28. Delaney
CHAPTER 28
DELANEY
“...will be used against you in a court of law.”
The sound around me fades away as I watch the detective slap the cuffs on Thorn’s wrists and yank him off the ground. I ball my hands into fists, and a red haze clouds my vision as I step forward. A pair of strong arms pull me back into a solid chest.
“No, Delaney,” Mark whispers in my ear. “You don’t want to end up in a cell, too. We’ll get him out.”
“They have the wrong man,” I point out. “Thorn’s been with us the whole time.”
“I know.” Mark rubs his hands up and down my arms. “They won’t get away with this, I promise.”
I sag against Mark, letting him keep me from sinking to the ground. Thorn is led away, and the detective smirks as he puts his hand on Thorn’s head to guide him into the squad car.
“We got him.” Simmons’ words reach my ears, and I cringe.
“Call Soul!” Thorn hollers before the door slams. Behind the glass, I see his lips move. “I’m sorry.”
He’s sorry? What is he sorry about? I know Thorn is innocent.
I fumble with my phone, trying to pull up Soul’s contact information. The cell shakes in my hand as I hit the call button.
Soul answers on the first ring. “Hey, Dela?—”
“Thorn’s been arrested,” I blurt.
“What the fuck do you mean he’s been arrested?” Soul shouts.
I can hear scuffling in the background. “We have to get him out.”
“You’re on speaker,” Soul informs me. “Slow down, tell me what happened.”
“We’re in Vegas. Another body was found,” I explain. “We showed up to the crime scene to see if we could talk to some of the cops, but before Thorn could get any information, he was thrown on the ground and read his Miranda Rights,” I say, my voice wobbly.
There’s nothing I can do but watch as the car disappears down the street. I haven’t felt this helpless since Daphne died.
“Did they say why he was being arrested?” Carmella’s voice filters through the speaker.
“Murder,” Mark answers. “I got the impression they think he’s the Phantom Strangler .”
“The fuck he is,” Soul growls. “Carmella, can yo?—”
“Abyss is already packing our stuff,” Carmella states. “We’re leaving soon. Do you have a hotel room yet?”
“No.” I can’t focus on trivial shit right now, I just want Thorn back.
“Yes, you do,” Apple replies. “Mark, go to the Blue Rose. I sent a text to Amelia, and she’s got three rooms waiting for you.”
Damn, this club and their women move fast. They’re a well-oiled machine.
“Got it,” Mark replies.
“Prospect, don’t let Delaney out of your sight,” Soul orders. “Last thing our brother needs to worry about while he’s in jail is his woman.”
“I’ll protect her with my life,” Mark promises.
“I’m standing right fucking here!” I shout, frustrated that they’re talking about me like I’m invisible.
“That’s better,” Jez encourages from the other end of the call. “Thorn needs you to be strong, not flaking out on him.”
Jez’s words resonate with something deep inside of me. She’s right. This isn’t the time to fall apart. There’s a reason why Thorn was arrested for this murder and why the cops seem to think he’s the serial killer.
“We’re gonna head to the Blue Rose,” Mark says, ushering me to the SUV. “We’ll see you when you get here.”
Once we’re settled in my room, Mark waits with me. I rub my temples to ease the pounding as I pace around the suite. The bile in my stomach is inching its way toward the back of my throat with every lap.
I spin around to yell at Mark about what could be taking so long when someone pounds on the door. I yank open the door and see Carmella and Abyss at the threshold, so I wave them in.
“Where have you been?” I demand.
“We stopped at the police station to talk to Thorn. As his lawyer, I needed to confer with my client.” Carmella tosses her hair over her shoulder. “It’s not good. But I have a plan.”
“Why was he arrested? They didn’t even have a warrant.”
“I met with the prosecutor, who was able to obtain the arrest warrant as soon as he was presented with Detective Simmons’ account of what happened. So far, they’re doing things by the book,” Carmella explains. “Turns out that a couple pieces of evidence turned up on this victim.”
My jaw drops. “What evidence?”
“Thorn’s class ring was found in the victim’s mouth.”
“The ring he gave to Tamara?” I whisper.
“That’s what they’re saying. Unfortunately, Thorn admitted it was his at the scene.” Carmella shrugs. “They also found DNA, and they had the lab put a rush on it to determine if it’s a match for Thorn.”
“Thorn wasn’t fucking there!” I shout. “He’s been with me and Mark the entire time. He never left our side.”
“We know.”
“Then we bail him out.” I move toward the door when a strong hand grips my shoulder, halting my footsteps. “Take your hand off me,” I growl, spinning around, ready to punch whoever dared to stop me.
Mark holds up his hands and steps back.
“You can’t go out there half-cocked,” Abyss says calmly. “None of us like that Thorn’s in jail.”
“Get him out,” I grit through my teeth.
Why are they still standing here?
“He’s being charged with murder. It’s not that easy. Thorn’s arraignment hearing is scheduled for three days from now.” Carmella hands me the court assignment. “Jez and I are gathering everything I need to file a motion to dismiss. You need to trust me.”
I drop my chin. “I’m going to enjoy squeezing the life out of that son of bitch, Phantom, once I get my hands on him.”
Abyss grins. “You’re gonna have to get in line.”
After three long agonizing days, the four of us gather outside the courtroom to wait for the bailiff to announce Thorn’s case number. Jez and Carmella worked tirelessly to gather everything Carmella needs for the hearing. The knots in my stomach tighten as I think about everything that could possibly go wrong.
Carmella smiles at me sympathetically as if she knows I need a moment to gather myself. I refuse to let Thorn see how worried I am. Eventually, the bailiff opens the door, calls the case number, and allows everyone inside.
“I’m gonna go use the restroom.” I nod toward the bathroom across the hall.
“We’ll be inside.” Carmella picks up her briefcase and winks. “Hurry, I’d hate for you to miss all the fun.”
What in the hell could be fun about this?