Page 46 of Depraved Truths

“I’ll have the nurse bring her a sedative,” Dr. Ross says quietly, before turning to leave.

Allie’s cat scan comes back clear—no internal bleeding on her brain, just a concussion. They plan to keep her overnight for observation. After the Ativan takes effect, she calms down, and her body finally relaxes into sleep.

Eli and Jace come in to check on her, each trying to ensure she’s okay, but I can’t bring myself to leave her side. I’m terrified of what might happen if I do.

A sheriff’s deputy arrives to take statements from Jace and Allie. Despite their efforts, authorities are still unable to track down Dalton, who has an active warrant out for his arrest.

The nurse enters with a tray of food—chicken soup and Jello—but Allie barely acknowledges it, staring blankly at the tray.

“Allie, you need to eat something,” I coax, my voice gentle.

She shakes her head, her eyes distant as she turns to gaze out the window.

She whispers so softly, I can barely hearher. “It was Dalton.”

“I know,” I reply, my voice steady. “I heard what you told the deputy.”

Allie’s head whips back in my direction, her eyes boring into mine with an intensity that makes my breath catch. Her tone sharp and frantic as she speaks. Each word slicing through the air with a desperate urgency. “No, it was Dalton. H–he was the one at the lake that night. Dalton and Wilson. Wilson was the one who threatened me and my family.” Slowly shaking my head, shock floods my system as my mind struggles to process her words, the gravity of the situation sinking in. “Oh my god, they’re the ones who took Paisley.”

Chapter 32

Slamming my hands down on the steering wheel, I feel the rage I'd been trying to suppress fill my veins. This is my fault. I should have dealt with him sooner. If I had, this would never have happened.

I can’t shake the guilt of what happened to my best friend. The attack, the miscarriage... it’s all my fault.

But I can get revenge for her with my own twisted justice. Moments ago, the police still hadn’t found Dalton. This is my chance.

Grabbing the burner phone from my console, I dial the one person who can help.

“Tess, it’s good to hear from you—”

“Bryce, I-I need your help.”

“Anything, babe. Are you okay?” Concern laces his voice.

“I am. But my friend isn’t. Can you track a phone for me? I need to know where this piece of shit is and who he’s contacted in the last six months. He’s on the run, and I need to find himbefore the cops do.” I grit the words out, my hands shaking with barely-contained anger.

“I’m on it. But promise me you won’t do anything reckless before you hear from me.”

“Not sure I can do that.”

“Promise. Me.” His tone is firm.

Inwardly, I groan. I’m not one to sit and wait. “Okay, Dad, I promise.”

“I’m holding you to it. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”

“Thanks, Bryce.” I hang up.

A sharp rapping on my window makes me jump. I press the unlock button, and Eli slides into the passenger seat.

“Tessa, what are you doing?” His eyes burn with a mix of concern and anger as he grabs my chin, pulling my face toward his. “I step away with Jace for one minute and you’re gone. Dalton’s still out there somewhere. We don’t know what his mindset is right now. I need to know you're safe.”

“I’m sorry, Stalker, but it’s none of your business,” I snap, my voice sharp.

“Anything to do with you is my business. Did you forget the part where I said you are mine now?”

“Look, I’m trying to keep you out of this. I don’t want to drag you into the dark parts of my world.”

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