The sigh that comes out of me at the thought is surprising. Seems like, for once, I'm not really interested in disappearing. I keep thinking I’ve got unfinished business here. Things I need to say to a princess if I can work out what the fuck they are. Don’t really know why I’m bothering considering I’m clearly not good enough for her, but still.
“We’d like you down at the station if you’re being discharged.”
“No comment.”
“Look, Mr Locke. You really don’t need to-”
“Am I under arrest?”
“No, but-”
“Get out then.”
Tying the rest of my boots off, I look up at him and try rolling my shoulders about. I’m tired, about ready to kill someone because of the pain I’m in and done with this conversation.
My hand goes to the bandage strapped over the wound, palm covering the area, and I keep staring. He’ll get nothing from me. Not one word. Not until I talk to Landon so I can understand what’s already been said, anyway.
He sighs and looks back at me, at least keeping his eyes levelled at mine. “You seem to know how this works, Mr Locke. Not surprising, considering your brother and his current location.”
I nearly smile at that. If he thinks digging at me or trying intimidation tactics is gonna work, he should try working for the lawyer who’s ruled my life for fuck knows how long. “We’re done here.”
He drops his card on the table. “Fair enough, Mr Locke, but call me when you’re feeling more cooperative. We will need to speak to you. I’ll make it happen if I have to.” No, he won't.
“Fuck off, Jenkins.”
Another thirty seconds of staring and he does just that, thankfully leaving me alone to try getting home. Fucking police.
I stand slowly, shaking my head, and start over to the door. I need some drugs. Real ones that might stop this pain persisting. Makes me wonder where they keep them round here. I'll need a nurse with keys so I can get a stash with me before I leave.
The sight of the door swinging inwards towards my face sends whatever fucking calm I’ve got left through the roof.
Surprisingly, it’s Landon walking in. He stops before getting to me, one of those fucking brows cocked up like I’ve done something wrong. “Going somewhere?” he says.
“Home.”
“Don’t be an idiot, Locke. Get back in the bed.”
Orders are something I’m not taking today.
I move around him, ready to get myself to a taxi and onto the train after that. Doubt he's going to help me raid a drug store here, so I'll have to call a dealer at some point.
The door pushes outwards, and I take a look around the corridor to make sure no police are going to try another dumb thing.
“What did Jenkins want?” Landon asks, coming to my side.
“Fuck knows. Trying to get you locked up, I guess. Or me.” He snorts and opens another door for me, which makes me wonder what the fuck he’s attempting to do. “I didn’t say anything. You don’t need to worry.”
“Why the hell would I be worried?”
I look at him. “I’m assuming that’s why you’re here.” Either that or the whole fucking Neve thing. I’m not currently in the right space for that argument. I’m weak, and the last thing I’m going to be able to do is fight him off if he’s up for round two.
“I don’t care about the police. Least of all Jenkins. He’s got the brain power of an amoeba. Hardly a concern.” I squint as the corridors start getting brighter, my hand reaching for the wall to steady me on the way. “You should be staying here, Noah. You’re not ready to go yet.”
I stop and glare at him. “Alright, what the fuck is going on?”
“What?”
“What do you care if I’m here or not? From what I hear, you’ve got a building that needs rebuilding, so what gives?” My feet move again, hands still stabilizing me. “I don’t need your fucking help if that’s what this is about."
