After lunch with Poppy I was at sixes and sevens. I wanted to call Shannon and update her about what was going on but also wanted to have something solid to offer―a backup plan that would reassure her we weren't in danger.
Of course, I didn't know that we weren't in danger―I'm an academic, I have no idea how these things work. Poppy's uncle is a former Metro detective and now a private investigator. I'd have to defer to him in this regard and see what he had to say.
But every moment I waited made me fear for Shannon's safety. I could only hope that Poppy would call or text in the next few minutes.
But it wasn't until three that my cell finally buzzed and I heard her voice on the other end.
Poppy was all business and got right to the point.
"I talked to my uncle, Tom Trainor, and he's concerned. He says he'll help but he also wants to involve a colleague, Autumn Woods, who is a Metro police detective and someone he trust implicitly. Are you agreeable to see them tonight at police headquarters?"
"Of course, I really appreciate your help, Poppy."
"Uncle Tom agreed with your suggestion that I not get involved, but he also wants to meet with Shannon as well. Have you told her about being surveilled?"
"No, I wanted to wait to see what the professionals would say, but I'll call her right away."
"Good idea. She should be there and fill in as much background information as she can so Autumn can do a threat assessment and determine what kind of protection you both may require."
"What time should we be at the precinct?
"The meeting's set up for 8 pm. I'll text you both their cell numbers in case of emergency. Stay safe, Blake and keep in touch."
As soon as Poppy hung up I immediately called Shannon and filled her in on all the details about being surveilled. She was terrified, as I expected she would be, and her imagination began running wild.
"What if both our homes and all our devices are bugged? I'm really feeling vulnerable, Blake."
"Look, I get how you feel. Why don't you let me take you out to dinner and we'll talk about it and together we can go over the major concerns?'
"I'd like that," she sighed, "I'm sorry if I'm acting a bit hysterical."
I pushed back on her self-doubts.
"Honestly, you're handling this well. I was really upset about it earlier before I phoned Poppy. It sounds like we'll be in good hands, so at least we know we're not alone. Apparently, Autumn is a specialist in this area and often works with CSIS and the CIA so she's well equipped to deal with our problem."
"That's consoling," she murmured.
I said it not just to calm her, but to reassure myself.
My imagination was vivid, probably more florid than hers, and I'm sure my fear levels were off the charts, but if it helped her to believe my words, at least I was doing something.
But if the truth be told, I was scared as hell.
