Page 53 of The Innocent

“Zane?” The familiarity in her voice was too intimate, and he clenched his jaw.

Admittedly, he hated his name. Not so much the name itself but for what it was connected to. Trouble, anger, pain, and his past. His name was covered by a cloud of darkness.

“I mean, Jekyll?”

“Yeah.” His tone was rough.

“Hi, It’s Imogene Peppercorn.”

I know.

“I hope I’m not bothering you. Oh dammit.” It was impossible to miss the hitch and panic in her voice.

He tightened his hold on the phone. “What’s wrong?”

“Um, can you hold on for just one second. I don’t have my hands-free holder set up yet, and I’m driving.”

Of course she wouldn’t drive and talk on the phone.

“Just one second. Don’t hang up.”

Jekyll didn’t reply, but he stayed on the line. Why? ’Cause he couldn’t bring himself to hang up. He could chalk it up to curiosity. There wasn’t a valid reason she’d be reaching out. Or is there?

“Okay, I’m parked.” Her soft giggle echoed through the line. “How are you?”

“Alright.”

“That’s great! It was so nice bumping into you last week. I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.”

Jekyll froze. Had she wanted to see him again? During his time, Imogene had been sweet, kind, and helpful to all the inmates. A do-gooder. At first, he wasn’t buying into it. A gorgeous redhead volunteering her time had to be bullshit. Over time, the assumed mask never faltered. Admittedly, Jekyll only took her classes to break up the day. And? Enjoy the view. Then it changed to something else.

“Still there?”

Yeah, I’m still here.

“You need something?”

“Oh, um no…” The line went silent as if she was stalling.