Page 6
When the alarm buzzed and the gate opened, Hyde passed him, bumping his shoulder and double timing it to the woman waiting near the SUV.
“Miss me, babe?” Penny winked, and Hyde wrapped his arms around her, lifting her off her feet. Once Jekyll walked out of the gate, he turned his back, giving them a little privacy.
While Hyde’s old lady, Penny, wasn’t liked by many of the brothers, Jekyll respected her. She may have been a handful and a pain in the ass more times than not, but no one could deny her loyalty to his cousin. She’d faithfully visited Hyde regularly, and on occasion included time with him. Jekyll had no interest in small talk, but he listened.
Jekyll glanced over the prison. It was still early without much movement, but he caught a figure in the second story window. It was in the administrative wing of the building. It could’ve been anyone. But when her silhouette came into full view, he sucked in a breath. I’d know her anywhere. Then she was gone. He continued to stare, waiting for her to reappear. Seconds later, her head poked out past the wall then disappeared instantly.
Yeah, I see you. For the first time in a long time, he smiled.
“Jek, brother, let’s get the fuck outta here.”
He turned, heading back to the truck. Hyde rounded the front and got into the driver’s side.
“Babe, you haven’t driven in over two years.”
“Not something you forget, Pen.” Hyde waved his hand. “Get in.”
“Damn it, Hyde. If you get in an accident before we get home, I’m going to fucking kill you.” She sighed. “I have plans for you tonight that don’t include a hospital stay.”
Hyde smirked. “And I’m looking forward to that, baby.”
“I hope you slept good last night ’cause you’re not getting any rest tonight.” Penny winked.
Oh, fuck no! Jekyll refused to be locked in a car having to hear their flirty banter.
“It’s a long fucking ride to Killcreek.” He darted his glare between them. “I’m not listening to this shit for hours.”
Hyde laughed and got in the car. Penny opened the passenger side door and glanced back at him.
“Usually, I’d call shotgun.” She smirked. “But I’m feeling generous today.”
Jekyll walked to the car and felt her hand on his back as he got in. She closed the door and leaned on the open window frame, smiling at him and Hyde.
“Welcome home, boys.”
Penny got in the backseat, and Hyde turned toward the console, handing her his things, which included the books.
“The prison giving out parting gifts now?” Penny asked.
Jekyll kept his eyes trained on the view out of the windshield.
“Courtesy of the librarian.” There was no missing the humor in Hyde’s tone, but Jekyll didn’t react.
“Oh, Ms. Peppercorn?” Penny giggled, and he heard pages flip. The last thing he wanted to focus on or think about was Imogene. He wouldn’t be seeing her again. Their worlds would never collide. He clenched his jaw. That statement bothered him more than he was willing to admit.
“Well, if you guys were ever wondering which one of you was her favorite student, we know now.”
Jekyll furrowed his brows, looked over at Hyde, and then angled his head to see Penny.
“What are you talking about?” Hyde asked.
She held up the books. “Only one of them got a personal note.” The corner of her mouth curled. “Zane.”
He reached back, aggressively grabbing the book and turning in his seat. God, what the fuck was it about Imogene that got him so territorial? He flipped over the cover, and on a fluorescent pink piece of sticky notepad was a handwritten message. To him.
To Zane,
We have a shared love for the mysteries. But I noticed you never checked out this one. It’s my favorite. I hope you enjoy it.
