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That’s all it took for Peyton’s smile to disappear.

“And let’s not forget that a certain bestseller hasn’t exactly painted you in the best light, either. Public opinion is a bitch when you’re trying to find twelve impartial jurors. As far as the world is concerned, you’re just as responsible for your friends’ deaths as she is.”

“Don’t you dare compare me to her! Look at me!” Peyton suddenly screamed, gesturing wildly toward her scarred face. “Look at what that fucking bitch did to me! She turned me into a monster!”

I took a moment to study her.

The burns had left their mark. That much was true.

Even after what I could only assume were countless reconstructive surgeries, Peyton’s once-pretty features had been distorted beyond recognition.

Still, underneath the scars, I could still see the same hateful girl who’d made Max’s life a living hell all those years ago.

“That’s not how I see it,” I replied calmly. “All I see is the truth that was once hidden behind a pretty face. All Max did was make sure the ugliness inside you was finally reflected on the outside.”

I turned to the arresting agent and gave him a small nod.

He stepped forward and pulled out his handcuffs.

If Peyton was so fucking worried about her face, maybe she should’ve paid more attention during fire-safety week in elementary school.

Stop, drop, and roll, bitch.

It’s not exactly rocket science.

My lips twitch, but whatever amusement I might have felt disappears the moment Springview comes into view.

The hospital sprawls beyond a long stretch of manicured grounds, its pale brick buildings surrounded by trees and tall security fencing. From a distance, it almost looks peaceful. It’s the sort of place where people come to recover from the demons that have been tormenting them.

I wish I could believe that were true for Max, too.

It’s been three months since she was admitted here. And although I know she’s getting the care she needs, I can’t help wondering whether the girl I once knew is still somewhere inside those walls. Or whether the last pieces of her died in Fairhope, along with everyone else.

I pull into the visitor parking lot and find a space near the entrance, cutting the engine just as I notice a couple embracing beside a car a few spaces over. They’re kissing like they haven’t seen each other in months, completely oblivious to their surroundings.

Making out in front of a psychiatric hospital isn’t exactly what I’d call romantic, but hey, to each their own.

I shove my gun and badge into the glove compartment and climb out, locking the car behind me before making my way toward the entrance.

“I’m sorry she wasn’t here, Roe,” I hear the man say as I start walking in their direction. “But I promise we’ll find her.”

The woman, whom I assume is Roe, rests her head against his chest, her shoulders sagging in defeat.

“I don’t know why I keep getting my hopes up,” she murmurs. “You’d think I’d have learned my lesson by now.”

“Hey, none of that.” He slips a finger beneath her chin, gently tilting her face toward his. “I promised you we’d find her, and we will. I’m almost certain we’re getting close.”

She gives him a weak smile.

“There’s only one thing I’m certain of anymore,” she says softly. “And that’s how much I love you, Elias.”

“Good answer.” He winks at her before pressing another kiss on her lips. “Now, let’s get the hell out of here. I hate being on this side of the country.”

“Relax, Elias. Blackwater Falls is more than ten hours away. We’re safe here.”

“I’d still rather be back home on the other side of the ocean.” He brushes a strand of hair away from her face. “Come on, wife. Let’s get you home.”

He kisses her once more and opens the passenger door, waiting until she’s settled inside before closing it behind her.