Page 13 of The Liar I Married
I stiffen as I look down at her wrist and the world tips sideways. She’s wearing the same Tiffany bracelet John gave me on our wedding day. I consciously look down at my wrist. I’ve never removed it and it was the first thing I noticed missing when I woke from the coma. Is she wearingmybracelet? If so, did John give it to her? Did he remove it from my cold wrist believing I was dying to give to his girlfriend? My lunch curdles in my stomach and bile rushes up the back of my throat. I glance at Maria who is hovering in the doorway, looking at me. “Maria, would you please bring coffee and maybe some cookies or whatever you have on hand?”
I turn my attention back to Ms. Lawson. “Yes, Mr. Harper did mention that you would be dropping by. Exactly what is it my husband wants me to sign and why does he need a lawyer to deliver it rather than bring it himself?”
“He is exceptionally busy and believed you might need professional guidance before signing the documents.” She sits down and crosses her legs before reaching for the folder. The sheer stockings make a swishing sound as she moves her legs and dangles one patent leather shoe. “These are power ofattorney documents. When you sign these the estate will be released into John’s hands to act on your behalf. Since the will went through probate after you had your wreck, it has been in limbo for the last twelve months while we wait for your recovery. You are in no fit state to run the business. John…ah, Mr. Harper believed now that you are awake you would be only too happy for him to take over the stress of running the estate.”
I recall quite clearly what my lawyer told me about Michael informing Grandma that John had been unfaithful. Her wishes were that he never gained control of the estate and here is this woman trying to insist I sign over everything I own to him. I don’t even look at the paperwork in front of me but clasp my hands over it and look her straight in the eye. “Are you a specialist in coma patients, Ms. Lawson?”
“I’m not exactly sure what you mean, Mrs. Harper.” Ms. Lawson looks down her nose at me, a folder clutched against her chest.
I smile at her. “I mean, how are you qualified to determine if I’m fit enough to run the estate? Do you believe that my mental capacity is diminished in any way? I may not be fit enough to do the New York City Marathon this year but I’m quite capable of running the estate.”
“I believe you have a long road to recovery. John mentioned that you weren’t yourself yet and are having memory problems. I don’t know you well enough to offer an opinion on your mental state, I’m afraid.” Ms. Lawson raises both eyebrows, making her smooth forehead pucker. “I’m sure, John only wants to make life easier for you.”
The bracelet on her wrist glitters in the light as she touches her hair and I don’t even have my wedding ring. They’d stripped everything from my body, everything I cared about. I swallow hard, trying to sound logical and of sound mind. “I will speak to my lawyer about this because as far as I’m aware as theexecutor of my grandmother’s will, it’s his responsibility for the continuity of the business and the estate.” I watch her blink a few times as if not quite understanding why I don’t fall into line. “Please inform my husband that I would appreciate it if he would contact me immediately. As you can see, I’m still wearing hospital robes and I’ve been awake for almost a week. I need my clothes and I also require my phone, laptop, and a line of credit, without delay.”
I want to toss the papers at her face but I keep my temper in check. Any show of aggression would likely add another week to anyone telling me about my girls. “I will be sure to contact my lawyer about this matter and get back to you once I’ve listened to his advice. Thank you for dropping by.”
“I’ll relay your message to John.” She stands and pushes a folder back into a briefcase and click-clacks back along the passageway.
I open the drawer and take out my grandmother’s phone book. I easily find Mr. Collins’ phone number. I lift the receiver on the landline but the phone is dead. I shake my head in disbelief and slowly replace it in the cradle. The small address book I slip into the pocket of my gown, and press my hand on it, feeling the smooth leather under my fingertips. It’s such a small item to cling to but with everything going weird, I need a constant, and that little book proves I had a past, with people and loved ones. Determined to make a call, I get up slowly and retrieve my walker from behind the drapes. I’m getting stronger but by the time I reach the library my body is coated with sweat as if I’d just finished a vigorous exercise routine. I push my way to the phone and lift the receiver. Nothing.
I know I must get back to the office before I’m missed, and stagger into the room just as footsteps and the rolling wheels of a cart rumble over the wooden floors. Panting, I drop into the chair. Why aren’t the phones working? I rest my elbows on thetable and push my hands into my hair, holding my head and thinking back over the last few confusing days. I’d spoken to Maria about answering the phone and the line was working then or she’d have mentioned it. What is happening? I feel as if I’ve been cut off from the world. Or did I imagine speaking to Maria? Concern and frustration grip me; I feel trapped as if I’m being kept prisoner. Why would my husband be doing this to me? I’m sure Mr. Collins doesn’t know I’m being treated like this; I bet no one has told him I’m awake. At least he has my best interests at stake? I can trust him…can’t I?
