Page 59 of When Lies Unfold

And I know. But you don’t need to worry.

Sabrina

Then what’s it like?

Me

We’ve already been over this.

I’ve said all I can say.

Sabrina

Fine. But can I ask one favor?

Me

What?

Sabrina

Promise me you’ll be careful.

Me

I promise.

That’s one promise I can carry out.

I’m being as careful as I possibly can.

“If you erase all the mistakes of your past, you would also erase all the wisdom of your present. Remember the lesson, not the disappointment.”

—Unknown

27

LOLA

Later that night

I’m a horrible person.

Even so, I still carry out the plan I’ve been preparing for.

Alma whispers in the dark, giving my hand a squeeze. “Thanks for snugglin’ with me and for paintin’ my nails so pretty.”

“Anytime, love.”

My heart twists while my guilt grows tenfold. I adore spending time with this sweet child—I do. It doesn’t mean I won’t hesitate to take advantage of this situation if—when—I need to, however.

I’ve tested the range of the mounted surveillance cameras throughout the compound under the guise of “exploring my new prison.” I believe I’ve pinpointed the discrepancies in the angles of range for most of them.

Tonight, I’ll discover whether or not it will all be successful.

“You can come and go as you normally would…” Gordo’s words echo in my mind. While that’s a step in the right direction, it’s still not freedom.

Once Alma’s breathing evens out, I press a light kiss to her forehead and roll over, edging toward the other side of the white four-poster bed—enormous in contrast of such a little girl.

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