Page 88 of Rhett

Imani nodded. “They’ve been busting their asses to rally as many supporters as they can for you, just in case Quinn and Rhett miss the forty-eight-hour deadline.”

I arched a brow. “What deadline?”

“Gertrude started the proverbial timer during the town hall meeting last night.” Imani’s expression turned thunderous. “They have forty-eight hours to find Sam and bring him in for justice.”

“And if they don’t?” I asked.

“Shit will hit the fan,” Nyx answered. “And the rioters outside will more than likely try to come in here and drag you out to stand before the town council for sentencing.”

I finger-combed my thick hair. “Well, that ain’t good.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it,” Imani said. “Quinn and Rhett have a solid lead on Sam’s whereabouts.”

My heart raced with fear, just thinking about the possibility of Rhett being in danger. “Are you sure I’m worth all this trouble?”

“Hell yes!” they all responded.

“No more talking about this shit,” Imani demanded. “Time to feast like the queens we all are.”

“I need to brush my teeth,” I stated. “Which way to the bathroom?”

Imani pointed to the right.

It didn’t take me long to arrive at the good-sized bathroom. After getting the morning stink off my breath by brushing my teeth, I scrubbed my face clean with the facial scrub Bonnie provided. Drying my face with paper towels, I brushed and detangled my big thick cloud of hair. When I took a quick look at my reflection in the mirror, the dark-skinned woman staring back looked refreshed and relaxed. But on the inside, I was a whirling sea of angst.

What if Rhett doesn’t find Sam?

Will the council punish me for a crime I didn’t commit?

And what will their punishment be?

Death?

Mauling by animals?

Stripping me naked and parading me through the streets while the council shouts, “Shame! Shame!” as residents pelt shit and rotten food at me?

I shuddered at the horrific possibilities.

Your mate will never allow any of that to happen,my inner animal remarked.

And I agreed with her.

I had faith in Rhett.

Somehow, he’d find Sam. I felt it in my bones.

Stepping out of the bathroom, I strode back to my cell of shame and nearly cried with joy and happiness when I saw the beautiful ambiance.

“This is pretty,” I rejoiced.

They had arranged a picnic outside the cell. Pink-hued blankets were on the floor, and a small low wooden table with a flowing white table runner in the center had been set up.

“All for you,” Izzy said with a smile. “Have a seat.” She gestured to the pink and white pillows scattered on the blanket.

Sitting down cross-legged, I blinked back the happy tears. No one had ever gone to so much trouble and care for me.

“Coffee is in the carafe,” Imani said. “I made bacon-cheese popovers, baked chicken-and-waffle sandwiches, breakfast tacos, and a fresh fruit bowl.”