Page 19 of Cold Hard Cash

“It’sMissLegrand, Jimmy,” Rowena explained, giggling softly. “Don’t you worry, I’m his sister. Besides, Roddy hasn’t touched a vagina since he popped out of his mother’s.”

Jimmy stuttered for an appropriate response, but nothing would come out. Apparently he had been watching too many movies. He was such an idiot. He tried not to look as relieved as he felt.

“Thank you for sharing,” Cold drawled, stacking up the ledgers on the desk in neat little piles.

Rowena beamed sweetly at Jimmy and winked slyly. The Legrand siblings had the same icy blue eyes, though Rowena’s gaze was not as harsh as her brother’s. Still hungry, yes, but kinder. Her very presence felt warmer, easy and relaxed, a stark contrast from her stoic sibling. Oh, but the smirk. The smirk was identical, and Jimmy felt foolish for not seeing the resemblance sooner.

When Rowena turned toward the desk, Jimmy caught himself staring at her exposed back. There were scars all over her skin. Dozens of them, long and thick, crisscrossing across her back like a corset woven from terrible pain.

Jimmy clicked his teeth together to shut his mouth when he realized he was gawking. He had never seen anyone with such terrible scars before, and he was not about to even hazard a guess as to their origin. Whatever it was, it couldn’t be anything good.

“Oh, just trying to help out my big brother.” Rowena popped back on the edge of the desk, grinning at Cold. Her eyes suddenly widened, gasping, “You should bring Jimmy!”

Oh, God. Bring Jimmy where?

“No,” Cold said quietly, laying his briefcase on the desk and packing the ledgers away.

Rowena didn’t acknowledge his answer, continuing excitedly, “He would be perfect!” She smiled at Jimmy, asking innocently, “Do you own a nice suit, Jimmy?”

Jimmy fidgeted, a little embarrassed that he didn’t. He opened his mouth to squeak out a response, but Cold was already answering for him.

“No, he doesn’t.”

“I could take him shopping!” she exclaimed, clapping her hands together. “Mmmm, are you free tomorrow, Jimmy?”

“Yes, he is,” Cold answered again, “A perk of being unemployed. And no, you’re not taking him shopping because he’s not going to the party.”

“Oh, shush, of course he is,” Rowena insisted, not paying her sibling any mind. “Just imagine how darling he will look on your arm once I’m done fixing him up.”

Jimmy dropped down on the bed, watching them argue anxiously. Spending the night in a hotel room was one thing, but going to a party created a new nasty web of potential problems.

Jimmy knew that Augustus had people watching Cold now. If he was seen out and about in public with the gangster, there was a very good chance that Augustus may start to get ideas about their relationship. He might try to come after him again to get information on Cold.

Maury had insisted that Augustus wouldn’t actually meddle in any way that could put Jimmy in danger, but he was suddenly afraid. Even if Augustus didn’t say anything, Cold might still think he was a rat if he found out that his adoptive father was a cop.

A cop who was presently investigating the gangster for murder.

Oh, this wasn’t good.

“I’ll pick you up tomorrow afternoon,” Rowena said, stubbornly ignoring the scowling look on her brother’s face as she spoke to Jimmy.

“I’ll think about it,” Cold said after a long pause.

Rowena grinned as if he had just agreed, happily kissing his cheek as she slinked off the desk. She took the briefcase, twiddling her fingers at Jimmy in a little wave. “I’ll see you tomorrow, cutie,” she purred. “You fellas have fun!”

Cold looked irritated, grimacing slightly as his sister pranced away. He waited until the door shut to lean back in his chair with a heavy sigh. His long fingers massaged his temples, eyes closing slowly.

Jimmy was anxious, his foot bouncing on the floor as he watched Cold. He wasn’t sure what to do since he hadn’t been given any orders, waiting as patiently as he could with worry chewing on his gut.

He had to say something. He had to tell Cold before anyone else did and this all blew up in his face.

“Cold, sir,” Jimmy began quietly, “there’s something... I think I need to tell you.”

“What is it about?” Cold raised a brow, not sounding particularly interested.

“Well, about my family,” Jimmy replied, fidgeting anxiously.

“Something... personal?” Cold asked, his eyes slowly opening. He studied Jimmy thoughtfully, rising from the desk and approaching the bed.