Page 79 of No Mercy
We found out that Marco and his men tortured his body by burning his skin, breaking his fingers and cutting so deep into his skin, he experienced extensive blood loss.
I can’t stop seeing the images of him slumped in that chair, barely alive, barely holding on.
The images haunt me when I try and sleep as different scenarios play out, every single one ending with him dying.
His brothers told me that Axel bought me a house. He never told me, never gave me any hint that he’d made such a decision. I found out the day after his death, when his brothers showed me the key.
They said it was his idea, his way of giving me a future, of making sure I had a place to call my own and to love.
I haven’t had the stomach to go see it yet and I don’t know if I ever will.
I curl up on the bed, drawing my legs tight to my chest as Mandy brings a bowl of food into my room.
“Eva, please,” She whispers, kneeling in front of me. She reaches out wrapping her hand in mine, stroking it slowly.
I don’t respond as I stare at the wall in front of me, listening to his voice inside of my head.
Maybe if I let him help me that day in the woods, none of this would have happened. I wouldn’t have been alone for Marco to find me, and Axel wouldn’t have gone after him.
Mandy sighs, “Eva, you can’t do this forever. You know that right?” She says softly.
I dont blink, I don’t move. Mandy’s voice is nothing but a distant hum. Her hand remains on mine for a few moments longer before she stands.
“I’ll be right back,” She says before retreating to the door.
I listen to the sound of the door opening and voices from the other side, asking if I’m okay.
“She hasn’t eaten anything, Flynn,” Mandy says, her voice sharp but trembling with concern. “Not even water today. I don’t know what else to do.”
The sound of Flynn’s rough voice follows, but I can’t make out his words.
“I think she’s shutting down,” Mandy says, louder this time. “This isn’t just grief, this is… I don’t even know how to explain it. She’s wasting away in front of us, and she doesn’t even care.”
“She’s grieving, Mandy.” Flynn replies, his voice sounding softer. “We all are. But maybe you’re right. Maybe we need to do something.”
I listen, waiting for someone to make a decision about my life.
“She won’t like it, but we need to take her to someone who can help. I think it’s time.”
Mandy hesitates, quickly glancing towards me before lowering her voice, “Do you think she’s ready?”
“She doesn’t have to like it,” Flynn says firmly. “But she’s going. We’ll make sure of it.”
I don’t hear Mandy’s voice again as footsteps grow closer.
“Eva, we’re going to take a drive, okay?” She says gently before stepping back to allow Flynn in front.
“Eva,” He says, his voice steady. “You’re coming with us. You don’t have to say anything, but you can’t stay here. Let us help you.”
I don’t react to their words as hands reach underneath me, lifting me gently into the air. I don’t resist as they carry me out of the room. Out of my only safe haven.
The car turns down a driveway that sparks a memory. It’s the house me and Mandy were requested to stay at during our case for Rachel. It all feels foreign to me now, like a place I don’t belong to anymore.
Axel has been here, the morning after they first took Mandy. When he appeared on my balcony in his mask. His presence has been in this house more than once.
Tears silently fall as Flynn and Mandy step out of the car before opening my side.
I don’t move until she reaches in, brushing her hand against mine as she removes my seatbelt. “Come on, Eva” she says softly. I use this moment to look at her, and when I do. I see the effect I’ve had on her. She looks tired, dark circles rest under her eyes from the lack of sleep she’s had from watching over me.
