Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace

Chapter 13

That night. I didn’t go home. I curled up on a hospital bench to sleep through the night.

The next day when I woke up, I was burning up with a fever.

My phone was silent the whole night; Dexter didn’t call even once.

“Ryder…” I called him from the bench. “About that study abroad thing. I’ve made up my mind.”

“Phoebe, do you have a cold?” Ryder’s voice came through, laced with concern.

“Yeah, got caught in the rain yesterday. Feeling a bit under the weather today.”

“Where are you? I’ll drop off some cold medicine,” Ryder was worried.

“If I hand in the application form today, how soon can I leave the country?” I asked with a sense of urgency in my voice.

At that time, I had a premonition that I might not survive if I didn’t leave.

I wanted to live, to get as far away from Dexter as possible.

As long as I left, it would all be over.

“If you apply now, you can get an acceptance letter in two months. I’ll ask the professor to expedite it. Once you get the notice, I’ll buy your plane ticket,” Ryder said, his voice laced with concern. “Is the cold serious? Should I come get you?”

“No need, Ryder… I’m at the hospital. Thank you.”

I would be able to leave Sea City forever,

up, I left the hospital.

I suddenly felt lost, unsure where to go. My parents had died in a car accident, the house was sold, and

even know where home

dizzy, I found a corner to sit down, leaning against the wall and falling back into a groggy sleep.

slept, but when I woke up, I found a jacket covering me. Although worn. it was clearly washed with

around; the alley

noticed two plastic–wrapped

somewhat resigned. A kind soul must have mistaken me for a homeless

Homeless?

about right.

food, and use my stuff.

no

the jacket and placed it with the muffins

the kind soul returned, they would probably take it

a rustling noise to see a tall, lean figure in a hoodie disappear around the corner.

much thought, I walked straight out

the Fitzgerald mansion,

come back? She didn’t come home all night,” Hailey asked. worry etching

an adult; she can’t be dead, can she?” Dexter said with irritation.

stood outside the door, watching Dexter’s impatient demeanor, and

for you. The man says his name is Ryder, your senior,” the

moment, then ran