181 Ashlyn’s Delusion

(Winona)

Jayden and I are sitting across from Barnaby in his office office, the familiar surroundings doing little to ease the twisting in my stomach.

Barnaby looks between us. “It seems there’s a lot on your minds today. Where would you like to start?”

Jayden’s the first to speak, his voice steady. “I want to talk about Ashlyn. She’s recently sent me text messages.”

I tense up, the mention of her name bringing a rush of emotions—anger, suspicion, fear. “What exactly did she text? I mean how can she have a phone in there? I didn’t think they were allowed.”

“I don’t know but I bet Mother has something to do with that.”

“I don’t doubt that. Have you spoken to Ashlyn before this?”

“No. She contacted me while we were away. That's the first I’ve heard from her.” Jayden says, his eyes locking onto mine.

I take a deep breath. “Jayden, what could she possibly want with you? With us?”

I’m not ready for his next words.

“She told me she’s still pregnant.”

I feel like the floor just dropped out f