Chapter 37

The following morning, Ace and I are woken by a knock on the door. Hailey runs in, crying. I hop down from the bed, and we run into each other’s arms, crying. I push her hair behind her ears, to get a better look at her bruised face.

‘I’m so sorry, Hailey. This is all my fault,’ I say.

‘It wasn’t your fault,’ she sobs. Jack is inside the doorway, and Ace gestures for him to come in and close the door. Smiling at them, I can’t help but pull a Hailey.

‘You totally rubbed uglies, didn’t you?’ I laugh, Jack blushes and Hailey smiles.

‘Of course, I did,’ she says, grinning, and we all laugh, and I pull her in for another hug.

‘I’m glad you’re safe now,’ I smile.

After they leave, the police arrive and take Ace’s statement. There are no charges against us, as we acted in self-defence, and with all the evidence I had: the notes, the dog collar and witness statements, they were able to close my parents’ murder case.

My relief is so overwhelming, I burst into tears.

‘What’s wrong babe?’ Ace wh