Hadley’s shoulders shook, a chill running down her spine.
She glanced up suddenly, gripping Eric’s hand tightly. “Take me to her. I need to see her right now!”
“Okay,” said Eric, unable to argue. “But you have to promise me something—wash up and get some food in you first.”
She had not eaten a single bite since the whole ordeal began, and exhaustion was written all over her face.
The thought of eating made Hadley hesitate. She had no desire for food at all.
Eric’s eyes darkened. “We’re not leaving until you do.”
“Alright! I’ll eat!” She relented at last.
After a quick wash and forcing down a few mouthfuls, they made their way to the hospital.
Just as Eric had mentioned, Ayla was being closely watched by law enforcement. Two officers flanked the hospital room door, sitting quietly on either side.
“Mr. Scott.” One officer rose to greet them. He nodded and motioned to the door. “She’s awake, but still very weak. Please keep your visit short.”
Eric nodded. “I understand.”
The officer quietly opened the door and stepped aside, allowing them to enter.
Inside the hospital room, Ayla lay restrained, her left wrist bound by handcuffs to the bedframe. Her head and face were swathed in bandages, leaving only one eye visible, the other evidently wounded. Her left leg, encased in plaster, was elevated on a sling.
A police officer stood watch nearby, but upon the arrival of Eric and Hadley, he rose and quietly exited the room.
Eric clasped Hadley’s hand as they approached Ayla’s bedside.
At the sound of their footsteps, Ayla strained to turn her head, her single uncovered eye locking onto Eric with a sudden spark of recognition.
“Eric…” Her voice quivered as tears spilled down her cheek. “You’re here… you came for me! I knew you still cared, that you still love me…”
M ? .
Eric stood wordless. Her words struck him as unhinged and delusional.
“Madwoman!” Hadley, unable to contain her fury any longer, wrenched her hand from Eric’s and surged forward, seizing Ayla by the collar of her hospital gown. “If you’re delusional, get treatment! Why drag others into your mess?”
Ayla’s head shook in frantic denial, her voice rising in panic. “I don’t understand what you mean! I haven’t hurt anyone! And I’m not delusional! I’m not!”
“Enough with the act!” Hadley’s eyes blazed with rage, her voice thick with loathing. “You know exactly what you did! You were behind the wheel—you rammed into Elissa’s car, sending it flying off the bridge into the ocean, and now she’s gone!”
“No, it wasn’t me!” Ayla’s head thrashed wildly, her denials relentless. “I don’t know anything about it!”
Hadley’s jaw clenched. “You don’t know? Then explain why you’re lying here like this!”
Ayla’s words faltered, incoherent. “A car… a crash… yes…”
.
.
.