Page 46 of Backwater Justice
Annie cringed. “Sorry. I couldn’t resist.”
Myra shook her head. “Yes, apologies. My sister can’t help herself at times. You can only imagine what kind of trouble she caused when we were children.”
“Well, you didn’t have to jump on, now, did you?” Annie pretended to argue.
“No. No, I didn’t. I figured if I let you get your kicks early enough in the day, you’d stay out of trouble for the rest of it.”
“Why do you have to be such a party pooper?” Annie placed her hands on her hips.
“Someone has to be the grown-up in this family.”
“Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you’re the boss of me.”
The orderly couldn’t take the quarreling anymore. “Please, ladies.” He turned and walked away.
Myra and Annie both bit their lips. “Works every time,” Annie said under her breath.
Myra concurred. “Men can’t stand to be around bickering women.” They linked arms again and decided to take the stairs.
* * *
Oliver was the first to arrive. “Morning, Dad. You’re looking much better today.” He leaned over and gave his father a kiss on the cheek. Milton knew it was rare for Oliver to show any affection, but after all, he was in the hospital, and he could have died. Milton wondered to himself,Is that what it takes for my son to exhibit any kind of love? A near-death experience. Who raised this kid, anyway? Right. Patricia.
“Benjamin is on his way. Had to pick up Eva’s soccer equipment. Should be here in less than ten minutes.” Oliver cleared his throat. “So what’s this all about, Pop?”
“Let’s wait until your brother arrives. That way, I’ll only have to explain it once.” He smiled. “Gotta keep up my strength. They may send me home tomorrow.”
Oliver looked surprised. “Really? Do you think it’s a good idea?”
“The doctors seemed to think so. They said there was no blockage, no damage. Kind of an anomaly. But good thing you boys were around.”
Oliver looked nervous. “Do they have any idea what caused it?”
Milton shook his head and pursed his lips. “Perhaps something I ate caused an arrythmia? I have no idea. The good news is that after a few weeks’ rest, I’ll be back as good as new.”
“That’s great news, Dad.” Oliver seemed genuinely pleased.
Benjamin walked in. “News? What news?” He walked over and gave his father a kiss on the top of his head. That wasnotunusual for Benjamin. Benjamin had a warmth that Milton surmised came from his own mother, Josephine’s, side of the family.
“Yes. The doctors are letting me go home tomorrow,” Milton repeated.
“That is great news. What’s the prognosis and recovery protocol?”
“Listen to you sounding like a doctor,” Milton joked.
“I watched a lot ofHouse,” Benjamin joked back.
“Very fine actor,” Milton said.
“I had no idea he was British until he was being interviewed on a talk show,” Benjamin added.
“And he’s also a comedian and a fine musician,” Milton added.
“Lots of talent there.” Oliver looked annoyed that the purpose of this so-called meeting was being sidetracked by a British actor that none of them had any connection to. “So, Dad, shall we get on with it?”
“Easy there, son. I’m trying to take things at a slower pace.” He handed each son one of the résumés. “I’ve decided to take on some temporary help until I can get back in full swing.”
“You said you hired a woman to work the on-call shift.” Oliver was looking at Izzie’s résumé for the facilities job.