Reborn (Shadow Falls: After Dark #1)(109)

Burnett turned to the warlock, but before he could add his two cents—which didn’t look as if it would be pleasant—Holiday added her own. “That’s funny,” she said, but without humor. “I’ve heard it also makes us vicious if provoked. And for your information, I’d be happy to put my IQ up against yours, pregnant or not.”

“And I’d have to agree,” Burnett seethed, glaring daggers at the warlock. “I would also add, she’s helped me solve several cases. Before and after she was pregnant.”

Go Burnett! The way he defended his wife was the most romantic thing Della had ever seen. There was no question where his loyalty lay.

“So, if my wife says Lorraine Baker told her Billy wasn’t her murderer, then I recommend we take another look at the case.” Burnett turned back to Holiday. “Exactly what did Lorraine Baker tell you?”

Oh, shit, Della thought. It was time to come out of the I-talk-to-dead-people closet. She stepped forward. “Lorraine didn’t tell Holiday. She told me.”

“Enough of this,” said another man, this one a redheaded fae. “You’re vampire. We all know that ghost whispering isn’t a gift given to your species. This is ridiculous.”

“I sort of feel the same way,” Della said, realizing that Burnett hadn’t informed them of his own abilities. But if she had to work with these jerks, she wouldn’t tell them shit either. “I don’t understand it, perhaps she just attached herself to me because I was at the crime scene.” She said it honestly, hoping it was true.

Another one of the twelve, a were with graying temples, shook his head. “We simply can’t take the word of some misfit vamp to decide the fate of a murderer.”

“She’s not a misfit,” Burnett spit out the same time as Holiday. Warmth spread through Della knowing they were both in her corner. But that thought led her back to Billy, who felt he had no one. And Della knew his main champion wasn’t her or even Holiday, but Lorraine. Della’s respect for the girl grew.

Burnett focused on Della. “Do you have anything to offer us in the way of evidence?” And she could tell from his expression that he was hoping she’d come through.

But Burnett wasn’t the only one hoping—nor the one with the most to lose. A storm of emotion filled her chest as she looked at Billy, his pale blue eyes staring at her with faith. And she’d give up her best bra if she had something to offer.

But she had nothing.

Chapter Thirty-three

Della’s stomach clutched. “I’m sorry. I…” Lorraine’s voice echoed in her head and she felt a chill tiptoe down her spine. The engagement ring. “The engagement ring,” Della said, not knowing what it meant, but praying it was the answer.

“What engagement ring?” the warlock of the bunch asked.

“This is ridiculous,” another man, a shape-shifter, said.

“Maybe not so ridiculous,” said another vampire, standing beside Burnett. “I received a call from the family this morning. I didn’t mention it because it seemed irrelevant. However, the parents went through Lorraine’s belongings and said there was a ring in the box of items that didn’t belong to her. Or rather, didn’t belong to her anymore. It was the ring given to her by her prior fiancé. They wanted to know how it had gotten in with her belongings.” He hesitated a second. “The report said she was wearing it.”

Della felt a wave of relief. “His name is Phillip Lance,” Della added. “He’s her old fiancé. I believe you’ll find he belongs to the Crimson Blood gang. From what I heard, they hang out at a bar called the Hot Stuff.”

“I think I met him,” Billy said, hope resonating in his voice. “I was with that gang at the bar. I almost joined them, but … I don’t know what happened. Most of it is all a blur. But I remember a Phillip. I think we fought.”

“Which would explain how the DNA evidence got transferred,” the gray-haired were, who looked to be the leader of the committee, said. He glanced around at the others. “It appears this whole case needs to be reviewed again. And I won’t deny…” His gaze locked on Burnett. “… that I’m disappointed in this investigation.”

Burnett didn’t blink. “Actually, sir, the only thing I’m disappointed in is that we almost convicted an innocent boy. And frankly, while I can take no credit for it myself, this is the investigation at work.” He motioned to Della. “I’d like to introduce you to Della Tsang. She was the undercover agent you approved to help us on the case. As well as the one who led us to the arrest of Craig Anthony whom we sentenced yesterday. I think she’s done an excellent job here.”

“Agreed,” said the older were. “We’ll be using her for future projects.”

Della wanted to smile, but contained it. Face it, weres didn’t do “happy” often.

The were glanced back at the door. “However, would Miss Tsang and your … lovely wife…” He nodded at Holiday. “… be so kind as to leave while we close out this case? As pleasant as they both are, they are disrupting our meeting.”

“We’ll go.” Holiday winked at Burnett, and oddly her gaze shifted up toward the ceiling.

As Della walked out, Billy smiled at her. She saw gratitude written all over his face. Waiting until they were out of earshot, she looked at Holiday. “Does it take a degree in ass**le-ism to be considered for the Judging Committee?”