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Sal laughed, pushing up from the chair. “We met at Elle’s shop. Imogene was browsing, and we struck up a conversation about the perfect green hat.”

Imogene smiled. “Sal’s leaving out the part where he bought the hat for me.”

Sal winked.

Gent burst out laughing. “What the fuck is happening right now?”

Imogene was just happy there was at least one person in the room who wasn’t upset with her.

Thanks, Sal.

****

Jekyll couldn’t wrap his head around Imogene knowing Sal. It momentarily broke the tension in the room. But not for long.

Inez scowled, pointing in his direction but addressing Imogene. “Jekyll told you not to meet with him again.”

Yes, I did.

Imogene obediently nodded. “He did suggest that.”

Jekyll balled his fists, sending her a sharp glare. “That wasn’t a fucking suggestion, and you know it.”

He’d explicitly told her under no circumstance was she to meet up with Logan.

“Well, since you can’t follow simple instructions, then you can’t work there,” Inez said.

“What?” Imogene whipped her head, looking back at him. If she thought he’d be on her side, she was about to be disappointed. He agreed 100 percent with Inez’s decision.

Jekyll folded his arms, and she pouted slightly.

“I’m not quitting.”

Inez snorted, taking a long drag from her cigarette. “Then you’ll be fired.”

Imogene straightened her shoulders. “You don’t have any say in my employment.”

Inez smirked. “Aw babygirl, you don’t fucking get it, do you?”

No, she didn’t.

“I have other clients, good people, that are depending on me. I can’t just abandon them.” She sucked in a breath.

“Valid point.”

She glanced over at Ghost, smiling. “Thank you.”

Asshole.

“If I may,” Sal said.

“Jesus Christ, old man,” Inez snapped and glared at him. “This has got nothing to do with you.”

“I disagree. Imogene is a friend of mine.”

Inez scoffed. “Is that so?”

“And as her friend, I’d like to speak on her behalf.” Sal smiled. “Come on, Inez, the girl has bills to pay, and she has to eat. Let her keep the job, but work it out with her boss that she needs safer clients. Everyone wins.” Sal looked over at Jekyll. “And I do think removal of the client from tonight is necessary.”