The Country Guesthouse (Sullivan's Crossing #5)(86)

“I’ll think about it. But I’m not staying here with you while I think.”

“Probably best,” she said. “We really don’t want anyone to see us together. I might still have a little time to further endear myself to family and friends. How much time are you planning to take?”

“Prepare yourself for me to say no. I’m not sure I’m willing to take this kind of risk. But I’ll think about it. Maybe have a look at the property and the dog.”

While she was waiting for Roger to come around, she phoned Helen and invited her to meet at the pub for a glass of wine.

“I didn’t realize you were back!” Helen said. “And how are you feeling?”

“Splendid!” Victoria said. “I’ll catch you up when you get here! Same time, same place?”

“I look forward to it,” Helen said.

  As she was leaving the store, Helen called Cal to tell him she was meeting Victoria. “I’ll tell you if I learn anything.” Then she gave Sully a kiss on the cheek.

“Helen, this sets my nerves on edge,” he said. “You playing detective.”

“I’m just going for a glass of wine,” she said. “There’s really nothing to worry about. We’ll be in a public place. Nothing can happen to me.”

“I know she’s not a serial killer or anything, but I also know you think she’s trouble. I know that’s why you’re going. Not because you like her but because you don’t.”

“I’m doing it for Noah,” Helen said. “For Owen and Hannah, too. She’s a con artist. And you don’t have to worry, Sully. I’m very cautious and I’m very smart.”

“Smart women always have scared me to death,” he admitted. And Helen laughed.

Helen really expected Victoria to be wearing her sick makeup and clothing, acting out. But she wasn’t. Just the opposite. Helen hoped her surprise didn’t show. “You look wonderful! You look the picture of health and vitality!”

“Thank you, I’m feeling okay. I’m afraid there’s a little more treatment ahead, but not nearly what I worried there might be. And I have good news about that—the doctor says that while I’m going to have to suffer through some chemo, this is not likely to be as bad as the last time. We caught it early! My doctor has a treatment plan and says I’m going to be fine.”

“You look better than the last time I saw you,” Helen said.

“Well, I wasn’t sick the last time we had a glass of wine so I think that was just stress and fear. And when I last talked to you, I wasn’t sure of the diagnosis. I admit, I was weak with worry. The doctor was very successful in putting my mind at ease. He’s seen this before. The cancer coming back, you know. That’s why they check so often so they can catch it early.”

“What about your insurance?”

“Nonexistent, I’m afraid.”

“But I thought it was against the law to cancel insurance because of recurring illness.”

“Someone must’ve forgotten, but there are alternatives. First off, I have a little savings. Not much, but a little. And the hospital will help with some financing. I’ll soon be healthy and have enough energy to work. It’s just a matter of finding a job. Any kind of job. This little duplex I’m renting is cheap and the landlord is nice. Of course I’m staying here. I’ll find some sort of work.”

“Staying here?”

“I may not be invited to see Noah much yet but he’s the only family I have. I think if I’m careful not to be pushy, eventually Hannah will give me another chance. For now, while I’m recovering from another bout of cancer, I probably won’t have the energy to be a pest and maybe she’ll take mercy on me.” She took a sip of her wine. “I wouldn’t mind if you put in a good word for me when you have the chance. I think they respect your opinion.”

“Sure,” Helen said. “Meanwhile, when do you start treatment? And where?”

“In a couple of weeks. Mayo, of course.”

“There are a lot of Mayo Clinics,” Helen said.

“I’ve given some thought to having my records transferred to the Mayo in Arizona. I could use a little sun. Minneapolis is freezing in the winter! And the snow...”

“But will you keep your little duplex?”

“Yes, if possible. Mayo has a small residence inn on the property. If they have room for me there, I’ll be all set. Oh, Helen, I’ve had to survive some very tough times in my life. If I can get through this, I might have a grandson in my future. Maybe not right away but even if it’s in a few years... It’s something to look forward to.”

Helen was thinking, She stole my wallet and she lied about being in the hospital. She’s got something up her sleeve.

Victoria’s phone chirped in her purse. She pulled it out and looked at it. “Oh, no! I don’t want to answer it. It’s my son. I told him I don’t want to have anything to do with him anymore.”

“Then don’t answer,” Helen said. “Does he know where you are?”

“He might guess I’m in Colorado,” Victoria said, but she let the call go to voice mail. Then she listened to the message and her face went white. “He says I have to call him immediately, that it’s about the boy, Noah.”