41
HALLIE
“How are you feeling?” Dr. Beech asked.
Numb.
I was still numb.
In the past twenty-four hours, I’d experienced every possible emotion. Happiness when I woke up with Ford. Frustration when it seemed as if the investigation had stalled. Elation and the thrill of the chase when I realised Alton Brand had a basement. Sheer terror when I woke up in it. Dread when Alton and Gregg had returned. Revulsion when Gregg tried to rape me, followed by anger, determination, and rising panic as I’d fought to save Starla and escape.
And finally, relief.
Relief that Blackwood had found me. Relief that Emmy carried explosives the way other people carried gum. Relief that Starla had gotten medical help. Relief that four children wouldn’t have to spend years underground.
But what came out was
