Page 146 of Her Wicked Plan

“No.”

“Don’t call them. If they knew you were trying to get someone to come see my sister, then they would have you fired.” Her words hit hard. I almost forgot how much power Veronica’s family has. “They believe she should live out the rest of her life alone in that place. Although, I’m sure she has made some friends in there.”

“She hasn’t. Veronica keeps to herself. There is only one other patient that she has shown a slight interest in being friends with, and I use the word friend loosely. It is also newer. With that being said, what your parents wished for her is true.”

I hear her intake a sharp breath. “Do you promise not to tell them about this?”

“I promise.” There is no reason for me to call their parents. This isn’t an altercation at school. They are both adults.

“One visit.” She caves. “We will see how this one goes before I agree more.”

“And I agree with you.” Relief floods my system. “What day and time works best for you?”

“Uh...” She pauses, paper flipping back and forth on her end. “I can come in three Fridays from now. My schedule is clear that day.”

I open the calendar on my computer, find the blank square for the Friday she mentioned, and type in her name.

“Thank you for doing this, Stephanie.”

A movement at the door catches my attention. When my focus peels away from the computer screen, Veronica stands barely in the office. Her wide eyes narrow on me, and that pissed off expression takes over her face.

How long has she been standing there?

“I’m doing this for myself. No one else.” With that, she hangs up.

I keep my phone to my ear, hearing the roar of the static on the other end. The nerves that went away wash back up to the surface as I panic internally about how I will explain this to her.

“Veronica,” I say her name cautiously as I set the phone back on the receiver.

CHAPTER 39

Veronica

Stephanie.

I heard that correctly, right? He was talking to my sister. He must have been because what other Stephanie does he know? Leo is still holding the phone to his ear even though she hung up on him. That annoying buzzing sound on the other end of the phone blares from the other end.

Clenching my teeth together, I don’t bother entering his office any more than I have. If I step back, I’ll be in the hall again, and then I could turn and leave him behind. But I don’t.

Leo finally rolls his chair back and slowly stands. Rounding the desk carefully, he steps in front of it but doesn’t inch any closer.

“How long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough to hear you say my sister's name.” My arms fold over my chest.

His head moves up and down slowly in realization. Words fly wildly around his head like dozens of birds set free from their cages. In his eyes, I witness him deciding which bird to pick in order to form a sentence, but unfortunately, nothing comes from his mouth.

“Care to explain why you were speaking with my sister?”

His jaw ticks. “I set up a visitation.”

“You what?”

“You and I talked about it and⁠—”

“Yes, Leo, we talked about it. I never gave you a real answer!” Fumes pour out of my ears, and heat rolls over every inch of my skin.

I can take a step back, run from him, and release my anger. No, Veronica. You can’t do that. Remember what’s at stake.