Chapter Text
You have 6 new voice messages, press 1 to listen to existing voice messages, press 2 to-
First voice message.
There was a click before a young man’s voice came through the speaker of the phone. His voice was quiet, almost whispered. “Hey, Jack.... um, I think I’m in a little bit of trouble. I don’t... I don’t know what’s happening with Liam but... he’s just not himself right now, and it’s... honestly kind of scaring me... when you have the chance, call me back okay?”
Next voice message.
“Jack, I don’t know if you listened to my voicemail but I really,” There was an uncertain pause before the voice came back, quieter. “I really need you. I’m… I‘m getting really scared, and I don’t know what to do… Just, come over? ...Please?” The words were pleading, begging for something.
Next voice message.
“Hey Jack... sorry about that last message. I, uh, think I was just a little freaked out before… you don’t have to worry about anything, I promise. I’m okay.” The words and tone were different from each other. Strong words spoken with a large amount of uncertainty. “I was just overreacting a little. Liam’s fine. He’s... normal, I swear. But let’s not talk about that okay? Let’s talk about you. You had the court session today right? How’d it go?” there was a hesitant pause before another question was asked, “..Is Crutchie doing okay? I know he was scared the last time I saw him, but I really think we got this. Snyder doesn't stand a chance.... we’ll get him Jackie, I swear, he won’t know what hit him…. I have to go but call me back whenever you get the chance okay? ...okay.”
Next voice message.
The next time the voice came, his tone was frantic. “Jack? Jack I know I said there's not problem with Liam, but I don’t think he’s…” the word was drawn out and there was quiet shuffling before the voice came back, further away. “No, no, no! Liam put the glass down... please, honey, we can talk about this okay? ... no. No, don’t! Please!”
Next voice message.
There’s panting sounding from the speaker of the phone when the line clicks alive. “Jack? I... I left. The house I mean, I just left. Liam, he… I couldn’t stay. At first I thought I could talk to him, maybe calm him down but he… he didn’t like that. Got some pretty good hits in.” there was a forced chuckle, trying to make the words lighthearted. It couldn’t cover the tears and raspiness in his voice. “It hurts but it’s nothing I haven’t had before. Just some bruises, busted ribs… I’m fine really. But yeah, I.. I ran, and it’s really cold out… can you please come get me?” He tried to contain it, but there was the occasional sniffle in between his words. “Please Jackie... I just, I just need a ride. I... I need you, please. I’m at uh....” there was a pause and heavy breathing, the only other sounds heard being the New York City streets. ”Fort Washington and 176th... I’m gonna wait here for you... please come?”
Next voice message.
“Hey... I don’t think you’ve heard my messages. I’ve been waiting for a little and... I mean there’s no car so... I’m gonna wait a little bit longer… I’m gonna, um,” there was a hesitant pause in his words before he cleared his throat. “I’m gonna wait in the cafe across the street okay?“ his voice stopped, almost as if waiting for an answer. Stuttered breaths were heard before his voice came back, just a little bit weaker. “… Jack I can’t… I don’t think I can do this. Any of it. I’m just…. I’m sorry okay? I’m sorry I never told you about Liam. I just… I didn't think it was anything. When we first met he was so nice and kind, and we were in love. He loved me… and I don’t know, I think I just…” There was a shaky inhale from the speaker of the phone. “I think I hoped he would be that again?” sudden sobs cut through the phone’s speakers. “Jack I’m sorry… I’m so sorry, I just really need you right now... I don’t know what to do, I’m scared, I...” The words stopped, and deep breaths were heard before he let out a heavy sigh, sounding more tired than he should have. “I need you… So... yeah.” Another sniffle. “I’m just gonna go to the cafe, and... wait, I guess… Please come... Oh and Jack? bring ice with you. it’s getting a little hard to stand with my ribs and the bruises like this...” There was one last pause before a soft, “I love you.” came through, and the line went silent again, yet the call didn’t end. It seemed like it had, and stayed like it for a few seconds before a clatter and sharp inhale was heard, and a body hit the floor. There was more breathing sounding through the phone, before a heavy sigh. There was a soft grunt from the voice as the phone grew closer to it.
It went quiet.
All at once, everything was quiet.
Just as suddenly as that silence came, it left.
There was a sharp gasp, tires screeching, an impact, and the line went silent.
End of inbox. Press 1 to repeat voice messages, press 2 to-
First voice message.