Page 62 of Thorned Vengeance

“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.”

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