In the car, as the vehicle rolled into the city, Hadley looked out the window and spoke to the driver. “Don’t go back to Jewel Avenue. Take us to the city jail.”
Tamara turned to her with a questioning look. “The city jail?”
Hadley nodded. “I want to see Chelsey.”
“Alright.” Tamara didn’t press further. She had an idea why Hadley wanted to see that woman.
At the jail, after they completed all the necessary paperwork for visitation, Hadley was finally led in to see Chelsey.
“Hadley?” Chelsey’s eyes widened, surprise written all over her face. “Why are you here? Did something happen?”
“Yes.” Hadley had come here for a purpose, so she got straight to the point. “You told me last time Linda was the one who put you up to it. Have you told the police that?”
Chelsey went still, then shook her head.
“You haven’t?” Hadley stared at her, caught off guard. “Why not? You know Linda is the one behind all of this!”
She looked at Chelsey with desperation and implored, “Chelsey, Linda’s crimes have gone unpunished for too long because there’s never been enough proof. You could be the key witness.”
“Hadley…” Chelsey met Hadley’s gaze—one filled with hope and worry—and then slowly shook her head, her face tightening with regret. “I’m sorry. I just… I can’t do it.”
The words didn’t register right away. Hadley blinked, stunned. “What do you mean?” Her mind scrambled for answers. “Are you scared?”
She figured Chelsey was worried about what Linda might do if she spoke up. Trying to ease her fear, Hadley said, “You don’t have to worry. The police will protect you. And if that’s not enough, the Scott family—”
“That’s not it!” Chelsey’s voice rose as she shook her head harder. “Hadley, I’m not scared. That’s not why.”
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“Then what is it?” Hadley stared, completely thrown off. “You told me about it. Surely you can—”
“Please.” Chelsey dropped her gaze to the floor. “Don’t press me anymore. I have my own reasons, and they’re not something I can change. I confided in you because you’re kind and I hurt you, but I—”
Drawing in a slow breath, Chelsey’s face revealed both turmoil and determination. “I’m not going to testify. I won’t turn Linda in.”
“What? Why not?!” Hadley’s voice cracked, eyes wide with disbelief. She couldn’t make sense of it—none of it added up.
“I’m really sorry, Hadley,” Chelsey said, her guilt showing through every word. “I know this puts you in a tough spot, but…”
Rising from her seat, she continued, “That warning I gave you before—that was all I could manage. Beyond that… I just can’t help you.”
“Chelsey, wait!” Panic rushed through Hadley as she stood quickly, desperate to stop her.
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