╢Only The Strong Survive ╢Elvis Presley╢

♪ 3. Finally free, but for how long? ♪

May 17th, 1965.

Nancy Sinatra sat in her living room with sister Tina and told her what had worried her about Patti Presley.

—I'm telling you — Nancy looked down at her empty red wine glass. — I'm sure he terrorized her. This is not the Pat that I knew.

—Maybe you're exaggerating, are you?— Tina raised an eyebrow. —I don't know Elvis very well, but he doesn't seem like a control freak. Maybe he just needs a little bit of a wife, huh?

—But I know him well — Nancy said firmly. —His girlfriends were under his strict control, he was forcing them to dress and behave. Most agreed, charmed by living with the King and in luxury. But in the long run, it didn't work. That girl Cilla had the longest.

—I don't think you should interfere — Tina said. —These are their business, Nan. And you...

— I know what it means to be in a toxic relationship. — Nancy was stubborn. — I don't think the situation between Elvis and Pat is normal. I could see the fear in her eyes.

— You want to go there? — Tina asked, and Nancy nodded.

— Right now. Can you come with me?

— Now? — Tina blinked. — Nan, maybe wait a day, maybe two.

—No time — Nancy walked over to the mirror and straightened her hair. —You'll see that getting to Graceland will not be easy. Elvis is not as eager to see me as he used to be, but we are kind of lucky now. He's gone, and Patti is alone, not literally of course.

—You think his people will let you in?— Tina crossed her arms.

— Yes, and if there's a problem, I have my ways.— Nancy grabbed her purse and car keys. —Come on, Tina.

Tina shook her head but followed her sister.

***

Patti was sitting in her daughter's room breastfeeding her when she heard a soft knock. The door opened and she saw Karen, Elvis' cousin.

—I'm not disturbing you?— Karen asked, and Patti shook her head. Karen stepped inside and closed the door quietly. Patti was intently feeding Gladys as she suckled greedily on her mother's breast. Karen sat on the side of the pouf and said:

— She's growing so fast. Jesus, she's really little Elvis.

Patti smiled weakly and sighed. Karen and Donna had no idea of the insanity Patti found herself in, forced by Elvis.

—Pat — Karen began. —I don't like what he's become either. He used to be devoted to your marriage, faithful, and now he seems fucked up in his head.

— I don't want to talk about it, please.

— Why don't you leave? — Karen suggested. — If my Steve cheated on me, I'd throw his ass out of the house. If you want, I will help you - you can live in my house.

—It's not that simple — Patti whispered. She knew she couldn't trust anyone in this house - not even Elvis' cousins who were good for her.

—I know you love him — Karen frowned. —And it's nice to have Elvis as a husband, but Jesus, girl. He's a terrible erotomaniac, and besides, he acts like he doesn't care that he has a family. I would not like such a life.

Patti didn't answer. Karen patted Gladys on the head and said:

— My offer of help is still valid. I can even be a nanny for a child if you want. And we're gonna throw this blonde whore out, what do you say?