A cop showed up at the door, guiding in a man in a sleek suit and gold-rimmed sses.


    "Ms. Meyer, I''m Bryce. Matthew sent me I''m yourwyer on this case."


    He offered a reassuring smile. "You don''t have to worry. I''ve already gone over everything. I''m here to file for your bail."


    The officer beside him looked ufortable. "Bryce, this case is tied to the Ratcliff family. We..."


    "Officer." Bryce cut him off, adjusting his sses. "Byw, Ms. Meyer has been held for over twenty-four hours. The only evidence is that she entered the hospital room. That''s not proof of a crime.


    "There''s no basis for an arrest here. Legally, bail should be granted."


    He paused, voice calm but firm. "If you refuse to process her release, that''s a breach of procedure. And if my client files an appeal, it could affect the department''s reputation."


    The officer hesitated, then finally let out a sigh. "Alright. We''ll start the paperwork."


    Thirty minutester, Reese walked out the precinct doors.


    The evening air was cool and crisp, brushing against her face. For the first time in days, she felt her nerves finally start to unwind.


    "Bryce, thank you so much for today."


    "No need for thanks, Ms. Meyer. This is just my job." He waved off her gratitude, sounding lighter now. "Don''t worry. I''ve looked over everything, and there''s not nearly enough evidence to charge you. I''ll gather what we need to clear your name, promise.


    "Matthew is still on his way back. He''s worried about you. You should let him know you''re safe."


    Reese nodded. She knew if Matthew hadn''t brought in Bryce, she might still be stuck inside.


    After saying goodbye, she pulled out her phone and turned it on. Instantly, a flood of texts and missed calls came pouring in.


    Most were from Millie, who must have heard about everything with the Ratcliff family.


    Reese shot Millie a quick text to let her know she was okay, then called Matthew. He picked up after barely a ring, his voice steady and calm. "Reese? You''re out?" "Yeah, just now. Bryce helped me get bail."


    Her words softened, gratitude slipping through. “Matthew, thank you. I''m sorry for dragging you into this again."


    "You don''t need to apologize," Matthew said, a note of concern hidden in his even tone. "Are you still near the station? I can send someone to pick you up." "No, I''m already home."


    Not wanting to trouble him more, Reese lied. "Drive safe, okay? Call me when you get to Bridger Lake."


    She hung up, walking into the sunset as she dialed George''s number.


    "George, everything''s settled at the station. No need for you to rush back.


    "But could you speed up the divorce with Sebastian? I want it over as soon as possible."


    After all that had happened, she couldn''t stand the idea of being tied to Sebastian for another minute.


    "Don''t worry, Ms. Meyer. I''ve already spoken with the court. We can have a hearing in the next couple of days. You''ll get a notice soon."


    Reese let out a relieved breath and was about to put her phone away when it


    started buzzing again. Millie''s name lit up the screen.


    She answered quickly, barely getting out a hello before Millie''s shaky, tearful voice broke through. "Reese!! finally got through, you have no idea how scared I was when heard. T thought..."


    "Millie, I''m so sorry I made you worry."


    Reese''s voice was gentle and


    apologetic. "The police took my


    phone thesest two days, Sol


    didn''t see your calls I''m out now, everything''s fine promise."


    "I''m just d you''re safe."


    Millie sounded calmer, though her relief was obvious. "Where are you? I''lle


    find you. We need to talk."


    "I''m at the park near the station. Come over, I''ll wait for you."


    Reese hung up and found a bench, watching peoplee and go while she waited for Millie.


    When Millie arrived, she drove Reese back to her apartment. Once Reese had showered and changed, she was about to order groceries and startner but Millie swooped in and grabbed her phone before she had the chance.