I look up as Maria arrives pushing a cart with afternoon tea. The rich aroma of coffee fills the room along with the delicious smell of cinnamon buns. I wave her inside. “Close the door and sit with me. I’d like to ask you a few questions.” I wait for her to sit. “Have a cup of coffee with me…I need to speak to someone, I’m so very lonely. If Dolly asks you, I beg you to keep my confidence and just tell her I asked about your family.”
“What is it you need to know?” Maria sits and then pulls the cart toward her and pours coffee into two white porcelain cups with red roses on the side. They are part of my grandmother’s distinctive dining set.
I reach for a cinnamon bun and place it on one of the matching plates, licking the sugary syrup from my fingers. “Do you have a working phone in the kitchen? How many phones do you figure are in the house?”
“Yes, I do.” Maria places a cup of coffee in front of me. “There is another by the front door, the library, here in the office, and all the bedrooms and reception rooms, I believe.”
I take a bite of the cinnamon bun and the rich flavor moves over my taste buds in a sugary delight. Since waking, everything I’ve eaten seems to be enhanced in flavor. I lean back in the office chair, making it creak. “When you get the chance, could you walk around and check to see if they’re working? This phonedoesn’t work and neither does the one in the library and I need to get in contact with my lawyer about the paperwork that Ms. Lawson delivered.” I search her face but all I see is interested honesty. “Would you be able to call him for me from the kitchen?”
“Wouldn’t that be something Dolly should do for you?” Maria held her cup above the saucer, her brown eyes wide. My request was obviously making her nervous.
I take the small book from my robe pocket and write down the number for Mr. Collins’ office. “You know about the note and have kept it secret so I know I can trust you.” It’s essential I speak to my lawyer. I don’t know who disconnected the phones to prevent me from using them. So far Dolly has been very honest with me and I trust her but I know she stops me doing things for my own good. She might consider speaking to my lawyer too stressful but I need to get this paperwork sorted. I push the number toward her across the desk. “Please help me.”
“Okay.” Maria glances behind her and then nods. “I don’t believe it would hurt for me to call your lawyer.” She quickly pushes the slip of paper into her pocket. “I’m sure he is fully aware of your condition and what he is allowed to say to you during your recovery.”
The familiar squeaky sound of Dolly’s shoes comes from the passageway. I indicate to the door and laugh. I need to make up something fast to cover our conversation. “I’ve always loved Halloween. My brother and I would feel so sick afterward. In our neighborhood they would literally fill our buckets with candy and we’d spend all night sorting it out and eating most of it.”
“Oh, there you are, Maria.” Dolly looms at the door. “I hope you’re not tiring Mrs. Harper. It’s time for her to take a rest.”
I look at Dolly and smile. “Why don’t you join us? We were just chatting about all the antics that we did as kids during Halloween.”
“Did you get the paperwork signed?” Dolly leans against the doorframe, eyeing me like a hawk. “I didn’t notice Ms. Lawson’s vehicle when I returned from the store.”
It’s none of Dolly’s business. The paperwork is between me and John. I find it quite strange that she’s trying to insert herself into my personal affairs. I decide to change the subject. “Do you know if any of my personal effects were brought here to the house after I left the hospital? I’m missing my wedding ring and a bracelet. I haven’t removed either since I married John. I feel naked without them. They hold very special sentimental value.”
“Nothing came with you from the hospital apart from the drugs required to keep you going.” Dolly sighs as if it’s all too much trouble. “I contacted your husband, to inform him that you were breaking out of the coma. He brought the slippers with him. He mentioned that he didn’t believe your shoe size would have changed but he could see you’d lost weight.”
I look at her; she doesn’t appear to be trying to mislead me. “Did he bring me clothes?”
“He did mention that none of your clothes would fit you any longer.” Dolly lifts one shoulder in a half shrug. “Men are all the same; he wouldn’t have a clue what size to buy you. Maybe I’ll grab a tape measure, so you can give him your measurements and tell him to buy you some clothes.”
I return her smile. “If I had a laptop and my credit card, I could go online and buy my own clothes. John is a very busy man.” I lift my chin. “Did you know this phone isn’t working? I wanted to ask my lawyer, Mr. Collins, a question about the paperwork and now everything is delayed until I see him again. Has he mentioned dropping by, do you know?”
“The phone was working fine yesterday; I used it myself.” Dolly gives me a quizzical stare. “I haven’t spoken to your lawyer. Next time Mr. Harper drops by, maybe you should speak to him. I don’t believe you should worry yourself overthe documents. I doubt there’s any need to call a lawyer. Your husband would be only doing things in your best interest. You trust him, don’t you?”
