Page 44 of Detained

“Oh fuck, fuck, fuck,” I whisper.

“Chad, what the fuck was that?” Alex’s voice yells out.

I look over to the phone on the floor and press the end button.

Chad’s body lies in a heap.

I killed another cop.

Bile rises up my throat and my hands cover my mouth as I gag, scooting myself away from him until I’m at the door.

“What the hell have I done?” The tears start to freefall.

I can’t fix this mess on my own.

I can’t go to jail, either. These assholes were looking for that book. Alex saw me leaving Dad’s office. That means I can’t even rely on the justice system anymore.

I am truly fucked.

There is only one person on this earth that can help me. That has even just a small sliver of my trust.

I slide my cell out of my back pocket, blinking through the tears as my shaking finger hovers over Frankie’s name. Sucking in a breath, I hit the call button.

He answers on the second ring.

“Couldn’t wait for me?” His husky voice comes through the speaker and relief washes over me.

“F-Frankie?” I can barely get my words out.

“Zara, what’s happened?” The concern in his voice is clear.

“I need you. I don’t know what to do.” Sobs consume me.

“Are you in danger, dolcezza?”

My gaze fixes on Chad’s lifeless body. “Not anymore, but I don’t know how long for.”

“Don’t move. I’ll be there in a minute. Okay?”

“I’ve fucked up, Frankie. Big time.”

“We will fix this, Zara. I’ve got you.”

I pull my knees up to my chest and rest my head on them. I can’t look at the spreading pool of blood for another second.

“Can you stay on the phone, Frankie?” I sniffle.

“Anything for you, angel.” His soft words have my heart fluttering.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

I look down at my hands, the gun still tightly in my right hand. I listen to Frankie driving, he keeps asking if I’m okay and reassuring me he’s only around the corner.

“I’m coming up now, baby.”

“Okay,” I say weakly.

I tip my head back, looking up at the ceiling. Frankie’s steps get closer, and the door swings open, letting the light in. I can’t look at him, out of sheer embarrassment. He doesn’t even flinch at the dead body, instead he steps in front of me and my heart pounds.