Chapter Four

After some encouragement from Davis, Tru set off to begin her rescue mission. Her first stop was the New York City Recovery Center for Drug Addicts commonly known more simply as the NYC Recovery Center. It was only about a half an hour away but Tru decided to take a cab in order to expedite her mission. However, this wasn't the smartest choice as now that it was Saturday afternoon there was more traffic than any other day. I should've known better than that. Every minute is crucial today. I can't be wasting all of my time.

She finally arrived at the recovery center. She walked into the building and found the dull, drab main waiting room. It was packed with people and she had to wait patiently once again until she could be helped. She walked up to the receptionist's desk.

"How can I help you?" asked the beautiful brunette.

"I'm looking for my sister Meredith Davies. I'm her sister, Tru."

"One moment please, Ms. Davies," the receptionist replied as she typed something into her computer. "I'm sorry but it looked like Meredith checked herself out quite a few weeks ago. The doctors seemed to think she was doing much better so they decided to release her. Is there anything else I can help you with? Would you like to speak with one of her doctors? Let me see if I can get a hold of one for you...."

"No, it's okay," Tru said. "But thank you very much for your help."

Tru ran out of the building as fast as she could. Normally, Tru would've loved to have a little fireside chat with one of Mere's doctors. But today she was dealing a new deck of cards. Today, the circumstances were a little bit different.

As soon as she had left the building, she quickly glanced at her watch. It was just about 2:00 p.m. Only three and a half hours and counting......

Meredith Davies felt free at long last. The gently breeze blew against her wispy blonde hair. She felt free from prison. Free from the chains of restraint and torment. Free from the incessant bickering of nurses and doctors. Free once again. Free at long last.

She entered a local bar and sat down near the bar itself. She pulled her wallet from her purse in preparation for the money she would soon owe the bartender. A man sat down next to her.

"You look exhausted," he said. "Long day?"

Meredith nodded. "Yeah, something like that."

They quickly introduced themselves and struck up conversation. When the bartender came, the man ordered and paid for both of their drinks.

"It's on me," he said.

"Thanks," Meredith replied. "You didn't have to do that."

"Oh, it's my pleasure," the man replied. It was then he noticed a rather peculiar looking picture that caught his interest.

"Family's got you down?" he asked, gesturing toward the picture.

"No, not really," said Meredith. "Oh that." She noticed his gesture at the picture. It showed Meredith who looked a few years younger and a sandy, blond haired boy and a pretty brunette.

"That's my younger brother, Harrison and my younger sister, Tru. Harrison's a little off his rocker sometimes and Tru is constantly worrying about me. So, ya know typical family stuff."

"Don't I know it," the man agreed.

Suddenly, Meredith glanced up at the clock. "Oh, I'm sorry. I don't mean to be so rude. But I have an appointment on the other side of town. Thanks again for the drink."

Meredith gathered up her belongings and rushed out the door. It was then the man noticed that she had dropped a little transparent bag, filled with a white powdery substance. Cocaine.

He picked up the little bag and fingered it tenderly. "You're welcome."

As Meredith rushed out the door, the man, Jack Harper, only watched.