Page 23 of Forever Focused

Oh yes, Michael knew that move well and had to go pick a switch off the tree once because he decided to test the man. His dad was starting a countdown before things got ugly, giving Emmett a chance to admit whatever was wrong – and himself a moment to calm down. His friend wasn’t stupid either.

Emmett began singing like a canary, not holding back in the slightest.

“I work at the FBI, and I look for problems, loopholes, and errors in the paperwork, processing, and investigations before they issue warrants, go to trials, or bring people in for questioning – and was handed a folder with your name on it,” Emmett said openly. Michael heard Poppy’s shocked gasp behind him as she clenched at his arm.

This was bad.

“What?” her mother yelped – and his dad held up his hand to silence her, not looking away from Emmett’s ashen face. Poppy tugged on his arm. and Michael looked at her distractedly.

“Your family needs you – and you don’t need an audience. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Thank you,” he whispered, kissing her quickly. “Tomorrow, I promise.”

“Continue,” their father said coolly, not looking away from Emmett’s face as the tall man stood there.

Michael watched Poppy silently weave her way out between the shocked family members as she slipped out the door, shutting it behind her. Yes, things were getting tense in the room, and he was glad she left, not wanting her to witness whatever was about to get said. They had enough problems without adding one more, and he loved that Poppy wasn’t a person who thrived on gossip. She relished privacy and was always putting him first, even now.

“The folder is full of documents from when you were in the Air Force, photos of you, Flyboys, and someone has filed an insurance claim for a stolen B-52 military bomber plane…”

His father cursed fluidly.

Things just went from bad to worse!

CHAPTER 9

* * *

POPPY

The anxiety was killing her, leaving Michael there with whatever was happening with his parents and Madison’s boyfriend, Emmett; but they needed to figure it out, and if things were tense, she sure didn’t want to be in the line of fire. She hoped it would be early tomorrow when she got to see Michael because the worry would eat at her all night. She heard her phone ding beside her in the car just as she pulled up to the house.

Bet you thought I’d forget to text you again

The thought did cross my mind.

Are you okay?

Paperwork snafu.

That’s it?

Long story best told under different conditions.

Like over coffee?

Actually, I had a thought.

Oh?

I’m off work for the next three days. How about we take off somewhere?

Really? You and me?

Adventures in love, remember?

So this is a work trip?

Adventure with MEEEE.

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