Rescue Mission (Stark's Daughter 8)

Chapter 38

The gentle beep of the heart monitor machine fills the small room. Lucas lies in the white bed with the light blue blanket pulled over him, a grey clip on his left finger and a drip in the back of his right hand. Sitting in a plastic red chair, I hold Lucas' hand tightly until I can feel his pulse. Captain sits opposite, staring at his clasped hands in his lap.

"He's always been so quiet, so isolated. I should have known." I whisper.

"How were you supposed to know?" Cap questions.

"He's my son, I should have known." I argue.

"Skye, do you want me to call the Board and see if they will grant Zeke a day of release?" Cap asks.

"No, he can't see Lucas like this, it will ruin him because he'll have to go back to prison knowing that Lucas is depressed." I explain.

"What can we do then?"

"Get Lucas help. That's all I know how to do, Im not used to these situations."

"I'm going to get you a drink, what would you like?" Captain asks.

"Coffee, please."

Captain stands up and walks out of the room. My eyes dart back to Lucas, I see his face tense and his eyes squeeze tight.

"Lucas?" I quiz, holding his hand tighter.

His eyes flicker open slowly, they look down at his hands and back up to take in his surroundings. He carefully raises a hand, touching the breathing tube up his nose. I lift my hand and place it on top of his, Lucas glances at me in confusion, pulling his hand back down.

"Don't pull that out, sweetie, it will hurt a lot, trust me I know." I say.

"What am I doing here?" Lucas asks, his voice quiet and forced.

"We found you in the bathroom with my sleeping pills in your hand. We called an ambulance and you've been asleep for two hours." I explain.

"We?"

"Me and Captain."

"Mum, can I ask you something?" Lucas questions.

"Of course you can."

"This happening, can you use it to get dad out of SHIELD?" Lucas mumbles.

"Maybe. But can I ask something too?" I quiz.

"Yes."

"Is that why you did it?"

"Yes." Lucas admits.

Lucas forces himself to look away, staring at my hand clutching his. I don't believe him.

"Why Lucas? Why really, please tell me?" I whisper.

"I've been getting letters, emails... Threats." Lucas admits.

"Oh Lucas, you should have told me. I could have done something or helped."

"It doesn't matter mum, I've told you now."

I let go of Lucas' hand, my fingers trailing down his wrist and brushing over the deep red scars on his skin.

"But this, these are old. Before the threats?" I question.

"Yes. It...started when I was about 14. I had accidentally cut myself while making a sandwich and I just liked watching the blood come out. It reminded me that I was human. Then I just carried on. It doesn't hurt...anymore. I don't know why I do it, mum, I just do." Lucas explains, looking down at his wrists.

"It's okay, I understand." Is all I can say.

The door swings open and Captain steps inside with a mug of coffee. He hands it to me and sits on the opposite side of Lucas.