barely missed your arm. You pushed him back and he dropped the knife. You reached for it. I never thought you’d use it. I guess we weren’t as close as we used to be because you swung, drawing blood from his face.

“Give me the damn knife!” he howled at you, his arms flailing around.

You just tackled him. I couldn’t watch as you stabbed him. I finally had to drag you off of him. You backed away slowly. I knew you couldn’t have really meant to do it. We had to move quickly. I looked at your blood-stained clothes. I knew someone would come looking soon. I pulled you around the corner and started pulling my shirt off. You looked confused.

“What are you doing?” you asked.

“Give me your shirt and pants,” I demanded, holding my hand out. You slowly took of your shirt, putting mine off. We finished switching clothes just in time for a hotel worker to find us.

Within minutes the police had arrived and were handcuffing me. I’d told you to tell them what happened...tell them I’d killed him. You will understand one day.

That day has come. I face trial today and I know you will be there. You haven’t figured it out yet. Don’t worry. You’ll find out soon. Everyone rises as the judge walks in.

“Has the jury reached a verdict?” he asked the woman on the end in the first row of the jury box.

“We have your Honor,” she replied.

“On the first count of murder in the fist degree, how do you find?” the judge questioned.

“We find the defendant, Thomas Isaacs, guilty,” she read aloud. I saw you cringe at the sentence. The bailiff walked towards me I turn to you and lean in close.

“Why did you do it? Why did you take the fall?” you whispered in my ear as the started to drag me away.

“You have a wife and kids, Aaron. You couldn’t lose them. I guess I won’t be seeing you for Easter,” I replied as I crossed the courtroom.