Page 5 of Jackson

“Then we need a list of guards so we can find out about their pasts, get her one to work with,” Muff mutters. “I’ll get onto that.”

“Then we need a fuckin’ good plan to get her out,” Cade exhales, running his hands through his hair. “Fuck. This won’t be easy.”

No.

It won’t.

But I’ll make it happen.

One way or another, I’ll get her out.

2 – Serenity

“What’s your name, kid?”

An older woman with beautiful dark skin and kind brown eyes comes up to me as I do my shift in the laundry, folding the same pants and shirts that we all wear. I’m thankful when I get into the laundry because it means I’m away from the prying eyes of other inmates and the death stares and threats from Hound’s little woman friend.

She watches every move I make, a sly smile on her face.

He’ll make a move, but he’s ensuring that I’m on edge before he does.

The worst part is thinking he can’t get to me, but knowing he’ll find a way. He probably has guards on his side. Hell, he probably runs this place.

“Serenity,” I answer the lady, placing a folded pair of pants down before picking up another.

“You’re new here,” she murmurs, studying me as she takes a shirt. “What are you in for?”

“I got set up, though I’m not sure anyone believes me.”

“I do,” she says casually, as if we’ve been friends forever and she knows me. “I can see it in your eyes, innocent as they come.”

Maybe not innocent as they come, but definitely not a murderer.

“I wouldn’t go that far,” I say softly. “What’s your name?”

“My name is Cissy, but everyone in here calls me Mama. Tell me, are you bein’ picked on in here?”

I stare at her, there is a kindness and warmth in her eyes that makes me feel immediately drawn to her. The fullness of herperfect lips and the thick curls in her hair even though it’s tied up makes her a rare beauty. She’s maybe in her mid-forties, but her skin is flawless.

“I’m not exactly a fan favorite,” I tell her. “But there is someone who doesn’t like me, and he’s going to make sure I don’t leave this place unscathed.”

“Tell me his name,” she orders, her voice still soft but firm.

“Hound,” I answer, swallowing the lump in my throat.

Her eyes darken. “Oh, I know him. He’s a dangerous man. How did you get tangled up with him?”

I glance down at my hands. “He was part of my father’s club.”

She jerks back and stares at me, shock washing over her face. “You’re Hogan’s daughter?”

I nod, scared of what might come out of her mouth next.

“Oh, child,” she sighs. “You really haven’t had a good run.”

Her kindness makes my heart swell, and, just for a moment, I don’t feel so afraid.

“He’s gone now, but ... well, I guess Hound still wants revenge. I won’t lie to you and tell you I wasn’t part of taking my father down.”

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