Series: The Moretti Crime Family Series by J.L. Beck
Total pages in book: 119
Estimated words: 111428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 557(@200wpm)___ 446(@250wpm)___ 371(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 557(@200wpm)___ 446(@250wpm)___ 371(@300wpm)
She’s so selfless, so fucking caring, it’s insane. She would gladly take a bullet for this girl, even though she hardly knows her. That single attribute makes me want her all the more.
“I promise I’ll help you in any way I can.”
“Okay.” She nods in defeat. “I’ll tell you.”
“I’m going to trust you and call the doctor now,” I’ll tell her, mostly because I don’t know if this girl is going to make it if I don’t get the doctor there as soon as possible, but I’m definitely not telling Fallon that.
“When we get back to my place, you’re going to write the right number on a piece of paper. I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt here, don’t fucking play with me again. I’ll send the doctor away faster than I called him and bring her back to the auction place to die in the basement. Do you understand?”
“I understand.”
I get my phone out and dial one of the doctors we have on call. He answers on the second ring, almost like he was expecting a call. He agrees to come right away, no questions asked.
He better, for what I’m going to pay him.
Fallon remains quiet for the remainder of the drive.
The only sounds filling the cab are the quiet hum of the engine and the occasional whimper coming from the half-dead girl lying on my backseat. If I didn’t have Fallon with me, I would’ve killed the girl just to put her out of her misery. I can only imagine what she’s been through, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she was keen to the thought of death. Hell, when all this is over, she just might try and do it anyway.
After what seems like an eternity, we arrive at the penthouse. I park in my spot, cut the engine, and get out of the car. Walking around quickly, I open the door where Fallon is sitting. She carefully gets out while keeping Julie’s head cradled in her hands. I pass Fallon the car key before I awkwardly pull the girl’s body out and lift her into my arms. A bag of flour weighs more than this girl does.
“Close the door and lock the car,” I command.
“I’m surprised you trust me with the key,” Fallon points out but does as she is asked. “What if I were to try and take off now?”
She’s not dumb enough to do that.
“I know you wouldn’t leave Julie behind. Now type in the code,” I grumble once inside the elevator. She types in the numbers I rattle off, her hand shaking, and before I know it, the elevator is sailing north. As soon as the doors open, I carry Julie straight to the guest bedroom.
Fallon is following me like a shadow. With great gentleness, I place Julie’s beaten body on the bed, and even the soft mattress seems to cause her discomfort. Her face distorts into anguish, and a pained cry rips from her throat. The sound is coarse, and one I know she has made a thousand times over given how badly beaten she is.
Standing up, I scan her body for any life-threatening injuries. Every inch of her skin is either covered in dirt, bruises, cuts, or dried blood. She is a mess, a disaster, and I know she’d be better off dead at this point, but for once in my life, I’m going to do the right thing. I’m going to help someone.
Turning to Fallon, I say, “Why don’t you get a washcloth and start to clean her up a bit while we wait for the doctor.”
Fallon disappears into the attached bathroom, and I hear the water running a moment later. Walking back out into the hallway, I grab a piece of paper and a pen from the entryway table. It’s time for her to uphold her end of the bargain.
When I return to the room, Fallon is already running a washcloth over Julie’s forehead and cheeks. She’s watching her with hawk eyes; the concern she has for this girl is everlasting.
“Here,” I hand Fallon the items in my hand, “write the number on it.” She hesitates for a brief moment, then drops the washcloth on the nightstand and proceeds to write the number down. “I’ll be right back.”
Fallon’s gaze flicks to mine, searching for confirmation in my eyes. I give her a tiny nod, hoping to ease her mind, but I’m not sure there is anything I can do to convince her right now. Until I can actually deliver, Fallon is going to doubt me and my intentions.
I quietly slip out of the room, closing the door behind me. I walk to the end of the hall, where I can still see the door, but where I know Fallon won’t be able to listen in on my conversation with whoever is going to be on the other line.