CHAPTER 27 - ONE MOTHER KNEW NOTHING AND THE OTHER KNEW BEST

LOUNGE - A FEW HOURS LATER

CLAUDIA

Slowly, the door is opened and the false-hearted frightmares shuffle in. Michael is carrying a heavy quilt. They’re so wrapped up in their performance, they miss my exasperated expression. “George! Carl! Michael and Lindsay are here!” They keep their heads bowed as they sit down. “Shall I get some refreshments?”

“Please.” Lindsay whispers, whilst Michael pulls her closer. “I'm parched and my throat is so sore.”

“Manning…” George calls, he smiles as he enters. “...can you rustle up some refreshments for us, please?”

“Of course, George, I had prepared something already, won’t be long.”

As he closes the door behind him, we watch them. Every minute or so, she hiccups and shivers. After five minutes, he looks across at George. “Please, can you put the fire on?”

“It’s New York in the summer, why would you need that?” He counters.

“Did you know that Lindsay is fighting a blood disease?” He asks, rubbing her back. “She’s kept it quiet for years as it’s been manageable, but with all of the stress of the last few months, it’s hit her hard.”

“Oh you poor dear…” I sit next to her. “…do you want us to reschedule the call?”

“I’ve tried to persuade her but she won’t have it.” Michael sighs. 

“How does it manifest itself?” George asks, as Manning returns. “Thanks, oh this looks delicious!” I couldn't agree more, taking in the array of lobster rolls, slaw, salads and other delicacies. “However, Lindsay and Michael need the fire put on, can you do that for us, stoked fully?” He quickly masks his incredulous look and nods. “Great, we will eat in the sun room, you two stay in here.” With a shaking hand, she reaches for a plate. “Oh no, that’s much too rich for your delicate system, I believe there’s some bone broth that Manning can fix up and whilst he’s doing that, you can give me the name of this blood disease you’ve been so brave about.”

FORTY MINUTES LATER

LINDSAY

“I’m certain he doesn’t normally bank it like this!” I gasp. The fire is blazing and doors are shut. He's bought two bowls of bone broth, which whilst delicious, we’d rather lobster rolls! “Why don’t you go and get some of their food and we can share it.”

“I was just going to do that, be right back!” He chuckles. He’s back almost immediately. “So selfish, they’ve decided to eat later. Tell you what, once this is done, let’s order in! What shall…”

“Claudia’s coming!” I hiss and tuck the quilt under my chin. 

“Lindsay, please go back upstairs, I can speak to Brian and Justin and let you know.”

“No…” I squeeze my eyes tightly. “...will they be much longer.”

“We’re ready…” She puts on the TV. I cover my smile at Brian’s astonished expression, then frown as they all come in from the sunroom. “...we thought it best to do it here to keep an eye…”

“That’s what I’m for.” Michael smiles tightly. “So is Justin where?”

“In bed with a migraine, so Daph will be with us instead.” Brian answers, frown deepening. “Why are you under a quilt?”

“Why didn’t you call me about Justin?” Michael demands.

“Debs told him not to…” Daphne states. “...so what’s wrong with her?”

“Lindsay…” Michael emphasises. “...has iron-deficiency anaemia, it’s a very personal disease that…”

“...ouch.” Brian grimaces. “Never thought you and Daphne would have something in common. But disease doesn’t discriminate.”

“What do you mean?” I clutch the quilt, breathing deeply.

“Daphne has the same thing. You have a check up soon, don’t you?” She nods. “Scariest thing, finding you collapsed like that and so much…” He swallows hard. “...I can understand why you didn’t tell me, but I wish you had.”

“Lindsay, do you mind if I ask in front of everyone?” Daphne for once looks sympathetic, I wince as I shake my head. “Do you have fibroids or cysts?”

“Both, and also I confided in Brian’s mother. I’m sorry I didn't tell you but it is so personal, and you know what I’m like…”

“I do.” He sighs. “Go to bed, Lindz, get a couple of days of full rest. I’ll catch you and Justin up at the same time.”

“What do you mean at the same time?” Michael demands.

