Page 143 of Under the Influence

I stop running, “Do you mean that?”

He pulls me against him, “You’re mine, Princess. I’m done fighting it.”

We cut through the yards, running close to the water before making it to Nash’s house. We round the corner and run straight into an unmarked police car.

I watch as two officers get out, not wearing uniforms.

Detectives.

I feel Nash squeeze my hand protectively.

Is he afraid they are here about the warehouse fire?

“Are you Corinne Clark?”

I feel my throat burn, my voice weak, “Yes.”

“We’d like to ask you a few questions related to the death of Aspen Porter.”

I freeze, watching as my mom and dad appear before me. I have no idea where they came from or that they were here. This couldn’t be good.

“What’s wrong? Is everything okay? I’ve already talked to the cops about Aspen.”

“Miss Clark,” the detective takes a step toward me, Nash’s grip on my hand tightening. “Aspen’s death has been ruled a homicide.”