Page 63 of Mercy
Rubbing his finger on the table he says, “Five thousand.”
“FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS?” I yell far louder than I intend, attracting attention from the other patrons.
I intake a sharp breath trying to calm myself down, “What do you need five thousand dollars for, Nash? What have you gotten yourself into?”
Leaning forward, I put my wallet back in my pocket, I definitely don’t have that kind of cash on me.
He bounces his leg as if he’s about to jump out of his skin. “I owe some people money.”
Drugs, he’s on fucking drugs, why didn’t I see it the second he walked in the door. The way he fidgets, he looks sick, it should have not taken me this long to figure it out. “What kind of drugs are you on, Nash?”
He looks up at me for the first time, flashing me a glare.
“Your mother would be so disappointed.”
He cackles, “I never even met her. I don’t give a shit what she would think because she never fucking mattered to me. She’s dead, Dad. Get over it. I have. I wish she would’ve had an abortion.”
“She gave her life for yours. And you act like that means nothing.”
I grip the edges of the seat trying to contain my rage.
“It doesn’t. Are you giving me the money or not?”
“No,” I spit through a clenched jaw.
“Maybe I’ll just kill myself like you want. Walk out in front of a train, then you won’t have to deal with me ever again. Obviously, I mean nothing to you!”
A guilt trip. Lovely. I honestly don’t even know how to respond. How the hell did this even happen?
He gets up and storms off, and I notice his balance is off, he nearly falls three times before he’s out of my sight. Fuck!
I leave money on the table for both of our drinks even though Nash never even got his. I head out to my car. As I get to my vehicle, I see a long key mark along the driver’s side door. He keyed my fucking car! What the absolute hell is wrong with him? Sliding into my vehicle I’m at such a loss.
My hands grab the steering wheel with a death grip as I drive home to see my girl. I’m so furious with my son, the blood is pumping in my ears. Pulling into my driveway I park and go to the front door and it’s open. My heart stops. He wouldn’t hurt her I’m sure of it. No, I’m not sure of anything with him anymore. If he found her in my house, I’m not sure what he would do—panic claws at my chest as I run in to find her.
“MERCY!”
I’m frantic when I reach the bedroom and she turns to me in purple lingerie.
“I missed you, Daddy.” she whispers.
Casting her eyes up to my face she sees my face and rushes over to me wrapping her arms around me.
“Mercy. Why is the front door open?” I ask calmer than I feel at this moment.
“I left it open for you.”
Cupping her face, “Don’t do that again. The door stays locked even if you think it’s me. You do not open the door for anyone.”
“Liam, what’s going on?”
I run my hand through my hair as I sit on the bed.
She comes over and sits beside me, running her hand down my back. In an instant my rage diminishes, her calming affect washes over me.
“I need you to stay away from Nash baby girl. Promise me.”
Crossing her arms over her chest she glares at me, “He’s my best friend, Liam.”
