Page 213 of Stay Scared

Of course it is.

The internet treats every locked door like an invitation.

My confiscated phone eventually comes back in a sealed pouch. It wakes to so many notifications that the screen stalls.

Jessa. Unknown numbers. News alerts. Three people I dated years ago who apparently became deeply concerned about my health at the same moment I appeared on a livestream.

I silence everything.

One banking notification remains visible.

$25,000 deposited.

I stare at it.

Mark leans over.

“Is that the escrow?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Congratulations on completing your nightmare.”

“Thank you. I hated every amenity.”

His laugh hurts his face.

He regrets it immediately.

A detective approaches with a notepad. “Ms. Sterling, we need a full recorded interview.”

“You’re getting one.”

“Before that happens, do not discuss details publicly.”

A reporter outside the gate screams my name loudly enough to reach us.

I look toward the barricades. “I wasn’t planning a TED Talk.”

The detective fails to appreciate that.

Mark does.

The paramedic appears again. “Ambulance.”

“I still need to give the statement.”

“You need imaging first.”

The detective glances at the blood soaking through the corner of my fresh dressing. “Hospital first.”

I hate everyone.

I stand.

The ground shifts slightly beneath me.

Mark grabs my elbow.