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“I did no such thing, but please do get your warrant.”
“You don’t seem to understand, Mr. Thorn. Ms. Wellington was in the process of being picked up and brought to safety.”
What the hell? Maybe whoever had tracked me down had also left the threatening messages.
“Fascinating; however, I’m not certain what that has to do with me.”
“She’s with you.”
“Yes, she is. She and I have gotten close.”
The prosecutor laughed and I fisted my hands.
“Can we talk to her?” Mr. Banks asked, the damn tone of amusement still in his voice.
“She’s resting at the moment.”
“I’m afraid we’re going to need to insist to ensure you’re not keeping her against her will.”
Constantine laughed. “And as my attorney would tell you, you’ll need to get a warrant.”
“I can make your life very difficult for you, Mr. Thorn. I can have you arrested until the trial begins and I assure you that I’ll have the case buried so far down on the docket you’ll be several years older before it sees the inside of a courtroom.”
“Are you threatening me, Mr. Banks?”
“I’m promising you. You’ve kidnapped that woman and you will pay.”
That had to be my cue. I bounded into the room, stopping short dramatically and narrowing my eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were in a meeting.”
While Constantine lifted one eyebrow, he made no other facial expressions as I approached, standing next to him. At least I would be able to use my acting skills for an entirely different reason. I held out my hand for a shake, giving the police officers a onceover, thankful my sweater was low cut and body hugging given their heated gazes.
“I’m Jade Wellington, Constantine’s fiancée.” There was an immediate moment of shock that flashed through the prosecutor’s eyes. Then anger took over. As he shook my hand, he shifted his gaze back toward Constantine. “And you are?”
“Martin Banks, prosecutor for the city. Fiancée?”
“Yes.” I acted confused.
“Are you alright, Ms. Wellington? We can provide you with protection,” one of the officers said.
I laughed, giving Constantine a look as I did so. “Why would I need protection? Oh, you told them about the incident in the Bahamas when I was attacked on the street. You didn’t need to do that. It’s over with now.” I wrapped my arm around him, placing my hand on his stomach. “I’m fine. Constantine saved me from certain injury.”
“You were a witness to a crime almost nine years ago, Ms. Wellington. That involved Mr. Thorn. Do you remember?”
“I was not yet eighteen, but not stupid, Mr. Banks. I hate to tell you this, but I didn’t see anything. That’s exactly what I told the original prosecutor, but he didn’t believe me and put words into my mouth.” I sensed Constantine bristling.
“Ms. Wellington. Do you realize you perjured yourself under oath? The penalty is contempt of court at minimum.”
“Are you threatening my beautiful bride to be, Mr. Banks? Because if you are, you will regret doing so,” Constantine snarled.
The cops immediately bristled, the testosterone in the room explosive.
“I was coerced into lying, Mr. Banks. I was seventeen years old at the time, forced to sit in front of a man I was told was a monster. Hell, I was shown pictures of horrible things he supposedly did when I learned later they were disgusting acts performed on children by the man who died. Then I was told what to say in court. I had a script, for God’s sake. Why do you think I ran away when it was over, changed my name? Because I was humiliated. Used.” Maybe I was coming on too thick, but the man’s attitude had infuriated me.
“Ms. Wellington. I suggest you let me handle it from here,” a newcomer stated.
As another man entered the room, I turned my head, recognizing the asshole who’d grilled me into tears. I wanted to hate him, to lash out, but I knew he had only been protecting his client. In truth, a portion of what I’d said wasn’t a lie. The prosecutor had twisted my arm, providing pictures of horrible acts that there was no way Constantine could have committed.
I’d been young and impressionable, my father later telling me he’d intervened, although never telling me how.
