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

do. Getting in is a breeze with the Fergusons' connections, but

and quickly

ten that night, Simon's car rolled up right on time

she got in, she noticed his hands looked shaky on the

"What's up with you?"

"I... never mind,

his drama and nodded

Rivers Prison, June was already there, having

almost dropped to her

quickly steadied her. "Let's go in. Your husband's probably

and adjusted the bundle

letter from South Ashford had mentioned being hungry and beaten,

a room, June anxiously twisting the fabric of her dress,

in years, and now, faced with the reunion,

Clara felt a

leaned against the wall, beads of sweat

since Simon kept quiet,

the door swung

for South

up, and she shakily stood. "Me, I

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

"No, no, I need to see him. Let me see him just once more. I brought his favorite meat pies. He

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

hurried to support

closed her eyes

me to the

felt the weight of shock and sadness on the way there,

arrival, Clara helped

stumbled, nearly hitting her head on a