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Her concern oozed over me like a BPA-filled plastic film I couldn’t stand her false pity, so I looked down, htly forward and let my shoes sink into it

"Well?" she said "Are you ready to talk solutions? Are you ready to let us help you?"

"Help hts muddy as my shoes "Hoould this helpwith aardness The to and looked at ned compassion Mr Eckhardt seethed Jackie went off to have a san to fold into herself for protection from their scrutiny

"Can I ask you to step over to my vehicle?" The cop’s voice was raspy, but still it sounded too loud

"What?" Was I being arrested? Should I ask so? I scanned his chest for a body cam

"She doesn’t have to do that," Mykia said There was steel in her voice The cop s crooked teeth His eyes twinkled With his red hair and bristly red beard, he resehtly chubby leprechaun

"I’ her into the stationyet I just think a private conversation at this point would be estured for me to follow him to his cop you," Mykia said, holding up her phone "It’s not illegal to do so"

"Go right ahead, ma’am," he said

"I’d prefer all conversations to be had in front of everyone," Mr Eckhardt said, using his voice of authority

"Sir, I think it would be more productive for me to speak with Missuh"

"Mrs Moresco," I said "And if you giveto try to bully ers over his heart, like a Boy Scout "You’ve got my word"

"Every move you make," Mykia called out as alked toward the squad car "Every single !"

Once out of earshot, Officer Leprechaun started laughing, a great big guffaw "Lady, what the fuck are you doing?"

My mouth dropped open "Did you just swear at me?"

"I did Your friend’s phone won’t pick that up, so you’ll have trouble proving it in a court of law," he said, still laughing

"I’ out the source of your humor"

"It’s just I haven’t seen that trio so worked up since that homeopathic doctor opened her doors don"

"Oh So, I’m off the hook?"

His expression turnedsmoke when they said there are ordinances I’m not well versed in the bylaws of this particular subdivision, but I do know people who stoptheir lawn or put a car up on blocks are soon convinced to change their habits ASAP I don’t even think they allow garage sales"

"Who stops thelanced over at Mr Eckhardt, as sandwiched tightly between the two elderly women "However, I do need to come when they call the police, or else I’ll hear about it fro around when I said you need to call the gas co pretty quickly"