The Devil's Mercy

Eli

Three years since that day in eighth grade

“Samson, time to move. Whatever you’re taking, put it in the box and let’s get going,” Mr. Davis says, shaking the white crate at my cell door.

“Hey, congrats, man. Today’s your day.” Keifer slaps my back.

“Yeah, thanks.” I nod, take the crate from the door, and walk over to my bunk to set it down.

“You must be thrilled to leave this dump.” Keifer hops off the top bunk.

“Yeah, I am. I’m craving some real food.” I start peeling my drawings off the wall by my bunk.

Keifer repeats the plan. “The brothers will make sure you’re well taken care of out there, man. And hey, in four months, I’ll be joining you.”

“Can’t wait. I’m dying to meet your hot sister,” I tease, knowing Keifer’s about to lose it.

“If you lay a finger on my sister, I’ll kill you myself,” Keifer growls as I laugh.

“You can’t kill the devil.” I pick up my pillow and toss it at him.

“I knew you’d let that nickname get to your head.” He throws the pillow back, hitting the ladder.

I pull back the blanket and lift the mattress. When I feel it, I can’t help but smile.

“You’re really taking those love letters?” he sighs.

“They’re not love letters, this isn’t some Dear John crap.” I laugh, carefully placing the stack in the box. I still can’t believe they chose that movie for a month’s worth of movie nights.

“Right, because I haven’t seen you sniffing them or acting all lovey-dovey when a new one arrives.” He rolls his eyes.

“Will you shut up? I’m busy here.” I put the blanket and my spare sandals in the box.

“You’ll be fine out there, man. Jace has everything set up for you.” Keifer pulls me into a hug as we wait for the door to open.

“See you soon, man.” I return his one-armed hug before I’m escorted to the front.

“Alright, Samson. Change into these, then go to the white window. Stay safe.” Mr. Davis shakes my hand and wishes me well.

Changing out of these black-and-white striped shirts and into a real pair of jeans feels like freedom.

I ring the bell and a heavy, middle-aged lady huffs over to the counter. “Name,” she says, sounding annoyed.

I flash her my best smile and wink. “Samson, Eli,” I say with pride.

Her bored expression doesn’t faze me.

“Alright, wait here,” she huffs, her chair groaning under her weight. She goes to fetch my paperwork.

As she leaves, the door opens, and Jace and his two lackeys slip in.

“This is the place I mentioned. Go there right after your house check, the brothers will have your first load waiting.” Jace hands me a paper as we shake hands.

I nod.

“It’s gonna be dull in here without you stirring things up. Who’s gonna scare these clowns now that The Devil’s been released?” Jace smirks.

“They all have families. Lucky for them, The Devil makes house calls.”

Jace grins wickedly at my words.

“Damn, I’m gonna miss you. Give hell to anyone who messes with the brothers, man.”

Jace and I shake hands and say our goodbyes.

The grumpy lady returns and drops the paperwork in my box. The alarm chimes, and the door opens.

After a few minutes of pointless back-and-forth, I’m finally free.

My parole officer and my mom are waiting for me at the gate. I smile at her—it’s been a while since I’ve seen my mom. She looks clean; I’m glad for her.

She pulls me into a tight hug and wipes away some tears.

“You look like a grown man. You even have to shave now.” She laughs, running her hands over my jaw.

“Yeah, I’m grown now, Mom. And my grown self is hungry for some real food, so can we go?”

I hug her again as we walk to Mr. Quinton’s SUV.

He goes over the basics on the way home—drug tests, home inspection, random checkups, anger management classes, and the AA meetings I have to attend with my papers for signing.

I listen, but it doesn’t really matter. I’m going to do whatever the brothers need me to do. If that means missing a class or trying some new product, then so be it.

When we pull into the trailer park, I sigh.

Just a few more minutes and I can leave. Just a few more minutes.

Mom gets out and heads to the door. I hang back so Mr. Quinton can give me his lecture. I nod and pretend to care.

“This came for you today.” He holds up a white envelope.

I hide my smile, take it, and thank him as we say goodbye.

I go inside and Mom shows me my room. I look around—no sign of Frank, which is good.

She tells me how happy she is, then leaves me alone.

As soon as the door closes, I tear open the letter.

“Dear Hades,

I’m so happy to hear you’re getting out. That’s wonderful news.

