Page 120 of The Innocent

“Not used to that either,” he said and walked up the porch steps, opening the door.

“Surely, your mom and dad bragged about your accomplishments when you were a kid.”

His hand stilled on the doorknob, and he glanced back. His brows dipped low.

“Right?”

Jekyll scoffed. “Got no fucking clue who my dad is ’cause even she didn’t know. And as for her, she was a shit mom. Only cared about herself. Cruel, heartless bitch.”

Oh. Imogene clasped her hands, shifting on her feet. They hadn’t spoken much about his past. Now she knew why he hadn’t offered anything up about his childhood.

“I’m sorry.”

Jekyll shrugged, widened the door, and lifted his chin.

“That ain’t on you.”

But it kind of was. She wasn’t the reason he’d had a poor upbringing, but being his partner gave her some responsibility of caring for the aftermath.

“Sorry I brought it up.”

His gaze softened. “Making this a bigger deal than it is.”

I don’t think I am.

Imogene grabbed his hand, threaded her fingers through his, and gave a tight squeeze. Jekyll looked down at their hands and furrowed his brows.

“Well, I’m really proud of you.”

They stood in silence for a few seconds, then he glanced up, and the corner of his mouth curled.

“Probably wouldn’t be proud of half the shit I do.”

She shrugged. “Nobody’s perfect.”

Jekyll smiled, gesturing toward the door. “I gotta talk to Ghost about something. I’ll be back in a little bit.”

“Okay.”

****

Talking to Ghost was a complete ruse, but he didn’t want to take the call with her in earshot. He rounded the clubhouse to the front yard.

His phone vibrated in his chest pocket.

Right on time.

“Yeah?”

“Jekyll, it’s been a while,” Axel said.

Yes, it has. He hadn’t been particularly close to the original president and vice-president of Satan’s Hex. But they’d worked together on a few deals and Jekyll respected them. Unlike the new leadership, Axel and Slater had been loyal to the Killcreek Drifters.

“How’s it going?” He asked.

“Pretty fucking good. Looks like we’re gonna beat these charges. But that’s not why you called me, Jek. So, what do you need?”

“About four months ago, Rich Peppercorn was shanked.”