The Optogram by Noelle Jeffreys

Author:Noelle Jeffreys [Jeffreys, Noelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Technological Thriller
Published: 2021-01-09T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

It was pointless trying to sleep with an anxious, chattering brain. Dothan tried counting livestock and working impossible mathematical equations, but just as he drifted off to sleep, his dreams, dreadful and much too real, jolted him awake.

He rose and crept into the semi-darkness of the living room. The onset of morning allowed enough light to find his backpack, and he retrieved the small yellow container from its side pouch.

His body tingled with anticipation at the rattle of the last two pills.

If I break it in half, or even quarter it, I’ll have more when…if I need it. This is so damn ridiculous. How could I think it was a good idea to quit cold turkey?

With a twist, he pressed on the child-proof cap and stared into the vial. Neither a quarter nor a half would be enough to get him through this rough patch. He needed to take the pill whole.

He trembled as he dropped the tiny disk into his sweating palm. The touch of the white dot swaddled him in a comforting sense of release. He opened his mouth and lifted his hand when January stirred in the bedroom.

Stopped by the gentle rustling, he gazed at the tablet and remembered the reason for ending his relationship with the drug. January had to be his one, and only, addiction.

Dothan returned the pill to the bottle and closed it. A loud knock at the door startled him. He dropped the container to the floor and scrambled to the edge of the window.

What the fuck could anyone want at six o’clock in the morning?

His stomach tightened as wild scenarios shot through his mind. It could be another break-in of his apartment or someone out to get January.

He peered through the mini-blinds. Bekkii stood on the landing, her ear to his door, holding a bag and a white cup.

Oh, no, no, no. What is she doing here?

January stepped out from the bedroom wearing only his t-shirt. “Who is it?” she whispered.

“Bekkii,” he replied. “It looks like she’s stopped by to bring me breakfast. Remember I told you that everyone believes I’m going to a funeral?”

“So, answer it,” she said.

“No, just ignore her. She’ll go in a minute if she thinks I’ve left.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” said January, pulling open the door. “Hello. You must be Bekkii. I’ve heard so much about you. Come in, please. Happy birthday, by the way.”

He grit his teeth as he watched the pink dreadlocks enter the apartment.

“Happy birthday?” asked Bekkii, her face pale. “What are you talking about? Who are you? Where’s Dothan?”

“I guess he’s not been straight with you either,” said January, pointing to where he cringed by the window. “He’s right over there. Someone here to see you, honey.” She turned to Bekkii and extended her hand. “Listen, I’d love to stay, but I just got out of bed and I’ve got to get in the shower. Let’s get together for lunch soon.”

“Dothan?” asked Bekkii, ignoring January.

He crossed his arms and lowered his gaze as January turned and shut the bedroom door.

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