“What had you so worked up? Why were you in such a hurry that you couldn’t even swallow your food first?” Eric’s voice hovered between concern and amusement. “You’re a full-grown woman, but sometimes you eat like a kid. Makes me worry constantly.” While talking, he added more food to her plate.

“The recording!” Hadley gasped as soon as she caught her breath, then reached for his wrist. “Eric, did you record the conversation between Linda and me when I called you?”

Eric froze. The question caught him off guard. He wasn’t surprised; the moment Hadley stepped out of the police station, he figured she would bring it up.

“Well? Say something!” Hadley grew more distressed. “Don’t tell me you forgot to record it. I thought you knew me. Gosh… what do we do now?”

Frustrated, she pressed her palm against her forehead.

“I did! It’s all recorded!” Eric rushed to steady her. “Why are you panicking like this? Are you feeling unwell? Is it your head?”

“Not quite.” Hadley grimaced slightly and gave her head a small shake. “It’s more of a lightheaded feeling—like when you skip meals and your blood sugar drops.”

“That’s exactly what I was trying to stop from happening!” Eric’s thoughts went to what the doctor said, and his voice turned urgent. “You’re still recovering from that nerve damage. Lately, you’ve been way too tense, and that’s messing with your body.” Lowering his voice, he added, “Please don’t push yourself. Just take your time.”

“Alright.” Although Hadley nodded, her answer came out faint and unsure. The brief wave of…

The dizziness faded, and she circled back to what mattered. “You said you recorded everything, right?”

“I did.” Eric gave a firm nod.

“That’s a relief!” A faint smile tugged at Hadley’s lips.

Even if it couldn’t be used as primary evidence, the recording still had value—it could help strengthen the case.

“Should we reach out to Cristian?” Hadley offered the idea without hesitation. In her mind, Cristian stood out as the most capable attorney in all of Srixby. If anyone could put the recording to good use, it was him.

g?lnσνs﹒o is where stories live

“You heard it yourself—Linda openly confessed on that tape. She admitted that Elissa’s death was her doing!” Hadley’s words began to rise in pitch. “We can’t let Elissa’s death slide like it means nothing! Someone has to stand up for her! Ayla was nothing more than a tool in Linda’s twisted game! She wasn’t thinking clearly—Linda had her wrapped around her finger! Damn it…”

Before she could say more, the wave of dizziness swept in again, silencing her mid-thought.

“Did you hear what I just said?” Eric’s voice carried a mix of worry and irritation. “I told you not to push yourself! Why is that so hard to remember?”

“I’m really all right,” Hadley tried to downplay it. “But Elissa—she still matters.”

“Enough, Hadley!” Eric’s words came out sharper than intended. “You need to stop and get some rest!”

Hadley’s body stiffened. She hadn’t expected him to raise his voice—especially not at her. It had been ages since he’d spoken to her in that tone. A flicker of disappointment crossed her face, and her lips pushed into a small pout.

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