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“And you’re still the Los Angeles Underworld Queen?”

“Also correct.”

“And you’re like, in it?”

“Correct. And I’m protected from on high.” He won’t get that reference but perhaps if he tells Tabi, she will. But I need them all to stay away.

“And, David, I have the only thing I need besides oysters and gumbo.”

He whispers, “Christ.” When I was four we got in a massive fight and he’s mocked me over it for years. I told him I was running away and that the only thing I needed was his sister Becca to come with me. I’ve just told him that Becca’s with me, and I can be found at Lucille’s. That last bit was for the only person I know still listening to the bat phones.

His voice wavers a bit, “Love you, all of you, both of you, none of you. Whatever. Bitch, just fucking, do it. Do the thing and come home. Christ, I feel useless.”

“Good. Because you are.”

“Fuck you, Pop.”

“Fuck you back, David.” My voice breaks.

Becca turns her phone to me and I see the stopwatch.

David says, “Pop?”

“Yeah?”

“Finish it.”

“I will.” I hang on the line for another four seconds and then disconnect. Tears run down my face. My cousin takes me in her very stiff arms. She’s in full stoic lawyer Becca mode. She’s the queen of what needs to be done next. She loves a list, and she can shut down all emotion to get things done. I have to call my mom.

I dial her number from the burner phone. There will be no code, and I know this phone won’t be traceable to those listening, unlike the call to David.

“Hello?” a man answers and it takes me a moment to place the voice.

“Mr. Mr. Schroeder? Uncle Adrian?”

“The unknown number is the reason I answered her phone. I swear. Holy shit. Tina! Hi, darling. Precious girl are you well? Are you ok? What can we do?” His concern breaks me a little. One of the sweet uncles who taught me there are good men in the world. My first date, my mother, was out of town, and he picked me up at Schroeder’s house. Uncle Adrian questioned him as a father would.

“Hi. How are you? It’s good to hear your voice—wait, why are you at my mom’s house?”

“Uh. That should come from your mom.” I do not have time to process Baxter’s dad and my mom getting it on. I look at Becca as I hear the phone being passed.

I whisper quickly. “Becca! My mom’s fucking Bax’s dad.” Her hand goes to her mouth. This is a development none of us saw coming.

“Here’s your mom. Take care of yourself, Poppy. I miss you.”

She sobs. “Poppy. Poppy. Darling.”

“Mom! Listen up. Stay close to Uncle Artie and Aunt Jana. And I guess Uncle Adrian. You should move into the big house with them for a minute or depending on the Adrian situation, maybe you go to Schroeders.” It’s easier to protect her if they’re all together.

“Ok. Honey. Please tell me you’re ok. I’m so worried.”

I exhale and lie to my mom. “I’m totally fine, shocked you have uh-”

“Come home, and we can discuss what Adrian is to me.”

“No time. But I have found a way through all my grief. I love you so much for trying to understand. You’re the best mom in the world.” Becca squeezes my hand.

“Come home. But if you can’t, what do you need?” The steel comes into my mom’s voice, and it’s the backbone I need right now. This is the woman I love the most, the one who left whatever bad situation she was in and carved out a good life for us.