Chapter 37

“Hi,” Jimmy says. He rushes the next sentence like it’s all one long word. “I don’t mean to intrude, but Stacy kind of eluded to what was going on, and I don’t think it’s fair that Mark stands here and takes this alone.”

“Go back to your desk,” I tell him. There is no suggestion in my tone; it’s a command. I told Stacy to tell him not to come in here—so what the fuck?

“No.” Devin’s voice is no less commanding than mine had been. “Sit down.”

Mark jumps back into the conversation with a sneer and a, “Let me guess? Jimmy?”

“Yes, sir,” Jimmy says quietly. He sticks out his left hand. “It’s good to see you. It’s Mark, right?”

Mark doesn’t take Jimmy’s hand. Instead, he crosses his arms over his chest and stares. This is where he’ll recognize Jimmy, I think. How could he not? That same expression of piety. The small build. The fair hair. Those eyes. Except, he doesn’t seem to.