by Molly Dox
She blushed. Nobody had asked her that in a long time. “I’d like that.”
He gently brushed his lips against hers and smiled. “I’ve wanted to do that for a long time.”
Poppy smiled. “I’m starved,” she said, not sure what to say. It felt as comfortable as it did awkward.
“It’s kind of awkward, huh?” He said what she was thinking.
“I’ve known you all this time. We’re friends and I love being around you. It’s just, now things might change. They may change for the better, but what if they change for the worse?”
“Good question. Why don’t we promise to go back to being friends if it feels like we might sacrifice that at any time? I love being around you, and I’d settle for whatever way you’ll have me,” he admitted.
She blushed. “That was sweet.”
“It’s true.”
They pulled up to the restaurant. The door was locked and a note placed on it. “Temporarily closed due to kitchen flood,” it read.
“Yikes! What now? Hope they re-open soon, I love this place,” she said.
“We missed out on our pancakes the other day? How about breakfast for dinner? We could head to Denny’s.”
“Sounds like a plan. Pancakes sound delightful.”
Reggie turned the truck around and headed down the road.
“My dad loves pancakes. All his life, he’d make a big stack of pancakes and cover it with syrup. Now, he can have one or two with a dab of syrup. And chips and cake, his portions are way smaller. This one cinnamon bun thing he loves, he can have about a one inch by one inch section of it due to all the sweetness, carbs, and sugar. I’d hate to give up all of those things too. I’ve been frustrated that he hasn’t been taking this new change more seriously. I worry about him. But I guess if somebody told me I had to give up a lot of my favorite things, it would be a struggle. Sure, everyone thinks they can, but to actually do it is something else. I’ve been hard on him, yet I worry about losing him.” She looked out the window.
Reggie reached over and took one of her hands as he drove. “Change is hard.”
“Yeah.”
Pulling up to the establishment, the couple got out and went inside. After a stack of pancakes and a plate of bacon, the couple headed back home. On getting out of the truck, Reggie went around to Poppy’s side. Placing his hand on her shoulder, he thanked her for the company.
“You can kiss me,” she whispered.
“I was hoping you’d say that.”
“Reggie, wait, can I ask you something?” Poppy felt horrible, but she’d totally forgotten to bring the topic up, and it was important for her to get a second opinion.
“Now?” He was inches from her lips.
“Now,” she said. “I’m sorry. Here’s the thing, Caroline’s husband moved back into her house. He’s supposed to be doing repairs, but by the looks of it, he intended to stay for a while. He was already sleeping there, almost like he knew the house would be available for him. Almost like he wanted to live there again, and he couldn’t do it with Caroline there.”
“You think he’s involved somehow?”
She arched an eyebrow. “I don’t know. I am biased against the guy. He didn’t treat her well at the end of their marriage. Am I shooting off my hip here, reaching? Or does it sound feasible?”
“Anything is feasible, but it takes a pretty strong motive to want to off your child’s mother. Didn’t he move clear across the country or something, years ago? I vaguely remember, but you know, word got around.”
“Yeah, he did. Okay, thanks. You can kiss me now,” she purred.
“Did you give the cops the file that you found with the information?” He was sidetracked.
“I meant to, then I ran into Peter Corbin and got distracted thinking about the possibility of his involvement.” She shrugged her shoulders sheepishly.
“Let’s go do it now,” he said, taking her hand and leading her inside.
“Don’t you want to kiss me?” She gave a nervous grin, knowing he was calling her out on putting off calling them. “Just a little more time, I’ve been researching dog fighting rings, and I’m thinking of trying to break into one, just to check things out and see if what Dr. Corbin had written down is still going on. It could have anything or nothing to do with her death.”
“I’ll kiss you after you make the call. Come on young lady, let’s go inside and take care of this.”
