Chapter Text
'Hastings, stop him!' shouted Poirot.
Hastings rushed out of the cabinet, sliding on the floor. The Captain managed to grab Cornworthy's hand hardly had he reached the staircase. The perpetrator knocked the noble Captain down, making them both roll the stairs. They were in a harsh fight for a few moments when they finally managed to get back on their feet. Cornworthy pushed Hastings to the vase, buying himself time to escape, but it didn't take much time for Hastings to get back his balance, so he was back in the chase in a moment. He overtook Cornworthy and punched his face, making the both fall again when the unexpected happened. The runaway took something from his pocket and moved it to Hastings. A sharp pain shot through Hastings' body. Paper knife.He saw it in a mist when it left his body. The next thing he noticed was Cornworthy leaving the building.
'Hastings!' Poirot shouted, running the stairs.
'Mon Dieu, Hastings !' the little man went down to see a red stain growing on his associate's vest. He fell on his knees in front of his friend.
'Sacré !' ejaculated him, convulsively undoing the buttons on Hastings' vest. The detective pulled an enormous handkerchief out of his pocket and applied it to the wound with his both hands.
'Call the ambulance, NOW!' he shouted to the people standing above.
'Are you with me, mon ami? Hastings? Tell something!' his voice sounded higher than usual while in panic.
'I am, ' murmured the Captain. 'Your hands are shaking. I don't see it that often, I've told you'
'Well, I think that having my friend stabbed is a decent reason!' exclaimed the Belgian with a mix of anger and despair. Hastings let out a small laugh through the pain.
'I'll be fine, Poirot. Don' t worry' Hastings put his hand on Poirot's and squeezed them weakly'
'You will be, mon ami, you will be' Poirot smiled looked at his partner with the tenderness.'
'Mon ami ?' asked the Belgian when he saw his friend's eyes closing. 'You would better not close your eyes, mon cher. Stay with Poirot. Do you hear me?'
No respond.
'Do you hear me? You should stay awake. Can you do this for Poirot?' he shook his friend gently.
'Hastings, do you hear me? Stay with me. Hastings, do you hear? Stay with me. Hastings?'
No respond.
'Hastings? Arthur, mon cher, please. You should stay with Poirot. Please, mon ami. Look at me. Ne me quitte pas. Arthur? Arthur!'