Christopher's frown deepened when he heard Brad's name. Benjamin's solemn tone told him that something was wrong with his friend.
He became concerned.
"Is he all right?"
"No… His phone had been turned off since the previous day, so I came to check on him after work. I rang the doorbell several times, but he never opened it. I had to break the door. What I saw inside was really upsetting."
"Don't keep me hanging," he snarled, his breathing becoming heavy. "What happened to him?"
"I found him on the floor, unconscious," Brad explained, "and there were beer cans all over the place. His body was burning. I gave him a cold-water sponge bath and called the doctor. His temperature has subsided a bit, but he is still not opening his eyes."
"Did you call his parents?"
"No… I thought I'd let you know first."
"Don't tell them right now," Christopher said after some thought. "They will be worried. Stay there with him. I am coming."
