Bad Fall - Romantic Suspense by Dellani Oakes

Part 8

The rest of the afternoon went fairly smoothly. Frank had only one more problem involving Penwarren. Around 4:30, he tried again, unsuccessfully, to get into his mother's room by using a credit card. The only thing he succeeded in doing was damaging his credit card beyond repair. He waddled off in a huff to call the company for a new one.

"What's that guy's problem?" Kathy's husband, Kenny, asked him. He was the one who'd found Penwarren.

"He's got a hair up his ass about getting into that room. I can't imagine it's just because he wants to squat there while his mom's in rehab. I think it's got to be more. I'm gonna go talk to Mabel and see if there's anything we need to put in the vault for her."

Sheltering Oaks had a small bank branch on the main floor near the front office. They had safe deposit boxes for the residents to rent at a minimal fee.

It didn't take Frank long to walk to Mabel's room. For once, her son wasn't hovering. No one had seen him in the nursing home, but one of the maintenance men had been cursed with his presence when he went out for a smoke.

"What an asshole," the young man grumbled. "Wouldn't even offer me a light when mine died. Had to wait until someone else came out."

Frank scrabbled in his pocket for a moment and handed the young man a lighter.

"Thanks, man. You don't need this?"

"I keep it for emergencies. I don't smoke anymore, but after Penwarren's here a couple more days, I might start back."

The young man laughed, thanked him for the lighter and they parted.

Mabel was reading a book when he walked in. She set it aside, smiling at him. Her face clouded as he told her what had happened.

"What's wrong with him?" She sighed, folding her hands in her lap. "I'm so sorry. He always was a fractious boy. I'm actually his stepmother, you know. His own mother died when he was about half grown. She indulged him. His father spoiled him. I did my best. . . . My own son wasn't a bit like Sonny. He died in Vietnam."

Frank nodded. Mabel had told him more than once about her son's death.

"He died a hero, Mabel."

"He was a good boy. Not like his brother." She picked at her blanket. "But Sonny's all I've got left."

"I know, Mabel. Listen, I'm a little concerned that there's something valuable that he's after. Do you have anything you want me to put in the safe? I could take a police officer and your surrogate with me."

"I can't think of a thing, Frankie. All my jewelry is in the vault already. The only thing I have that he might want, is his father's watch. But it's not worth that much."

"Is it in the vault too?"

"I don't remember, Frankie. Be a dear and look, will you? If it's anywhere other than the vault, it will be in the top drawer of my birdseye maple dresser. On the right, under my hankies."

"Before I go in, I have to get your surrogate and Jeff in here to verify."

"Tomorrow will do. I'm very tired."

"I know, Mabel. You sleep. I'll see you tomorrow." He kissed her frail hand and left.

He was just locking his office when Marka shut hers. She looked chilly, but happy to see him.

"I can tell I'll have to dress more heavily tomorrow. This cardigan wasn't enough."

"Bring your winter coat."

"I don't really have one. I moved up from Florida. I have some cool weather things, but the temperatures we get aren't nearly like that!"

"There are some stores in town that sell clothing at decent prices. They should have a good selection right now."

She smiled, lighting a fire in his heart. "Do I need to check in and out?"

"You're salary, right? No time clock."

"There's so much to learn the first few days."

"Yeah. And we have a weird way of doing things around here. It works, but it took me awhile to acclimate. It's not like the Army, set schedule for everything. I'm still learning to roll with it."

"Surely, you're not that inflexible."

"I'm real flexible, but got me some bad habits." He stopped by the front desk. "Sue, looks like I'm gonna have to spend another night here. I don't like our special guest's behavior."

"Shall I have dinner sent up?"

"No. I've got plans, but thanks."

"Don't you think you should just stick around until Penwarren leaves?" Sue glanced around, lowering her voice. "I heard him yelling at Kenny earlier. He's furious about not being able to get in his mom's room. He's acting crazy."

"Ask Charlie to call me when he comes in. Meanwhile, have the guys keep an eye on that wing."

"Already doing that. That's why Kenny was there. Mr. P. was yelling at some of the girls earlier when they went in to clean. They wouldn't let him in the room."

© Dellani Oakes

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