Page 51 of Axel

Caitlin shook her head. “I am not hungry darling, but thanks for the offer. This is the time he needs someone significant in his life.”

“Like Ellie.”

Caitlin nodded.

“Mom, we are not having any of that talk.” Cathy had to make a supreme effort to tamp down the icy fear. She had always seen her mother as strong and indomitable.

When they were children, she had never shirked her responsibilities, but did what she had to do to make certain they were fed and clothed. It might not have been gourmet meals or designer labels or for that matter, even store-bought clothes, but they had been clean and their bellies never empty.

Now lying against the mound of pillows, she looked pale and wan, unlike the woman Caitlin was accustomed to, and it scared the hell out of her. “I need Axel here. He always makes things right.”

Chapter 13

He flew in one of the best oncologists in his field. Dr. Errol Braithwaite had written several papers on the subject and Axel had contributed heavily to his research on regenerative cancer cells which made it very easy for the man to leave his well-funded lab to come running as soon as Axel spoke to him.

“I am going to need her medical history.”

“I am sure that will not be a problem. I also don’t want the press getting a hold of this.”

The doctor had promised to be discreet.

“Darling, you have been traveling for the entire night.” Caitlin fretted as soon as he strode into her bedroom.

“And morning.” He went straight to her bed and sat on the edge of it. She looked pale and tired as if she had not slept in days. Was it just yesterday he had received the news? It felt like months. His hand touched her cheek gently.

“Dr. Braithwaite is on his way and should be here in another few hours. He had to take a commercial flight as the jet was otherwise occupied.”

“Such a fuss over little old me.” Her hand closed over his as she examined his face. “You are tired and no doubt hungry. You should…“

“No.” he shook his head firmly. “This is the time where we take care of you. I am fine. I ate on the plane.” He did not tell her that it had been a few nibbles of the roast beef as his appetite was not what it used to be.

Was it only a week since he had left? All the way back, his mind had veered from one situation to the next. His mother’s diagnosis and Ellie. He had not seen the article published and had not heard a word either from his assistant nor his head of PR.

They both looked up as Cathy came rushing into the room.

“Thank God you are here.” She said feelingly, hugging him as he sat on the edge of the bed.” She has been a pain since she heard that I called you and you were rushing back here.” She frowned as she stared at him, taking in the haggard look on his unshaven face. “Darling, you look worse than mom.”

“Thank you.” Axel muttered dryly, returning her hug. “Just what I needed.”

“Just saying.” Kissing him on the forehead fondly, she moved out of his embrace and looked at the woman lying on the bed. “I came as soon as school dismissed. I would not have gone if it had not been a case where I was needed. How do you feel?”

“Much better now. My two children are showering me with attention. Get Axel something to eat.”

“Mom…!”

“As a matter of fact, I am feeling rather hungry myself and strong enough to have a proper meal in the sitting room.” She started to rise when Axel leaned over to help her up.

“I am not an invalid,” she told him crossly.

“Just making certain you don’t tire yourself out.” Ignoring her peevish expression, he guided her off the bed and helped her on with her robe. “Are you sure you are up to getting up?”

“I am sure. I hate lying in bed and doing absolutely nothing. It makes me feel lazy.”

“You are ill, and nothing is wrong with just lying in bed.” Tucking her arm through his, he led her to the lovely blue and cream sitting room where there were dozens of house plants standing in the corners.

He was extremely gentle with her, making sure that she was seated before taking his seat across from her.

Cathy had gone downstairs to see what was there for supper, leaving them alone. She fussed with the tassels on her robe and then busied herself by plucking at the dead leaves of her English ivy. “I talk to them,” she admitted with a rueful smile as she continued to tear at the leaves.