Author's POV
Percy barged into Phill’s office at the hospital, his heart still racing because he had literally ran up the stairs. He couldn't sleep from the confrontation he had just overheard. He knew Phill was working overtime.So he didn't waste anymore time. He needed answers, and Phill was the only one who could help him piece together and make any sense out of what he heard.
“Phill, we need to talk,” Percy said, trying to keep his voice steady.Phill looked up from his cluttered desk, his usually calm demeanor was replaced by a look of anxiety. He glanced at his watch and then back at Percy, a pained expression on his face. " Percy? Is everything alright? I am really running out of time, brother! Tell me what brings you here! "
" Umm, need to talk about something important. But it needs time. You can wrap up with whatever you are preoccupied with. I can wait. ”
“Percy, will you be fine waiting? I’ve got a very important patient to attend to,” Phill said, his voice strained. “Sit down, I’ll be back in a few minutes.”Percy sighed but nodded, taking a seat in the corner of the office. " Don't worry. I am here. ”
Phill hurried out, leaving Percy alone with his racing thoughts. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. He thought it over, his focus especially on the dynamics between Mercy and Jake.
Minutes felt like hours as Percy waited, his mind a whirl of speculation. Finally, Phill returned, looking even more disoriented.
“Sorry about that, Percy,” Phill said, collapsing into his chair. “What was so urgent that it made you drive to my office at night?”
"Phill, I overheard Mother talking on the phone,” Percy began, leaning forward. “She mentioned Jake, and a big transaction between his father and our dad. She’s freaking out, man. I think it’s serious.”
Phill’s expression shifted from exhaustion to alertness. “Jake? As in Mercy’s co-star?That Jake? Does his family and ours have connections? No way! ”
"Yeah, that’s the one. But it’s more than just some small gig. Mother is hiring detectives, threatening to call in foreign intelligence. She’s really losing it.”
Phill’s eyes widened. “Shit, this is bigger than I thought. Jake got Elizabeth Rodgers on her toes. This is not to be taken lightly.Give me all the details.”
Percy recounted everything he had overheard, from his mother’s demands to the detective’s revelations about Jake’s past. Phill listened intently, his brow furrowing deeper with each word.“Goddammit, Percy,” Phill muttered when Percy finished. “This is a mess. But if Mother is this worked up, there’s gotta be something real here.”
“That’s what I’m saying!” Percy exclaimed. “I don’t know what to make of it, but I figured you might know someone who can help.I am worried about Mercy. Should we alert her? Ask her to stay away from that guy? ”
" No, not yet. That guy is trouble. I knew from the very first moment I met him. But Mercy has a pure heart. I don't trust her to keep any secret. We might be alerting Jake if we tell Mercy anything. We don't want that before digging further into his details."Phill nodded, already pulling out his phone. “I’ve got some contacts who owe me favors. Let’s see what they can dig up.”
He quickly dialed a number and began speaking in hushed tones, explaining the situation. Percy could only catch snippets of the conversation, but it was clear Phill was pulling out all the stops."Yeah, I need you to trace a guy named Jake,” Phill said into the phone. “He’s Mercy’s co-star, but there’s more to it. We need to know everything. Fast.”
He hung up and looked at Percy, determination flashing in his eyes. “Alright, I’ve got my best guy on it. We should hear back soon.”
Percy felt a small surge of relief. At least they were doing something. “Thanks, Phill. I just... I don’t know what to think. Mother sounded like she was about to kill someone.”Phill leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. “I’ve never seen her this rattled. But if Jake’s involved, and there’s money on the line... who knows? We need to stay sharp.”
They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the situation pressing down on them. Percy’s mind kept drifting back to Mercy. What if she was in danger? What if Jake really had some ulterior motive?
“Phill,” Percy said softly. “What if Jake tries something?What if he puts Mercy in danger?Aren't we bargaining too much? ” Phill’s eyes darkened. “I’ve been thinking the same thing. We need to keep an eye on her, make sure she’s safe. And we need to figure out what the hell’s going on with Jake.Lets call her back for the time being. You pretend like you need her help. I am sure she will not turn you down. ” Percy nodded.
Just then, Phill’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and picked up immediately. “Yeah? What’ve you got?”
Percy watched as Phill’s expression shifted from curiosity to shock. “Are you sure? Damn it, this is worse than I thought. Alright, keep digging. Thanks.”
" What is it? ” Percy asked, holding Phill's wrist with his hand.
" Like you said, they did live in this city before moving back to the hills. While they lived in the city, Jake was born and his mother died in this city. His father took him back to the hills. They have a very very humble background instead. The question is who would a family with such a humble background come to our city for delivering a baby? The hospital charges are skyrocketing, much beyond a normal, average salaried person's means. There definitely is something. Let me ask a few more people to expedite the process! ”