Page 153 of What Comes Around

“She used a prepaid device purchased with cash,” he continued, “but we were able to trace location data, cross-reference surveillance footage, and obtain corroborating testimony from one of the intermediaries she contacted.”

“It’s her,” I said quietly.

“Yes.”

I leaned back against the table behind me. “What happens now?”

“We have officers stationed at the hospital,” he said. “Once Ms. Richards is medically cleared, she will be taken into custody.”

“For what charges?”

“She hired individuals with the stated intent of having you abducted, trafficked, and later killed. As a result, she is facing multiple felony counts, including conspiracy to commit kidnapping, solicitation of kidnapping, conspiracy to commit human trafficking, solicitation of human trafficking, and conspiracy to commit murder.”

He paused briefly before continuing.

“She will also face additional charges related to fraud, obstruction, and other offenses pending final review by the State’s Attorney.”

I said nothing.

“We want you to understand,” he added, “this is being treated as an extremely serious case. Based on the severity of the charges, the premeditation involved, and the demonstrated risk of continued criminal behavior, it is very likely the court will deny bail.”

My fingers tightened slightly. “She won’t be released?”

“Not if the judge agrees with our recommendation. The prosecutor will be requesting that she be held without bail pending trial.”

Because she was dangerous. Because she wouldn’t stop. Because next time, she might succeed.

“You’re safe,” he said. “But we will continue maintaining protective measures until she is in custody.”

“Thank you,” I said quietly.

“We’ll be in touch.”

The call ended.

I lowered the phone slowly, staring at nothing, the silence pressing in around me.

Apple had spent years trying to destroy me.

And now she had destroyed herself.

Chapter 47: Now Look at You

A few weeks later, I woke to a strong wave of nausea. I barely had time to register the warning before I scrambled out of bed and rushed to the bathroom. I made it just in time, gripping the sides of the toilet as my stomach heaved violently. The force of it left my eyes watering and my throat burning.

“Ashley?”

Knox’s voice was thick with sleep, but he was beside me in seconds. His hand settled on my back, steady and warm.

“Ugh.” Mortified, I tried to wave him away weakly, but he ignored it completely. He held my hair back and rubbed slow circles between my shoulder blades while I fought through another round of retching.

The smell alone was enough to make me want to disappear.

Finally, the worst of it passed. My body sagged, trembling with exhaustion, but the nausea lingered, simmering beneath the surface like it wasn’t finished with me yet.

This had become my routine.

Every morning for the past few weeks.