CLAIRE'S POV

"You're free to go, Mrs. Williams. Bail has been paid."

The heavy iron door of the cell creaked open. I snapped my head up. My eyes were red from crying, and they burned with hate. I had spent the whole afternoon on a cold metal bench, with no blanket, no makeup, and no one to talk to but the wall. My silk dress was wrinkled, and my hair was stuck to my wet face. I had never felt so low in my whole life.

My mother stood in the hallway. Her face was a mix of disgust and fear as she handed a pen back to the officer...