Page 10 of The Innocent

“You’re chasing innocence that doesn’t exist.” He stood and reached into his pocket, pulling out his wallet.

She flattened her lips and stared down at the table. Erik, while slightly cold in his delivery, was speaking on behalf of the masses. Her father’s guilt was the consensus of most people. But not all. She had something none of the others had. Her father’s word. He didn’t do it.

“What if he was innocent?”

“He wasn’t. I knew it, the courts, jury, the victim’s family knew it.” His scowl deepened. “The only one who refuses to see the truth is you.”

Imogene straightened her back. “There was enough doubt to get him a second trial.”

“A technicality got him a second chance. Not evidence.” Erik scoffed. “I admire your loyalty, but you’re giving it to the wrong person.”

Erik dropped a fifty on the table and tucked his wallet into his chest pocket. This did nothing to bring them closer. If anything, he’d probably refuse to ever meet up with her again.

“That should cover it. Enjoy your breakfast.”

She eyed the cash. This isn’t fair. After all, she’d basically forced him to meet her, then she was late and asked for a favor. If anything, she owed him a free meal. She grabbed the fifty and spun in her seat, holding out the bill.

“Let me at least treat you. My way of apologizing.”

Imogene would be forsaking her own dinner for the next two days, but it was the least she could do.

“You don’t have to apologize to me.” He sighed, and something shifted in his demeanor. “I got this one. You can get the bill next time.”

She widened her eyes and couldn’t contain her smile. Did that mean there would be a next time? It seemed small and insignificant, but for her it was everything. Loneliness had a way of enveloping the soul. Her own had been tightening its grip in the last month or two.

“Sounds great.” She paused, hoping not to come off too eager. She failed. “Do you want to get that on the calendar now?”

His steeled features cracked slightly, and she saw a small semblance of a smile. Then it was gone.

“Call me next month.”

A month? Her shoulders sagged, but she mustered up a smile. “Perfect.”

She expected him to walk away. Instead, he stared at her, scanning her face, then trailed down her body. It would’ve been creepy, but there was zero interest. In fact, it was more inspecting than anything else.

“Are you still working at the library?”

She perked up. “Yes, and I love it. It’s only part-time right now, but I’m hoping they can move me to full-time eventually.”

“And the pay is good?”

Uh, no. Librarians worked solely off a passion for books, not a generous income. But she did love her job. Imogene was willing to sacrifice life’s luxuries for a job she enjoyed. Of course, not everyone understood that. She had the distinct feeling Erik wouldn’t. But she was optimistic that her other job prospect would help significantly with her pitiful bank account.

She was tempted to share, but mentioning her interview for a second job would have him continuously doubting her finances. She would leave that part out. As he pointed out himself, they weren’t necessarily close. No need to share all the details about her life. Not many were great at the moment.

“Yup, I’m getting by just fine.”

He slowly nodded and folded his arms, looking down at her feet. “You have a hole in your sneaker.”

Her cheeks pinkened, and she tucked her feet under her chair. “I just have these for when I have to run errands. I have a nice pair for work.”

Define nice?

He drew in a breath and cupped his mouth. “Do you need money?”

She instantly shook her head. “No!” She swallowed the knot in her throat. It was the last thing she wanted him to think. “I have plenty. I’m really good at saving.”

Can’t save something you don’t have.