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"And my father's blessing."
"He blew your boyfriend's sister away. He owes you a career change."
"I assume you won't abandon me at work while I figure out who can do your job half as well as you?"
"Sure."
"I'm relieved. I thought you wanted to leave me."
"Never. Just something a little quieter."
"Freddie had the apartment down by the gatehouse. I assume you don't want it?"
"My house is at least three times the size."
"I think it might be good for Gladys' mum."
"Her place at the moment has stairs. A bungalow would be better for them."
I grin at Caeo's intimate knowledge of my cook's life situation.
Chapter forty-eight
Porter
Iheaddownstairsandpad around in my bare feet until I find everyone gathered in the living room. I was sent up to 'gather my thoughts', but it was just Knox's way of protecting me from the obligation of socialisation. It seemed a good idea at first, but being alone gave me nothing else to think about. As devastating as it is to know she is no longer breathing, I've been bailing her out for so long, there is relief there too. Now I feel guilty and need the voices of others to distract me.
Instead, I enter a room thick with silence.
Nico is asleep, Gladys is crying, and the doctor is pacing the floor.
"Is everything OK?" I gasp, hurrying to Nico's side.
"Nico is fine. Just tired and in need of more rest and energy," Knox explains. "He's being stubborn and not talking to anyone in English though."
"Oh. So why is Gladys crying?"
I can't deal with anyone else's feelings right now; I just need to make sure no one is dying so I can steal Knox away. "If it's about Annie-"
"Is there anything I can get you, poppet?" Gladys lifts her head up and gives me her best attempt at a smile.
"That isn't an answer," I huff. Gladys is a lovely lady, but I asked her a question and she skirted around it. "Never mind. I'm not worthy."
"I'm sorry." She rises up quickly. "Mr Thayer has made me a generous offer to use his bungalow. It's perfect for my mother with her poor mobility."
"Porter, I think you are still a little upset." Knox hisses.
"No shit!" I snap. I thought Gladys was crying because of something bad. I thought they were hiding more shit from me.
My voice may have been a little loud, Nico stirs from his exhausted rest.
"Go to sleep, Nico," Knox orders.
"Yeah, back in your box when you're not needed." Cruel words slip from my mouth; though hurtful towards Nico, they aren’t aimed at him.
"Porter, get upstairs." Knox rises up, not angry, just dominant.
"Yes. Put me back in the box while I'm not needed."
