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Yes, I could do this.
As one of the people responsible for putting this together gave me a nod indicating it was time, I took a deep breath. I had everything to lose if this didn’t work.
“Ladies and gentlemen. My name is Jade Rollins. You knew me as Jade Wellington almost nine years ago when Constantine Thorn was charged with a heinous crime, and I was the only witness.” I allowed that information to sink in, various gasps in the crowd indicating I’d done a good job so far.
When several reporters jumped in with questions, the coordinator stepped up to the microphone. “Please hold your questions until Ms. Rollins has had time to speak.”
While the crowd settled down, it was obvious they were on edge.
“I can tell you this as I told the officers years before. He was innocent of those charges just like he’s innocent of the crime of murder today. The reason I know this is that I was coerced into making a statement when I was seventeen years old, forced to lie on the stand. As far as today? At the time of Mr. Banks’ murder, I was in bed with Mr. Thorn as we are about to be married.”
The frenzy started.
I knew he’d be accused of hiring someone to do the dirty job, which was why the second part of my conference was the most important.
“There is someone who knows the truth and who can help with this bogus investigation. You see, there is a coordinated effort by several members of law enforcement to invade people’s privacy and wrongly convict several powerful businessmen and women with crimes they did not commit.”
As I went on about what I knew with regard to the raids still occurring in several major cities, I could sense every police officer standing in close proximity cringing in the shadows.
“That’s why I need this one man to come forward. He is the one being hunted. He is the single person who knows the truth. If you’re listening, which I believe you are, then help me protect the man I love. Thank you.”
As I backed away, I took a second to glance at Barrett. While I expected admonishment, all I saw was a smile of respect.
I’d done what I could. Now all I could do was wait.
And pray.
* * *
Constantine
Two days later
Time.
It meant nothing when you were sitting in a cold cell block, uncertain whether it was daylight or nighttime. I’d been placed in solitary confinement for protection, but it was only a matter of time before someone made an attempt on my life. How many times had I been threatened over the years? Dozens. I’d need to get used to looking over my shoulder. From what Barrett had told me, the police had an ironclad case against me, my DNA all over Martin’s house. That was crap and whoever had planted it would pay.
I laughed and placed my hand on the wall, my thoughts turning to Jade. I’d heard what she’d done, the damn press conference bold. But she’d placed herself in the limelight, which meant she was an open target. I’d locked her down, telling my men that under no circumstances was she to be allowed out of the house.
Only I couldn’t keep her a prisoner for the rest of her life. What good could I do in prison? The situation was dire, and I remained enraged. The Grassos were responsible for Banks’ murder. I knew it. Proving what they’d done was something else.
I heard footsteps and bristled. The guards enjoyed fucking with me, issuing several punches since they knew I couldn’t fight back. I didn’t give a shit about the pain. Nothing would come close to the ache in my heart. I’d almost lost her. She’d almost died because I hadn’t been on the ball.
Goddamn it. I needed to see her, which wasn’t allowed.
When the door was swung open, I prepared myself for another attack. As Barrett walked in, I cocked my head. “Another interrogation?”
He shook his head, tossing my clothes onto the cot. “The charges have been dropped.”
“How? The conference?”
“In a manner of speaking.”
“What the hell does that mean?”
“It means get dressed. We have some business to discuss.”
I glared at him but couldn’t ignore the relief. “Is Jade okay?”
