EXSILIUM - contact.

[hostage]

UNIT№409



_“ Hey, it's me. Wait for the thing. _”

Comments

[5055034455]

Dr. Hoffman can help you, Jesse. What you're anticipating — it's not gonna go down that way. I promise. They can't lock you up for good if Hoffman issues a diagnosis, okay? That's unethical. If we get you treatment...

[He trails off there, guilt churning in his stomach. It lasts all of five seconds before he reminds himself that this is something that needs to be done.]

[hostage]

Nah, nah, nah. Don't pretend like you're helping me. You're helping yourself.

[5055034455]

Seriously? That's how you're gonna take this?

[hostage]

How else am I gonna take it, Saul? You want me to tell everybody I can't think for myself. You want me to pretend like I'm crazy and swallow a buncha pills I don't need and then - Jesus, and then what? That's it. That's the rest of my life here. Fucked up on pills and faking like I'm outta my mind because you didn't wanna stand up to a buncha traitors.

[5055034455]

I'm not gonna turn on you, Jesse. Let's get that straight right now — that's not what this is. I'm helping you in the best way I can in these circumstances, both as your lawyer and your friend.

[hostage]

What're you saying?

[5055034455]

[A little hesitantly:] I'm saying I think that you talking to someone might not be the worst thing in the world. It might even be good for you, if you're... y'know, willing to open up. She can help you.

[hostage]

Oh my god... You think I'm crazy?

[5055034455]

Not once have I used that word. I don't think you're crazy, Jesse. I think everything that's happened has done one hell of a number on you and I'm worried that it's gonna get to the point where you won't be able to work past the things that make you upset or angry or — or whatever. I love you and I want to see you be okay and this is the best I can do to try to make that happen.

[hostage]

[Silence on this end, but he hasn't hung up.]

[5055034455]

[His next words sound a little strained.]

Please give this a chance.

[hostage]

[The silence continues for another few seconds. Then Jesse takes a breath, and he finally answers with a defeated:]

Okay.

[5055034455]

[It's not like Saul expected Jesse to agree, but this is better than nothing. He sighs, albeit silently, shoulders relaxing.

He didn't realize he was so tense.]

Thank you. 10:30, tomorrow morning. You want me to bring Mike along?

[hostage]

No.

[5055034455]

Okay. Do you need anything right now? You hungry?

[hostage]

No.

[5055034455]

Well, if there's anything you need, even if it's just company, give me a call whenever. Otherwise, I'll see you in the morning.

[A beat.]

Love you, kid. Get some rest.

[hostage]

Saul.

[5055034455]

Yeah?

[hostage]

What story do I give her?

[5055034455]

You tell her the truth. Whatever you say, it's between you and her and me. Or you and her, if you don't want me in there.

[hostage]

That really how you wanna go?

[5055034455]

Jesse, this is for you. Not me. I'm not gonna give you a script or tell you to lie — I'm done with that. This won't do you any good if you're not honest.

[hostage]

Okay.

[5055034455]

And if you decide you don't wanna do it, that's fine. Just give it a try, see what Dr. Hoffman thinks. Beyond that, I won't force you to do anything.