“I love to cook, so does Hound,” Keely assured.
“I love to feed her, and my boys, I don’t actually like tocook,” Hound amended.
Keely sighed, but not with irritation, because she didn’tmiss the first part of what he said.
Jagger relaxed because Archie’s lips were turning up.
But Jagger’s turned down because Archie’s phone stoppedringing, and Jagger’s started up again.
That finally got Archie’s attention, and her gaze came tohis, her brows drawn.
“Just a sec,” he murmured, pulled it out, and when he sawthe screen, quickly took the call.“Hey, Mal, what’s up?”he asked, using Mal’sname so Archie would know who it was.
She no longer looked puzzled, she looked worried.
Mal’s voice came in his ear.
“My grandma died, and I need you.”
Jagger dropped his head, turned from everyone, and gave Malall of his attention.“Sorry, buddy, what?”
He sounded choked when he said, “Gramma died.Mom’s notgood.We need to get to the hospital, and I took her keys because she’scryin’ so bad, we won’t be safe.I need you to drive us.”
“Okay, bud, I’ll be there.Does Archie know where you live?”
“I think so.”
“Okay, I’ll ask her.Be there as soon as I can.”
“Thanks, Jagger.”
“You bet, Mal.Hang tight.Be there soon.”
Mal hung up.
Jagger turned to Archie.“His grandmother died.His mom isin no shape to drive to the hospital.He wants me to take them.”
“I—” she began, her eyes sliding to Keely and Hound.
“You go, we’ll sort out your kitchen,” Keely saidimmediately.“Do we need a key to lock up?”
“I have an extra,” Archie stated hurriedly, rushing towardthe kitchen.
Jag caught Hound’s eyes.
“This one of those kids Dutch told us about?”Hound askedlow.
Jag nodded.
“Fuck,” Hound murmured.
Archie rushed back to him with her bag in her hand.
Keely came to her and grabbed the key.
“Okay, let’s go,” Arch said.Her fingers locking aroundJagger’s, she pulled him toward the door.“Sorry.So, so sorry.We’llreschedule.”
“Don’t think about it for a second,” Keely said.
