AllFreeNovel
Share Us
As I thought about it, Barrett walked into the room, his expression grim.
“Why is he still behind bars?” I demanded, my tone as authoritative as I could manage.
“There will be an arraignment tomorrow. I can’t do anything until then,” he answered.
“This is bullshit. He’s innocent.”
Barrett smiled. “I know, but we need to work through the process.”
“Then we need to change the process.” I glanced over my shoulder at the television again, a risky but brilliant thought forming in my mind. “I want to hold a press conference.”
“That’s not a good idea, Ms. Wellington.”
“I don’t use that name any longer. Just call me Jade. As a matter of fact, I don’t know who I am at all.” I snapped my head in his direction. “I don’t give a shit if you think it’s a good idea or not. I will do this. Those bastards need to know we won’t go down without a fight. And they have no idea what damage I could do. If I told my story from years ago, heads would roll.”
He narrowed his eyes before taking a deep breath. “Constantine won’t be happy.”
“Let me worry about him after he is released, and proven innocent. If you don’t help me, so fucking God I will find a way.”
He glanced at Zane who shrugged. “It’s risky, Ms.… Jade, but I’ll try and set it up. It might take a couple of days.”
“No. This afternoon. I will not have him behind bars any longer than necessary. Do you understand me, Barrett?” I walked closer, staring him in the eyes.
A wry smile crossed his face. “You’re one formidable lady. I’ll make it happen.” He shook his head and offered me the first real smile. “I can see why Constantine was taken with you all those years ago. You’re exactly what he needs in his life.”
I wasn’t certain whether to say thank you or not. I simply returned the smile, tingling all over. For the first time, I was going to take control.
And no one would stop me.
When he’d left, I took a sip of tea, debating another thought before turning toward Zane. “I need to borrow your phone.”
“Um… I don’t think I can allow that to happen.”
“Zane. You’re a loyal soldier and you’ve been very good to me. I know how you care about Constantine so please, do me this one favor. Just one. Besides, I am going to be the lady of the house.”
He half laughed and pulled out his phone. “Yes, you are. And as of now, you’re the woman in charge.”
As I took it from his hand, I felt a sense of self-worth. This was the right thing to do.
Then I made the call.
CHAPTER19
Jade
Pretend.
I’d pretended I was someone else my entire life. It had started when I was a kid dressing up in my mother’s clothes. I’d wear Halloween costumes various months of the year, imagining myself a princess or Wonder Woman. That had helped when I’d been forced to work crazy jobs facing half-drunk men pawing at me, or when I played cards, always wearing a disguise.
Today, I was just myself, a girl in love with a dangerous man.
And I was scared to death.
Barrett had managed to come through, standing by my side as we faced dozens of reporters. I’d asked for it to be held on the courthouse steps on purpose, the drama likely picked up on several national syndicate stations. I was taking no chances. This had to work.
If only I didn’t feel so suffocated, my throat closing in.
I glanced at Zane, who stood off to the side. He gave me a reassuring smile.
