Amelia Thornton was born into wealth, her childhood filled with all the luxuries money could buy. But when tragedy struck and her parents were involved in a devastating accident, her family fell apart at the seams. The once-close bond she shared wit...
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"Everyone you know... will die. And by everyone, I mean everyone. Your mother, your brother, sister, father. All your friends. And all your enemies."
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"The summer stretched out before me like an endless expanse of emptiness, each day a painful reminder of the gaping void left by the loss of Sarah and John B. I tried to distract myself, throwing myself into activities and keeping busy, but no matter how hard I tried, their absence hung heavy in the air like a shadow that refused to be shaken off.
Despite my best efforts to distance myself from the Camerons' tangled web of deceit, I found myself drawn deeper into their twisted world. With Wheezie's help, I delved into the murky depths of my parents' connection to Ward, haunted by the memory of my father's panicked phone call before the crash. The fear in his voice still echoed in my mind, a constant reminder of the danger that lurked just beyond the surface. As Wheezie played her part as a mule, I uncovered pieces of the puzzle, slowly piecing together the truth behind my parents' involvement with Ward's business dealings. But the more I unearthed, the more questions arose, leaving me grappling with a sense of unease that refused to be silenced.
Meanwhile, the Pogues each grieved in their own way — JJ's anger simmered just beneath the surface, Kie's sadness hung heavy around her like a shroud, and Pope retreated into a numbness that seemed to shield him from the pain of our collective loss. Our once tight-knit group drifted apart, our usual summer adventures replaced by a somber silence that spoke volumes.
Yet amidst the darkness, there was a glimmer of light — a stolen moment with JJ under the stars, where our shared grief gave way to something more. His touch was gentle, his words tender, and for a brief moment, it felt like everything was right in the world.
But even as I allowed myself to be swept away by the warmth of his embrace, thoughts of Rafe lingered at the edges of my mind. The boy I had tried so hard to leave behind, the boy I had sworn to cut all ties with. But letting go was easier said than done, and despite my best efforts, the ties that bound us seemed unbreakable.
And then came our plan to take down Ward, a plan that hinged on one thing — me. They needed someone on the inside, someone who could play their cards and get close enough to bring him down. I knew what it meant, and I hated it. Hated the thought of putting myself in danger, hated the thought of being so close to Rafe once again.
But as I looked around at my friends, their faces grim with determination, I knew there was no other choice. For Sarah and John B, for justice, I had to do whatever it took — even if it meant facing my demons head-on and risking everything in the process."
