The best option was to play along with Tommy’s game. Blowing their identities would condemn him and Cecile.
And, if Riddick turned on Tommy physically, the odds were massively against him. Tommy was a giant, and most certainly armed.
So same outcome.
The game was horrible… brutal… but, in a way, they still had the upper hand. Tommy had no reason to believe that Riddick wasn’t Jay Turner, and his suspicions over Cecile were just that. Suspicions. She still had an opportunity to prove him wrong and walk away.
Riddick prepped the needle.
He tried his best to ensure the dose was as small as possible without arousing Tommy’s suspicions, but having experienced it himself, and watching Henry die, he knew that Cecile was still about to receive one hell of a kicking.
And, like Henry, she’d also have zero tolerance.
The risk was high.
But the risk of not doing it remained higher.
As Riddick leaned in with his needle, he made eye contact with her, trying somehow to convey that this was the best option available. He could see the terror sitting behind her eyes, but he could also see the clarity and acceptance. He also thought he detected the briefest of nods.
In fact, it was to their advantage that Tommy had insisted on Riddick using the needle; it was highly unlikely that Cecile would know what she was doing, and it may have looked very unconvincing.
Willing himself not to throw up over what he was doing, he pushed the drug into her bloodstream.
He watched her eyes turn to clouds.
His heart thrashed in his chest. You can take it.
Eventually, her body dropped back.
After a few minutes, Cecile merely looked at peace, and Riddick felt grateful. The terror and anxiety must have been traumatic and exhausting.
‘Okay, she took it,’ Tommy said. ‘Good going. No stranger to it, I imagine. Still don’t trust her. Let’s get her upstairs. I’ve some cuffs. We can restrain her and when she wakes, I’m sure she’ll be far more transparent. People always tend to be more truthful in the haze, don’t you find?’
Riddick couldn’t help himself. ‘Is all this really necessary?’
Tommy sat up straight, his eyes widening.
‘Sorry… she just seemed lost. Like nearly everyone else that comes to the door. A junkie.’
‘Have I overestimated you, Jay?’
Riddick shook his head. ‘No.’
‘First rule in this game, Jay, is they’re never just junkies. Everyone has an agenda. All that money? Not using the phone? She’s either stupid enough to be setting herself up with some business, or she’s here on behalf of someone else. Also, stupid. And, if I’m wrong, she gets a free high out of it. No great shakes. But those eyes, Jay, did you see those eyes?’
Riddick knew he’d have noticed. He felt dreadful conceding right now that Tommy, sharp as a tack, had that spot on. But it was better that he gave him something to elevate himself again in his eyes. It was the respect he’d earned from Tommy that had brought him this far.
‘Yes, they were clear. Too clear for a junkie. But I checked for bugs.’
‘I know you would’ve done, Jay. But that’s just the beginning. When there’s a game to be played’ – he looked down at Cecile – ‘you always make sure that the last move is yours. Now help me get her upstairs.’