A few minutes later, Gage called back.
“Did you get a list?”I asked, already knowing that Poppy would have something she wanted.She liked to shop, and I loved that about her.Even though she had acted as if she hated it when I took her the first day she was here, I could see the excitement on her face as she relaxed and started shopping.
“I did, and surprisingly, it’s more than just Oreos.”
“We can’t have her not having her Oreos,” I teased, chuckling, before saying goodbye so I could get my stuff together and leave.I pulled my jacket on, checked to make sure the baby gate was up to keep Travis out of my bed while I was gone, then grabbed my keys and left.
When I parked in front of the inn, it took everything inside of me not to run in and see Poppy.The goal was to keep her hidden, just in case they didn’t know she was staying there.Given there hadn’t been any sign of them since the night they murdered Officer Kearton, it was hard to know what they knew and what they didn’t.For now, we had to act like they didn’t know where Poppy was and pray we were right.
A few minutes later, Gage came out and got in the truck, waving to Julie through the window as she watched us leave.I glanced at the bedroom where I knew Poppy was staying, and my heart sank when I didn’t see her there.It was for the better, I reminded myself as I pulled away and headed into town.
Twenty-Nine
Poppy
Istared out the sheercurtains and watched as Patrick drove away.It killed me not to open them and wave, but I knew that the goal was for me to stay as hidden as possible, so I didn’t risk it.
Shortly after they left, Julie and I were in the kitchen when we heard a knock at the front door.We both exchanged a panicked look as I grabbed a knife from the block and hid behind the corner as she went to answer the door.
I peeked around the wall, and my heart dropped when I recognized the male officer who had come out to the cabin to tell me that Dale’s body had been found.He was dressed in uniform and clutched an envelope with my name on it in his hands in front of him.
“I’m sorry to bother you, ma’am,” he said loud enough I could hear him.“I am trying to locate Poppy Grant.There didn’t appear to be anyone at the cabin where she was staying, so I thought I would check here.Have you by chance seen her?”
Julie glanced over her shoulder, and I could tell she was unsure what to do.
I set the knife down and walked out, pulling my shoulders back as I approached.While it was a bold and probably risky move to make myself seen, I couldn’t stop wondering what was in the envelope.
“Hi,” I said as I approached.
Julie smiled and stepped back, allowing me to stand in front of him.
“Mrs.Grant,” he said and smiled.“We received the autopsy report for Dale Hudson, and I wanted to make sure you received a copy.I know that this was something that was important for Officer Kearton, and so I wanted to do this on her behalf.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss,” I whispered, my eyes stinging with tears.
His eyes became glossy as well, but he was much quicker than I was at pushing his emotions away and regaining control.
