Page 43 of Red, White, and BearCat Blue

“So you were expecting her?”

“Yes. She and her roommate, Kindness, were talking about coming for a visit. This week, we have family in town, so I guess she thought it was the right time. I called about it and left a message.”

“Oh. I guess it didn’t get passed on to us. Very good. It’s quite short notice.”

I chuckled, trying to sound nonchalant. “Oh, that’s Beth for you. She thinks she’s a big shot and can just rock up when it suits her.”

There was a huff on the other end of the line. “Um, yes, well, we don’t take chances with our residents. She said she might have her for a few days.”

“That’s right. Unfortunately, I’m working today, but you can let her go with my sister. Beth will be taking her to spend some time with the family. Sunday brunch has always been a big deal with us.” The last thing I wanted was any more delay, not with the possibility that Josiah or his guys would be watching.

“Well, that’s fine then, but in the future, we’ll need a little more notice if you or your sister plan on taking Mary out of the facility, especially for an overnight visit or longer.”

“Of course. I apologize for the short notice and thank you very much for your help today, Ms. Guerra.”

“It’s no problem. I’ll give the phone to your sister so you can say goodbye.”

“Yes, thank you.” I waited as Mickey and Mars watched me, listening in on both sides of the conversation in their earpieces.

“Thanks,” Beth said. “Hi, bro. Thanks for talking to Nurse Guerra. I should’ve got organized sooner but you know me.”

“I do. Thanks, sis,” I said, not knowing whether I was on speakerphone or not.

“You’re welcome. I hope you can get some time off this week to spend time with Uncle Bill and Aunt Betty. They’re not getting any younger and I know Mom will be really sorry if you can’t.”

“Mom only knows me half the time, Beth,” I said. The pang of truth in that statement hurt and it got to me more than it should’ve.

“I know, Cam. Maybe seeing Betty and Bill will jog a memory loose.”

“Let’s hope she remembers them. Her memory is usually better earlier in the day, so it’s a good thing you’re there early.”

“Agreed. I hope she remembers me then. In either case, I think the change of pace will be good for her,” Beth said. “I know seeing the family will be good for everyone.” There was a short pause. “Anyway, Kindness is here with me. We’re gonna help her pack a bag and get going. Call me when you know your schedule, Cam. Maybe we can get together for dinner tonight. I’ll text you my room number. I can’t remember it. I left the key in the car. I think.”

I laughed. “Love you, sis.”

“Love you too, bro.” She hung up the phone, and Mars smiled at me.

“That was good. Ya did well, Cam.”

I nodded quickly, putting my earpieces back in as I heard Beth talking in the background. They were most likely walking to my mom’s room. I unmuted my earpiece.

“Please hurry and pack her up and get her out of there before Josiah’s guys show up,” I said, knowing I sounded nervous.

“This is your mom’s room. She might still be in chapel, but we’ll give the room a try first,” I heard the nurse say. There was a knock at the door. “Are you there, Mary? It’s Nurse Guerra.” The sound of a door opening followed. “Good morning, Mary. Look who’s here to see you.” There was a shuffling noise and then Beth spoke.

“Hi, Mom.” There was the sound of a muted hello, and I realized the agent was probably hugging my mom.”

“Do you remember your daughter, Beth, Mary? Isn’t it nice of her to come and visit you?” Nurse Guerra said.

“Yes. Hello, Beth,” my mom said.

I blew out a long sigh of relief, realizing that I’d been holding my breath. I never knew whether Mom would be clear headed from one day to another and always marveled at how well she adapted. Since I didn’t have a sister and she didn’t have a daughter, I realized I’d been on the edge of panic at the thought that she might be having one of her clearer days when she remembered everything.

“You remember my roommate, Kindness, don’t you, Mom?”

“I…yes,” she said.

“We’re here to pick you up for a few days visit. Aunt Betty and Uncle Bill are here in town. Won’t it be nice to see them?”