LARA:
I drove as fast as I could the moment I heard about Ana. David called, and from that second on, I couldn't stay calm. I knew exactly what she was going through, and it hadn't stopped since that horrific night. I had seen firsthand how Dr. Helia treated her. But what enraged me more than Helia was Mr. Brown. How could he let this happen to his daughter? Do parents really not care about their children's mental health? About their future?
Pushing aside the dark thoughts swirling in my mind, I pulled into the driveway and parked hastily. The Boston Police Department had already swarmed the house like it was a crime scene. Panic gripped me. Where was Ana? Was she okay? Was she hurt?
I rushed toward the entrance, desperate to find David or anyone who could tell me what was happening. But as I approached, a guy in a police badge stepped in front of the door, blocking my way.
"Hey, I need to see my friend," I explained, trying to push past him.
"Sorry, ma'am. No entry."
"But I'm Ana's friend, I have to see her!" I insisted, my voice rising with urgency.
"I understand, but I can't let anyone in. There's an ongoing investigation," he said firmly, though his eyes were softer than his words.
Alright, I could see he was attractive, but that wasn't even on my radar. I needed to see Ana. She wasn't answering her phone, and my heart was in my throat. "Listen, I get that, but you don't understand. Ana is my best friend, and I—"
"Lara?"
A familiar voice cut through the tension. I turned to see David—serious, tense, and somehow even more worried than I was.
"David!" I exhaled in relief. "Thank God you're here!"
David nodded at the officer, who finally let me through. I shot the guy a quick look before following David inside. "How's Ana?" I asked, my voice barely hiding my worry.
"She's stressed, hyper, and eventually passed out," David replied, his expression grim.
I studied him for a moment before asking the question I dreaded. "You don't actually think she's the killer, do you?"
David's face remained unreadable. "It doesn't matter what I believe. We found blood on her. After testing, it was confirmed—it's Dr. Helia's."
"But she could be framed!" I blurted out. "Come on, David, you know her better than that!"
His eyes locked onto mine, and I could see the inner battle raging within him.
"Just because Dr. Helia claimed Ana wasn't mentally stable doesn't make it true. I've seen her in college, she's fine. She's trapped, and even if you don't believe it, I'll never accept that she killed Dr. Helia."
David pinched the bridge of his nose, looking worn out. "I'd die before I let anyone lay a finger on her. I know she's innocent... and sick. The doctors just left. We're doing everything we can to solve this."
I sighed. "What did the doctors say? Does her father know? Is he coming back?"
David shrugged, his frown deepening. "She's in shock, and weak—though not just because of this. The doctors found bruises on her body. Dr. Helia... she wasn't just a doctor. She's wanted in several countries for illegal drug experiments. She's been running for six months."
"What?!" I gasped, stunned. "How could the Browns hire someone like that? Weren't they supposed to do background checks? This is insane!"
David stopped in his tracks, right where a chalk outline marked the floor. "Well, I think Mrs. Brown had more to do with this. She's never particularly liked Ana, and I'm sure that played a role here."
I was dumbfounded. "Is Ana okay? I mean, if Helia was that dangerous, didn't she try to hurt Ana?"
David's jaw tightened. "She tried, no doubt. But Ana's lucky—she wasn't affected by the drugs like the others. She's clean, but we're still investigating."
We stood near the grand entrance of the Brown mansion, police swarming around, questioning the guards. "I have a feeling some of these men were in on it," David muttered. "I'll figure it out."
I nodded, sensing the depth of David's feelings for Ana. Despite everything, he stayed loyal to her as a friend, even though she'd never reciprocate his feelings that way. It was rare, and I was grateful.
"Ana's in her room. You might want to check on her," David added softly.
By the time I left, it was late. Ana had been sedated, but the nightmares were still tormenting her. Rika and Robert hadn't left her side, and I had a feeling they wouldn't.
David informed me that Mr. Brown wouldn't be coming back anytime soon. He was on some trip with his wife, leaving their mess behind. But his friend, Leo Hudson, was returning to town. There was something about that man David wasn't telling me.
I only knew a little—Leo was a middle aged rich playboy with a reputation for scandals and multiple wives. A major shareholder in Alpha Group, he seemed untouchable, the kind of man who could buy his way out of any trouble.
Despite all the chaos, I was relieved that David didn't plan on blaming Ana. He was determined to find the real culprit.
But how could I be okay when my best friend lay senseless, accused of something she didn't do?
I needed coffee—desperately. I parked outside a café, grabbed a grande, and checked my phone. The Sullies were known for their wide range of coffees. As expected, that fucker was unreachable again. I sighed, frustrated. I was so done with Mark. He had vanished again.
As I walked back toward my car, something—or rather, someone—bumped into me. I looked down to see a little girl with tear-streaked cheeks and wide, frightened eyes staring up at me. I frowned, glancing around for her parents. But in the chaos of the busy street, no one seemed to be looking for her. She looked terrified.
I crouched down to her level, trying to calm her. "Hey, little angel. Are you lost?"
She didn't respond. I tried again, "Where are your parents?"
Still nothing.
Sighing, I pressed on. "You have to tell me something—your address, your mom or dad's name—so I can help you find them, okay?"
Silence. I took a closer look at her. Her clothes were torn, dirty, and her bare feet were red and raw. Something was seriously wrong.
Suddenly, there was a commotion behind us—people, running. I glanced around, and the fear in her eyes spiked.
"Are they with you?" I asked, pointing toward the approaching men.
This time, her eyes welled up with fresh tears. Uh oh.
"Are you running from them?" I asked quickly.
This time she only nodded, eyes wide with terror. And before I could think, she grabbed my hand, and we bolted.
I looked back. My car was still parked in front of the café—maybe we could make it. But no, we were too far now, and those men were closing in fast. There were five of them, and they weren't slowing down.
"This way!" I shouted, steering her down a narrow alley, hoping to lose them in the crowd. The Boston streets were packed, giving us some cover, but the men were relentless. My heart was racing, adrenaline surging through me.
Who are they? Who is this girl? Why are they after her? And what the hell do I do now?
I kept glancing over my shoulder, tracking the men who were still hot on our trail. My lungs burned—I was out of breath, but stopping wasn't an option. Not yet.
Then, I spotted an abandoned shop at the edge of the alley. Without thinking, I dragged her inside, pulling her into the shadows. We crouched down, hidden, as I peeked through the grimy window. The men split up, running in opposite directions, and finally, I exhaled in relief.
What the hell was that?
"Hi, how may I help you?" a woman's voice startled me, snapping me back to reality.
I turned, but my words stuck in my throat. That's when I looked down and realized—the little girl had fainted on my lap.