Page 108 of Fallen Princess: Shadow Stalker

Except in Eden’s case, I’m sure they were put in her tea without her knowledge.

“She said her nightmares became worse when she returned to LA,” Haze is contemplating out loud as he steps away. “She was using pills she got from a local pharmacy without a prescription. I’ve spent enough nights with her to know she was never out cold like you described.”

“So you think she took something heavier?”

“Or Catalina gave it to her.”

“Something we won’t know until Eden wakes up.”

“Where is Catalina now?” Jagger asks, sighing because this day is just getting more intense.

“In her room refusing to leave.”

“We should get her away from Eden for now,” Haze suggests. “I could convince her that she’s been asked to make a statement at the police station.”

“Or just throw her out.” I prefer my suggestion better.

“If it turns out she’s innocent, Eden will follow her out that door.”

“And that powder could be anything.”

Asher chuckles. “Sure,” he says, amused, “Catalina’s a user.”

“Users could be of any age or race. Addiction does not discriminate.” I explain, opening the bag.

Within seconds, it’s snatched from my hand. “What the—”

“Have you completely lost the plot?” Haze pockets the bag, glaring at me. “What if it’s cocaine?”

“Then you try it, knobhead.” I retaliate. We need to be sure of what we're getting ourselves into. None of these plonkers have ever sampled drugs, but I would know what it is.

“I’m doing no such thing,” Haze scowls. “The manufacturer supplying protein shakes for my online business is based here in California. I’m going to call in a favor and ask their lab to identify what this white powder residue is.”

“That could take a while, and we need answers now.”

“We’ll find a way to keep Catalina busy and away from Eden. For now, I’ll drive her to the police station and then back to Brittney’s place.”

Haze steps away to leave and hesitates to depart the room.

“If Eden should wake up,” he suggests, “let her know how you found her, but don’t accuse Catalina of anything. Not yet. We need to have solid details and not throw accusations. It’ll force her into a corner, and we know Eden’s bite is strongerthan her bark.”

“Haze is right,” Jagger looks at Asher and me. “She is protective of Catalina. The woman remained with her despite everything. We have to give the old lady the benefit of doubt.”

"I believe inquiring about her sleep aids at an appropriate time is acceptable, as long as we approach it without making any accusations."

Rather than reply, my brother simply nods thoughtfully and departs.

I carefully place the contents back into the purse and leave it where I discovered it. There's no doubt in my mind that I will unravel the truth. Witnessing Eden nearly drowning has grounded me mentally. I am resolute in ensuring she does not tread the same dark path that consumed me for years. My determination to resolve this issue is unwavering and fueled by a profound sense of responsibility I feel for her.

Instead of going back upstairs, which was my original intention, I grab my metal box from the coffee table and head out back to roll myself a fag.

Chapter 29

My eyes flutter openas if I’m yanked out of my deep slumber and dreamless sleep by an unseen force, and the world unveils itself in a disorienting haze. The room, cloaked in shadows, seems unfamiliar and momentarily alien.

Panic begins to set in as my heart starts to race. I struggle to catch my breath, the weight of dread pressing down on me as my mind races through scenarios of impending danger.

Where the hell am I?

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