Chapter 6 - The Paper Trail
The next morning, I met with a public defender.
He was a young man with tired eyes and a firm handshake.
"You have a strong case," he said, reviewing the files.
"I don't want a case," I replied. "I want protection."
He nodded.
"We can file for a restraining order, but you need a place to go."
"I have savings," I said.
It was true, but it was meager.
I spent the day calling every contact I had made in my life before the Thorne mansion.
Most of them didn't pick up.
The Thorne name was toxic, and anyone associated with it was being shunned.
I felt the weight of my isolation.
But I also felt the strength of my resolve.
I called an old friend from my college days, someone who hadn't known the Thornes.
"Can I come over?" I asked.
She didn't hesitate.
"Of course."
I took the bus to her apartment, a small, cramped space that smelled of jasmine and shared history.
I felt a sense of peace I hadn't known in the mansion.
May you like
I was Emily Parker again.
And I was finally home.
