6
John
Her brother’s a piece of work. He was never around much when Madison was growing up, but that’s not saying much because we didn’t see much of her mom and dad either. Madison spent most of her time at our house.
“I’m begging you, Ethan. You can’t stay here. I don’t know how tomorrow is going to go, and it would be better if you weren’t here.”
Ethan takes a drag off the cigarette in his hand. He doesn’t even look bothered that he dragged his sister all the way here. Surely he knows who Baron is. “You brought the money, right?”
Madison jerks almost as if she’s been smacked or something. She starts to stutter. “I mean yeah, Ethan. I brought my life savings. Twenty thousand dollars.”
He flicks the cigarette on the ground and stomps it with his foot. “Well, we’re good then. We won’t have a problem.”
I’m on high alert and have been since we pulled into the neighborhood. When we got here, Ethan didn’t ask us to come in, and I can’t say I’m unhappy about it. I probably would have had to put my foot down on that. Madison doesn’t belong in a crack house, and I’m pretty sure that’s what this is.
I put my hand on the small of Madison’s back. She leans back into my touch, accepting the comfort I’m trying to offer her. I know this is hard for her to see her brother like this. It’s midday, and he’s already strung out.
Madison snaps her fingers in front of Ethan’s face. “Ethan!! Earth to Ethan. What are you even thinking?” She starts to whisper loudly. “Baron is with the Colombian cartel. What do you think is going to happen? You think I’ll pay him tomorrow and he’s just going to leave you alone?”
“He’ll have most of his money, he won’t—" Ethan starts, and Madison gasps. I put my hands on Madison’s shoulders and pull her against me.
I’m staring over her head at her brother. I’ve tried to stay out of it, but I’m butting in now. “What do you mean he’ll have most of his money? How much do you owe him?”
Ethan won’t look at me. He’s still watching his sister and doesn’t seem bothered in the least. He shrugs his shoulders. “Fifty thousand... but I told him that you would bring him twenty thousand and he said he’d figure out a way to get the rest. See... no big deal. He seemed fine with it.”
I step around Madison, and with her hand in mine, I keep her behind me. I swear if she wasn’t here, I’d give her brother a lesson on being a man. “Ethan, listen to me and listen good. You brought your sister here. You arranged for her to give Baron the money. He plans on getting the rest of the payment from her.”
Ethan finally looks at me, but he doesn’t seem to understand. I grit my teeth. “Not only is Baron into dealing drugs, but also human trafficking.”
I see the understanding in his eyes, but there’s absolutely no remorse, no fear, nothing. He doesn’t care. I step to the side. I hate to do it, but Madison needs to see. Her voice is hurt-filled. “You don’t care, do you, Ethan? You don’t care what happens to me.”
Ethan laughs. “Of course, I do.”
He lifts a shaky hand and lights another cigarette, completely unfazed.
Madison steps toward him, and I go with her. I wish I could say her brother wouldn’t hurt her, but I’m not so sure of that. She goes toe to toe with him. “Ethan, I’m going to take care of this tomorrow and then I’m going back to Whiskey Run. Don’t call me again unless it’s from a treatment facility. I can’t do this anymore. I love you and I’ll always love you, but I can’t...” She breaks off and starts to sob. “I can’t watch you kill yourself.”
I put my arm around her and walk her the few feet to the car. I help her in and shut the door before walking back to Ethan. He must notice the look on my face because for the first time, he seems worried and takes a step back when I stop in front of him.
My voice is low but deadly. He’ll not mistake what I’m telling him. “Okay, look, Ethan. That woman loves you, and she means a lot to me. I’m going to take care of this tomorrow but I promise you she won’t help you again... not unless you’re ready to get help. Because no matter how much she wants to save you... I’m not going to let her keep doing this to herself. I won’t ever stand by and let someone hurt her.” I pause and let the words sink in. “Do you understand me?” I demand.
He nods, but I grab the front of his shirt. “Say it.”