Criminal

Chapter 26

I woke to the muffled sound of voices downstairs, a sickening knot forming in my stomach as I realized it was the police talking to Kael. Panic surged through me, my heart pounding in my chest as I strained to hear their conversation.

Kael's voice, smooth and deceptive, floated up to me, each word dripping with lies. "Of course, officer. I'll keep an eye out for her. Wouldn't want anything bad to happen to a sweet, innocent girl like that."

My bruises throbbed in protest as I pushed myself up, the pain serving as a brutal reminder of the torment I had endured at his hands. With a cry for help on my lips, I stumbled towards the window, only to find it locked tight, trapping me in this nightmare.

Through the tinted glass, I could see the police officers milling about below, their voices f