Still nothing.
The lack of response was worse than anger.
It meant Kendra didn’t care.
Hadley started to stand. “Kendra, listen to me?—”
The crack of the impact came out of nowhere.
Pain exploded across Hadley’s cheek as her head snapped to the side. She staggered, catching herself on the edge of the couch as the room spun.
“Stop talking!” Kendra snapped.
Hadley blinked hard, fighting to stay upright as the sting spread across her face. The coppery taste of blood touched her tongue, but she swallowed it back.
Kendra remained where she’d been standing, the gun now raised higher and her expression tight with irritation.
Hadley drew in a slow breath.
She couldn’t push too hard. Not like that.
But she couldn’t stop trying either.
“You drugged me.” Hadley’s voice sounded quieter now, steadier despite the pain. “Didn’t you? You put something in those cookies you gave me.”
Kendra’s expression shifted. Then she smiled. “Pretty smart move, wasn’t it? Took the meds right from your office.”
Hadley stared at her. “How? I checked everything. Nothing was missing.”
Kendra gave a small, almost amused shake of her head. “You should check again. The vials are still there.”
Hadley’s stomach tightened.
“They’re just filled with water now.” Kendra grinned smugly.
The casual way she said it made something cold settle in Hadley’s chest. “You knew exactly what you were doing, didn’t you?”
“Of course, I did.”
Hadley searched her face, trying to understand. “How? What even gave you the idea . . .”
“I was a nurse.” The words hung in the air for a second before Kendra continued. “Until they stole my license from me. They said I acted inappropriately. But all I did was fall in love with a patient.” Her tone turned mocking. “They made it sound so devious.”
Hadley didn’t speak or move. She only listened. Each new fact only solidified how much Kendra needed help.
Kendra’s gaze sharpened, something darker flickering beneath the surface now. “He was in love with me. And I was only trying to help him.”
Hadley’s pulse pounded in her ears as she held Kendra’s gaze, the pieces settling into place with terrifying clarity.
This wasn’t just desperation or jealousy. Kendra wasn’t thinking rationally at all.
She was unpredictable. Unstable. A loose cannon.
And Hadley had no idea what she might do next.
CHAPTER 43
Max stood outside the SUV,the cold biting through his jacket and his focus locked on Kenny.