“Who are you calling young?” She smiled, trying to smooth over the revelation that she was nosing in more and had put off giving the cops the information. She was driven to solve it. She wanted to find her friend’s killer. It was selfish to hold off trying to find answers herself. She finally agreed, hesitantly, and placed a call to the police.
Chapter 7
Poppy trembled; her nerves were on edge. It was a risk, but she poked around and found more information about the dog ring. She had the guy’s address and phone number form the vet’s file, but it’s not like she could call and ask to come along. She was going to need help, and she knew the perfect person to ask. She finally turned to the shadiest guy she knew. Heading to the deli counter of the local sandwich shop, she leaned in. “Bruno, I need some help.”
“Eh, Poppy Pepper, how’ve you been?” Bruno greeted her with a big smile and came around the counter to hug her. “I haven’t seen you in here lately. You don’t like my food anymore?”
“Best sandwiches in town…are you crazy? Nah, I’ve just been distracted and haven’t made it a priority, but I’m here now.”
“You want your regular order, and what about Marty?”
“Dad, yeah, but leave off the onions. He swears he has no problem with him, but then complains all night about how they tear his stomach up,” she said.
“I love that old guy,” Bruno said with a laugh.
“Bruno, I need to ask you something.” She looked over her shoulder to see if anybody else had walked into the small sub shop.
“Anything,” he said, slicing the hoagie rolls.
“Dog fighting,” she whispered. “Do you know anyone around here? I’d like to place a few bets.”
“You? Are you hard up for cash? Is the place doing okay? Or did things go sour after that snowbird of yours died?” He was full of questions.
“No, work is fine. I’m looking for a little bit of action. You know, I’m getting bored, just want to kick it up a notch. I could use an adrenaline punch now and then.”
“I just didn’t see you as a dog fighting kind of girl; slots with cherries, yes, dogs going at each other, not so much.” Bruno slipped a swath full of mayonnaise across the roll and started adding meats and cheese. “Lettuce, tomato?”
“Yes, please, and onion for me, just not my dad,” she answered.
“Got it. So Poppy, you sure about this? These guys, they don’t let just anybody in. If I give you a reference, they take this stuff seriously. My neck goes on the line if I send them someone bad. They’ve got a saying. Don’t play if you can’t pay.”
Poppy drew in a deep breath. “I’m sure. Can you help me out?”
“You know I can, sweetheart.” Bruno jotted down an address on the back of one of his business cards. Thursday nights, eight o’clock, don’t be late. They only take bets until 7:45, and don’t bet over your head.”
“Thanks, Bruno. I appreciate this.”
“Do me a favor, okay? Don’t pass this information on to anyone else? The fewer people who know about this little group the better; if you know what I mean.”
“Sure thing, Bruno, thanks again.” Poppy paid for her sandwiches, tucked the business card into her purse, and headed out. Sitting in her Chevy, she wondered if she should ask Reggie to come with her, but she guessed some might recognize him as a sheriff. What if she brought her dad or Panda? Martin would play the role better, but she didn’t want to risk anyone’s life. She’d have to do this one alone. Maybe she should just at least tell Reggie about it. It was the smart thing to do.
Bruno’s wor
ds rang through her head. “Don’t play if you can’t pay.” She imagined things were pretty ugly if you didn’t have money to pay criminals like that. Man, what was she getting herself into? Maybe this was all a mistake. What did she expect to learn? Did she really think she’d confront some thug around a bunch of others? If she gave the address to the cops, Bruno would have to know it came from her, and then she’d be in trouble with him. She decided that if she was going to do it, she was going to do it right. She’d go infiltrate the dog fighting ring, and then, only after she was certain it was going on, and if she could get Thom Bryant to talk, or to admit something, then she’d back off. She had to do this for Caroline.
Poor Caroline was trying to warn this guy. She gave him a warning, telling him to stop. She knew what he did, and what did he do? Instead of thanking her for the warning, where she could have just reported him, he may have taken her out and ended her life. Maybe that was Caroline’s first mistake, trusting that he’d listen. He was a criminal. She wished she could go back in time and warn her friend…wouldn’t that be nice. Go back and fix mistakes like they never happened.
