As the truth closes in around me, my lungs strain for air. A band wraps around my chest and squeezes. Panic races from a simmer to a boil. My pulse flutters madly.
I’ve never had a panic attack before, but it feels like I might be having one now.
Jenna’s dead.
I’m being accused of murder.
Indy took me from the hospital.
I’m in?—
“Where am I?” I whisper.
“We’re about forty minutes outside Portland,” he replies. “Portland, Washington, I mean. Not Maine.”
Portland?
I’m across the country? Taken from the hospital while I was unconscious? And now… I’m a fugitive?
“It’s going to be okay,” Indy soothes. “I know it seems like a lot now. But my company—my team—we’re very good at what we do. We’ll figure out the truth. And once we do, we’ll get you back home so you can go back to your normal life again.”
There’s a confidence in his voice I want to cling to.
Iwantto believe what he’s saying.
I want to believe that Indy, who I always liked even at his grumpiest, will magically fix this horrific mess.
But it’s all too much.
I’m too overwhelmed.
And I burst into tears.
Between sobs, I plead, “Leave me… alone… Please… I can’t… It’s too much..”
“Bea.”Misery drags at his features. “I’m sorry.”
“Please.” Sinking back against the pillows, I turn away from him and close my eyes. “Go away.”
But the darkness isn’t comforting, like I’d hoped.
It’s just lonely.
Empty.
Frightening.
A gentle hand touches my back. “I’m sorry, Bea.”
Then it disappears.
Seconds later, the door shuts.
And I reallyamall alone.
CHAPTER 5
INDY
