Beyond Denver

Chapter 15

Meggie's hoarse voice surfaces through the line. "I am going to kill you. It is one-thirty in the afternoon. Margo is hunting you down like a cat."

"My phone died in the middle of the night, Cassidy, and I barely can't move out of bed."

"Are you at Mike's house?"

"Yes, but I have no idea where he is. I finally found a charger in the kitchen, but of course, he doesn't pick up his phone when I call him. I'm wondering how I am going to get back home. It's been over three hours since he disappeared. Can you pick me up?"

"Shit, Meggie. Doesn't he live all the way on the west side? How am I getting there without a car?" I remember TJ only comes later in the evening.

"I have to be on time for the dinner meeting."

"You still have plenty of time."

"No, I don't," she cries on the phone. "I have to buy stuff at Woodman and prepare dinner with two other students. I've gotten two warnings already. They will kick me out f there, and I'll be homeless."

"Can you catch the bus?" I ask.

"My head is spinning. I don't even know what direction should I take. Besides, I'm still wearing the same clothes from yesterday."

"And about ordering a cab?"

"I don't know how this happened, but I lost my wallet while in the bathroom last night. Where else could that be? Honestly, I can't remember much of last night. I lost all my tips from Sophie's." My head jerks when I hear her statement.

"You need to call your bank and report this immediately." I press my lips together while picking the corner of my nails.

"I'll do that, but I still need someone to pick me up here at Mike's place. I also promised to feed my pet sit my neighbor's cat. Vicky traveled to Texas to visit her family. I haven't cleaned the litter box in two days." Meggie pauses for a moment, "Oh my gosh. I think I'll puke again."

"Drink some water in the meantime. I'll see what I can do," I promise her.

"Thank you. I know I could count on you."

After calling a few cab companies, I find out they are charging more than I can afford. Same for Uber or Lyft. My heart pounds heavily only to think about my friend not being able to come home. Jerk. He used her, and now he is keeping her captive in his own place.

If I don't help Meggie, I know that I will feel terribly guilty.

"Call us back in about four hours, especially if you don't have the money to pay for the ride," The woman tells me on the phone.

I make a second call, "There is a festival in the Marquette neighborhood and a five-kilometer walk. Unfortunately, we have our hands tight, and we don't have enough drivers to keep up with everyone's request." Maybe I should buy a car and apply for Uber or Lyft or even their company. The pay might be better than Sophie's.

Who else has a car? Danika? Oh no. I just spoke with her.

It doesn't cost me anything to call TJ, so I do it. He answers in the first ring and says he is still working and won't be home until later. He pretty much confirms what I already knew.

Then an idea comes to mind. Would that sound weird if I called him? I suddenly remember when he'd given me his business card once. How could I have forgotten about this? I grab the card over my wardrobe and quickly dial his number. He answers in the third ring. 

***

I stare at the window until I see a gray Volvo pulling in at the parking lot. I shut the door behind me to meet him downstairs. After listening to the loud music coming from Jeff's apartment all night long, the hallway now is empty and silent, giving me the feel I'm the only one living in this building. The smell of pot is still present, though, and honestly, I don't think it will ever go away even with a carpet cleaning.