I woke up and found myself in a ward.
The nurse saw I was awake and deliberately threw the medicine bottle into the trash with a loud clink.
Her voice was dripping with sarcasm as she said, “You really are a tough one. After all the harm you caused, the only thing you lost was your baby. Guess you’re lucky.”
My throat felt like it was burning, and I couldn’t get a word out. All I could do was swallow her insults in silence.
Suddenly, the nurse slammed the door open with a loud bang and shouted to the people outside, “The suspect’s awake! Get her out of here. We don’t want her messing up our hospital. She actually went after a fallen hero’s daughter! What a joke! She should’ve just been left to burn!”
Two people at the door grabbed me without saying a word, and before I knew it, I was being taken to see Caleb.
There was a table between us. His face was stormy like he was about to snap.
He wasted no time laying the blame on me as soon as he spoke. He said, “You’re cold-blooded for trying to kill someone, Jeanette Sloan. Since you were pregnant, I might be able to push for probation, but you’re still going to prison!”
Then, like even speaking to me would ruin his reputation, he turned his head away with a stiff jerk.
My throat felt raw, and when I tried to speak up for myself, all that came out was a harsh cough.
Brianna rushed in, crying her eyes out. She practically threw herself into Caleb’s arms. “I just had another nightmare, Cay. I dreamed I was burning alive in the fire. I’m so scared…”
Caleb’s face, which had just started to soften, tightened again as soon as he heard her.
“I don’t get how Bri, of all people, could’ve done anything to offend you, Jeanette! Why do you hate her so much that you keep trying to hurt her? Her dad gave his life on a rescue mission, and this is how you treat the daughter of a fallen hero, huh?
“You… You’re…”
He couldn’t finish his sentence. He clenched his fists and pounded the table in frustration.
Someone handed me a cup of water. I took a few big gulps before I could get the words out. “I didn’t start that fire. Brianna did. She’s the one who should be blamed and locked up. And you should be in jail too, Caleb. You failed in your duty.”
Caleb slammed his hand on the table again and jumped to his feet. He leaned in, his eyes burning into mine.