I remember how tough it was in the beginning. I know how hard you’ve worked for this chance at freedom. I’m proud of you.

Thanks for asking about my family. My dad is pushing my mom for custody. Mom’s fighting him in court, but it’s wearing her down. I’m the only one he will talk to, so I have to translate all his Bible nonsense.

I didn’t watch Dear John like you asked. I’ve told you before, I’m not into love stories. But my sister watched it and she said it was great. She gave me a quick summary.

I can’t believe they picked that movie for you guys, lol.

I’m glad to hear you’re seeing your family. I bet your brothers are excited.

I hope you like the latest drawing I sent. It’s a hedgehog, just like you asked. Why did you want a hedgehog, anyway?

No, I haven’t been writing much, except for these letters to you. I haven’t felt inspired in a while. Since you’re getting out, I guess our pen pal days are almost over.

I don’t know if you feel the same, but I was hoping we could be friends in real life. Not to get all mushy on you, but you’re the only person I trust with this stuff.

I really look forward to your letters, even though I know it might be because you’re locked up and maybe you’re just writing me out of pity or obligation.

I think about you during my day. It’s strange to miss someone you’ve never met.

If you want, maybe we could meet up? I’ll be at that music shop I told you about from Friday to Sunday. Mr. Roboto’s Music Emporium on South Wells and Cumberland. I’ll be working the whole time.

Maybe you could stop by? If not, I totally get it. But I hope you do.

Always, Persephone.”

I hold the letter in my shaking hand, reading it over and over.

She wants to see me.

She wants to meet me.

She thinks about me.

She misses me.

She trusts me.

I’ll be with you soon, my Persephone.

I tuck the latest letter into my jacket pocket, gathering my stuff to head to the pickup.

I can hear the yelling starting up. First day out in two years and it’s the same crap at home. Drunk jerks getting loud and looking for a fight.

I can hear Frank out there talking trash about me being here. If he still thinks he can kick my ass, he’s got another thing coming.

Not anymore.

I don’t have to stay here. I’ve got places to go now.

The years I spent inside made me realize just how much my brothers mean to me and how bad my situation really was.

At first, it was hard, but my brothers took me in. I proved my loyalty and took the oath. After getting blooded and welcomed into my new family, I’ve never been happier.

I bulked up. They taught me how to fight and build muscle. They showed me the street smarts I needed to survive, and now I get to help my family.

I pat the letter and double-check the address. Time to go.

I climb out my bedroom window and head out.

Time to keep my promises—and live up to the name.

The Devil’s coming.

***

Friday came and went, and I didn’t get a chance to go. I was out of town dropping off my first load.

Saturday flew by as I made three more deliveries.

Sunday is my last chance.

I finish my deliveries early and take my anger management class right after. I borrow some clothes from Jace’s older brother Cade and shower at his place.

I clean up, getting a haircut and my brotherhood tattoo—a real one. The jail one was good enough, I just want a fresh piece.

I put on some fancy cologne and check myself out.

“You going to get some pussy or what, man?” Cade comes downstairs, handing me a cigarette. We light up and shoot the breeze.

“Maybe.” I take a drag and blow out a cloud of smoke. I really needed a smoke—my nerves are through the roof. I’m meeting Persephone in person.

“Man, just relax. Women come and go. Trust me—if things don’t work out with this one, I can make one call and have this place filled with girls.”

Cade and I shake hands, say goodbye, and I head out.

Persephone isn’t just some girl, or just a piece of ass.

I get in the car and drive to her. The closer I get, the more nervous I become. My hands are sweating, and I feel like I’m gonna throw up.

When I see the store’s sign, I feel like bolting. I sit in the car for a good half hour, trying to psych myself up.

From outside, I see a skinny blonde and a busty version of her walk in. I’ve seen them before.

I watch them enter the store, then I get out and stand by the window.

I watch them approach a shorter, dark-haired girl who’s bent over, sorting through a stack of CDs. The dark-haired girl stands up and hugs the busty one.

I catch the name tag.

Persephone is Mercy.

No freaking way! That makes so much sense now.

Hello again, Mercy Jones.

I walk back to the alley to clear my head.

Persephone is Mercy.

My penpal for the last two freaking years has been Mercy Jones.

My mind races as I think back over every letter.

Mercy missed me.

She wants to be my friend.

She’s proud of me.

Mercy freaking Jones trusts me.

