Unsure of what else to say, Harley fell silent. She was exhausted because she’d stayed up most of the night, in somuch pain she wondered if one of her ribs was broken. However, she knew better than to complain. Even when Pillar of Earth messaged her early this morning and ordered her to the bathroom for another video, Harley merely said, “okay.” She didn’t cry or bemoan her fate. It was what it was. Fresh injuries on top of old ones. New humiliation added to the previous.
It just didn’t matter. One day, it would end. Or she would die. Or it would end when she died.
“We need to hit the road,” Uncle Val announced, standing in the doorway. “I got to go see how fucking much reserve cash I got.”
The words penetrated Harley’s flare of panic the moment she reminded herself that Uncle Val would never hurt her and the anger blanketing his face wasn’t directed at her. Ryan would do her something quicker than his father.
“Johnnie set it up where the only way anyone outside a Dweller’s immediate family can go on that unit is to get permission fromhimand to pony up a hefty fucking fee.” Uncle Val scrubbed a hand over his face. “I got to talk to Puff.”
“Wouldn’t Uncle Christopher and Aunt Meggie help?” Ryan asked. “Both families can split the fee. Couldn’t we? I mean, we aren’t that far down the financial pole where we couldn’t do that, right, Pops?”
Uncle Val glanced away, then forced a smile and nodded. “Let me talk to your mama first, boy. Say bye to Molly—”
“Excuse me, but there are too many people in this room,” a female voice said from behind Uncle Val. The words weren’t unkind but they were firm. “Besides, I think your time’s up. Visits are limited to fifteen minutes.”
“We were just leaving,” Uncle Val said, signaling to Harley.
Standing, Harley kissed Molly’s forehead again, then followed Uncle Val and Ryan into the hallway, allowing the nurse to slip into the room. The elevator ride to ground level wassilent. Father and son were upset for different reasons. Harley wished she could help, although she didn’t know what to say.
“You have time for me to get a breakfast burrito from the cafeteria, Pops?”
“Sure, boy. I’ll just wait for you near the grand piano.”
The hospital atrium featured large windows with natural lights, a waterfall named after Aunt Meggie, artificial greenery, and groups of seats. Unlike in Molly’s room, a combination of natural and soft artificial light filtered into the space. A grand piano, donated by Sloane and Georgie Mason, where mini concerts were conducted for visitors, especially during the holidays always drew a lot of attention.
“Can I come with you, Ryan?” Harley asked, even though he was halfway to the cafeteria’s entrance.
“No.”
“Please bring me a burrito.”
He disappeared into the hustle and bustle without responding. She’d give him the benefit of the doubt and say he might not have heard her.
Uncle Val had already walked away and sat in one of the comfortable wingback chairs, so Harley went to him and seated herself on the sofa. He didn’t seem in the mood for conversation, so she kept her mouth shut.
A man with reddish brown hair, hawkish eyes, and wearing a business suit stopped next to Uncle Val. “You stormed out of my office so quickly, I didn’t get a chance to finish our conversation, Mr. Taylor.”
“There’s nothing to fucking say,” Uncle Val barked. “The contract is ironclad, according to you, Cox. Without the fucking appropriate funds.”
Cox was really handsome with a sharp nose and square jaw. She estimated him to be in his early to mid-thirties.
“If you would’ve given me a chance to check a few notes—”
“For? Whatever is in the contract can’t be changed until it’s time for a new one.”
Indecision tore across Cox’s face. “Johnnie just recently renegotiated the contract.”
“Of course he fucking did,” Uncle Val spat. “Whathasn’tthat motherfucker done recently?”
“He said he had full approval.” Cox cleared his throat. “He handles the contracts for the hospital and the school.”
Uncle Val nodded. “He didn’t lie.”
Cox started toward the sofa, then halted and looked at Uncle Val. “May I?”
“Sit?” Uncle Val asked. “This a public fucking place. I can’t stop you.”
“Thank you.” Cox nodded to Harley in an offhanded manner. “I’m new. Hired just weeks ago because of a mix-up with a doctor after one of your club member’s sons overdosed.”