Later in the evening, Poppy was full of nervous energy as she switched to her cowboy boots and jeans, and then pulled on a black t-shirt with a button down short sleeve blouse unbuttoned over it. She tucked a digital recorder in the back of her jeans near her waist, thinking that the shirt should cover it nicely. She stopped and realized she might be searched. Panicked, she pulled the recorder out and realized that she’d just have to wing it. Recording something might put her in hot water before she learned anything.
She was more nervous than she’d been for anything in a long while. This was different. This wasn’t just regular snooping, but instead it was hardcore snooping with people who weren’t fooling around and didn’t want their time wasted. They’d expect her to come and play, have cash, and keep her mouth shut. She wasn’t so good at keeping her mouth shut. In fact it was her weakness. She’d have to hold it all back, and realize she was dabbling in scary territory. Her pulse raced. Her heart was thumping so hard, it felt like it might escape her chest. She hadn’t even left her home yet!
Poppy watched the clock, and just about the time she planned on heading out, she casually mentioned needing something at the store she’d forgotten.
“I’ll go with you,” Martin said. “I could use a walk around a store. It’s good to get out of the house time to time.”
“What if somebody calls with a problem?” She didn’t expect her father to want to come along.
“That answering machine will pick it up. I’ll take care of it when we get back.”
“Dad, I appreciate the offer of company, but I think I need some girl time, to be alone for a bit. I’ve got some thinking to do.”
“Ah, is this about that new man of yours?” He winked.
She groaned. “Right, whatever. I’d kind of like to go alone, if you don’t mind.”
“Sure, sure. Your mother was the same way, needing time alone here and there.”
“Thanks for understanding,” she said, realizing she dodged a bullet. Poppy quickly scrambled out to her vehicle, before her father changed his mind.
Driving to the address on the card, nothing made sense. She expected it would be in some out of the way barn in a field long forgotten, but instead it was next to a strip mall and car wash. She double checked the address. That was weird. It looked like a framing shop and art gallery. After parking and getting out of her car, she pulled on the door, but it was locked. There was a buzzer next to it. Taking a deep breath, she rang the bell.
A tall man with dark hair and shoulders as broad as Kentucky answered the door. “You need something?”
“A friend sent me. I have cash.”
He looked her up and down and then opened the door. Once he closed it, he quickly frisked her to check if she had a gun or any recording devices. “This way,” he said, heading to the back of the gallery, and then down a long flight of stairs into the basement. He took the stairs two at a time, while she hobbled down them slowly, her hips reminding her that she wasn’t getting any younger.
“Are you coming or not?” He was annoyed that she moved so slowly.
“As fast as I can,” she snapped back. “I’m an old lady; give me some time.”
“You’re not that old. You’re about my mom’s age.”
It was weird to hear him mention his mother. Even criminals had moms. She followed him silently. As he led her down a path behind boxes and crates, the floor opened up. There was a hum and laughter as people placed their bets and talked amongst the others. The musty dampness of the basement wasn’t lost on her. She was glad she’d only be there for a short while.
A guy came over to Poppy. “You’re new here. Show me your cash. Don’t play if you can’t pay. The only thing we hate more than cheaters is squealers. You’re not a cheater or squealer are you?”
“No.” She shook her head quickly. “I’m just an old lady with some money to burn.”
“Better be careful, grandma, the last lady who couldn’t pay wasn’t invited back, and hasn’t been seen since.” There was laughter. “Usually women find it kind of rough.”
Poppy swallowed hard. That must be Thom Bryant. Who else would know? “I need an adrenalin kick. I’ve got a lot of stress at home, and I’m ready to take my mind off of it.” She hoped it was all the talking she’d have to do. She knew it was him, but how would she get him to admit it. If the cops took him in, other than the file, there’s no proof.
