Page 79 of Mission: Possible

"I didn't really think about it again until last night when I was going to bed and I started wondering how Sophie was doing. Then I remembered and it just seemed strange. It's been troubling me," he admitted.

"How come you're here today?" I asked.

"Austen said you mentioned hiring someone to sit with Sophie but he wanted someone he trusted beside her when he wasn't here. I agreed to be her body guard. I think it's the only way Austen can get some rest."

"That's kind of you."

"Austen might be my employer, but he's my friend too. Sophie, also. I will help with whatever they need."

"I can see that. So I hope you don't mind me asking you, what is your impression of their marriage?"

Manny frowned, like the question was perplexing and pointless. "It is strong. They love each other very much. Both of them just wanted the other one to be happy."

"How do you know that?" asked Lily.

"Austen bought the house for their family. Sophie just wanted to make it the best home possible for Austen. She considered him in every decision she made. And whenever he came home, her face she just lit up. At first she was shy, but these last few weeks? She was so happy. Ah," he said, glancing over my shoulder. "Here is Austen now."

"One more thing,” I said. “Does anyone on your work crew have any money issues?"

"No. Austen pays my firm well and I pay my employees fairly."

Austen came to a stop in front of our trio and glanced from me to Lily and then to his wife's hospital room. "What's going on?" he asked, handing a coffee to Manny.

"The nurse asked me to step out while she made her checks," said Manny, "but I've been watching through the door. All is fine."

At that moment, the door opened and the nurse stuck her head out, beckoning Austen inside. "Excuse me," he said, stepping in and closing the door behind him. I watched for a moment as the pair spoke.

"Have you met Austen's secretary?" I asked.

Manny frowned. "Yes, but I think she has a fancy title like 'executive assistant' which means the same thing. She’s been to the house before. Why?"

"What's your impression of her?"

"She works hard, I think. She’s been working with Austen a long time. I think he trusts her. She’s not just a secretary in the typing sense," he said, mimicking typing, "I think she makes decisions on his behalf. Austen relies on her for much more than answering phones and making his coffee."

The door opened again before I could ask Manny anymore questions and the nurse stepped out, followed by Austen. For the first time since I met him, Austen looked relaxed, almost happy. "Good news," he said, smiling now. "I mentioned to Sophie's doctor that I thought I felt her fingers move when I held her hand last night and the nurse said she observed her toe moving today. She said she can't give any odds about recovery but it seems very positive."

"That's great!" I said. "Can they run any tests to provide more information?"

"I don't know. I guess they'll let me know later. Do you mind if we talk in Sophie's room? I'd like to stay with her in case she does wake up."

"Of course," I said.

"I'll wait with Manny," said Lily. "Unless I can fetch some drinks? Or snacks?"

Austen and Manny confirmed they were fine without either and Lily took the seat next to Manny while I followed Austen into the room. Sophie remained still on the bed although I thought it looked like her hospital-issue gown was changed and the pillows seemed fluffier.

"Do you have anything to report?" he asked as he resumed his position on the chair next to her. I handed him the card and he opened it, smiled, and put it on the table next to the bed.

"I spoke with Zach again."

"How did that go?"

I opened my mouth to launch into the same explanation I'd given Manny, but thought better of it. First, I needed answers to Zach's claims before Austen was distracted by his brother-in-law's shitty actions. I pulled out my phone and called up the photo of Zach, Sophie and the other woman. "Do you recognize the woman in the photo with Zach and your wife?" I asked.

Austen took the phone and stared at it. "I think that is, orwas, his wife," he said. "Her name was Sophie too. Sophie doesn't talk about her much. Only to say that they weren't buddies."

"What happened to her? Did they split up?" I asked. I wondered ever since finding the marriage record.