Jerome was smart and full of energy as a kid. His first friend, whom he loved so much, was his momma. Everybody knew her, and she was fine as a glass of cold water. And he was proud to be called Tracy's boy.
He's seen some things done to her at night that he still dreams about. And all he ever wanted for her was someone she could call on to make it stop. No one ever came. So he became that person himself.