“Hadley!” Eric caught her before she could collapse, his voice steady. “She’s still in critical condition!”
He tried to comfort her. “Don’t stress about it. The police have her under strict surveillance. Whatever wrongs she’s committed, she’ll have to answer for them.”
So, the one behind everything was still being operated on in the hospital? Right now, she couldn’t do anything to Ayla.
Hadley pressed closer to him, her breathing slowly evening out, though her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
“Let’s head home now. Even if you can’t do it for yourself, think of Joy, okay?” Eric brushed his lips against her hair and murmured.
Snapped back to reality, Hadley gave a small nod. “Alright.”
Eric watched her, letting out a silent sigh. Joy was the one thing that truly mattered to her. He was grateful that Joy’s presence kept her from losing herself completely.
When they finally made it back to Jewel Avenue, the clock was nearing ten. Joy was already tucked in and fast asleep. Melba greeted them and explained that Joy had waited up for as long as she could but eventually drifted off when sleep got the best of her.
Eric guided Hadley into the master bedroom and eased her onto the bed.
“Would you like to take a bath first?”
“No.” Hadley shook her head. Nothing appealed to her right now.
“Then close your eyes for a bit and try to rest.” Eric softly smoothed her hair before pulling the covers up. “I’ll be here until you drift off.”
Still no word had come from Quentin. That could only mean Elissa was still missing. Ernest must still be at the scene too, so Eric thought he should check on him as well.
“You don’t have to stay,” Hadley said, reading his thoughts as she let go of his hand. “Ernest probably needs you more than I do.”
Worry creased her brow, and she stared up at the ceiling, lost in troubled thoughts. “I doubt I’ll be able to sleep anyway.”
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“Alright.” Eric took a breath and nodded.
He grazed her cheek with his fingers, finding it cold beneath his touch. “Try to rest. Even if sleep won’t come, just wait here for me.”
“I promise,” Hadley said, her voice trembling as tears welled up in her eyes. “Go.”
Maybe this time, he’d come back with better news.
“Alright.” Eric spoke in a gentle tone and pressed his lips to her forehead. “Try not to worry. I’ll take care of everything.”
Eric turned to Tamara and gave instructions. “Keep your eyes open. If anything comes up, you need to call me straight away.”
Tamara gave a solemn nod. “Yes, Mr. Scott. I’ll stand watch by the door and stay put until you return.”
After Eric departed, Hadley remained still, lying quietly on the bed. Time passed in silence until the soft patter of rain reached her ears. Outside, drops tapped steadily against the glass. With every sound of the rainfall, a coldness crept deeper into her bones.
.
.
.