"My daughter is very excitable," the officer said apologetically. "She didn't really mean what she said."
There was an awkward pause. Penny turned to the girl and questioned kindly:
"Haven't I seen you somewhere? Your face is familiar."
"I've watched you swim at the Y.W.C.A. pool. You dive beautifully too."
"Oh, I remember you now! But I don't know your name."
"I am Betty Davis. You've already met my father."
"Jerome Davis," the officer added. "Just a sidewalk pounder."
The girls smiled at the disparaging remark. Penny mentioned her own name.
"You're not related to Christopher Nichols?" the officer asked.
"Yes, I am his daughter."