I let the memory of Trent's screaming face fade, the blood, the chaos, the perfect satisfaction, and instead focused on the here and now. Madison, shaken and terrified, was safe. That was the only thing that mattered.
And for the first time in hours, I could breathe a little easier.
The cruiser hit a pothole and Madison jolted, clutching the seatbelt like the road itself had a vendetta. "God, this is so weird. I've never been in the back of a police car without champagne before."
I stared at her. "You've… been in the back of a police car with champagne?"
She shrugged, eyes darting to the tinted windows like she was watching her own public reputation crumble in real time. "Charity event. Don't ask."
ARIA chuckled in my ear, the digital equivalent of a smirk. "She's rapidly losing coherence. Should I play calming whale noises?"
'Please don't. I'm already in here with her.'
