Page 84 of Pretty Cruel Love

O.L.I.P.C.

Our Love Is Forever.

Our love is pretty cruel.

And I’ll do everything in my power to get you back into my arms, but you’ll have to keep playing your part because you’re the best actress I’ve ever met.

So regardless of how this goes, I’ll tell you exactly what to say to get the ‘insanity’ deal.

And if they’re stupid enough to convict you off that weak-ass circumstantial evidence?

I’ll hunt them down for you.

Just give me a chance. Hold on.

For us.

Your Cruel Love,

E.W.

37

SADIE

Day Fourteen

The prison transport van is coming to retrieve me in four hours, and—for the first time since arriving—the guards are letting me walk along the edge of the lakewithoutsurveillance.

(Well, with Dr. Weiss at my side.)

The water glimmers beneath the rising sun, and the air smells like pine and wet stone. It’s a sweet taste of Freedom.

My lawyers are saying that due to their work, we have a real shot with the appellate court now. That even if I get denied parole this month, I might still taste free air again. I juts have to be patient.

“Just give me a chance, and hold on…”

Ethan’s message echoes in my mind, carved deeper than the scars on my back.

“Are there really no cameras out here?” I ask him, casting a glance toward the trees.

“There aren’t,” he says, watching me carefully. “But I must say—you’ve played one hell of a role for them since you got here.”

“You weren’t too bad yourself.”

“Minus the temper tantrum, I’d give you a solid ten stars.”

“The medication was wearing off.”

“I know.” He slows, turning toward me. “Did I take too long to get everyone involved?”

“No,” I say softly. “But you missed two.”

“Who?”

“Guard Mountbatten,” I say. “I heard he’s been… missing.”

“Heismissing.” His lips curl. “There won’t be much left of him by the time anyone thinks to go looking. Who else?”

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