“I’m not at liberty to discuss.”
Silence.
“Who is this and what do you want?” Her abrupt tone didn’t surprise Carly, but she couldn’t discuss the nature of her call.
“It’s confidential. Is there any way I can get Alice’s phone number?”
“Look, lady, I can’t help you. My mom moved to Texas and I ain’t talked to her in years.” The woman hung up.
Carly dialed the number for the third Alice Murphy.
“It’s a happy day at Presley Valley Nursing Home. How may I direct your call?”
“I’m hoping you can help me. One of your residents, Mrs. Alice Murphy, was a friend of my grandfather. Unfortunately, he passed away and I’d like to provide her with information she requested of him. Can you confirm she still lives there before I stop by?” Carly held her breath. Please be the right one.
She Googled the name of the nursing home. It was located in Springfield.
“I’m not at liberty to disclose the name of our residents. I’m sorry.”
“I understand. I’ll just follow up with her daughter, Erin. Thanks for your help.”
“Oh, you know Erin?”
Not yet. “If at all possible, I’d love to stop by and see Mrs. Murphy this afternoon. You’re in Springfield, right?”
“That’s right. Who should I tell Mrs. Murphy is coming?”
“My name is Carly Stone.”
Forty minutes later, Carly checked in at the nursing home. The woman she’d spoken with had left for the day, so the current attendant called for a nurse.
A rotund woman bustled out, a warm smile on her face. “I understand you’d like to see Mrs. Murphy.”
“Yes.”
“Are you a friend?”
“My grandfather, Pierce Stone, was. I’m following up with her about a conversation they had.”
The nurse ushered her out of the way of a resident rolling by in his wheelchair. “Mrs. Murphy is struggling today. Some days are better than others.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Because of the Alzheimer’s?”
The nurse nodded. “But she might like having a visitor.” Carly was escorted to Mrs. Murphy’s room.
Alice Murphy rested in a chair near the window, a knit shawl covering her tiny frame.
“Mrs. Murphy, you have company.”
Mrs. Murphy turned. “Hello.”
“I’m Carly. Can I sit with you for a little while?”
Mrs. Murphy looked to the nurse.
“This young lady said her grandfather was a friend of yours.” The nurse told them she’d be back after checking on a patient.
Carly pulled over a chair. “It’s a pretty day. You have a lovely view of the changing leaves.”
