Chapter 15

The sharp scent of disinfectant filled Wilson's nostrils the moment he woke up. The lingering effects of alcohol still clung to him. His head throbbed, his stomach felt heavy and acidic, and a dull ache radiated from within. He stared blankly at his surroundings, his muddled consciousness slowly piecing itself back together. The members of the Fowler family, who had been keeping watch, exhaled in relief when they saw him wake up, but their expressions remained grim. "How much longer are you going to torment yourself over a woman?" His friends gathered around as well, launching into their usual attempts at persuasion. "Samantha has been gone for a month with no trace. She's doing this on purpose, Will. Let it go." "Yeah. You could have any woman you want. Why are you so hung up on her?" Wilson had heard these words countless times over the past month. He had never listened to them before, and he certainly wasn't going to start now. His bloodshot eyes were unfocused, his lips pre