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"Let me find out what's happening with Daddy first."
Turning around, she went back upstairs and straight to his suite. Janet was right, he looked pale and ill.
"Daddy, what's wrong?" She asked hurrying over to sit on the side of the bed.
"Seems like I picked up a virus." He was wheezing.
"Your asthma is acting up." Placing a hand on his forehead, she drew back in alarm. "You’re burning up."
"I do feel a little hot and my throat is dry. "
"I’m calling Julian."
"I think you should. But first, get me some water please. I feel as if I could drink a gallon of it."
*****
"A slight touch of pneumonia and yes, his asthma is acting up." Julian told her as he came out of the bedroom and closed the door behind him. "I gave him some antibiotics which should help. He’s tired and needs to take some time off. I’m suggesting two weeks or more."
"Shouldn't he be in the hospital?" She asked worriedly.
Julian shook his head as he snapped his bag shut. "He’ll be more comfortable here where there are people around to see to his care. I’ll have a nurse come out to look in on him every other day."
"I was supposed to go somewhere."
He looked at her and shook his head. "I’m afraid you are going to have to put it off, my dear."
She nodded. "I’ll see you out."
"It's fine. I think I’ll drop by the kitchen and have some of that delicious oatmeal Ms. Williams has ready."
"Thanks, Julian." She saw him to the door before going back into her Dad's bedroom.
"Hi. It seems I’m going to have to stay in bed for a little bit. I don't want you hovering over me."
"I’ll try not to." She said lightly as she pulled up a chair. "You’re going to have to take better care of yourself."
"I promise." His eyes searched her face. "Is everything okay?"
"Why do you ask?"
“You look like you haven’t been sleeping well. Should I be worried?”
“I don’t see why.” She forced a smile. “It’s just there’s been so much going on. One of the children succumbed to her injuries this morning.”
He reached for her hand and squeezed; his expression sober. “How awful. My dear, I’m so sorry, and now you’re saddled with a sick old man.”
“I don’t mind in the least. I just want you to get better.”
“I will. Julain threatened me, so I’ll be staying in bed.”
They both looked up at the discreet knock on the door. “I asked Janet to bring breakfast up so I could be with you until you fall asleep.”
“Thank you, my dear.”
*****
“You’re not coming.” Maxwell sat back heavily in the chair, his hope shattered.
