80 She’s Dangerous

(Winona)

The officer lets Bobby and Sarah stay for our picnic. He’s waiting for us to finish.

I see Jayden staring. I look over there in the distance. I spot a familiar figure near the top of the stairs.

My heart skips a beat, and a cold wave of shock washes over me.

It’s Ashlyn.

I swallow. What does she want?

She’s just standing there with a twisted smile on her face.

I’m still fragile from Abby’s disappearance and the revelation about Bobby and Sarah, my chest tightens with a mix of anger and dread.

I’m so tired of all of this. It’s time I tried to make peace and include her in our family.

After all, she has Jayden's child inside her and regardless of the circumstance that child will need some stability.

I hand Bobby and Sarah their sandwiches, trying to mask my rising panic. “Stay here with Jayden for a moment,” I say, forcing a smile. “I see a friend of ours. I’ll be right back.”

Jayden looks at me, concern etched on his face. “Are you sure?”

I nod, my eyes locked on Ashlyn. “