Page 92 of The Innocent

“No, me neither.”

“That might be a good thing.” Hyde smirked. “Gonna check in with Ace.” He started walking past the table. “She’s meeting her client at Barry’s. Figured you’d want to know where to find her.”

I do.

Chapter Thirteen

This was definitely not protocol. And I’m making a habit of it. There was no actual handbook or set of rules in place. However, getting together in a bar was probably a faux pas when meeting with a former inmate. In fairness, she’d made the exception for Shelby. But the dancer hadn’t been on her second beer when she’d initially showed up.

Elaine was an interesting character. Imogene had her script all set. It was practiced and rehearsed. She didn’t even get past the first line. Elaine didn’t want to hear any of it. Somehow, this informational meeting had spawned into a therapy session.

“And that piece of shit thinks he can cheat on me and take my kids?” Elaine snorted, drawing the cigarette up to her lips. “Fucking idiot! What did he think was gonna happen?”

Certainly not setting fire to all his possessions, including his brand new truck.

“Hell hath no fury…”

Elaine’s brows dipped into a tight scowl, and the lines deepened. “What?”

Imogene blinked, waving her hand. “Just a saying, ‘hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.’”

“Ain’t that the fucking truth.” The corner of Elaine’s mouth curled. “I like that.”

Okay, well let’s not make that our mantra, Elaine.

She raised her glass and finished the remnants of her beer. When she slammed the glass on the table, Imogene flinched slightly.

“So what do I gotta do?”

“Excuse me?”

“Parole officer said meeting up with you looked good on my record, so here I fucking am. Now what do I gotta do?”

“Oh, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want. I’m just here to provide resources you could possibly use.” Imogene smiled. “You know, programs that can make your life easier.”

Elaine scoffed. “My life ain’t been easy since I was five. Pretty sure nothing in that little packet of yours is gonna change that.”

Imogene expected to be met with opposition and a hint of disbelief, topped with distrust. By all accounts and from everything that was in her file, Elaine hadn’t had the easiest life. Harder than most. Imogene just wanted to help if possible.

She reached into the folder, pulling out a sheet of paper. Most of the programs came with pamphlets, but they were mostly filler, not giving a true description. Imogene had taken it upon herself to personalize and give in-depth details of each program that applied to Elaine. She placed the paper on the table and slid it in front of the woman.

“From all your information, I’ve narrowed down ten government-assisted programs that I think you can utilize in your best interest.” She pointed to the first one on the list, and possibly the most important. “It’s a group in Birch that meets twice a week to discuss different ways of dealing with anger management. It’s a group setting, so it feels less like therapy and more like a support system. Plus, it gives you an outlet to vent.”

Elaine stared back at her, giving her no indication that she was interested. Imogene dropped her gaze to the sheet, sliding her finger down to the third on the list.

“I know you have children. I took the liberty of finding your children’s schools, and they provide aftercare until six o’clock. Finding sitters can be costly when you’re working fulltime, so this is a great alternative. They do arts and crafts, make use of the playground when weather permits, and even offer a snack. From my research, it’s a pretty good deal.”

“How much?” Her voice was low.

“Excuse me?” Imogene asked.

“How. Much?”

“Oh, it’s completely free.”

Elaine furrowed her brows.

“You qualify for it. I’ve already checked.” Imogene paused, knowing her next statement would come off a little forward. Elaine hadn’t agreed to anything, and it wasn’t her place to make assumptions, but…