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She jumped, half startled by the masculine voice. “Um hello.”
The line was silent, and she cleared her throat.
“Hi, um, can I speak with Zane Pierce, please?”
“Who?”
“Zane. Pierce?”
“No one here by that name.”
“Is this the Killcreek Drifters clubhouse?”
Again, silence.
“Like I said, no one here by that name.”
She sensed he was going to hang up and blurted. “Is Jekyll there?”
“He ain’t available.”
“But he lives there?”
Silence. Imogene knew a few things about motorcycle clubs. She’d done some research when she started working at the prison. MC’s, like most gangs, were especially secretive. It made sense why the man on the other line wouldn’t be answering her questions.
“Can I leave my phone number for him?”
The heavy breath sounded on the line, and she heard rustling.
“What is it?”
Imogene gave her number. “And he can call me anytime. I have an odd sleep schedule, only in a few hour increments so…”
The line went dead.
“Hello?”
She pulled the phone from her ear, staring down at the screen. He hung up on me.
“I didn’t get a chance to leave my name,” she mumbled.
*
“I need another pep talk,” Imogene mumbled.
She was so utterly defeated, she considered going back to Starr’s to see if Grain was still around. Two hours with her new client, and she was left unsettled. This was not how she’d hoped it would go. Imogene felt a lot better after her lunch and encounter with Grain. He’d been right. She needed a perfect distraction, and even though it hadn’t been Jekyll, he was a worthy second, along with his wife, Gee.
Imogene had left the bar with a full belly and confidence. And now it’s gone. There hadn’t been anything out of the ordinary during the meeting. She’d had her prepared spiel she presented, along with all the resources available. Unfortunately, her client seemed more interested in her personal life rather than what programs she was offering. He made a point of telling her twice that his charges and conviction were bogus. Even after she’d explained that wasn’t her business, he seemed driven to convince her of his innocence.
It didn’t work.
They had another meeting scheduled for the end of the week. Dread spread over her like wildfire. Something felt off with him. It was a vibe and an uneasiness. Knowing his crime had only compounded her anxiety about their next meetup. She had to get her mind on something else. Grain’s gruff tone popped in her head.
Distraction.
She smiled and reached in her bag for her phone. No missed calls. She debated on calling Jekyll again but decided to give it some time. Calling twice in one day would seem desperate. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it’s probably because it is a…
Shut up!
