“Maybe. We don’t know yet,” Max asked far too many questions in Drew’s opinion. Drew wasn’t inclined to give him answers since he was only a civilian and this was an ongoing investigation. “I’m going to get some food.”
Drew made his escape while he could. Three floors down, he knocked on Jana’s door. Miguel answered.
“You haven’t told her?” Drew asked quietly.
“I thought you should,” Miguel answered just as quietly.
“I can hear you whispering by the door,” Jana called from the kitchen. “Now come inside and let me know what it’s about.”
Drew sighed. “Morning Jana. How’s the grocery situation?”
“What? You don’t know where the store is?” Jana raised an eyebrow as she packed lunches for school.
“I have a couple of unwanted guests that I need to feed. I’ll replace whatever you give me,” Drew poured himself some coffee and dropped into a chair.
“If they’re unwanted then you shouldn’t feed them. Maybe they’ll go away,” Jana said tartly as she put the lunches into school bags.
“I wish,” Drew scowled.
“Hi Uncle Drew,” Jenny smiled at him. “Did you see my picture?”
Drew leaned over to look at the little girl’s artwork. “That is a neat picture. Lots of color.”
“Thank you,” she grinned happily.
“Okay kiddos, time for school,” Miguel grabbed the backpacks and ushered the two girls out the door. He was making a strategic retreat. Drew envied him for it.
Jana grabbed a coffee and sat down. “Who are your visitors?”
“A rookie cop who is on duty when I’m not home to guard a witness. We’re pretending he’s missing so that my cover remains intact,” Drew shrugged. “Not that it’s making any difference since I haven’t been able to remain in contact with my assignment for the last couple of days.”
“It’s unusual to have a witness at a cop’s place of residence,” Jana remarked. Her voice and eyes said he’d better explain.
Drew sighed. “Green was in an odd sort of mood. I guess it tickled his funny bone to give the guy to me since he crashed my operation.”
“Who’s the guy?” Jana sipped her coffee. Everyone knew Green hadn’t been in the best frame of mind since he’d started his latest kick of trying to quit smoking.
“Max Ramesly,” Drew reluctantly informed her.
“TheMax Ramesly?” Jana put down her mug. “Dad’s youngest kid from his wife?”
Drew blinked in surprise. “You know.”
“You think I wouldn’t check on Dad’s other family, just to see?” Jana gave him a surprised look. “Of course I know. I’m a cop. I investigate people. Did Max know that he has half-siblings?”
“Not a clue,” Drew shrugged. “He thinks it’s great. I expect we’ll all get invited to holidays if Max has any say in the matter.”
Jana laughed. “I don’t think his parents would like that.”
“From what little I’ve gathered, I don’t think he’s on speaking terms with Dad right now,” Drew drained his coffee. “Have you seen Mom lately?”
“No and I have no intention of seeing her,” Jana scowled. “Why?”
“Molson came around this morning,” Drew frowned. “He asked if I intended to visit her anytime soon.”
“If he chooses to keep in contact with Margo, that’s his problem,” Jana said firmly. “I’ve been thinking. I’m not sure I want Molson around the kids anymore.”
Drew looked at her sharply. As much as he didn’t like all the things Molson was involved in, he wouldn’t cut his brother out of his life. “He’s their uncle.”
