I stared at the ceiling, my fingers gripping the edge of the stiff hospital sheet.

Outside, a light rain began to patter against the windowpane, the gray drops streaking down the glass.

I knew the battle was just beginning.

Ethan had resources, and he had his mother, Margaret.

They would do anything to keep their hold on my life, but I was no longer the victim they thought they could silence.

My phone lit up again in my hand.

It was Marcus.

I swiped the screen with a trembling thumb.

“Natalie, they’re in place,” Marcus said, his voice sharp over the line.

“The locks?” I asked.

“The locksmith finished ten minutes ago,” Marcus said. “Two guards from the agency are stationed at the main entrance.”

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

“And the cameras?” I asked, looking down at my bandaged hands.

“The feed is active,” Marcus said. “You should be able to log in through the secure app now.”

“Thank you, Marcus,” I said.

“Keep your eyes on it,” he said. “I’m heading to the office to draft the emergency motion.”