Page 13 of This Time I'm Keeping You
“Nick, I was thinking about the mugging.There’s probably no chance of getting my bag back, but I think I should still report it.”
“I’ve called my cousin Billy.He’s a cop.He’ll be here soon.”
“I remember you have a big family.”
“Huge.We have someone in most of the key occupations.There’s a doctor, pediatrics,” he added, shaking his head, which she guessed meant that field was of no use to him.“Dentist, lawyer, accountant, and two detectives.My cousin Tom plays NFL,” he added, looking at her as if she should be impressed.
Sports weren’t her thing, so she shrugged.
“We’re lacking in a few areas but hoping to work on that with the next generation.”
“You’re multiplying?”She tried to look shocked but yawned instead.
“I have nieces and nephews who already know I’m their favorite uncle.”
Poppy could tell by the look on his face he loved his family.
“There’s a sandwich and muffin in here.”He picked up a paper bag.“What do you want?”
“I just want to sleep, Nick.But thanks.”
“I told Aunt Jenny I’d make you eat.”
“Ha.”Her eyes closed.“Go home.”
“No, really, you don’t need to thank me again for reassuring your aunt.”
“Aha.Go away.”
“Nick.Hey, buddy.”
Poppy opened her eyes to watch a large dark-haired man approach.There was no mistaking the blood tie between them, and she guessed this was the police officer, Billy.
“This is Poppy, bud.Some dude mugged her today wearing a mask.”
Billy’s smile was like his cousin’s and reached his soft green-brown eyes, but she didn’t get the same feeling in her belly like she did with Nick.
“Hey, Poppy, really sorry about what happened.”He took her good hand and squeezed it gently.
“It’s not your fault,” Poppy said.He looked so sincere.
“Billy takes his job seriously.Don’t you, Detective Atherton?”
“There are enough cops who don’t,” Billy said, ignoring his cousin’s teasing.
“Surely a detective must have better things to do than deal with a mugging,” Poppy said.
“When family calls, Athertons come.”Billy smiled again, and she knew he meant every word.It must feel nice to have so many people in your life that loved you.
The detective started questioning Poppy gently but thoroughly until he had all the answers he needed.
She should probably tell them about her past, but it was on her police file, and this was just a mugging, so no need to think he’d found her again.Besides, his tactics were cunning and meant to fill her with fear, which they always had.A simple bag snatch was not his style.
“We probably won’t catch him, Poppy.I’m telling you that right off.But we’ll try.”
“Thank you anyway.”
“Is there anything else you can tell me about the mugger?”
