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The Innocent

Page 109

by Amelia Shea

“Moved here about four months ago after her father was killed in prison. He was serving time for murder.” Jekyll drove his hand over his head. There were too many details, and Inez wasn’t known for her patience. “Said she moved here for a change. Didn’t know she was in Lawry until I ran into her a few weeks ago.”

Inez squinted. “And now she’s looking at you like you’re her man.”

All Jekyll could do was speak his truth.

“’Cause I am her man.”

It was a bold statement but an honest one.

Inez snorted. “This forever or for right now?”

For most people it would be too soon to tell. Not Jekyll.

“I’m not letting her go.”

Inez’s eyes grew wild. “Well, who the fuck is next?” She waved her arms, stomped to the cabinet, and grabbed her vodka and a glass. She slammed the bottle on the counter. “Which one of you assholes is gonna give me another fucking problem child?”

There was a rumbling of faint chuckles.

“How do you know her?” Ace asked.

Inez shook her head. “An associate called in a favor. She works for Judy, said the girl needed a safe place to stay. Also fucking said she didn’t have anyone, which is why I agreed to let her in.” She glared across the room at Jekyll.

“Assholes,” she muttered and took a large sip of vodka. “Tell me about Satan’s.”

This was a good sign. She was letting it go. For now.

Ace pulled out a chair at the counter and sat. “Been watching them for a while since we struck the deal, Inez. It doesn’t add up. They’re taking in more than they can sell. But they got the money. We told them we need a list of buyers. Gave them a week to get it to us. Griggs called and said they need more time. He’s stalling.”

The corners of her eyes crinkled. “What are you thinking?”

“Everything points to Satan’s stockpiling the transports for a big run. No way of knowing how much that is or what they’ve got already. So we’re gonna move things along and offer them a triple shipment, and see if they take the bait.”

Cross stepped forward. “’Cause if they do, then we know they aren’t personally selling, and they’re gonna have to move it.”

“And if they take it?” Inez arched her brow.

Ace sighed. “The only safe passage through the state is Ghosttown.”

Her brows hiked, and the corner of her mouth curled. “You think these assholes are dumb enough to transport through Mayberry?”

“That’s exactly what we think.” Cross folded his arms. “And there’s a chance they’ve done it before. Offering this amount of product is gonna force their hand.”

Ace tapped his knuckles on the counter. “If they take it, we’re gonna set up a meeting with Oz. Ghosttown is under his protection, not ours. He can handle it.”

Inez sipped her drink, looking over the rim of her glass. Her eyes were set on one member in particular. The room was silent. Jekyll wasn’t sure if she’d say anything to him about Ghosttown. It was a sensitive topic, and Inez wasn’t known for her compassion.

“Alright.” She shifted her gaze to Ace. “Keep me posted. You meet with Oz, I wanna know about it before it happens.”

Ace nodded in agreement and stood.

“Jekyll,” Inez snapped, knitting her brows. “Thin fucking walls in this place. You understand me?”

“No fucking. I got it.”

She smirked. “Good boy.”

Yeah.