ADVERTISEMENT
Julian raised a calming hand.
“Let’s not fight.”
His performance was almost convincing.
He pointed to the empty chair.
– Sit down, Elena.
I sat down.
The longer I kept them talking, the more reassured Mother became.
Julian served me a slice of roast chicken.
“I know this is hard for you,” she began. “You haven’t seen the daily decline. Mom forgets conversations. She accuses us of taking things. Last week she claimed Chloe locked her in the pantry.”
Did Chloe lock her in the pantry?
Chloe’s eyes sharpened.
“Of course not.”
“So why would I say that?”
– Because she’s sick.
Julian sighed.
“We didn’t want to worry you.”
“That was thoughtful.”
He mistook my calmness for surrender.
“We’ve arranged a place for her,” he continued. “A beautiful facility with trained staff.”
“Willow Haven?”
They both froze.
Just for a second.
But I saw it.
Chloe recovered first.
“Did she tell you?”
– Yeah.
Julian gave a tired laugh.
“So she probably also told you that we’re stealing from her.”
“She mentioned concerns about her finances.”
“There it is.” He held out his hands. “Paranoia. Another symptom.”
“Why doesn’t he have his phone?”
“She dropped it.”
“She said you had destroyed it.”
Her face changed slightly.
“Do you see what I mean?”
I picked up my glass of water.
“When is the truck coming?”
—Nine o’clock tomorrow morning—Chloe replied. “It’s best if you leave before then. Your presence might cause a scene.”
“I’m staying.”
Chloe’s mouth tightened.
Julian looked at me.
“We are their legal guardians.”
– No, you’re not.
“We have power of attorney.”
“That is not the same as guardianship.”
Her eyes grew cold.
“You haven’t even seen the documents.”
“You’re right. Bring them to me.”
“They are private.”
“I am his daughter.”
“You are not his lawyer.”
“No,” I said softly. “I’m worse.”
Julian understood the warning.
Chloe didn’t do it.
She laughed.
“Your title doesn’t impress us here.”
– I should do it.
The headlights extended through the curtains.
Julian turned towards the window.
A car door slammed shut outside.
And then another one.
And another one.
Continue on the next page.
ADVERTISEMENT
