The next day
Propped up by pillows, Soothe reached over to click the button on the morphine pump. The machine beeped, indicating that she’d had all the pain relief she was going to get for the time being.
“That’s some weak ass shit,” she said, death-staring the morphine pump and wondering if there was a way of tinkering with it so that it was a little more generous.
The thought disappeared as she happened to glance up at the small television set mounted in the corner of the room. Frantically, she looked around for the remote control. She shifted around, a sharp jab of pain rippling through her abdomen, as she reached over to her locker and grabbed it.
On screen was an old booking photograph of Hanger. It was a few years old, but his was a face she was destined to never forget.
She jabbed frantically at the volume control on the remote so she could hear the news report.
“Gaudi is believed to have been shot by one of two private security operators hired by the victim’s family. According to police department sources, Gaudi is believed to have led the two unnamed men to the home of retired Las Vegas entertainer Dirk Van Amstel, where the young girl was being held captive. Sources have linked Gaudi to a substantial number of sex trafficking cases, some including underage girls, and law enforcement are also examining Van Amstel’s property for human remains linked to the disappearance of a number of young women in Las Vegas spanning an almost thirty-year period.”
All Soothe could think was he’s dead. Finally, he’s dead.
Back on screen, the news report was winding up.
“Both private security operators have now been released from custody, and it’s believed that given the circumstances, the District Attorney will not be looking to bring charges against either of them.”
Soothe clicked off the television and looked up at the ceiling. She would have thought the news would make her happy, especially after what Hanger had done to her. It hadn’t. Sure, she felt relief, and she was happy that Kristin had made it out, but the news stirred up other emotions in her.
It would take her some time to process all of this. It sounded strange, but Hanger had been one of the few constants in her life. Now he was gone, she would have to face life alone. The idea both scared and thrilled her.
There was a knock at the door. One of the nurses appeared. She was carrying a huge bunch of flowers.
“Some guy dropped by with these for you,” said the nurse. “There’s an envelope too.”
“What guy?” said Soothe. She couldn’t think of anyone who would be visiting her, never mind bringing flowers.
“I don’t know, he was real tall, black guy. Good looking too,” smiled the nurse, handing Soothe a bulging brown envelope. “He was very insistent that I give you this. Hey, do you want me to put these in water for you?”
“Sure,” said Soothe, opening the envelope.
She saw what it was inside and hastily shoved it under the sheet as the nurse found a vase, filled it with water and put the flowers in it. It was only when Soothe was alone again that she took the envelope back out.
It was full of hundred-dollar bills. There was easily twenty thousand dollars.
There was no accompanying note. No explanation. Just the money.