When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)



"Thought you wanted me dead a minute ago, and now you need my help? Must be out of your mind."

The elevator ride was quick, and as soon as the doors opened, I stormed out, slamming the door behind me with all my might.

I knew Talbot wouldn't let this go, but he wasn't about to show his hand just yet.

Having Mrs. Patterson's backing sure had its perks; for the moment, at least, he couldn't touch me.

The dimly lit hospital room immediately gave off a vibe that something was amiss.

Someone had rummaged through my clothes and bag, and the bed looked like it had been hastily made.

Talbot must have been here looking for something important, perhaps.

Little did he know, the real important documents had just been handed to me by Galen.

I played it cool, pretending to be oblivious and laid down on the bed.

I could faintly sense someone approaching down the hall, probably Talbot, but I didn't open my eyes.

First thing next morning, I hit up Clyde, telling him over the phone I was craving some seafood to recharge my batteries.

Clyde got the hint right away and came to pick me up.

Once in the car, I handed over the stuff Galen had given me.

"Galen's been compiling this info for years. Can't really go through it in the hospital. Find an offline computer and take a look," I instructed.

"With this evidence, and the right testimony, taking them down won't be hard."

"Just, we can't go to the local cops, you get my drift?"

I watched Clyde nervously, but he didn't say much, just stuffed the envelope into his bag.

"I get it. Talbot's got too much pull around here, and then there's Garfield backing him."

"Don't worry, I've been on your dad's case for years, not just me, the police have their doubts too."

I was taken aback, feeling a sudden surge of guilt. He had been investigating all these years?

Remembering Kayla mentioning how he'd given up sleep for the investigation, and Merritt saying he'd always been there for my mom, a lump formed in my throat.

"Clyde..."

"Don't get all mushy on me. I'm your husband, it's what I'm supposed to do."

He squeezed my hand, "Weren't we going to grab some seafood?"

"Yeah, and there's something else. want

worried Talbot might target her

Regardless of Galen's actions, Geneva was innocent.

oke care of Geneva. I

She had already lost her mother; I couldn't let her be put in danger too.

Clyde nodded, "Food first, we'll figure out the rest later."

I texted Geneva to join us for the meal.

Talbot's men kept a close watch on her but made no move seeing she was with me.

I didn't

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alive, afraid she might inadvertently give it away.

I just told her I'd be moving in with her and that she'd be coming

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When I returned to the hospital, I went straight to discharge.

But I didn't expect to receive a call from "Galen."

The voice, the mannerisms, it was almost identical to Galen's.

I paused, "Galen?"

"Melanie, tracking you down was no easy feat. Where are you now?"

The caller seemed agitated, but my heart sank further, sensing Talbot's ploy.

I cleared my throat, "I'm at the Talbot's place. You back in town?"

"Galen, you in Ironvale? Or should I come to you?"

I feigned urgency.

Lowering my voice, I added, "Galen, Talbot found out about the fund."

"Better transfer all the money into my name as soon as you're back."