I can’t believe this.

Standing by the car, lost in my thoughts, I don’t hear the car pull up behind me. I don’t hear the door close or the footsteps rushing towards me.

A blow to the back of my head snaps me out of my daze. I start throwing punches immediately. I land a few on one guy as another comes up behind me.

Something cold slams into my knee, making my leg give out. When I’m on the ground, the two start to kick me.

I curl up and protect my face and head, waiting for my chance to let The Devil out.

When they think I’m knocked out and step back, I seize my chance.

I punch one guy’s kneecap and twist his ankle until I hear the snap that fuels me. The man cries out as the other guy pulls a knife and charges me.

He slices down my arm, but I grab his wrist and slam it into the car, making him drop it. I slam his head into the car then put him in a chokehold. He slaps and thrashes, but he can’t escape.

His face turns red. He opens his mouth, trying to draw a breath. Finally he starts to go limp.

I let him go and reach for my phone, dialing Cade to fill him in on the situation. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us, and we handle it as a brotherhood.

As he instructs me to bind them and haul them back in the trunk, a loud bang echoes and something hot and sharp pierces my side.

I touch the spot and my hand comes away bloody. I look up just in time to see a third man emerge from the car and head my way.

I drop and roll under my car, gritting my teeth against the pain. I watch the man’s feet as he approaches the other two.

I snatch up the knife and charge at the gunman, plunging the blade into his back. He slams me into my car, the impact causing a flare of pain from the bullet wound.

The wail of police sirens fills the air, causing both of us to curse and scramble. The gunman dashes to his car, while I drop to the asphalt and retrieve the knife.

The gunman drives forward, flinging a door open. The cheap-shot jerk with the broken ankle drags himself in. The tires screech as he speeds away.

The police sirens continue to blare. My heart sinks, convinced I’m headed back to jail.

But then they pass by.

I take a moment to realize the cops aren’t coming back. I still have a chance to escape.

I pull out the keys and hit the trunk button. I grab the unconscious guy by the leg. Ignoring the pain, I hoist him up and stuff him in the trunk.

After closing it, I lean against the side of my car to keep from collapsing. I groan as I bend to pick up my phone.

When I straighten up, dizziness hits me and I drop to my knees. My ears start to ring so loudly I cover them with my hands and shut my eyes.

The pain feels like an alarm blaring inside me. Each ring is like a blinding pulse of pain that washes over me.

When I open my eyes, I see a pair of light brown eyes looking down at me. I can’t tear my gaze away from the warmth and safety they offer.

Warm hands gently lay me back.

I feel something press against my wound. The throbbing pain eases slightly.

I study her face, her porcelain skin flushed with adrenaline.

I focus on her mouth. Her perfect raspberry-pink lips are moving, but I can’t hear her. The ringing in my ears drowns out her angelic voice.

She picks up my phone and holds it to her ear. I see her nodding and glancing back at me. Her warm brown eyes never leave mine.

Then darkness starts to creep in from the edges, spoiling our moment. I try to resist it, but it’s too powerful.

The last thing I see are those brown eyes pleading with me.

Goodbye, Mercy Jones.

***

When I come to, I’m back at Cade’s. I’m alone in my room, no comforting brown eyes to keep me safe.

I sit up slowly, wincing from the pain in my back, when the door opens and Cade walks in carrying a sandwich, a bottle of water, and a bowl of pills.

“Look who’s finally awake. You scared us back there, man. I thought for a second The Devil was going back to hell.” He settles down on the leather sofa next to me.

“The Devil can’t be killed,” I mutter as he hands me the tray. I swallow the pills first, then gulp down the water.

“That fiery little raven—was she the one you were going to see?” He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

“What?” I ask, confused.

“The girl who was drenched in your blood, man. She took off her shirt and pressed it to your bullet wound. She spoke to me on your phone, telling me where to find you.

“She wouldn’t let anyone near you until Doc Mac arrived.” He chuckles as he rubs his face.

I just stare at him.

“Did she say my name?” I take a bite of the sandwich.

“Uh, no. I honestly think she had no idea what was happening. I had Josh stay and talk to her to find out what she knew.

“He said she was shaken up about finding a man bleeding out in the alley, but didn’t see anything else.”

She didn’t see anything. She didn’t know I was there.

“So was it your girl?” he asks, leaning back in.

Yes.

It was.

Will be.