Page 83 of Cry For Mercy

Chapter Thirty-One

JULIE

It was strange to be so comfortable with someone I barely knew, but in the few days I’d known Adam Teller, I felt like time had moved differently for us. Had it only been days? Or had it been weeks? Months? I felt comfortable enough with him, that I’d slept beside him for two nights in a row, and even showered with him. He knew more about me, and what went on in my head, than anyone. Except for Cassidy.

It still bothered me though. The fact that he’d referred to Cassidy as Cass earlier. It reminded me of the conversation we’d never finished. The man on the phone when I spoke to her, he also called her Cass. Did that mean that Adam had some connection to her, that he wasn’t telling me about? And why was I nervous about raising that with him again? Because I was getting attached? Because I didn’t want this to end, before it even began?

“You okay?” He was suddenly beside the table, his hand squeezing my shoulder. As I looked up into his eyes, I realised I was being stupid. Why would he keep anything from me? Why would he hide information that was essential to my wellbeing? Of course he wouldn’t.

He grinned. “See, this is what happens when people wait too long to eat. Let me check and see what bar snacks we can get from this little hovel. We’ll eat, before we go on with our day.”

He moved carefully toward the bar. He was clearly in pain, especially after Jeff stupidly patted his shoulder, and made him move like that. I checked the time on my phone. It was only approaching ten in the morning. It felt later, with all that had happened so far.

I watched Adam as he chatted easily with the bartender. I didn’t want those doubts about him to get in the way. I glanced at my phone. There was one person I could ask.

Me: Hey… thanks for phoning yesterday. I’m so glad you’re okay. Can I ask you something?

A minute or so passed, while Adam was still at the bar, and then my phone finally pinged. Twice.

Cassidy: I’m sorry it took me so long. I never meant to leave you without support like that.

Cassidy: Yes, of course. Is everything okay?

I glanced at Adam again, saw him smiling over at me, so I smiled back.

Me: Have you heard of someone called Adam Teller?

Again the phone didn’t respond immediately. In fact, Adam was on his way back over to me, when it did. He was holding his side, as he walked.

Cassidy: Who is that? I’m not sure if I’ve met someone by that name.

I breathed a sigh of relief. See? All that fuss was for nothing.

“You okay, little angel? I’ve ordered us some of these breakfast roll things.” He showed me a picture on the slightly sticky menu card. Bacon and fried egg in a roll? Yum.

“That sounds perfect, thanks, Adam.”

His phone buzzed then, and he groaned. “I’m going to toss this fucking thing in the nearest drain.”

I checked mine again, while he looked at his.

Cassidy: Is this person bothering you?

Wow… she still cared. When I looked up at Adam, he had the most curious look on his face.

“Uh… everything okay?” He asked me, his voice a little rough.

I sent back a quick no to Cassidy, and put my phone away.

“Yeah… just checking in with a friend.”

He tapped a message into his phone, and then tucked it into his pocket.

“So… uh… that was pretty heavy…” He finally said, lamely. Whatever he’d received in that message had caused him some concern. Was it about Harvey? I wanted to ask, but I also didn’t want to pry. I didn’t exactly have the right to ask who was messaging him, did I?

“Yeah… do you think we should go after him?”

“NO!” He barked, then he snorted. “Sorry… I just think he needs some space from us. He can’t really let go in front of us, can he?”

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