THERON'S POV
The wave of relief that hit me when Detective Elwood called was indescribable. He told me Ami’s case was being closed no charges filed. Not a single one.
Later, Mr. Ventresca confirmed what I’d been praying to hear: Cyrus Thatcher’s death had been ruled self-defense. Not even Bram Thatcher’s foul-mouthed tantrums could change that.
Ami had finally been discharged, her stitches removed. Leaving Los Angeles felt like finally coming up for air after drowning.
Now that we could go back to New York, I was determined to make sure she healed not just physically, but from everything.
The bruises on her skin had faded to soft, mottled shadows haunting reminders still scattered along her jaw, her neck, her shoulders. I knew she was still hurting. Recovery would take time.
I urged
