TUESDAY MORNING,
OCTOBER 3, 1871
- Poppy’s Dilemma -
Ma Brennan didn’t waste a minute. “I’m givin’ ya till Friday to get a key to the Butterworths’ jewelry store. Before the time is up, I want that key in my hand … or else. You know what will happen.”
Poppy nodded.
“Once we’re inside the store, Mr. Plant’s cracksmen will know what to do with the safe. They’ll either break it or take it.” Ma laughed. “That’s good! How big is the safe?”
“I don’t know anything about the safe. You said all I need to do is get you a key. So don’t ask me about the safe.”
“No back talk, missy. Or you’ll get another smack across the face.”
Poppy sighed. “If you slap me again, the family will know who did it. They know you’re the one who’s … bringing me up.”
“Well, ain’t that too bad. Poor, poor little Poppy.” Ma put her face close to Poppy’s. “That’s all the more reason for them to feel sorry for ya. You’ll be so pathetic, they’ll take ya right under their wing.” Ma straightened Poppy’s dress. “Looks like they already have. They gave ya this nice dress, didn’t they? And ya spent the night there, too. Why, you’re practically a member of the family!”
“I wish I were,” Poppy mumbled.
“Go!” Ma shoved her. “Go up there and do what ya have to do … or that little goat—”
Poppy felt sick again, as if her stomach were about to upchuck her breakfast. “I said I’d do it!” she interrupted bitterly.
“There’s my good girl. I’m the only family ya have. I’ve taken good care of ya ever since you were a babe.” Ma gave Poppy a quick hug. “Now, off ya go to win over those Butterworths. Just be your sweet little self like I showed ya.”
Poppy walked away and up the street toward Justin’s house. Her legs didn’t want to go that way. They wanted to run in another direction.
Why didn’t I tell Ma I already had an impression of the key? Then it would be all over with. I’d never have to see Justin or Claire … or Ticktock again.
She thought of Ticktock, her wiggly tail, and how she’d cuddled next to Poppy the night before. Oh, I’d just as soon die than have anything happen to Ticktock.
Poppy thought about Claire and how she had held Poppy in her arms while Poppy had sobbed and cried. No one had ever held her like that.
Strange, come to think of it. She usually didn’t think about anyone else’s broken heart. But now Poppy understood how disappointed Claire would be if she knew Poppy had betrayed the family.
And if anything happened to Ticktock, Justin’s heart would be broken, too—and so would Poppy’s.
I know for certain that Ma wouldn’t think twice about hurting that little goat. I’ll have to do what Ma said. I’ll have to give her the key.
Ma said no one would know I had anything to do with the robbery—that I wouldn’t be stealing.
But I’d know. And I’ll never feel right again if I help Ma steal from the Butterworths.