A Little Mad

Chapter 42

"Thank you, Dr. Thompkins. I promise to take these. You have been a great help. "

Mercedes smiled at Lee as they left. Jerome gave her a questioning look.

"What are those?"

Mercedes handed him the bottle.

"Vitamins. A woman takes them while she is pregnant. It helps with the baby. I don't have to take them, but it really helps if I do."

They sit in the car and Jerome turns to her before turning on the engine. 

"How long have you really known about this baby?"

Mercedes looked at Jerome, who was looking at her suspiciously. 

"Jerome I only knew a couple days before you. I promise. I would have never got into that dumb fist fight if I knew I was pregnant." 

Jerome didn't say a word. He stared at the windshield. Mercedes placed her hand on his knee. 

"Are you mad at me...?" 

Jerome returned his gaze to Mercedes and saw the sadness forming in her eyes. He sighs and gently cupped her cheek. 

"No... I'm just a little worried about this baby.. I don't give a shit about anything.."

Mercedes touched his hand on her cheek. 

"If that were true, you would have killed me by now and Bailey. How long has she been working for you? See? You care about things Jerome." 

Mercedes smiled. 

"I know you are worried about seeming weak, but these emotions make you human. It's okay to feel them."

Jerome pulled his hand away and started the car. 

"What if I really can't keep you safe... or this baby..? What if I lose control when I'm angry and..." 

Mercedes set on her knees and pulled at his chin, making him look at her.

"Stop. There is no way in this world you would ever kill me and I know you will protect this baby with your life. You aren't as heartless as you want others to believe."

Jerome sighed and looked away.

"I had some people looking into what Strange is doing and we can't figure out any part of his plan..."

Mercedes stared out the window as Jerome drove back home.

"We will figure it out okay? Together."

Mercedes turned back to Jerome, only to see him staring blankly ahead. No expression on his face. A bullet hit the front passenger side tire, causing the car to spin. The car came to a halt just before being hit with more shots. Jerome pushed Mercedes into the floorboard. He climbed into her seat and hovered over her. Mercedes shut her eyes and felt a warm hand grab ahold of hers. Jerome slowly moved once the gunfire was over. Mercedes tugged on him, trying to keep him down. 

"I have to check baby... we could be sitting ducks.." 

A few moments later, Jerome began to pull her out of the floorboard.

"It's Okay, doll face. Whoever it was is gone." 

Mercedes climbed into his lap and buried her face into his neck. Jerome wrapped his arms around her tightly. 

"How do you miss  a target that stopped moving?! You guys have terrible aim! You fucking idiots!" 

The man that was being yelled at watched as a gun was aimed in his face. He froze.