The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 121

Jamie Baylor was Suzie’s ex-husband?! Had they been secretly married? How had she never seen a single news report about Jamie being married?

Mia had been so preoccupied with the damaged equipment and worrying about Suzie that the thought hadn't even crossed her mind. She'd been too afraid that those two women would bully Suzie to dig any deeper into their history.

Suddenly, Mia’s eyes lit up. Wiping away her tears, she said urgently, “Suzie, I heard everything. You were married to Jamie Baylor, right? Then this is easy! Just call Mr. Baylor. I know you’re divorced, but surely he wouldn’t let his ex-wife get stuck with a massive compensation claim, right? And… and the crime they’re accusing you of! Call him now, before they come back. He can make this all go away!”

Suzie didn’t respond. Her vacant gaze was fixed on something far away, a deeply mocking smile tugging at her lips.

Mia, failing to notice Suzie’s expression, frowned again. “Oh, my memory is terrible. I just showed you that news story a few days ago about Mr. Baylor being in the hospital. He’s probably not recovered yet, is he? But you must have his assistant's number, right? Suzie? Please, call someone! Once you’re at the station, the police might not let you use your phone.”

That last sentence finally broke through Suzie’s daze.

She immediately pulled her phone from her small handbag and quickly dialed a number.

But she wasn't calling Jamie, nor was she calling his assistant, Aaron.

She was calling Stella, but the line went straight to a notification that the phone was off.

Suzie quickly went back and dialed Oliver’s number. It rang, but no one answered.

Like a drowning person grasping for a lifeline, she dialed again and again, but the result was the same. The persistent ringing tone echoed in her ear, each beep chipping away at her hope, leaving her more and more desperate.

She remembered a time when they would have answered her calls in a heartbeat, no matter when she called.

Was Stella on a business trip? On a plane, perhaps?

Suzie managed a faint smile, her voice calm and soft. “Thank you for everything, Mia. Go home now. And keep up the good work.”

With that, she made a small gesture, reminding Mia to keep her pregnancy a secret.

Then Suzie pushed herself to her feet and said softly, “Let’s go, officers.”

Her tone was light, but the despair within it was unmistakable.

“Suzie! Suzie…” Mia’s sobs grew louder as she hurried after them, calling her name over and over.

Suzie paused and turned back. Her eyes softened as she looked at Mia, her voice gentle. “Go back now. Be good.”