66. At The Dining table

Cara placed her phone down on the bed and rose to her feet. "Ashley," she whispered, her tone measured. "Lower your voice."

"How do you expect me to keep my voice down," Ashley hissed, her volume dropping only slightly, "when you're clearly working for the enemy?"

Cara sighed, meeting Ashley's fiery gaze with her own steady one. "I am not working for the enemy," she said firmly. "I'm trying to save your only brother from a death sentence because, whether you want to believe it or not, he's innocent."

Ashley flinched as Cara reached out to touch her face, turning her head away sharply. "How do you know he's innocent?" she demanded, her voice faltering.

"I just do," Cara said softly but resolutely. "And helping Travis doesn't mean I'm not on your side. I'll help you in whatever way I can, Ashley." Cara reached out again, her fingers brushing against Ashley's cheek. This time, Ashley didn't pull away.