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Dylan was picking her up from the hospital.
“Can you tell me why you started using?”
Ava shrugged.
“I want to help, Ava.”
“I went to a party with some other law students, and it was there so I tried it.”
“Does Zander use cocaine too?”
“I’m not talking to you about him, so don’t ask me. None of this is his fault. He’s been there for me when no one else was.”
“Okay, but I need you to listen to me carefully now, because I have some stuff to tell you.”
He laid it all out for her, detailing everything, she didn’t speak until he’d finished.
“Y-you think whoever is doing this poisoned Mom, and not Piper?”
“I do now.”
“It almost seems unbelievable.”
“I know, but too many things add up. That’s why I was asking about why you started using. I need to know if that’s connected too. Did someone set out to get you hooked on the cocaine because of me?”
“No, Dylan, I did that all myself.”
“Okay, and we’ll get you help for that, and I’m here, and Charlie too, so you’re not dealing with that alone.”
Dylan had spent time in that room at the lodge going through things with the sheriff and Mickey after the others had gone. The outcome had been they were all in agreement that these things had been happening to his family to lure him back to Ryker and keep him there, but why? Was the plan to kill him? Or torment him and his family some more? It was unsettling not knowing when or where he’d strike next.
“Did anyone approach you about me when you were at GGU?”
“No, why would they? No one knew I had a brother or sister.”
“You never told anyone?” Why did that hurt?
“No.” She shrugged. “It’s not like there was any chance of you coming to visit or anything. I gave up talking about you and Charlie years ago.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I know, but you wanted the truth so I’m giving it to you.”
“Sure, and thanks.”
Shooting her a look, he thought she seemed better. More relaxed somehow. Her face had a bit more color, and she didn’t seem as fragile.
“Did you get plenty of rest in the hospital?”
“Yes, and food, so stop being a hen.”
“Me, a hen? The Howards don’t worry about each other, remember?”
He felt her eyes on the side of his face.
“But maybe we could stay in touch some?”
“I think we could do that” was all Dylan said, when inside his chest felt warm and he was swallowing back emotion.
