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“I better get back to work. I’m Shaniya; it’s nice to meet you.” Her blue eyes are focused on me now.
“Deputy Monroe,” I hold out my hand for her to shake.
“Oh please…” Lucille’s eyes roll. “…It’s Alex. She’s the one who arrested Squealer.” Her voice lowers to an unnecessary whisper as she explains.
“He’s still getting it handed to him about that.” Shaniya looks at me shyly and giggles along with Lucille.
“You know Squealer?” Suddenly my interest in the girl intensifies.
“Yeah, I live on the compound. I married Troj a few months ago.” She holds up her hand and proudly flashes the wedding band on her finger.
“Congratulations.” I borrow another one of Lucille’s smiles, reaching out to take her hand and study the ring.
“So when is this book club meeting happening?”
I eat my lunch at the deli opposite the tattoo studio. The place must do a good trade, there doesn’t seem to be any local competition. I’m just finishing up the last of my coffee and scrunching my napkin, ready to leave when a car pulls up outside the studio. The girl who gets out is pregnant, not long-left, from what I can tell, and I watch her lift a small infant from his car seat and balance him on her hip. One of them greets her at the door, taking the boy from her arms. Nyx Anderson is one of the younger members, recently did time for GBH according to his rap sheet, and as I watch him kiss the pretty girl’s cheek, his free hand affectionately sliding across her swollen stomach, it’s almost difficult to imagine him being capable of what I skimmed over on the case notes.
I move into action when the girl leaves the kid with him at the studio and crosses the street. She’s heading for the grocery store so, naturally, I head in the same direction. Maybe I can strike up a friendly conversation. It’s a whole week until Shaniya’s book club meeting, and I need assurance that Abby is safe.
My opportunity comes too easily when the girl stops beside the cart station and starts searching through her purse.
“Don’t you just hate it when that happens?” I sigh, producing a quarter from my pocket and holding it out for her. She looks up at me and smiles.
“Thanks, but my husband only works across the street, I could just run across.” Her eyes pass over my shoulder toward the studio I’ve been watching.
“I don’t think you’ll be running anywhere.” I look down at her huge bump and laugh before pushing the quarter into the slot for her.
“So, your husband's an artist?” I attempt to keep the conversation flowing, grabbing a basket and following her inside.
“Yeah, a good one too. You looking to get some ink?” she asks, the huge beam still on her face. I can’t decipher if she’s being sarcastic or genuine. I don’t exactly look the type to get tattoos. I know I come across as prissy. It’s a common misconception.
“Maybe… someday.” I shrug.
“Aren’t you the new deputy that arrested Squealer?” She studies me with caution.
“Did the uniform give me away?” I smile, keeping my tone friendly.
“Welcome to town. I’m Ella.” Any apprehension quickly vanishes from her face.
“Alex Monroe. Sounds like you already heard about me.” I fake a blush, so she assumes I find the situation embarrassing.
“Yeah, I heard,” she chuckles. “This town is so behind; getting a female deputy was a big enough shock. Add to that the fact you arrested a Soul on your first day, you’ve provided the town with enough shock to last us all winter.” Ella loads her cart with some apples and then checks through the mangos for a soft one.”
“How long you got left?” I drop my eyes down to her stomach.
“Just under two months.” She looks down at her tummy as she strokes over it. “It's a girl this time.”
“You got many friends to help you out?” I ask, trying my best not to sound like a cop as I casually add some items to my own basket.
“Plenty. I got Mads and her mom, Nyx’s brother’s girlfriend, Grace, and Shaniya’s blending right in. We’re a family unit.” That last part definitely sounded like a warning.
I note there’s no mention of Abby, but that could just mean they’re not close.
“Sounds like someone’s going to be spoiled,” I point out.
“My best friend from school lives at the club now too, she’s working through some issues, but it’s nice having her around again.” Ella stretches up to get some cereal from the top shelf, and I save her the trouble and reach up for her.
“Friends are important. I hope you and your friend get back on track.” I pass her the box of Lucky Charms.
