Page 69 of Twist Me

I took the paper and opened it up, skimming the words of Ariah Morgan, Roe’s girl. Her last evaluation, written the day she died, claimed I was not insane and that I hadn’t committed murder. I frowned at the paper. I tossed it on the bed, my breathing unsteady and my blood pumping wildly in my veins. I needed her again. Would I ever truly get enough?

“Please,” she said, looking over at Judas and Pharaoh. “Come to the library, and let me show you. I have found out so much.”

I looked at the crumpled papers on the bed and the shit written on it.

My brothers were watching me, unsure what I would say because I was still coming down from the highs of pussy-land.

Deciding on my words, I looked at my Little Lamb right into her hopeful eyes.

And crushed that hope that a fucking bug.

“That was eight years ago, Little Lamb. I may not have been a monster then, but I promise I am now.”

Iwas not going to let him act like he didn‘t matter. I wasn’t being thrown off like a fly this time. He was going to listen to me. Honestly, every single brother needed to hear my words. Goliath’s words echoed in my head ever since his wicked mouth spoke them. He was not a monster and his martyred way of thinking needed to stop.

I had information on Pharoah, too, but I was afraid to bring it up after his stern warning. Still, I had to do this, and now was my chance since their grumbling butts finally agreed to my meeting.

Looking at the table, I was surprised that each brother had actually shown up. Goliath was leaning on the doorframe. Pharoah sat at the table across from me, giving me dagger glares the whole time. I ignored him and watched as Judas quite literally skipped around the room.

Goliath nodded to me and shut the door to the library, effectively locking out any other prying ears and keeping the fidgety triplets inside.

Taking a deep breath, I gathered my thoughts. “Thank you for coming…I know I am no one’s favorite right now.”

Judas giggled. “Larry still loves ya, Little One.”

Pharoah gave him a look, and he shut up. Goliath walked over to stand beside me. His strong presence gave me further courage…I felt safe around him.

“Go on, Little Lamb. Why did you want us here?”

Standing up and stepping onto the chair, I stared at Goliath right into his mesmerizing, crystal-like eyes. I had practiced this in my head a million times, but actually getting ready to say it made me feel like I was holding my breath, unable to let it free until he responded.

“When you said you were a monster, you were mistaken. You are only what you’ve been forced to become…Officer Masters.”

That title made him flinch like I‘d slapped him. He touched his cheek as if he felt the impact of my words. He recovered quickly, though, with a laugh that didn‘t quite meet his eyes.

“Ha! Pretty girl,make no mistake…the shiny cop with stars in his eyes who wanted to do good was killed with lies and the need to survive. I don’t want your freedom. I belong here. I’m going tofind that fucking Reaper and make him beg for his life before I drain it on the cement.”

The intensity in his eyes scared me, and I felt myself shiver. But I couldn‘t stop. I had to be heard.

Taking a deep breath, I called out to Pharoah.He walked over to me, curiosity and unease wrapped around him like a snake.

“What…didn’t I tell you to leave my shit alone?”

Swallowing, I ignored the annoyance rolling off him at being near me. “You are innocent. I commissioned time stamp footage at the bakery where you bought Xenia’s cake. You were seen two blocks away at the suspected time of murder. You picked up Xenia from school and drove back to your house. Xenia must have stayed in the living room, but you walked to your bedroom, where you found your fiancée, correct?”

Pharaoh’s eyes darkened, pain and memory cemented in his deep crystal green eyes.

“After I told you to leave my daughter alone, you asked for footage?” he seethed, stepping forward.

Goliath put his hand up, blocking him from me. “Easy, brother. Hear what she has to say. Xeny is safe.”

“Why didn‘t the police look at the footage before arresting you, Pharoah?” I continued.

His eyes looked distant, the pain settling into his features, and I felt guilty for making him relive this pain, but I needed answers. I had gone as far as I could with my research. He had to be honest with me for once.

“Ariah bought her a new toy…” he said, his eyes haunted. “For her birthday. A little doll. Those fucking Russian cup dolls. She wanted to give it to her early, I guess. It was in her hand. She was holding that damn thing like she was just casually showing her killer the toy.”

I recalled the pictures from the crime scene. Quinn told me there were no signs of a break-in, which was one of the reasons why Pharoah was instantly suspect number one.

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