A group of officers walked in, uniforms crisp and badges shing in the


    fluorescent light. The lead cop stepped forward, shing his ID.


    "Ms. Meyer, we''ve received a report connecting you to Mr. Ratcliff''s death at the hospital. We need you toe with us to the station and help with our investigation."


    Reese didn''t put up a fight. She just smoothed her cor, met their eyes, and nodded calmly.


    "Okay. I''m happy to cooperate," she said. "But let me be clear. I didn''t hurt Mr. Ratcliff. If you''re going to use me of something, you''ll need to show me your evidence.


    "And I''ll be calling mywyer. I won''t answer any questions until my attorney is here."


    The officer nodded. "Of course. We''re not here to frame anyone, but we won''t let a suspect walk free either."


    This wasn''t Reese''s first time being walked out of ckOak by the police. She could feel everyone''s eyes on her-some shocked, some whispering behind their hands, some just staring. She kept her head high and followed the officers out.


    She had just reached the squad car when a ck G-Wagon pulled up with a screech, stopping right at the curb.


    The door swung open. Zach stepped out.


    His gaze locked on Reese, surrounded by cops. There was a sh of pain in his eyes. With hiswyer right behind him, he strode over and blocked the officers.


    "If you want to take her, talk to mywyer first," Zach said, voice steady but tight. Hiswyer stepped forward, ready to show paperwork or argue, but Reese didn''t even look at him. She just shook her head.


    "That''s not necessary," she said quietly. "I have my ownwyer. I don''t need Mr. Wiles''s help."


    Hearing her call him "Mr. Wiles" stung more than Zach wanted to admit. Years ago, she used to curl up in hisp, whispering his name like a secret. Now, her voice was chilly and distant.


    Zach swallowed, desperation


    creeping in. "Reese, this isn''t the


    time to be stubborn. The Ratcliffs


    wouldn''t have called the cops if they werent ready You need a goodwyer."


    Reese cut him off, her shoulders squared. “I said no. And I thought I made myself clearst time. We''re done. From now on, we''re strangers. Let''s keep it that way."


    Zach took a shaky breath, trying to keep it together. "Thewyer you usually use left for a case in another city three days ago. He won''t be back for at least a week."


    Reese hesitated, thrown off for just a second. George really was out of town for a while.


    "Then I''ll wait for him," she said, her voice cool. "This is just an investigation, not a conviction. I can wait."


    Every word felt like a knife to Zach''s chest.


    He took in her profile, so cold, so closed off. He remembered all the times he''d doubted her, pushed her away and made her feel small Now, She was really gone, and it was his fault.


    He wanted to say something, anything, but Reese had already turned away. She nodded at the officers.


    "I''m ready. Let''s go."


    The police car door mmed shut, leaving Zach frozen on the sidewalk.


    He watched the car drive away, disappearing around the corner. Only then did he


    let himself clench his fists, anger and regret swirling in his eyes.


    This was all the Ramos family and Tara''s fault.


    If it hadn''t been for them, Reese would never have turned into a stranger.


    Outside the ICU, the hospital smelled like bleach and worry. Sebastian barely noticed. He sat in the hallway, staring at his phone, thumb tracing the edge of the screen. With ever, minute that passed, a knot of anxiety twisted tighter in his chest.