Page 29 of Mortala
There’s always the insanity plea but that’s not any better.She’d sit in county for months waiting for her trial—if a judge doesn’t revoke her bond—losing her shit in a tiny cell.Then to be sent away to live under the magnifying glass of people who have questionable medical licenses.
Finally at the lower level, I step out and stand to the side of the elevator, sucking in cool Oregon air.It’s barely ten a.m.and the temperature is threatening to freeze again—thankfully the parking garage has some semblance of heating or I’d be a miserable fuck.Years traveling the globe, fighting in jungles and deserts both, it’s hard to get used to the cold.One day, I want to drag Sadie out of the north and to somewhere warmer—if she keeps adding to her rap sheet though, we may end up living in a country without extradition.
Slow down, Elias.Let’s not start with the escape plans.
Scrolling my phone, I hit her contact info.It’s after one over there, and other than studying she doesn’t have a damn thing to do.Makes it easier to find her when I need to, or punish her; whichever.
“Why are you calling me?”She answers before it goes to voicemail.
“Don’t need permission.”
Hearing Sadie’s voice does something to the sack around my heart—strangles it ‘cause softness is nowhere to be found.
“You don’t, but that don’t mean you should.Don’t call me.”
“You’ll get over it.The detective from your little incident called me.Chelsea’s pressing charges.Don’t think I have to tell you to stay put, but I will anyway.Leaving the state is a bad idea.”
“You’re right, I won’t.That's all you wanted?Could have sent a text, like you send everything else.”
“Hardly.I’ll be in town tonight.We’ll discuss what needs to happen and what to do next—getting you out of the charges is the main goal.”
I could be hallucinating but I swear she growls.You know what, I won’t put it past her, this woman is capable of anything.
“Listen, Sunshine.What you experienced last time was just holding.Jail fucking sucks.Ask your parents the difference—“
“I’d rather not.Make this quick, ‘Lias.I have shit to do.”
“Watch your mouth.I’d hate to punish you when I get in town.”
“Shaking in my boots.”
Patience is a virtue.Patience is a virtue.
Holding my tongue, waiting for her to get her sass out before continuing, I listen to her breathe.It’s soft, much like she sounds when she’s sleeping.Funny enough, I’m shocked she hasn’t hung up yet.Makes me wonder if she’s sticking around to pull my strings or if she actually likes hearing me as much as I like hearing her.
Several years of interrogating people has taught me when one method doesn’t work you try another.Changing tactics, I move us in a different direction.
“Do you want me to bring something back for you?”
There’s a pause; I can picture her looking at her phone with confusion then placing it back to her ear.
“What?”
Without realizing it, I’m crossing the underground parking garage, smiling like a damn fool.My boots barely make a sound as I walk, noting the plethora of cars that are both pristine and others with questionable body modifications.Mine’s at the far end, a square body Bronco I’ve spent many hours elbow deep inside of.She sticks out compared to the youngin’s cars, but it’s one of the only things about this state I love.
One day I’ll get to show Sadie, maybe even let her drive it if she behaves—I know about her little stunt with her adoptive parents.Think I’ll have a stroke if she yanks the wheel of this beautiful piece of machinery for the fuck of it.
The door pops open with ease, then shuts with a hard thud when I settle into the front seat, finally giving her an explanation.
“Do you want me to bring something back for you, I’m in Oregon right now.Nowhere near the ocean, so don’t ask for some shit like cuttlefish, but I can get you something from here if you want.”
Too many words—I can overthink it later.
“Sure, what’s in Oregon other than sadness and rain?”
“Think there's a few trees and rocks.”
“Because we don’t have enough of that in Philly.”
