Page 57 of Savage Saint

No, Thank you for saving my brother.

No, Sorry about the kidnapping and threats.

Just a pitiful See you soon…

My mouth opens and closes. My brows furrow.

“The nerve of this asshole.” Honestly, this irritates me more than it should, but I’m blaming the imbalance on the trauma of the last twelve hours. From the stress to exhaustion and lack of sleep—being taken against my will—you’d think I’d get more than that pathetic note. “He’s an inconsiderate hijo de⁠—"

The phone ringing cuts me off mid-rant, and it’s my mother again. I stare at it, my heart rate spiking for a different reason. What if the hospital called her? Or my father?

Shaking fingers press the accept button, and I pull the cell to my ear. “Mami?”

“Finally, niña. About time you pick up.”

Exhaling roughly, I try to keep the nerves out of my voice. “Is everything okay?”

“Okay with what, Genesis? Can’t a mother just call her daughter and catch up?”

“You called multiple times.”

“Because you were ignoring me.”

Dios, help me. I should’ve known better.

This woman does not like to be ignored.

“Mami, you scared me.”

“Why? Is it illegal to talk to my only daughter?”

“No.”

“Good. Now let’s try this again.”

Rubbing my unoccupied hand down my face, I push everything back to my later folder. I’ll dissect, analyze, and ask questions later. Starting with why my parents weren’t called after the guard reported my disappearance.

He should have. Everyone in the hospital should know.

Check texts. Maybe Katia knows.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Hi, mi amor. How was your shift?”

“Long.” That’s the safest answer I can give without lying outright.

“You sound exhausted.”

“I am.”

“Did you just wake up?” she asks, and I take the phone from my ear and press the speaker option, dropping the device beside me on the bed. “…wanted you to stop by for lunch.”

“Yeah, I did. Was so tired…oh shit!” the latter is mumbled under my breath as I pay attention to the time on the screen. At twenty-four, I still don’t curse in front of my parents. More than likely never will, unless under extreme duress.

“What was that?” She knows. The change in her tone gives it away, but deny and ignore is a survival tactic.

“Nothing! Just noticed it’s past six already.” I slept the entire day. A man’s voice sounds in the background then, followed by my mother telling him to wait because it’s her turn. “Is that Dad?”