Page 50 of Hush

Aweek later, Ben flew to Seattle and met Caitlin and her associate, Wyatt, a no-nonsense man with thick, curly hair and a sandy-brown mustache, at an apartment building in downtown Seattle. Being back in a city felt strange. It was crazy to think that, just over a year ago, he’d been eager to put down roots here, but now the appeal was gone. The high rises and noise of the city grated on him, and he had a hard time imagining himself living in such an environment. Small-town life had grown on him; he had a great group of friends, a practice he felt proud of, and, of course, someone to love—two someones, in fact.

Ben had spent the last week talking with the administration about everything that had happened, including his relationship with Elise. Though Ben didn’t yet know the consequences, he felt better knowing there were no more secrets. He explained his plan to confront Ashley as well as his intention to put his relationship with Elise on hold until transfer of care was official. Now that Sally Fitzgibbons was back from her vacation, he had already initiated that step, which should be finalized today.

Confronting Ashley in her environment had been Caitlin’s idea. In investigating further, Caitlin had discovered a hidden history of mental health issues. So instead of storming in with the police or serving her papers, she said they should try a softer approach. Ben was willing to do whatever it took to break her hold on him so he could finally live his life without looking over his shoulder.

The three of them approached the high-rise apartment building, choosing a time when Ashley would be home based on her schedule. According to the cars in the garage, she was here.

Ben buzzed the correct apartment button on the panel.

“Yes?” Ashley’s voice answered.

“Hey,” he said, trying to sound casual. “It’s me,” he said.

“Ben?” she asked.

Ben drew in a gulp of city air to calm his nerves. “Can I come up?”

The buzzer sounded, and they entered the lobby decorated with a flocked Christmas tree and a fake garland twined with multicolored lights. Ben pressed the elevator button and stepped back, his skin feeling sweaty. He smoothed his shirt.

“Just tell her what we talked about,” Caitlin said, looking impressive in navy-blue slacks, a white blouse, and classy gold jewelry. “And I’ll take care of the rest.”

They rode the elevator in silence, then walked the carpeted hallway to Ashley’s door. Inhaling a steadying breath, he rang the doorbell.

When Ashley opened the door, the simpering smile on her face faltered when she saw Ben’s companions. He also noticed the way her clothes seemed to hang off her frame and the way her skin, normally luminous, looked pale.

“Who are you?” she asked, her eyes flicking curiously at the two strangers behind Ben. But Ben immediately saw through this—she was scared.

“This is my lawyer, Caitlin Mallory, and her associate, Wyatt Simms.”

Wyatt tipped an imaginary hat. “Ma’am,” he said.

“I see,” Ashley said.

“Can we come in?” Ben asked. “So we can talk?”

“Of course,” Ashley said, blinking rapidly.

Caitlin and Wyatt stepped into the apartment. As Ben passed by her, he felt her breath in his ear. “How dare you?” she hissed.

“Careful what you say, Ashley,” Ben replied between clenched teeth. “Or should I call you Faith?” he added, watching the sneer melt from her face.

“I’ll just make some tea,” Ashley said, sauntering into the all-white kitchen. “Would anyone care for some? Or coffee?”

Caitlin and Wyatt declined and stood in the living room, waiting.

“The game’s up, Faith,” Ben said, moving toward the kitchen. “And you lost.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said, her fingers shaking as she selected a teabag from the box.

“I think you do,” Ben said. “It’s time to stop hurting people, Faith,” he added, taking another step.

“Stop calling me that,” she said in a shrill voice.

“You’re a brilliant surgeon. You don’t need to do these things to get ahead.”

“You’re wrong,” she cried. In one swift motion, she grabbed the carving knife from her chopping block and yanked him close to her. Ben felt the sharp tip of the knife touch his throat and cried out.

“Get back,” she yelled to Caitlin and Wyatt, who rushed forward. “Don’t think I won’t do it.”

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