Page 119 of The Innocent

“What did you say?”

“Nothing that could be interpreted as anything but a catch up sesh with an old friend.”

“You sure about that?”

Her whole demeanor shifted, and the corners of her eyes crinkled. “Don’t fucking insult me, Jek, when I just did you a huge favor. I’ve been doing this for a long time. I’m fluent in vague and evasive when it comes to prison visits.” She leaned closer, glaring. “Or did you forget?”

Penny visited Hyde on the regular while they’d been locked up. Being states away, it wasn’t every weekend, but it was a lot. In that time, she’d also made a point of visiting him. His only visitor in his two years. He’d never requested it and even told her not to bother, but every couple months, she’d show up for him.

“I didn’t forget.”

Her gaze softened. “Tomorrow night at ten. He mentioned clean lines, which I took as access to a burner phone.”

Perfect.

Chapter Nineteen

This is fun!

It was a lowkey night at the clubhouse, and she enjoyed it more than the actual party. Imogene mostly just listened to the banter between the members. Until she was asked about herself. It came as no surprise Gent took an interest. Of all the members, he’d been the friendliest to her. Maybe too friendly?

“I started out as the librarian in the prison. That’s where I met Jekyll. And Hyde too.”

“Give them book recommendations?” Gent asked.

“Sometimes. I watched the books they returned and got a feel for the genres they were most interested in. Then I made them available.”

“Teacher too, right?” Cross asked.

“Yes. I had a history class, and English, and I did the GED program. Jekyll and Hyde were in my class.”

“Oh fuck.” Oak burst out laughing and pointed the end of his bottle at Imogene. “Please tell me you got a picture of these two assholes in a cap and gown. I’ll pay you for it. Name your price.”

Imogene chuckled. “Unfortunately, no. Neither Jekyll nor Hyde were willing to participate in the graduation ceremony.”

“Dammit.” Oak shook his head, residual humor playing on his features.

“But they were top of the class. The highest scores.” She glanced over at him, smiling. “One and two.”

Jekyll grabbed his beer, finishing it off. He hadn’t said much while they’d hung out. When he stood, she followed suit.

“Calling it a night?” Ghost asked.

Jekyll lifted his chin to her. “Gonna take her to the house.”

“I have to be up early. But it was nice hanging out with you all.”

They walked out to the yard and toward his house. He was still quiet, and she wondered if maybe she’d said too much in front of the other members.

“Did I embarrass you back there?”

He furrowed his brows. “With what?”

She shrugged. “All the talk about the GED. I was bragging a bit.”

“Not embarrassed, just not used to it.”

“I’m just proud of you, that’s all.” She said.