Page 12 of Brix

“I don’t know. I don’t think so. I mean, there aren’t a lot of black families as part of their circle, but there are some. Everyone accepted them. They were quite popular. I don’t understand their behavior at all, or I should say my mother’s.”

“Then I’m the bearer of bad news,” said Gray, walking toward the group. “Would you like to do this in private?”

“No,” said Daphne. “They’re our family. All of them. All of you.” Hazel and Tiger came closer, as did Gabi and Zulu. Gabi stood by Gray, already knowing what was on the sheet of paper.

“Daphne, honey, there really isn’t an easy way to say this. Your records were all normal. I spoke to your gynecologist, and he claims that he explained very clearly to your mother that you were perfectly healthy and could have a child whenever you liked. There was never a poor diagnosis given.”

“I-I don’t understand,” she said, shaking her head. “Why? Why would she do that?”

“I wish I knew. That’s something you’re going to have to deal with her about. There’s one more thing. Your sister.”

“Oh, God.” Daphne gripped Brix’s hand, squeezing as tightly as she could.

“Your sister died from a type of Interstitial Lung Disease. It’s common in babies, children, and teens, but it is treatable. Your sister was diagnosed with this when she was twelve, but your mother refused treatments for her.”

“Wh-what? No. No, that can’t be,” she said quietly.

“Honey, it’s listed in the medical records. The doctor tried calling your father several times but was told he was unavailable. Your mother refused to allow them to treat the disease, telling them she believed the treatment would kill her.” Gray waited for all of that to sink in, looking at Gabi, who was watching her granddaughter-in-law carefully.

“She let her die. My mother let my sister die. Why? Why would she do that? Why would she kill her, tell me I couldn’t have children, why?” she said in a somewhat panicked voice.

“I’m not sure, baby. But I can tell you this. I will fucking find out,” said Brix. “I think we need to make a little visit to England.”

“What if she tries to hurt you? Hurt us?” asked Daphne.

“Honey, there is nothing that your mother can do to hurt us. I promise she will not get near you.”

“We’ll all be with you, Daph,” said Major. “We’ll all go with you and make sure nothing happens. Believe me. It will be good.” She looked at all of them, scared for herself but for them as well. Looking up at Tiger and Zulu, she wanted to weep.

“Will you come?” she asked the two older men. Tiger smiled at her.

“Try to stop me.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

Daphne waited until the next morning to call her parents. She didn’t want them to give an excuse of having stayed up too late or the time change was intrusive or rude. She wanted them to be alert and prepared to give her answers.

Behind her in the conference room were Brix, Major, Walker, Sebastian, Zulu, Tiger, Leif, Garr, and Forrest. Elena, Ellie, Mags, Maddie, and Em were seated to the side of them, along with Gabi, Gray, and Hazel.

The widescreen rang several times, then the face of her parents appeared.

“Oh, hello, Daphne. We were just speaking of you,” said her mother in her proper British accent.

“Were you, mother?” she said with some contempt.

“Yes. We were wondering if you would come home for the annual fall gala in September.”

“I’m married, mother. If I come home, my husband will be with me.” Her mother stared at the screen, seeing all of the unfamiliar faces.

“Of course. I wasn’t implying he couldn’t come. He might feel out of place with all the aristocracy, but he’s welcome.”

“We won’t be coming for any gala, Mother. Father? I’d like to ask you a question,” she said thoughtfully.

“Of course, dear, anything.”

“Were you aware that Mother lied to me about my health?” He stared at the screen, then looked at his wife.

“What on earth are you babbling on about? Really, Daphne! I think all of your American friends have presented a bad influence on you. Honestly!”

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