Page 92 of Devil's Thirst

Talbot doesn’t move. He remains seated, his icy stare locked on me.

One at a time, dozens of others stand from seats all over the theater. I scan their faces one by one and see Conner and Noemi, Renzo and his wife Shae, Sante, Tommy, Oran and Lina, Pippa and Bishop, Stormy and Torin, and even Mama G along with so many more—all standing and glaring daggers at Talbot.

They’re all here for me.

To show their love and support. Because they’re family—myfamily—and that’s what true family does for one another. They’ve been there all along. I was simply too traumatized to see it.

I’m so fucking grateful that my corseted top strains from the fullness of my heart.

Talbot finally peers around as if amused at the absurdity of our spectacle. When two uniformed security guards arrive at either end of his row, he slowly stands and buttons his jacket before shooting me a malicious grin. “You’ll be hearing from my lawyer.” His words are spoken casually as though he’s totally unruffled, but violence shines in his eyes.

It’s enough to make my legs feel unsteady. I command them to stay strong, unwilling to show this monster any weakness. When I sense my director joining me on stage in silent support, I cross my arms defiantly and watch Talbot make his exit. He gives me one last parting glare before making his walk of shame out of the theater, Sante and Oran joining his procession.

I did it.

I stood up to the demon who’s haunted me for years. I fought back.

Pride wraps me in her feathered wings and assures me that I’m stronger than I ever knew.

“Thank you for your patience, everyone, and enjoy the rest of the show.” I give a ballerina’s bow, then gracefully follow my director backstage with my head held high and my heart soaring.

CHAPTER 43

SANTE

I’ve never seenanything more courageous in my entire fucking life. Amelie’s grace, determination, strength, and loyalty already keep me in a perpetual state of awe, but what she did tonight—there are no words. She is incredible beyond measure, and she’smine.

I will strive every damn day of my life to be worthy of her.

My first task in that pursuit is to make sure John Talbot rots in hell.

Oran and I follow Talbot and the guards into the lobby. I have no idea how the asshole ended up front and center in the theater without any of us noticing. We never even detected he had tickets to the show, or I would have ensured that motherfucker didn’t make it in the door.

One of the guards redirects Talbot toward the office area when he tries to go to an exit. The AG spins around to confront him but does a double take instead when he sees me. I can almost hear his thoughts as he places me as the valet from weeks ago. The thing about tattoos like mine is they’re recognizable, which can be a good thing and a bad thing. Today, it’s priceless.

That’s right, asshole. We got you.

He sneers, turning back to the guard. “You can’t keep me here just because some lunatic makes accusations on a stage.”

“We can, and we will. Theater policy is that all incidents are to be reported to the authorities. If the cops get here and say you’re free to leave, then you can go.”

“This is harassment and false imprisonment. Do you have any idea who you’re dealing with here? I’ll have you both fired by morning.”

I inch forward and stare down the attorney general of the state of New York with palpable violence. “You walk out of this building, and I’ll detain you instead. I can promise you now, you won’t enjoy that option.”

Talbot holds his glare, trying to be tough, but after a glance at the mob of people joining us to stretch their legs and get concessions, he folds. “You people are going to wish you never crossed me,” he hisses quietly before storming toward the office.

I’m about to follow them back when an idea hits me. I place a quick call.

“Malone here,” the officer answers. He’d given his number to Amelie, and out of an abundance of caution, I’d saved it in my phone.

“Sir, this is Isaac calling on behalf of Amelie Brooks. It’s been a few weeks, but you came to her apartment after a man broke into her place at night. That ring any bells?”

“I know exactly who you’re talking about. Is she alright?”

“She’s fine, but she decided to confront the man who raped her and has been stalking her. We’re at the Metropolitan Opera House. I don’t have time to explain, but we need you here so this guy doesn’t get away.” I’m not above stroking an ego if it gets me what I want.

“I’m not far from there, but I’m not on duty. I won’t be in uniform.”

---