Jaden (Jaded #3)(41)

“That’s very true.”

No, no, no.

This was all wrong. All wrong. I shook my head, slow at first as I listened to the news report, then faster at the end. I couldn’t stop.

“We’ve kept our viewers up-to-date with any new developments in the murder of Grace Barton. Sheldon Jeneve has been the first and most pivotal suspect for her murder. The police have seemed very confident in their case against her, but she made a plea for the public today, and I have to admit, I think the public heard her.”

The female reporter frowned. “You think so, Derek?”

He nodded, organizing his stack of papers in front of him. “I really do, Nancy. She was very passionate, but we only report the news.” He held his hand up toward the camera. “Take a look for yourself. If you think Sheldon Jeneve might be wrongly accused, tweet us at #channelyessheldon or #channelnosheldon. Let us know what you think, folks. And on that note, here’s a part of her press conference. You can watch the entire video on our website.”

They switched to a video of Sheldon at the hotel, but I tuned it out. I had watched it many times already. I could recite it word for word. They were blaming Sheldon. As her beautiful face came to the screen, a scream started to build inside me. I hadn’t framed her. Grace’s death wasn’t meant for this. It was meant for more, so much more. This couldn’t happen. I couldn’t allow this.

No, no, no.

Then a reporter asked Sheldon, “Who cut your brakes?”

The screaming in my head stopped. My hands were clenched to both sides of my head, pulling at my hair, but the answer was given to me. Right there. Handed to me on a silver platter. I almost laughed. That reporter, whoever it was, just gave me a way to save Sheldon. I moved my hands and looked up, all of my inner turmoil turned off, and I waited with my breath held.

“Guadalupe Ramirez,” she answered.

Oh, Sheldon. She was so strong. She turned to look at the reporter. She’d been crying, but she didn’t pay her tears any attention. That was my girl. No matter who was coming after her, what was being done to her, she always held strong.

I had to protect her. This is my gift to you, Sheldon. It was not time, not yet, but when it was, I was going to tell her about our connection. She’d be so happy. I knew she would. She had no one. Those two boys were nothing. They didn’t deserve to be in the same room as her, much less hold her, be with her, comfort her. But no, I was wrong. They loved her. They protected her. Yes, yes. They were doing what I did. They would protect her, no matter what. I had to remember this.

They were okay. Yes, they were. They didn’t deserve her. No one did, but they would protect her.

My hands turned into fists. My fingers started to dig into my skin, and I gritted my teeth, but I didn’t feel the pain. The real pain was Sheldon, being with them and not me.

I should be with her, and I will be. I knew that without a doubt. One day. One day, she’ll find out about our connection, and she won’t be angry with me.

She said the name. Guadalupe Ramirez. That’s who had cut her brakes. This person had tried to hurt Sheldon.

It was decided. I knew what to do.

I would hurt Guadalupe Ramirez instead.

No one would dare hurt Sheldon after this. I would make the message loud and clear.

*

SHELDON

Corrigan was disguised to look like an Asian guy.

When Denton’s makeup artist heard what we had planned, she was all-in. She grinned at me. “I saw your press conference. Rock on, girlfriend. I say screw whoever killed your friend.”

“Thanks.”

Corrigan snapped his fingers in the air, pointing to himself. “Right here. I’m the double agent being sent out. I need as much help as possible.” He met my gaze in the mirror and winked. “Dim down my good looks. I dare you to try.”

The girl laughed, her eyebrow lifted. She drawled, studying his face, “I don’t know about that, but I can make you a different ethnicity. That should work.”

“Make it happen.”

And she did. When Corrigan left, all his golden brown curls were stuffed under a headpiece. His hair was black and combed to the side. He even had on contacts to cover his green eyes. He pressed a kiss to my forehead. I moved back and shook my head. “Doesn’t feel right, dude. You’re,” I waved a hand up and down at him, “not Corrigan, even though I know you are. You know what I mean?”

He laughed, and the sound relaxed me a little. That was all Corrigan right there, in his cocky husky-sounding chuckle. “See ya, Smalls.”

“Smalls?”

He didn’t respond to my question, but ducked out and headed to the car waiting. Mena was right behind him. She paused in front of me, not looking at me. Tucking some of her hair behind her ear, she let out a soft sigh. “I’ll watch him, Sheldon.” She looked up now. I was struck speechless at the seriousness in her eyes. She said again, in earnest, “I mean it. He’ll be safe.”

“Oh-kay.” I nodded. “Okay then.” I frowned. “Thanks?”

Her petite little chin moved up and down in a firm movement, then she followed behind. Closing the door, there were similar expressions to how I was feeling. Disbelief and just confusion. Denton seemed mystified, with a hand holding the side of his face.

“All right then.” Bryce broke the silence. “I say we have our own little pool party.” He took off after that, before anyone could agree.