Devil's Pawn (Devil's Pawn Duet 1)

“What? While she was with his brother?”

“That’s when Leontine started to let some of the staff go although Rose wasn’t one of them. She stayed on until Kimberly started to show.”

“Wait. Back up. So, Ezekiel and Kimberly were dating, and Jericho stole her from him and got her pregnant?”

“That’s what I’m hearing.”

“And Leontine fired the staff to cover it up?”

“She sounds like a witch.”

“She’s not though. Not as far as I can tell. But that was years ago and maybe she’s changed. I know she’s been sick.”

“Breast cancer. It was touch and go for a while from what Carlton told me, but she is in remission.”

“I guess something like that will change a person,” I say.

“Back to the juicy stuff though. So once Kimberly got pregnant, Jericho proposed marriage. I guess he’s old-fashioned that way.”

I can almost see her rolling her eyes.

“And according to Rose anytime the brothers were in the same room for a while there it felt like a bomb went off. They’d fight, I’m talking physically fight. Ezekiel was in bad shape according to Rose and I’m honestly not sure if Leontine even liked Kimberly. Probably thought her beneath them. And when she came between the brothers, well that was that.”

“That’s a lot to take in. And you’re sure she’s telling you the truth?”

“I mean, it’s not like I can fact check her.”

“How did you find her?”

“That wasn’t hard. It was finding one who’d talk to me, and she was it. The others have been hush-hush. Rose, though, answered to cash. She also hates Leontine so maybe this was her version of payback.”

“Why does she hate Leontine?”

“Said she was a bitch to her.”

I feel the beginnings of a headache coming on and press my hand to my forehead.

“Listen, I have to run,” Julia says and honestly, I’m grateful. “I’m getting Matty before dinner and we’re going to the toy store for his birthday. Carlton’s letting him pick out his own gift.”

“Carlton’s going to a toy store?”

“I know. Shocker. But if he’s buying, I’m in.”

Julia hasn’t worked since she moved into the Bishop house. She’s told me how much she hates having to depend on others to pay her way but hasn’t done much about it. Although with a four-year-old, I’m not sure how much you can do.

“Well, have fun. And thanks for the gossip I guess.”

“Are you doing okay?”

“I’m fine. Settling in.”

“You’re not pregnant or anything are you?” she asks, her tone worried.

“No. I’m still taking my pills. I won’t get pregnant. I don’t think it’s what he wants, Julia. I’m pretty sure he’d have taken the pills away if it was. He controls everything.”

“I hope you’re right,” she says. “I’ll talk to you soon, okay?”

“Tell Matty to pick something expensive,” I say. “And tell him happy birthday from me.” I hate that I’ll miss his birthday. It’ll be the first time since I moved into the Bishop house.