~ Adeline ~

There’s this dizzying second where the room feels alive. Like it’s holding its breath, waiting for something to combust. And honestly? Maybe I want it to.

I look over at the just burst-in woman—Anna. She's small, flustered, eyes shifting between Valerie and me as if waiting to see that she made the correct decision in siding ith Valerie. I don't even know her.

"She drugged Mr. Flores," she says again, this time louder, as if voice will make it true.

"I—I saw her do ...