Page 78 of King of Deception

With his other hand, he dialed a number. “Hello?... Monaghan?... I’m sorry to disturb you, but I need you here… Assault.” His eyes then met mine before they quickly looked away again as he lowered his voice, “Attempted rape… I’ll text you the address.”

Attempted rape. The words kept echoing in my head.

I began to weep.

But soon, I was in his arms, and it was as if every cell of his body were telling every one of mine that they were safe. That I was safe. “You’re okay,” he whispered, “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

He was sorry?

I didn’t know how much time passed before the doorbell rang. “Detective Sean Monaghan!”

The voices were distant, and the shapes moved as if in slow motion.

“Mr. Drakos.”

“Detective. Thank you for coming so quickly.”

“Oh, boy. What do we have here?”

“Ella Rose Boraine. This is Jude Thomas. Ex-boyfriend.”

“Miss Boraine? Miss?”

“Huh?” I looked at the men in uniforms and failed to pinpoint the one talking to me.

“Does she need medical attention?”

“She’s in shock.”

“Narcotics.”

“Detective? We found a weapon.”

“Miss. You’re lucky Mr. Drakos got here on time.”

“Right,” I breathed in disbelief of what I was hearing.

“Read him his rights.”

“Mr. Thomas, you have the right to remain silent…”

“Ella, are you sure you’re okay? That’s it. I’m taking you to a hospital.”

“No!” With Abel’s assistance, I was able to stand up. He kept my hands in his, gently pressing them as he walked next to me. “Where are they taking him?”

“The precinct, where else?”

“I have to go there.”

“We’ll go—”

“Now,” I insisted. “I want to go now.”

“Okay. Alright. We’ll go now.”

A police car. Red and blue lights. Mike frowning.

“Mr. Drakos…”

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