Page 56 of Savage in the Streets

“Bailey,” he says.

As soon as the door closes behind me, I snap, “Where have you been?”

“I’m gonna be honest. It was a bad weekend for me, filled with bad decisions.”

“And now what?”

“We’re going to see what comes up at the discovery hearing.”

“What do you think they found?”

He shakes his head. “I’ve been trying to figure that out all weekend. It’s gotta be pretty strong evidence for them to take you in like they did.”

“You’re not going to be able to get me out, are you?”

“Bailey, I am going to do whatever it takes to get you free. I’d pay seven figures to make this go away. All I want is you home in my bed, snuggled in my arms.”

My heart lightens, and I want so badly to rush to him and tell him how much I love him, but the look he’s giving me is dour.

“I have something for you. I don’t want to give it to you, but I’d be stupid to withhold it. We have to explore all avenues.”

He opens his briefcase and takes an envelope from it, handing it to me.

“It’s from your brother. He requested that it be for your eyes only.”

I’m still angry that he hasn’t disclosed how he knows Caleb, but now’s not the time for that. I tear away the glued flap, pulling out a single slip of paper that reads:

If you agree to marry Bruce, I can make this all go away.

-Caleb

It feelslike I’m falling. Like the world’s come apart, and all that’s left is me in a big empty space with nowhere to land.

Could my brother be in league with my father and Bruce?

Long ago, Bruce had tried to claim me, courting me with flowers, candy, and promises of luxury.

But that life wasn’t for me, and he got the hint, unlike some men.

“Bailey, are you okay?” Ashton asks.

My hands are trembling, and I feel hot tears running down my cheek.

“What’s in the message?”

I blink back at the man I thought I loved, wondering if perhaps I’ve made a mistake. Is it possible he’s been in on this all along? Was his job to get me to this point of desperation?

He was in my apartment. Could he have planted something? He was the one who gave me those pamphlets right before the cops took me in.

Did he set me up?

“Bailey, can you hear me?”

“How do you know my brother?” I snap out.

He exhales audibly. “I’ll tell you everything when—”

“Now. You’ll tell me now.”