Page 58 of Heart Sick

Today was the first day I heard voices. But I’m not crazy. I know it’shim.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m fine. You and everyone in here are the ones who are crazy!”

“No one called you crazy,” Dr. Greene says calmly. “And we don’t like using that term.”

But his tone is patronizing and pisses me off.

“Arewedone?”

“For now.”

He pushes a button, and two orderlies come into his office, ready to throw down if needed. But Dr. Greene shakes his head.

Pushing off his desk, I know the drill and coolly sit into the wheelchair. I salute the doctor as one of the orderlies wheels me away.

I need to get out of here because the more time spent here, the worse things feel. I would rather deal with the voices outside these walls than within. But what about Luna?

“You can’t leave her here.”

“I know!” I exclaim, and when Merlin ceases pumping his cock from the chair he sits in the corridor, I realize I replied aloud to the mystery voice.

I’m wheeled into the rec room and placed in front of the TV. I’m not strapped in like usual and am surprised when the orderlies leave. Is this a test?

“Yes.”

“Who are you?” I ask out loud and no one looks twice because it’s just another day in the office to see someone speaking to themselves.

“You know who I am.”

“What’s your name, asshole? If you’re going to annoy the shit out of me, then I should at least know your name.”

“Jack.”

Not much shocks me anymore, but this does. Did he really just tell me his name?

“Look who it is.”

It’s Old Timer, sweeping his way toward me.

Memories of seeing him with Noah come back to me, and I curl my lip, disgusted. “Not doing business with your little friend today?”

Old Timer blanches, realizing he’s been caught. “You did a real number on him.”

“No, I really didn’t because if I did, he would be dead. How could you be in business with him?” I make it very clear that I don’t trust him because of the fact.

“It’s the only way to survive in this place. I’ve told you that. Has being a smart mouth got you anywhere?” he poses, continuing his ruse of cleaning as he sweeps under the table.

“At least I’ve still got my dignity,” I spit because he’s a fucking sellout.

“Has that saved you orher?”

The mere mention of Luna has me wishing to rip out his tongue. “Where is she?”

“If you want to help her, do what you’re told. As far as I’m concerned, nothing has changed in regard to our arrangement.”

“You and your pep talk can blow me.”

Old Timer shakes his head, disappointed. “You’ll soon learn the rules on the outside don’t apply within these walls.”

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