His phone starts ringing almost immediately, “It’s Nash.”
“Get proof of life,” he says, “I need to know my daughter is alive.”
He presses the answer button, “Hey man.”
As he talks, he looks at Gilbert and then at me, “It’s only been two days since I gave you the last batch. How can you be so sick already?”
Matt huffs, “Alright, I got you. I’ll give you enough to take the edge off. But you’re going to have to get me some cash soon or you’ll be dope sick all over again.”
“Okay, I’ll be at our meeting spot in under an hour, but Nash? Tell me you didn’t kill her? I’ve been sick thinking about it. She’s my friend too.” He moves the phone away so we can hear.
“Baby, tell him you’re alive.” Nash’s voice comes through the phone.
Mercy cries out, “I wish I were dead.”
I cover my mouth to hide the sob trying to escape.
Nash laughs, “I thought we were having so much fun together, my little whore.”
I clench my fists under the table when I hear Nash calling her his and a whore. Neither sit well with me. He better not have fucking raped her.
Matt says, “Nash, please don’t hurt her. I’ll be there soon.”
“Alright,” Matt says and disconnects the call.
“He says he’s not far from the meeting spot, so he wants me to text him when I get there. It’s a two-minute walk, so she can’t be far and she’s alive.”
Alive is great, trust me, I’m relieved. But at what cost? What has he done to her? And how long will it take her to recover? Will she recover from something like this? She’s strong but even steel can break. I keep hearing her scream,‘I wish I were dead’, on repeat in my head. What has he done to my girl to make her wish for death?
Two
LIAM
“This ishow this is going to work. Matt is going to go by himself, so we don’t spook your kid. Matt, you are not to give up any drugs without seeing Mercy first. Liam, you will stay in this bar until I text you. Once I see where they go you will hear from me. Until then, you stay put.” He glances back and forth between us before glaring at me.
I shake my head, “No. I’ll go with you.”
He slams his fist on the table, “Oh, the good doctor has experience with stakeouts? Following people while remaining unseen?”
“No, of course not,” I admit.
“Andthat is exactly why you will follow my fucking orders.”
I nod because what else can I even say? I don’t want to stay back, I hate waiting. But he’s right, this is most definitely out of my expertise.
Glancing at Matt I ask, “What kind of drugs is he on?”
He swallows hard, “Heroin and Fentanyl.”
“Jesus.”
Hanging his head low he speaks in a shaky voice, “Dr. Lexington, I’m sorry.”
I want to throttle this fucking kid but instead say, “If anything happens to Mercy or my son you will be sorry. So, fucking sorry.”
Matt’s phone chimes, “He said five minutes.”
Gilbert stands, “Alright let’s get in place. I’ll watch to see where you go. Liam, be ready for my text.”