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I’d spent my entire career being judged for the people I defended. Penelope wanted to be like me? I . . . didn’t know what to do with that.
Her idea was noble. And not completely off target. I’d exonerated a lot of innocent people. But a lot of guilty ones too.
“That’s a wonderful idea,” Nancy said. “Kane helped my Joe, and he’s the best teacher you could find.”
I appreciated her confidence. Joe wasn’t exactly innocent, but he hadn’t done everything he’d been charged with.
JoJo was silent.
She’d made jabs at my career. I didn’t have to wonder how she felt about Penelope going down the same path. She disapproved.
And once again, it bothered me.
She picked at her food but didn’t actually take a bite.
“I want nothing more than to teach you everything I know.” I held my daughter’s gaze. “And I really want to push you in that direction. But if I don’t let you decide on your own, I’ll regret it. So think long and hard about what’s best for you.”
She leaned back in her chair. “I don’t have to, Dad. I want to work with you. Starting tomorrow.”
CHAPTERTHIRTY-FIVE
JOJO
“You’re not speaking to me.”
Kane put his hands on my shoulders as I brushed my teeth.
I spit in the sink and rinsed the toothpaste down the drain.
“I’m thinking. That’s all.”
“Thinking that you don’t want Penelope working with the scum of the earth like her daddy does.” I couldn’t keep the bitterness out of my words.
She spun and gripped the edge of the counter. “You work with dangerous people. You know what they’re like better than I do. I can’t believe you’d want your daughter to be anywhere near them.”
“Do you think I’d put her in danger?” I shouted.
“You made it sound like it’s nothing at dinner. She wants to help innocent people who have been accused. Not hardened criminals who just happened to get caught.”
I dealt with the underworld sometimes. And I wouldn’t let Penelope anywhere near that. How could JoJo think so little of me?
“Ever heard of innocent until proven guilty?”
She recoiled. “I don’t begrudge you for what you do.”
“Yes, you do.”
She drew in a deep breath. “Just like you don’t understand my work, I don’t always understand yours.”
“Then maybe you shouldn’t be so quick to judge,” I said flatly.
“I’m not.” She yanked the scarf from her hair. “Okay, I am.”
“Would you prefer I have nothing to do with Penelope?” My tone was dangerously low.
“No! That’s not what I’m saying.” She fiddled with the damn scarf between her fingers.
I plucked it out of her hands and set it on the counter. “Then you better figure out what you are trying to say before I get my feelings hurt.”
