SWNOVELS Chapter My CEO 86
86 Building A Case
(Winona) I'm
It's been the longest night sitting in the solitary cell the silence suffocating me. I barely slept and I couldn't eat the pittance of breakfast they brought in moming
All I can think about is Abby and getting out of here
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The harsh light overhead doesn't help it See less sterile and cold. My lawyer, a sharp, insightful man, sits across on a foldable chair they've brought in for him He's the only person allowed in here alone with me
"We need to prove Ashlyn orchestrated this whole song" he says his voice echoing slightly off the concrete walls "Your father could be key to this, but his credibility in questionable given his history We ho can't rely solely on his testimony"
I rub my hands together, feeling the cold seeping into my bones. The maily bought off Who's to say he won't just take a better offer from Ashy or someones and tum against un?
The lawyer nods. "Exactly. That's why we need something sold something undeniable. The best shot we have is a confession from Ashim herself. And it has to be legally obtained, or it's worthless in court" Astrým
A confession from Athyn seems like a fantasy How could we possibly manage that? "How? Who would she even confess to?"
He leans forward, his eyes sharp Someone needs to wear a wire
I shake my head in disbelief. The idea of wing some up to catch Ashlyn in her own game feels like something out of a movie. And yet, what other choice do we have? "The only people she might slip up with are Judy of Jayden "Or you. You did say she confessed a lot to you before retell
"I guess, but under the circumstances, she can't get tone Have you spoken to Jayden?"
"Yes, but I can't reveal any details. And this can't be le she's under medical care. It has to be her. consciously and willingly confessing"
The stakes are high if this goes wrong it could tip Ashlyn off, or worse, drive her to do something even more drastic. I can't have that with Abby so vulnerable
"Does Jayden think I pushed her?" I ask, the doubt clear in my voice
"I can't discuss that with you" He fixes his collar" have to focus on keeping you mentally strong and ready to clear your name, no matter what"
1 see" This doesn't sound good Does Jayden really think I'd risk the life of tus baby? My heart is for apart at that thought.
No, he can't possibly believe I would. But I know firsthand how cruel he can be if he chooses. If he does, then there will never be any hope of us being together again I can never be with anyone who'd think I'd ever do that it's going to be hard on everyone, but we're running out of options. Ashlyn has already proven she'll go to extreme lengths."
+25 BONUS
86 Building A Case
I sit back, the cold seeping deeper as I consider the plan. It feels like we're about to open a Pandora's box, with no way of knowing what horrors might come flying out.
"So, what's the next step?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper, almost afraid to hear the answer.
"I don't think we can tell Jayden about this. If he believes you are in the wrong here, he can't know this plan. Winona, no matter how anyone feels about you, you have to do this alone to get out of this cell. You must be calm and assertive." "Will I get bail?"
"Look, that is a great question. I'm not sure what circumstances we need to get you bail. But I will do my best."
"I can't see her with a wire from in here."
"True, so I'll put together a good plea for bail. Your daughter having medical problems will help."
Despair shoots through me when he mentions Abby. "She cannot be with Ashlyn. Her life will be in danger." "Understood."
"And if this doesn't work?" I ask, though I'm not sure I want to know the answer.
"We keep fighting. We explore every legal avenue, every piece of evidence, until something gives. You're not alone in this, Winona. I'll fight for you every step of the way."
"Until the money in fees runs out, anyway."
11
He stands up. "This wire will work. We just need a little time to set this up."
The weight of our plan weighs heavily on me. This could either be the key to my freedom or a deeper entanglement in this web of lies and manipulation. But for Abby, and for the chance to reclaim my life, I'm willing to take this risk. "Thank you," I manage to say as he walks to the door.
He nods, a solemn determination in his step. "Don't speak to anyone else."
Like there's anyone to speak to in here.
"I'll have you moved into somewhere a little more comfortable. Winona, eat, maintain your strength. Don't say stupid stuff. We need as much evidence as we can get that you are stable mentally and physically."
As the door clangs shut, I lean back against the cold, hard wall. Closing my eyes, I imagine Abby's face, her bright smile, the way she laughs. I hold onto that image, letting it fill me with the strength I'll need to face the challenges ahead. 1 have to succeed. I must.