“Because he led us to you, the man who's been making our lives a living hell for years, taking down our operations and costing us millions of dollars. You have been a bigger problem than any competition out there.”
“If you think it'll end with me, you're wrong.”
He huffs, crossing his arms and leaning forward. “No, I'm not. No one cares as much as you do and unlike you, most of the men in your department are easily bought.”
“Lennon—”
“Especially him. Why do you think he kept trying to get you to drop the case?”
My gut twists. “No…”
“Yes. Open your eyes. The world is changing every day. People are selfish and out for their own gain. Even ones who claim not to be.” He kicks my ankle cuff with the tip of his boot.
“I—”
“Especially you. Tell me, how much was your raise after your big promotion?”
“That's not the reason I—”
My words get caught in my throat after a sharp kick comes to my stomach. I grit my teeth when I’m hit with another blow, leaving me breathless.
“Please…”
“If only people could see you for the hero you are now.” His laughter is wicked. “Fucking pathetic is what you are. No loud applause or high praises for you here. Only misery.”
He turns around and heads out a metal door and I sink against the wall, glancing around the dark, cold cellar. The smell of blood, sweat, and something foul hangs in the air. Vomit or shit. Maybe both. My eyes move around frantically, searching for any evidence of me not being alone. They lied. He's not here. Unless they have him somewhere else. My head spins and I close my eyes, drifting off again.
Loud screaming has my eyes flashing open. In the corner of the room two figures move around in the shallow light. It's hard to make out what's fully happening but someone appears to be on the floor. Chains rattle, and my heart beats fast in my chest when I realize they aren't mine.
“Ignacio,” I whisper.
“Please,” a strained voice says. “I'll be good, I promise. Don't take me back there. I won't go.”
His voice grows more recognizable as he continues to talk. I'd know it anywhere. Instead of being light and full of snark the way it used to be, it's filled with sadness and defeat.
“I…it hurts. I can't anymore. Not today.”
My stomach recoils, my blood running cold. What have they done to him? How long has he been suffering this way? I let this happen. All his pain and tears are on me.
“No,” Ignacio shouts again. “Don't.”
“You should have thought about that before throwing your piss in my face, you little shit. Keep acting out and you'll be punished.”
A loud thump sounds around me, followed by screeching. The awful man leaves the room, slamming the door behind him, and the room fills with soft sobs. “I'm not here. I'm not here,” he says over and over, his voice sounding weaker the more he speaks.
“Iggy,” I whisper.
He goes quiet. “Is someone else there? I'm hearing things again, aren't I?”
“No, you're not. I'm real and we're going to get out of here, I promise. Whatever it takes.”
“Everett?”
“Yes, it's me.”
“What…why are you here? I must be dreaming again.”
My heart clenches. He's been here so long, he doesn’t know what's real anymore. If only we weren't so far apart.