Cher Waverly’s tear-streaked face turned toward the crowd as her trembling voice filled the room. “You all heard it, didn’t you? This is a recording from a month ago. Allie wanted me to get rid of the baby. I never thought she’d actually follow through with something so monstrous. Allison Brooks, how could you be so heartless? You’re nothing but a murderer!”
Allie froze. Her body trembled uncontrollably, as if a cold tide had swept through her veins.
That recording was indeed her voice—her words—but it wasn’t what it seemed. She had only said it to placate Cher, to cut her off and escape the whirlwind of her manipulations. Never in her darkest nightmares had she imagined Cher would save it, let alone use it like this.
She stared at Cher, now sobbing theatrically, and felt an icy wave of
