Robbery in Progress

Thirty-Two

On the ride, John didn't seem nervous. I guess it was kind of odd to me because if the situation was the other way around and I was going to dinner with his friends, I would be a nervous wreck. The anxiety I would have would be through the roof.

"You're not nervous?"

"Why would I be nervous?"

"I don't know." Neither of us spoke for a minute or so.

"So you're pretty close with these people, huh?"

"Oh, yeah. I told you my dad died when I was in high school from a gunshot while working on the job..." John nodded. "Well, when I began a cop, I was always partners with Paul. He's ten years older than me, so he has pretty much taken a father figure role in my life. He has always been protective over me, as he knows my situation with my dad and then how my mother passed away soon after I became a cop. I got to know his wife, Julie, and daughter, Christina, pretty early on when I first joined the police force and we've become like family. They're the only family have, honestly."

"Are you wanting me to be nervous?"

"What?"

"You talking about them like that...it tells me that they mean a lot to you."

"They do."

"Do you want me to act all nervous towards them?" I wanted him to be nervous, at least a little, but maybe him not being nervous was a good thing. It would keep me calmer because Paul's only talked with him for a few minutes when he came into the station to file a complaint and Julie and Christina have never met him. I want them to like him.

"No, I don't want you to act all nervous. You being calm will probably be a good thing for me." He placed a hand on my leg.

"Because it'll help you be calm, too?" I nodded. John was like a breath of fresh air. He always knew what to say and when the best time to say it was. He kept me calm and I liked that.

"We're here." I parked at the side of the road and got out of the car, John following behind me. We walked to the front door, but I turned to John before I could knock. My anxiety was getting a little worse and the nerves were starting to kick in.

"It's alright." John placed a hand around my arm. "You know they'll love me." John's playful remark got me to laugh and I knocked on the door.

"Jen! It's so good to see you!" Julie wrapped her arms around me for a quick embrace. I noticed Christina coming towards us. "This must be John. It's nice to meet you."

"You, too."

"Mom, let them come in."

"Oh, right. Sorry." Julie stepped back to allow John and I to make our way inside to the living room where Paul was sitting.

"Hey, Jen." Paul didn't say a word to John, which I thought was odd, but I brushed it off as nothing.

"Food is almost ready. Christina, do you care to help me wrap things up in the kitchen?" Christina followed Julie into the kitchen, leaving John and me alone in the living room with Paul.

"Is everything okay, Paul?"

"Yeah, everything's fine."

"Do you care if I use the bathroom?" Paul shook his head no.

"It's right down that hall. You can't miss it." I pointed down the hall.

"Thanks, Jen." I turned to face Paul.

"What's your problem?"

"I don't have a problem, Jen."

"Paul, don't even try to lie to me right now. Tell me what's going on. You are being rude to John. Why is that?" Paul let out a deep breath.