The words hits me like a physical blow, sucking the air from my lungs.
“She’s what?” I whisper, barely able to hear myself over the blood pounding in my ears.
Meera nods numbly, her face pale and drawn. “They just found out. Apparently, it happened earlier this evening. Details are sketchy, but…” She trails off, her voice cracking slightly.
I release her shoulders and stumble back a step, my thoughts scrambling for purchase. Dead? Hayley? The same Hayley who messaged me last night, cryptic and urgent, asking to meet?
“Are you sure it’s her?” My voice is trembling, but I don’t care.
Meera hesitates, her lips pressing into a tight line. “It’s on the news. They haven’t released full details yet, but her name’s been confirmed. Natalie, this isn’t good. Not for anyone.”
My stomach churns
