Page 143 of Ruthless Intent

“Well, like I said, Ashley has some responsibility for that. She raised some points that hadn’t been considered, and after I spoke to Sheriff McFadden, he launched his own investigation. We had to move fast as we didn’t want the suspect to realize we were on to them.”

“And who is it?”

“I’m not at liberty to tell you that right now. I’m sure the sheriff will make an announcement in due time.”

“How does it feel knowing that not only have you been exonerated, but all the people who may not have believed you may now get further evidence of your innocence?”

I shift on the seat beside him, and he unwinds his arm from my waist, but catches my hand before I can move away.

“The only people I care about believing in me are my family and my wife. And Ashley has already seen the evidence that I did not murder her brother.”

“Ashley … you’re married to the man you swore killed your brother. How did that happen? Have you been talking while he was in prison? You can’t have met, fallen in love, and gotten married in the time he’s been out, surely?”

“I .. umm …” The hand holding mine squeezes, and my heart bangs against my ribs. No matter what I say, I’m going to screw this up. I know I am. “N-no, we didn’t talk while he was still in prison.”

My hand is lifted, and he presses his lips against my knuckles. “With how much my life changed so quickly all those years ago, we both know how things can change in an instant. We didn’t want to take our time and see where things went between us. We decided to take a risk, and jump in with both feet.” He turns his head to look at me. “Isn’t that right?”

“Y-yes. Zain has lost so much time already, and I …” I suck in a deep breath. “I’ve never felt like this for anyone else before.”

And they can take that to mean whatever they like.

CHAPTER SEVENTY-NINE

ZAIN

She’s almost vibrating with her need to get away from me. It’s in every breath she takes, every glance toward me. She doesn’t believe me about her mom. She wants to check for herself.

And why should she believe me? I’ve threatened her mom’s freedom at every turn. But she’s going to have to wait until this interview is over before she can find out whether I’m telling the truth or not, because I need to keep her beside me while this interview plays out.

I answer the rest of Roxy’s questions, with only half of my attention on her. They’re straightforward enough that I don’t really need to think about my answers.

What was it like in prison?

How did it feel when I was told I was going to be released?

What went through my mind when Peter approached me with his wish to take my case?

What are my future plans?

That last one makes me pause. I haven’t thought about my plans beyond revenge and results.

“I’m taking it one day at a time. There are things I’d like to do, but for now I’m going to spend time with my wife, and my family.”

Ashley tenses at my words, and once again, tries to free her hand from mine.

“Are you going to have a honeymoon?”

“I’ve just got out of prison. Every day right now is a honeymoon for me.”

“Thank you for taking the time to talk to MO-TV today, Zain.” Roxy turns to the camera. “Over to you Meghan in the studio.”

She smiles brightly, and waits.

“And … cut. Perfect. Thank you!” The producer strides across to us, hand outstretched. “Thank you so much for allowing us to do this today, Zain.”

“Thank you for allowing me to share my side of things.”

He leans closer. “Off the record, can you tell us who has been arrested and on what charge?”

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