Effa would hate this.
She detests violence.
But Jett touched her, he drugged her… he was going to violate her.
Luke grips my shoulder as they drag me down the hall. “Don’t say anything without me,” he warns.
I nod, even though every part of me is fucking vibrating with rage.
I hate leaving her.
Outside, a police cruiser waits at the curb. My wrists are cuffed as the officer guides me into the back seat. I glance back at the hospital and catch Luke watching me. He must have walked out to make sure everything was okay, and he gives me a single nod.
As the door shuts, a sick thought hits me.
Maybe this was Jett’s plan all along?
To make me retaliate.
To get me out of the way.
Fuck!
Chapter Three
MERCS
The police take their sweet time while I sit in a holding cell feeling like I’m wasting oxygen.
I gave my statement. I told them everything—that Jett drugged Effa with the intention of raping her, that he told Liam about it, and that there are witnesses who can corroborate it. I know Luke didn’t want me saying a word until he got there, but I needed them to understand that Jett is dangerous. He’s not just some jealous prick. The asshole’s a liability, and he needs to be dealt with.
I’ve been here at least five hours. Maybe more. Time moves differently when you’re locked in a cell with nothing but your own thoughts. Every minute that passes without news from the hospital claws at me. The not knowing is torture. I don’t give a damn what happens to me, I just need to know how Effa is.
An officer finally appears at the bars. “Mercury. You’re free to go.”
I blink at him in confusion. “What?”
“Jett Jones isn’t pressing assault charges. And the police aren’t pursuing it further. So you’re free to go. Just try not to end up back here on a violence charge. Got it?”
I stand slowly, nodding once. “Yeah. Thanks.”
“And Mercury…” He gestures to my hands. “Wash the blood off your knuckles.”
I glance down, then give him a tight nod. My skin is split and swollen, dried blood caked over my fists—mine and Jett’s—and I start following him out of the cells.
Luke is waiting at the front desk. He dips his chin in greeting before I sign the release form and collect my belongings.
“Don’t come back,” the officer says, sliding my wallet and phone across the counter.
I take them, my jaw tight, and Luke joins me as we push through the doors. Cooper’s outside with the engine running, holding the door open like he expects me to explode again.
Before Luke can launch into whatever fucking lecture he’s prepared, I cut him off. “How is Effa? Is she okay?”
He exhales, his shoulders easing slightly. “No change.”
My stomach drops. I wasn’t expecting miracles, but I’d hoped for something—any sign.
“I need to be with her—”