“How is my favorite pianist doing today?” She could hear his smile through the words.
“Much better now that you’re here.” Moving back, she gave him room to enter and then closed the door. “I was worried when you were delayed.”
“Nothing to worry about ... yet. Several of my contacts asked to meet privately with news that things have been changing. Everyone sees it, but they don’t quite know what to make of it.” His steps moved toward the couch. “Shall we sit?”
She made her way to a chair that she’d instructed Rick to place facing the couch. “I’m glad you were able to meet with them. And thank you. Your network of contacts is truly astounding. We were able to find help immediately for a mother and daughter who came to us the night we last saw you.”
“Just make sure that you keep that list safe. We don’t want to put any of them in danger.”
“I will.” She put a hand to her heart. “I’ve memorized it, and so has Melanie.” Rick came to mind again. Should she ask—
“You’ve got that look on your face where you want to bring up a touchy subject.” His relaxed chuckle washed over her. “Go ahead. It’s just us, and we’ve got time.”
As she launched into the doubts she was having about Rick, her relief was almost overwhelming. Her shoulders relaxed, and the tightness in her stomach dissolved. It really was a beautiful thing to share one another’s burdens. She went all the way back to when he’d first started and then left it on a question about his explanation for following Melanie.
The long sigh that escaped Dr. G after she finished put her even more at ease. “You can vanquish your doubts, my dear. I was afraid it was something much more serious.”
“Oh? Really?” She leaned back against the chair’s cushions, feeling better already.
“Yes. In fact, I should tell you that I had Rick fully checked out before he started as your driver. He might choose his words carefully at times, but that’s only because he wishes to protect you, I’m sure.”
She released her pent-up breath. “Thatisa relief.”
“But your instincts are spot on, Chais. That’s good. You must be careful who you trust in these times, so keep that guard up.” He paused and the rustling sounded like he was shifting closer to her. “My dear”—his voice was low and soft—“I have prayed for a long time for a man worthy of you to catch your interest. And from what I see in your face ... that is ... I believe Rick has done exactly that.”
She stiffened against the chair as her eyebrows shot up.
“Don’t look so surprised. I delivered you when you were born, and I’ve been watching you ever since.”
Blinking several times, she took the time to think over his statement fully. It was one thing to like a person. Another to be attracted to them. And another thing altogether to say that person had caught her interest. Was that true? Could she admit that? Opening her mouth, she was about to deny it when she realized she couldn’t. “I think you might be—”
The door between her suite and Melanie’s opened with a clickand swish. “Knock, knock! Dr. Grafton!” The overly enthusiastic sing-song lilt of her friend’s voice barely covered the edge Chaisley heard underneath.
When would Melanie deal with what happened?
“Melanie, it’s so good to see you.” Dr. G responded with equal enthusiasm. “You look lovelier than ever.”
“Thank you. So is Chaisley teaching you the new code? It’s quite brilliant.”
“Not yet. We were just catching up.”
“Good, I didn’t miss anything.” Melanie giggled. “I need plenty of practice on it myself.”
“All right, well, I guess we better dive in. If I’m to teach Celestia, I better have a handle on it myself.” A clap was followed by rubbing. “Let’s see this code.”
Chaisley didn’t mind the shift in conversation. Examining her feelings for Rick was a bit too new anyway. Besides, her guardian already suspected, so they could talk about it another time. “I’ve chosen pages from ten of my favorite and most intricate piano piecesto hide our code in...”
She launched into the idea. Unless someone was an expert at reading musical braille and knew each piece backward and forward, they would never guess that within the music was their hidden communication.
Tuesday, May 10, 1938
Chaisley inhaled deeply then pushed the breath out in short puffs, willing her body to relax. It was a rare day off. A day to rest. Recuperate. But sleep was elusive. She counted sheep. She lay as still as possible with her eyelids closed and breathed slow and steady. Relaxing thoughts. Lullaby music.
Another hour of sleep would be so lovely.
Nope.
Her brain wouldn’t allow it.