The man tilted his head and asked, “How much are you in for?”
“Two hundred dollars,” she said.
“Not bad, not bad. There are three fights tonight. You want that split up between them?”
“No. I have two hundred per round.”
“Ooh, a big spender, I like it. Better watch it. If your man finds out you’re tossing around a lot of cash, he might not be happy.”
“I make my own decisions.” She looked into his eyes. Don’t back down, but keep your tongue. Don’t get snarky, it will backfire. The idea of watching dog fights horrified her. She had no idea how she’d get through this, but she had to prove herself. It made her sick to her stomach thinking about those poor dogs. She hated people who were cruel to animals. She couldn’t wait for this guy to go down. He was the lowest of the low.
There was a loud crash from above and thundering feet running down the stairs. “Freeze,” one of the cops yelled out. People scrambled, trying to get out the back door, others cussed while throwing their hands up. Poppy put her hands in the air. What would this mean? Was she about to be arrested? She’d never been so horrified.
Cops lined people up and cuffed them, saying they’d sort out everything outside. A line of people climbed the stairs, cops in front, on the side, and behind keeping people from sprinting away.
“Which one of you runs this thing?” An officer shouted at the line of people. Nobody said a word. “You might as well take a seat on the curb. We’re going to be here a while processing people. We’re looking at some fines, some jail time, and probation. Anyone willing to talk will be offered reduced sentencing.”
Poppy sat on the curb. How could this happen? Who would take care of her father? What about the resort? She couldn’t afford this, and yet if she spoke up, her life might be on the line. She sat quietly, following the others. When she was alone, she’d talk to one of the officers. When it came time to make a phone call, she wasn’t sure whether to call Reggie or Panda.
The officer continued speaking. “You know in 2007, some laws were changed. It’s a felony these days, not a misdemeanor. I’m sure you’d hate to have that on your records.”
One of the men sitting on the curb cussed and then shot out. “I’m not going to jail again. I’ll talk.”
“Anybody else?” The officer gave everyone another chance.
“You’re a dead man,” somebody yelled out.
Another officer pulled Thom Bryant out of the line, after hearing the t
hreats. “Let’s add death threats to his.”
Thom turned to Poppy. “You’re the new person. Did you bring this on? I’d watch your back, lady.”
Poppy’s heart jumped to her throat. She said nothing.
“Don’t play if you can’t pay,” he warned. “We warned you.”
“That’s enough,” the officer snapped while bringing him to one of the police cars.
Being processed, she waited her turn. An officer with his hat pulled low stood before her. “You’re next, lady. Come with me.”
Poppy didn’t want to look up. She was embarrassed to be in such a situation. It was like time was barely moving and everything around her was warped. She stood with the help of him lifting under her arm. Finally looking, her eyes opened wide. She knew that face. Her lips stayed sealed.
“Come on, don’t dilly dally, this way.” He walked her over to a car. “Get in,” he said sternly.
Once in the car, the driver turned around. Poppy gasped. “Panda?”
“Reggie knew you’d be up to no good.” Panda was disappointed to see his sister digging into things and willing to risk her own safety.
Reggie said something to the other officers about bringing this lady in after she started mouthing off. He got into the blue unmarked car alongside Panda. “Let’s get out of here.”
Poppy didn’t know what to say.
“What were you thinking? He might have already killed once, and you go and put yourself smack in harm’s way?” Reggie was angry.
“How did you….?” She shook her head.
Reggie growled at her. “You’ve got to stop acting like some crazed bounty hunter. I called in a favor. I gave them the location and information you’d mentioned earlier. Told them I’d give them a dog ring, but I needed to come along. Panda borrowed one of the unmarked cars. You’re going home. This is not up for discussion.”
“But I…”
“Don’t,” Panda interjected. “What were you thinking? You can’t fool around with criminals like that.”
“I was just going to make sure it all added up. I was going to go to the police right after,” she said.
