Page 11 of Merciless

Until we meet again,

Your Bethy

My sense of urgency was renewed, wanting to tell Colton about the generous gift his mother had left him. But despite my best efforts, I made no headway.

I’d bought multiple devices and blew up his phone via calls, texts, emails and social media.

I was desperate to hear from my boy, even if that meant I had to cop his scathing words and accusations. I’d take it all. But Colton was nothing but efficient, blocking my every attempt with accurate precision.

The worst day was when I called his college directly to try and get anything on him. They shut that down quickly, informing me I was not on his student contact list, so legally, they couldn’t pass on any information. I wasn’t even considered an emergency contact.

I was at my wits’ end, internal darkness threatening to take me down, down, down. News of this magnitude deserved to be discussed in person, and that was what I intended to do.

Packing a suitcase, I was going to track down my son.

Chapter 7

WILLIAM

It was Friday evening, the college town buzzing with drunk students and loud music.

I asked around and finally found the popular bar that everyone who was anyone attended. For some reason, I was reluctant to enter, standing outside like a weirdo, pulling on my sleeves in nervousness.

What if he’s in there? What do I say? How do I approach him?

I’d have done anything to crush Colton in a tight hug, to feel that he was healthy and well. Hell, I’d even settle for a quick glimpse. Although it had been just over a month, it felt like a lifetime since I had seen my boy.

I had never gone that long without him. Ever.

Suddenly, I was knocked off balance by a young man rushing past.

“Shit. Sorry, man,” he blurted, offering a hand to help me straighten up.

I shook my head and decided to latch on to the opportunity. “I’m alright. Although there might be something else you can help me with…”

His sandy blonde brow perked upwards. “What?”

“Do you know someone named Colton? He goes to college here.”

Recognition flashed in light brown eyes that promptly narrowed on me. “Who’s asking?”

“His father.”

Seconds ticked by as hostility ran off him in waves. He definitely knew my boy.

“What do you want with Colt?”

“Please, I have something urgent to discuss with him. Of the utmost importance.”

“And this couldn’t wait until another time? You know, when the whole student body wasn’t blackout drunk?”

“No. Colton doesn’t drink, so—”

The stranger sniggered. “Come back another time, old man.”

“No.”

He shrugged. “Suit yourself. But you don’t fucking approach him unless I say so. You’ve already done enough damage. Understood?”