Page 171 of The Broken Note

Prince Charming has been busy finding himself a new lady love. Pictures of him getting up close and personal with a mysterious blonde bombshell have been circulating everywhere.

You snooze, you lose Cinderella.

It seems like the queen’s throne is about to be claimed by someone new.

Until the next post, keep your enemies close and your secrets even closer.

- Jinx

CHAPTERFORTY-THREE

DUTCH

Chains rattle close to the door of my holding cell. An officer appears, face flickering in the shadowy night.

I jump to my feet, throwing myself against the iron bars like a man possessed.

“My name is Dutch Cross and I am innocent,” I growl.

“Aren’t you tired, kid?” The officer chuckles. “You’re like a broken record.”

Laughter booms from the holding cells around me.

I’m glad they can laugh.

I’m freaking thrilled this is amusing.

The officer’s eyes drop to the food tray at my feet. It’s empty. I forced myself to eat the gunk, knowing that I needed my strength—either to dig my way out orpunchmy way out of this hell.

“Jarod Cross’s kid sure has spunk, doesn’t he?” The officer taunts. “Look at him glaring me down.”

“I’ll do worse than glare, you piece of—”

“Finish that and you’re threatening an officer, punk.”

My nostrils flare, but I slap my mouth shut.

Smiles get wider. Eyes start glinting.

I want to punch him.

I want to burn them all.

But I can’t jeopardize an opportunity to get out.

The door of my holding cell creaks as it swings wide.

The officer moves closer. Head bent toward mine, he says, “You stay out of trouble from now on, alright?” His eyes sweep over me. “Or the next time, it won’t be you alone in here.”

My eyes narrow. Is he threatening my brothers right now? Who the hell does he think he is?

I mark his face in my mind.

The handcuffs fall away at that moment, distracting me. I woodenly rub my wrists, staring at the marks left on my skin.

“You’re free to go,” the officer says loudly, stepping back. “Get outta here, kid. Hope you learned your lesson.”

If I wasn’t in such a rush, I really would swing at him. Let him send me right back to this holding cell for assaulting an officer. Let him charge me if he wants.