Page 26 of Angels and Skulls
“I named him Jack.”
Her lips part as if she’s going to speak, but no words leave her mouth.
“I wasn’t lying when I said I was loyal to Jackson.”
She rubs her temples. “Gosh, this is a lot. I’ve learned so much tonight.” She shakes her head, swallowing hard. “I’m so happy he has a family. Thank you for looking after him.”
My gaze roams over her little house again. It’s cozy. I like it here. It feels like home.
“Everyone loves Jackson and not just because he’s president of the club.”
This gets her attention. “Bill was the president once.”
“He was. After he passed, Jackson’s uncle, Dirk, took over the position. Dirk is Rachel’s brother. After that, it went to Jackson.”
A proud smile lights up her face. “Oh, I bet he’s good at it, isn’t he?”
I can’t even kid her. “Yeah, yeah he is, but don’t fucking tell him that. It will give him a big head.”
Her gaze goes back to the window. I know she’s stressed about the letter to Maggie.
My phone rings as if we’ve somehow summoned the old woman.
Fuck. Here we go.
“It’s your mom,” I tell her.
Her eyebrows shoot off of her face. “Don’t answer it,” she begs.
“Sorry, but I’ve never sent Grandma Maggie to voicemail. No fucking way can Inotanswer.”
I lay my phone on the table and then hit speaker.
“Miss Maggie. Miss Maggie. What can I do for you on this fine evening?”
“Don’t give me all that sass and charm, boy. I got a letter from Rachel.”
Jenny pushes her palms into her eyes at the sound of her mother’s voice.
“Oh yeah?”
“She said you needed my help. What can I help you with, honey? What’s going on?”
“Rachel said I needed your help?”
“That’s what her letter said.”
“Oh.”
I push Jenny’s arm, shrugging at her. Like what the fuck am I supposed to do now? I can’t lie to Grandma. Fuck that. That’s just straight up asking for bad karma.
“You’re stalling,” Grandma says matter-of-factly.
“Oh.”
Jenny shrugs back, looking as helpless as I feel.
“Well, yeah, I guess it would be nice to talk to someone.”
