Glancing at me, she sighs, “She’s right Liam. I should be doing this alone.”
I grip the steering wheel tight as I turn towards the jail. “That was never going to happen, Elle. Never.”
As I turn into the parking lot, she says, “Poor Mercy.”
“Yeah, she feels like me going means what Nash did wasn’t so horrible in my eyes.”
“How did you leave things?” She asks as she steps out of the vehicle.
“We are supposed to have lunch. I was hoping you’d go with us. I’d like my two favorite women to get to know each other.”
“I’m still one of your favorites?”
I kiss her forehead, “Always, Cupcake, always.”
We left our cell phones in the car since we couldn’t bring them in with us anyway. She left her purse as well, bringing only her wallet. We walked into the jail, gave our identification, and filled out a form. A little while later, we are searched and escorted to a room with tables and chairs throughout.
The guard says, “You can sit. He will join you shortly. One hug is permitted at the beginning of the visit, and one is permitted at the end. No other touching.”
I nod, and we sit down.
Nash comes in and hugs Elle before he sits down. He looks like Nash, showered and normal. I’m flooded with relief to see that maybe there’s a chance for him to straighten his life out. He hangs his head as if he can’t look at either one of us.
“I’m sorry, Dad.”
I don’t know what to say, so I sit with a clenched jaw.
“Nash, look at me,” Elle says.
He looks up at her with a tear running down his face.
“Why?”
He shrugs his shoulders, “I wish I knew.”
Blowing a big sigh, he continues, “Look, I wanted Mercy for a long time. I’ve been in love with her for most of my life. When I saw her with Dad something snapped. I know the drugs played a pretty big part. But I’m not looking for an excuse to get out of taking responsibility. I hurt the one person that means the most to me. I nearly became a rapist. I would have if they didn’t stop me. That’s something I have to learn to live with. I can never make it right.”
Elle wipes the tears from her cheeks, “There is one thing you can do.”
“What? I’d do anything.”
“Take responsibility, Nash. Do the right thing. Plead guilty and spare Mercy from a trial where she will have to relive everything you did to her.”
He nods, “You’re right. I will change my plea.”
He runs his hands through his hair and asks, “How is she? Is she okay?”
“She’s fine now,” I bite.
“I wish she’d come to see me so I could apologize, but I understand why she won’t.”
I laugh, “Yeah, that’s not happening. You will never see her again.”
He nods, “So you’re still together then?”
Elle puts her hand on my arm, “Liam.”
I nod, “I’m fine, Elle.”