Chapter Twenty-Eight
Twenty-eight
I hurry home and shove the door closed behind me. With trembling hands, I clasp and latch the dead bolts.
I know Fiona is outside. I know I’m safe.
But nothing feels safe. Least of all the thoughts running on a loop in my mind. I catch a glimpse of myself in the foyer mirror. My cheeks are blotchy, my eyes bloodshot.
Leaning against the wall, I let out a ragged breath. I press my palms together to steady myself, but within the safety of my home, Gertie circling my legs, the numbness from today’s revelation is wearing off. A sob escapes. The reality of my situation presses down like bricks.
I need to grab the stuffed toy for Lilah. I need to get going. I have to help Nina. She’s counting on me, and I don’t want to let my cousin down…. But who am I kidding? I can’t be a good caretaker for anyone in this condition. I want to unsee everything from the office, but Darcy’s signature flashes through my mind on repeat. Tears prick my eyes. The weight of this betrayal is threatening to crush me.
I’ve just picked up my burner to call Nina when I hear a creak against the wooden floor behind me.
Then a voice.
“Put down the phone, Nura.”