“Justin will be staying with Uncle Carl from tonight.” Daphne replies. “In the meantime, we're going to start funeral planning. We're having dinner at Uncle Carl’s on Friday, I hope you will be well enough by then, Lindsay.”

“I hope so too, but don’t be surprised if I’m not.” I rub my temple. “Could we make this quick, I really do want to go and rest?’

“Lindz, I insist, go and have some sleep, we’ll call back tomorrow.”

BROWNSTONE, NEXT MORNING 

BRIAN

As I close the front door, George approaches arms wide. “Brian, you didn’t have to come…” I hug him back twice as hard. In this short time I’ve come to love him like a dad. “...how’s Justin?”

“He’s being smothered with god fatherly love. He needed that for sure. But more importantly, is she awake?”

Nodding, he leads me to the lounge and he leans against the closed door. “Just about, however, they’re both still so tired; he was up all night with her. So this anaemia, how does Daph manage it? Maybe she could give Lindsay some tips.”

“I know she takes iron supplements. Man, I know she’s been the way she’s been but if she gets that as bad as Daph does…” I shudder. “...she was in her office and I heard her cry out then a thud, went in and there was blood everywhere, it was horrific!” 

“Oh my god! Sit down…ah Manning, please put lots of whisky in his coffee. I know it's a huge imposition, but would you mind staying for tonight?”

“I was going to…oh thanks, Manning.” The coffee goes some way to settling the nausea. “I’ve asked Daph to text me the supplements she takes. Hopefully, Lindsay will put aside their differences and…”

“...gentlemen, she used me as her PA as well as her butler. May I sit down?” We nod, he hands George a document wallet. “And the reason they are so tired is because they were up all night eating Chinese BBQ and watching movies.”

“How do you know that, and what is this?” He frowns opening it. “I should’ve known!”

“The medicine he went for was the take out, may have been able to hide the bag, but couldn't quite mask the smell. And it was his idea.” Manning scowls. “He overheard Daphne talking to Debs about it. Don't be surprised if she has a recurrence when it’s time for Ronald to be laid to rest.” 

“I had a feeling she was lying, especially when she mentioned my mom.” I growl. “Also, Daph said that the cysts and fibroids weren’t something that totally relates to it. So how do you know she’s faking it?” 

“Because she had an endometrial ablation seven years ago.” George hands the papers back. “Meaning she’s not had a period since then! Now, how do we make them pay?”

“Manning!” Michael bellows. “George! Where are you two?!” 

“Hide!” He orders, and I sprint into the sun room.

GEORGE

“In here!” I call as Manning opens the door. “How is she feeling?”

“Still very tired, we both are.” He yawns and rubs his eyes. “I have to say that I am disappointed that Brian didn’t take the time to come and see her or at least call…”

“...he did.” Manning interrupts. “He had to drop Justin off, but stopped by with some of her favourite treats, and as I was about to tell George, he thinks it’s best that he sees her on his way back.”

“Back? Back from where?” He frowns. “Can you get me a coffee? I am in desperate need of a pick me up.”

“Of course, won’t be long.” Manning replies, closing the door behind him with a smirk.

“Justin is spending time with Carl. Remember we mentioned this yesterday?” He yawns again. “Ah, perfect, thank you  Manning, are those from Brian?”

“Yes  George. Mr Novotny, please go up sir. I will follow with the tray.”

“No, you go ahead. Wouldn’t want you to get distracted by your other duties.” The sneering and smug look he gives him has me sneezing loudly to cover the ‘shitfucker’ that came from the sun room! “If you’re getting sick, George…” He frowns. “...it’s best you stay away from Lindsay and I. We want to be at our best when we reconnect with Justin and Brian. Proceed, Manning, that coffee is getting cold. Why didn’t you put it in a jug; must I think of everything?!”

SUMMER ROOM, TEN MINUTES LATER

MANNING

“Has Brian gone?” I ask.

“Yes, Vic was waiting down the street just in case. He was so hurt, she would pull something like that. Once he’s calmer, we shall teach those two yet another…”

“...that lesson has begun to be taught.” Manning chuckles. “Nancy’s words will come back to haunt them.”

“What did she say?”

His eyes dance and his smile deepens. “Never tell lies on sickness.”