Brandon's POV
My heart pounded so violently it hurt.
The folder dug into my side beneath my arm while I shoved everything else into an old canvas backpack lying beneath my bed.
Photographs.
Receipts.
The copied Hawkins investigation files.
Dad's prison appeal documents.
The notebook Ashley had filled with names, dates and connections.
Every piece of paper we'd spent hours collecting disappeared into the bag one after another.
My hands shook so badly I nearly dropped the zipper.
"Hurry."
Ashley's whisper barely reached me.
Another knock echoed through the bedroom.
Much harder this time.
"Brandon."
Elizabeth.
"I know you're in there."
Silence.
The words rooted me to the spot.
Every muscle in my body locked so suddenly it felt as though someone had poured concrete into my veins.
I slowly turned toward Ashley.
She was already looking at me.
Her face had drained of color.
