Page 60 of Mercy & Malice

“No,” I reply.

“And there were three total captors holding the two of you, and no other persons there?”

I nod. I didn’t mention my father because then I’d have to say that Micah killed him. And I don’t want him to get in trouble. Even if it was self-defense, I can’t imagine they’d take it lightly that a man was murdered much less a fellow officer.

The older guy flips the page in his notepad. “The property came back registered to a shadow corporation, so it’s been a dead end.” He pauses for a second before he says, “If you think of anything further, please give us a call.”

He tips his head, his pitying look the same as the nurse who introduced herself earlier and the same one Troy gives me before he steps out of the room and closes the door behind him.

Ivy asks, “Is your mom coming back tonight?”

“No, I told her not to. I didn’t even want to stay.” All she did was cry and tell me she’s sorry. And I was too exhausted to talk. It feels like a lifetime ago that we argued in her office. And in reality, it was only a week ago.

“Don’t blame you. But I plan on staying.” She grabs a laptop out of her bag and sets it up on the overbed table. “How about New Girl? Or a movie? Or do you just want to get some sleep?”

“New Girl would be good.” Reruns for background noise. Because the silence is too loud. “You don’t have to stay.”

“Yeah, I do. Luca and I will be here for the night, so don’t argue please.”

I don’t since I really don’t want to be alone.

We’re three episodes in and I’m dozing off and on, the show mixing with my dreams, until a full-blown nightmare wakes me up. I search around the dark room, the only light coming in from the window and the laptop screen. Ivy and Luca are snuggled on the couch. When I see Micah sitting in the chair, I blink a few times, making sure it’s not a mirage or wishful thinking.

Carefully, I climb out of the bed, grabbing onto the IV pole, and go over to him. He shifts slightly as I carefully climb onto his lap. When he places an arm under my legs and the other around my back and begins to lift me up, I plead, “Please don’t go.”

He presses his lips against my forehead as he moves next to the bed. “You’ll sleep better here.”

“No, I’ll sleep better wherever you are.” I don’t let go as he carefully sets me down, feeling like he’s responsible for supplying my next breath. “Please stay with me.”

Instead of breaking away, he climbs in bed beside me and pulls me against him. “I’m with you. Promise.”

I finally relax against him, but I can’t help saying, “What if they come back for us?”

His body tenses before his fingertips stroke over my hair. “I swear to you, no one will ever hurt you again.”

No one can promise that. He’ll have to leave my side at some point, and Luca’s security guy will go about his usual business soon. “Did you get checked out?”

“I’m fine.”

“Micah,” I huff.

“I am. I have a few bruises and cuts. But there’s nothing they can do that I can’t heal on my own, and I didn’t want to be away from you any longer.”

That I can’t argue with. I close my eyes, hoping the nightmares stay away. They don’t. But every time I wake up, Micah is there. And it’s enough.

31

MICAH

A nurse is at Brooke’s bedside, removing the IV from her arm. She was thrilled when the same nurse said she was given the all-clear to head home. Me, not so excited. Because I don’t want her back at my house until I put my father in the ground.

There’s a quick knock on the door before my brother opens it enough to signal me to step out. “I’ll be right back. I’m just going to talk with Luca in the hallway,” I reassure Brooke, her eyes searching mine. She’s been constantly worried that I’m going to leave and not come back. That won’t happen again. I give her a quick kiss on her forehead as I say, “Promise.”

“Okay.” She doesn’t seem convinced, but I follow my brother into the hospital corridor.

“Have you found anything?” I ask as soon as we reach the waiting area near the elevator.

“No, he’s completely off grid. Every property in his name and all his usual getaway spots have been checked. There must be more. But so far, no luck.”