But her eyes were fierce, reflecting the bright fluorescent lights of the corridor.

Beside her stood a tall woman in a sharp grey pantsuit, carrying a thick leather briefcase.

“Laura,” I whispered, the tears finally spilling over my eyelashes.

Laura bypassed Ryan entirely and rushed to my side, throwing her arms around me.

“I’m here, sweetie,” she whispered, her jacket cold against my skin. “I got the first flight out of Phoenix.”

“Who are you?” Ryan demanded, glaring at the woman in the grey suit.

“My name is Victoria Sterling,” the woman said, stepping forward.

She handed Ryan a embossed business card.

“I am Emma’s legal counsel,” Victoria said.

Ryan laughed, a short, mocking sound that rattled my nerves.

“Emma doesn’t have a lawyer,” Ryan said. “She doesn’t have the money for a lawyer like you.”

“I paid her retainer,” Laura said, turning around to face him, her hands clenched into fists. “And I’ll pay whatever else it takes to keep you away from her and Ethan.”

Victoria opened her briefcase on the small rolling table next to my bed, the metal latches snapping open like gunshots.