In the hospital, Elizabeth felt as though her body was no longer her own. Her legs trembled with every step, and she managed to get into the hospital bed with the support of two police officers.
The medication coursing through her veins left her drowsy, yet fear kept her wide awake. Fumbling with her thoughts, she borrowed a phone from one of the officers.
Ruby wasn’t in Foxfire County, and apart from Asher, the only other person she trusted even slightly in the crew was Beverly Estrada, the makeup artist.
Beverly was a notorious night owl, often up scrolling through short videos until dawn.
The phone barely rang once before Beverly’s voice chimed on the other end. “Hello?”
“Beverly, it’s Elizabeth,” she said, her voice barely audible. “Can you come to the hospital? I… I could really use some help.”
Beverly’s tone shifted instantly, worry lacing her words. “What happened? Are you okay? Hold on, I’ll call Asher-”
“No!” Elizabeth interrupted, panic surging through her. “Please don’t alarm everyone. It’s not serious. I just… don’t want to be alone right now.”
“Alright,” Beverly said, her voice soft but determined. “Send me the address. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
Elizabeth quickly texted the address before returning the phone to the officer. She leaned back, letting the nurse dab her hand with alcohol in preparation for the IV.
Her skin was paper-thin, the blue veins beneath almost painfully visible.
The nurse was just about to insert the needle when the door opened, and Nate stepped in, holding a plain plastic bag.
