Page 36 of The Manny

My ears perked. “Have you?”

“Glenwood is a small town, people talk.”

“True.”

He grimaced. “I probably shouldn’t gossip about your employer.”

Of course, he was right. But I was dying to learn more about Jack. “He’s a bit of a closed book. He doesn’t talk much, and certainly not about himself. I wouldn’t mind hearing some things, if you know they’re true and not just rumors.”

Aiden’s brown eyes sharpened. “Yeah?”

I lifted one shoulder. “I want to understand him better.”

“Do you?”

My face warmed. “Not in a personal way. But I live with him, and it might be helpful to know more about him.”

“Oh, sure. Makes sense.” Glancing around, Aiden leaned closer. “My ex-father-in-law, Harvey, handled the purchase of his automotive business. Because of that transaction, Harvey had to dig into all of Jack’s finances and certain things had to be disclosed.”

“What kind of things?” I asked breathlessly.

“Apparently your employer did four years in prison for burglary.”

Even though Mia had mentioned Jack had a record, hearing it confirmed was a jolt. “When was this?”

“Oh, it was nine years ago when it all first happened.”

“I see.” I did the math in my head. “So, Jack would have been… what… eighteen when he was sent to jail?”

“I don’t know how old Jack is,” Aiden admitted. “You’d know better than me.”

“He’s twenty-seven.” I tried to picture Jack in prison, and it just felt wrong. He was quiet and guarded, but he didn’t strike me as a thug by any means.

“From what I’ve heard it was him and two other guys. They broke into a commercial building down on River Brook. Jack was the leader, so he did the most time. The other two guys rolled over on him and got shorter sentences.”

I nodded, trying to assimilate the information. “That’s so shocking.”

“Right?” Aiden laughed. “He’s a good businessman though. When he bought the auto shop, it was failing. He renamed it and turned everything around. He’s made a real success of the place.”

“I’m glad he was able to start over,” I said quietly. I couldn’t imagine what he’d gone through. Being tossed in prison at the young age of eighteen must have been devastating. No wonder he was so closed off. “Do you know anything about his family?

Rubbing his chin, Aiden said, “A little. His mom was a junkie, and I believe his dad was in and out of jail his whole life.”

“Shit.”

“I guess being a criminal runs in the family.”

His callous statement bugged me, and I had to work hard not to show that. I didn’t get along well with Jack, but he was honorable. “He’s not his father.”

“No, but…”

I finished my punch, wishing it was spiked. Hearing about Jack’s past was hard, but it did help me see him clearer. Naturally, I couldn’t bring any of this up to him, or he’d shut down immediately. I’d keep his upbringing in mind though, when dealing with him in the future. When he frustrated me by withdrawing into his cold shell, I’d do my best to be patient.

“I hope you’re not upset with me about that criminal joke.” Aiden’s expression was uneasy.

I forced a laugh. “Nah.”

Maybe just a little.

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