Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 232

After dropping Dylan off, Clara headed back home and quickly texted Z.

"Hey, I'm going shopping tomorrow. Want me to pick up some couple stuff? Like mugs or toothbrushes?"

The reply was instant, like he was holding his phone, waiting.

"Sure thing."

Maybe he thought he sounded too blunt because another message followed soon after.

"I'm really happy about that."

Clara smiled to herself. Just as she settled into bed, her phone rang. It was Calix.

Hugh had been moved to a bigger hospital that morning, but his condition hadn't changed.

"Clara, June's still waiting on you."

Clara had been trying to get updates about the prison situation for the past few days, but the Bradfords were strictly a business family with no reach into such matters.

She couldn't go to Scarlette again, since Scarlette's ties with the Greenards were complicated.

And Dylan was in the middle of her own redemption, not in a position to owe anyone more favors.

After mulling it over, she realized Simon was her only shot.

Simon had been lying low lately.

She called him right away, and his voice sounded rough, like he'd been through the wringer.

Clara didn't pry. "Do you have any pull at Twin Rivers Prison? I need to bring someone for a visit."

up despite the fresh blood on his back from laying down for hours. Clara rarely called, so he

is a breeze with the Fergusons' connections, but you gotta let me

agreed and

rolled up right

she got in, she noticed his hands

"What's up with you?"

"I... never mind, you'll see

wasn't invested in his drama and nodded offhandedly.

they pulled up at Twin Rivers Prison, June was already there, having rushed

Clara, she almost dropped to her

steadied her. "Let's go in.

her tears and adjusted the bundle

Ashford had mentioned being hungry and beaten,

of them waited in a room, June anxiously twisting the fabric of

in years, and now, faced with the reunion, she was

a

June was, leaned against the wall, beads of sweat dotting his

kept

ten minutes, the door

here for

eyes lit up, and she shakily stood. "Me, I am... where

face was full of regret. "I'm sorry to say, South Ashford passed away

see him. Let me see him just once more. I

officer stepped back. "He truly passed. We're here to have you claim

hurried

instead, she closed

me to

and sadness on the way there, the car ride

Clara helped June

stumbled, nearly hitting her head on a sharp