“You think you’ve saved her, Jake?” she asked softly.

The officer grabbed her left wrist, pulling it behind her back.

“You think finding a few little pills solves everything?”

“Ma’am, put your other hand behind your back,” the officer commanded.

The metallic click of the first cuff echoed in the small kitchen.

My mother didn’t even flinch.

She kept her eyes locked onto mine, her smile widening just a fraction.

There was something in her eyes—a dark, triumphant gleam that made my stomach plunge.

“What did you do, Ma?” I whispered, taking a step toward her.

“What did you do to Megan?”

“You have no idea what else I’ve done,” she whispered back, her voice dripping with malice.

“The pills are the least of your worries, my sweet boy.”

“The cradle is already waiting.”

“Ma’am, you have the right to remain silent,” the second officer began, pulling her other arm back.

The second cuff clicked into place.

“Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.”

“What does that mean?” I demanded, my hands shaking violently.