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37
After Milo left I headed toward the rear of the house, ready to catch Robin up. Before I got there, the service door swung open and she stepped in with Blanche heeling.
Reading my eyes like the top line on a vision chart. “What did he find out?”
I told her.
She said, “That’s absolutely terrifying.” She touched my cheek. “Your instincts were spot-on.”
Then she stepped back. “You’re supposed to evaluate this psychopath. Obviously, he’s not coming back here.”
“Of course not.”
Best supporting actor in a dramatic role.
She entered the kitchen and poured herself a glass of orange juice.
I said, “The thing is—”
She swung around. “There’s a thing?”
“Normally, I’d be scheduling another appointment with him. If I just stop working the case, it will attract attention.”
“Who would you normally be talking to next?”
“I had planned on him, then another session with her. But I can schedule the daughter.”
“There you go,” she said. “As long as the mother brings her.”
—
I phoned Toni McManus to set up the appointment.
She said, “Great to hear from you, I’m ready to finish with this ordeal. He keeps calling me, putting on the nice-talk. Like I’d fall for it. So when can you see my little sweetie?”
“How about tomorrow at ten?”
“Ten’s her yoga class but this is more important. I’m not sure she really appreciates it, anyway.”
“Yoga?”
“Having to sit still.”
—
Unburdened by Porer, Toni McManus arrived at ten on the dot. All-black, per usual, hair flowing, lips set grimly.
The little girl holding her hand wore all-pink, down to frilly socks and tiny bejeweled sneakers. Small for her age. Her mother’s pointy chin adding to pixie cuteness.
Toni said, “Dr. Delaware, this is my precious Philomena. Philly, this is Dr. Delaware. Remember what I told you?”
“No shots.” Soft, tinkly voice. Clear diction despite Deeb’s lawyer tagging her as unworthy of conversation.
“Exactly, baby dolly, this is the doctor who never ever gives shots.”
Philomena’s searching blue eyes swept from her mother to me and back. Not quite sure she was buying it.
I kneeled to her level and smiled. “Your mom’s right, Philomena. No shots, ever. I won’t be touching you anywhere.”
