Joneses – 16.10 Bad Move

“…and then they got up and left!”

Robert’s eyes narrowed. “Why did you say that?”

“It just came across my head!”

He rolled his eyes. “You don’t have to say everything that pops in your head, you know.”

“What’s so bad about what I said? It’s public record!”

He closed his eyes and pursed his lips. “This is what I’m talking about, Lizzie. You’re always a cop! You don’t know when to stop working! Who cares about what’s public record or not? You don’t talk about people’s private business. Especially in front of other people.”

“Hmph! I still don’t see how–”

“It was a dick move, Eliza.”

Eliza? Oh no. She crossed a line. It had been so long since he called her by name. She was doing so well! It seemed when she screwed up, she screwed up royally.

“Why are you so obsessed with that woman anyway?”

“Mommy I finish,” Lexi said.

She breathed a sigh of relief and moved quickly to attend to her daughter. “I’m coming, dear.” She scooped her up and held her for a moment. It was nice to be near someone who didn’t judge her. She didn’t need to explain herself to him or anyone! But, it hurt so much to know Robert was upset with her.

She didn’t like being at odds with him and wanted to fix it, yet she didn’t have anything to apologize for. How could she remain true to what she knew while appeasing everyone else? No. She couldn’t. She was going to be the Chief of Police, and the Chief makes difficult decisions and lives with the consequences. Getting into the habit of being unpopular with some was probably for the best because she knew not everyone would like her being the Chief. Antagonists would always exist. It was just a part of life. Though it pained her to be at odds with the neighborhood, they were just going to have to deal with it.

* * *

Later in the afternoon, across the street…

“Ahem…”

 

Joneses - 16.9 Garden Gnomes
Joneses - 17.1 Custody Battle