Chapter 15

Violet sat behind the reinforced glass of the visitation room in Fernwick Detention Center in an orange prison uniform. Her hair was dull and brittle, her cheeks hollow, and her eyes sunken deep into her skull. In two short months, the delicate and pampered young woman had vanished. In her place sat a woman with a manic glint in her eyes. The man seated across from her was her defense attorney. "Your appeal has been denied," he said quietly. "You're going to be executed on the 15th of next month." Violet's nails dug into her palm, drawing blood. "What about Ethan? Did he not say anything?" The lawyer shook his head. "He's been suspended and is under investigation. He can't even protect himself right now. I heard he submitted extensive documentation, claiming you've had mental health issues for a long time now. "He requested that you be sent to a psychiatric hospital instead. That might be your only way out." Violet shuddered at the thought. That was worse than death. "Howeve