Monstrous Truths

"Why do you need bodyguards? Are you in some kind of trouble?" Conrad asked, his face full of concern.

He picked up a tissue and passed it to her, his voice soft and gentle. "Cleo, don't worry. Just talk to me, okay?"

Cleo wasn't nervous; she was desperate. Every minute they wasted, Maura suffered a little more. That place preyed on women, living off their pain.

She dropped her gaze and forced her