Page 42 of Our Blood, Our Pain

Has Kai not been in touch with his mom? Instead of texting, I press the call button where she answers straight away.

“Jules, hey I didn’t mean for you to call. I thought you’d be busy.”

“I’m just waiting on my boss, so I’m free right now. Has Kai not called you?”

“No. I had a text a couple of weeks back but nothing since. How is he?”

‘He’s really good. Settled in with the guys and is working hard. It’s been full on, so that’s probably why he hasn’t called.”

“That’s fine. He’s a grown man. I know you’d call me if things weren’t working out.”

“I would. Don’t worry. How are things with you?”

“I’ve been okay. Missing having Kai at home as it’s been quiet. But Tim has been visiting a lot, so it’s been nice to have company.”

“Officer Tim?”

“Yes, and I’m not talking about it.”

I laugh, as I can feel the heat coming through the phone from her blushing.

“I won’t ask again.”

“Good,” she says, but it’s followed by a long silence. Something is wrong.

“What’s wrong, Jenny?”

“Why do you think anything’s wrong?”

“I can sense it. You’re a little quiet. Has something happened?”

“Fuck, you’re perceptive. It’s probably nothing, but you know that gang Kai hung around with?”

“What about them?”

“Well, they’ve been hanging around since Kai left. I never really used to see them when he was home, as he spent most of his time out with them. But for a few weeks they’ve been passing by the house when I get home from work. Or I’ve seen them in their car outside of my work during the day. I might be imagining things, as it’s not everyday, but….I don’t know. It feels off.”

It feels off to me, too. I briefly wonder if Kai has told me everything about the guys he hung out with.

“You told Tim about it?”

“No, it’ll only worry him and I don’t want to be a burden.”

“Jenny, tell him. It may be nothing, but if it’s out of the ordinary, I’d feel better knowing you were being looked after.”

“You’re right. He’s coming over tonight, so I’ll bring it up then.”

“Good. I’ll have a word with Kai.”

“Don’t you dare! I want him focused there, not worrying about me. I’m sure it’s fine.”

I’m not convinced of that, but I can subtly try to find out more from Kai.

Hearing footsteps, I look up to see Dima walk into the bar, nodding his head for me to follow him into the back office.

“Listen Jenny, my boss has just got back, But I’ll tell Kai to call when I see him later.”

“Thanks Jules. Bye.”

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