"Ms. Dinkley?"

Velma startled awake, realizing she must have fallen asleep once again. She turned to see Sheriff Stone standing in the doorway, looking quite hesitant.

Despite herself, Velma felt rather proud. Maybe – just maybe – he was finally here to listen to her for once.

"Ms. Dinkley?" Sheriff Stone repeated.

"Yes?" Velma replied in a raspy voice.

Stone shifted on his feet. "I'm here to let you know that you've been discharged. Your mother is here to pick you up."

Whatever hope that Velma had left immediately drained away.

Her mother.

The woman who left her six years ago.

After all these years, she was here. All the unanswered calls, texts, and emails were apparently forgotten.

The woman Velma despised the most was waiting for her outside.

She sat there, not believing what she was hearing.

Stone cleared his throat, trying to diffuse the tension. "We had to notify her about the situation with your father."

"Why'd you do that?" Velma blurted out. "I'm an adult! I don't need her or anyone else to pick me up! I can take care of myself!"

Stone held up his hands. "I know. But we had to reach out to everyone who might have information about your dad. She has a right to know."

"No, she doesn't!" Velma snapped. "Not after abandoning us! Not after ruining my life!"

Stone grimaced. Guilt flashed across his face. "We're trying, okay! We're doing everything we can to find him!"

Velma glared at him. "And? Any leads?"

Stone sighed, sagging his shoulders. "No . . ."

Velma gave a sharp laugh. "Fantastic. Really great work."

"We're doing our best, okay!"

"Yeah, sure you are," Velma said, turning away.

Before Stone could respond, Emily slipped past him and into the room, carrying a plastic bag.

"Here you go, dear," she said softly, handing it to her.

Velma gingerly took it and looked inside to see her singed dress and shoes.

"I'll let you get changed," Stone said as he backed out of the room quickly.

Emily gave her a small smile of pity as she followed him out.

Velma clutched the bag in her lap.

This wasn't good.

This was trouble.

Note: Thank you all for your continuous reading and support! I apologize for the short chapters, but I am very busy currently. But just know I am doing my best to push this story forward and I promise I will keep updating! :)