“Be gentle,” Mom warned him.
“I promise.”
Jamie’s hug was gentle but firm. “I’m so sorry. I never should have let you leave the house.”
“Not.”
“Shhh.” He pulled away. “I’m not responsible for Pamela’s actions, but I’m responsible for mine. You had a protection detail for a reason, and I failed you when I let you leave without him.”
“Don’t—”
“Madi.” Tears filled his eyes. “I… Please, just accept my apology.”
I nodded. When I could talk like a normal person again, I’d correct his misguided guilt.
“Thank you.”
“Pamela.”
“We know. She was standing outside when we got there. She’s being held without bail for attempted murder and arson.”
A shiver ran the length of my body as his words sank in. Pamela planned on watching the building burn as I slowly died inside.
“Insane.”
“Most likely. She’ll undergo a psychiatric evaluation before standing trial.”
“Either way, she’ll be locked up for a long time,” Dad added.
Part of me wanted to feel sympathy for her; she couldn’t be blamed if she was mental ill.
Part of me wanted to scratch her fucking eyes out for the hell she put me through.
Chapter 44
Matt
It was late Tuesday morning when I finally regained conscious.
“Welcome back,” Nathan said as my eyes fluttered open.
“Madi?” I tried sitting up, but lacked the strength.
“Alive and well, thanks to you,” Ashley answered.
I doubted how well she could be, given her condition when I found her.
“How bad?” I choked out.
“She’ll make a full recovery.” Nathan said, touching the long, jagged scar on his left cheek.
“Water.”
He handed me the glass and let me quench my thirst in silence.
“Need to see her.” I croaked out, trying to sit again.
Nathan grabbed my bed remote and pushed the button until the bed met my back.
