The hunt, p.13
The Hunt, page 13
“That would be lovely.”
Rina looked at Peter, and Blossom looked at Randy. The brothers were eating heartily but had yet to speak. Rina kicked Peter under the table. He said, “Sure, be great to have you there.”
“I’m too old,” Ida said.
“Is it of interest to you?” Rina asked her. “To visit Jerusalem.”
“Probably not the spots that you’d want to see—”
“Mom, that’s not nice,” Randy said.
“It’s okay,” Rina told her brother-in-law. “Ida, I’ve been to Bethlehem and Nazareth several times. I’ve also walked the Via Dolorosa and been to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. I’d love to take you there.”
Ida was quiet. “I’m in one of my testy moods.”
“Who can tell the difference?” Randy said. Blossom kicked him under the table. He said, “It’s true.”
“Maybe I wouldn’t be so testy if someone would visit me more.”
Randy said, “And I’ve said to you many times that I would visit you more if you lived closer.”
“I’m not selling my house and living with a bunch of old people.”
“We could find you a lovely condo,” Blossom said.
“I like my house.”
“Then don’t complain that we don’t visit you,” Randy said.
“Can we all just enjoy a lovely dinner?” Peter said.
“Said the man who comes once a year,” Ida snapped.
Peter was about to respond, but Rina put her hand on his leg. “Ida, sweetheart, are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine.” Her lower lip trembled. “Just a little testy.”
Rina said, “What is it?” No answer. “How’s your health, Ida?”
She bit her lip and nodded. “Fine.”
Everyone started to talk, but Rina held up her hand. “Please, honey. What’s going on?”
Ida said, “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Rina said, “That’s okay. Maybe later, huh?”
Five minutes of shoveling food in silence. Finally, Decker said, “Mom, if something’s wrong, you have to talk to us. We love you. What’s going on?”
A pause. “The doctor found a lump.”
“On your mammogram?” When Ida nodded, Rina said, “Did they do a biopsy?”
“I’ve got an appointment on Friday.”
“Okay, so it could be nothing,” Peter said.
“Or it could be something,” Ida countered.
Rina said, “Whatever it will be, it’s scary now. I’ll come with you to the appointment.”
“Me too,” Blossom said.
“I don’t need either of you hovering.”
“I’ve been through this, Ida. I know the right questions to ask. My mother had breast cancer and she’s still around ten years later. You’ll get through this, but let the people who love you help you,” Rina said. No one spoke. “How’s the chicken, Ida? Not too dry.”
“It’s good,” Ida said. “Thanks for doing all this. It would have been nice to have daughters.”
Randy said, “It was your choice, Ma. I’m sure there were baby girls at the agency.”
“You’d be surprised.” But Ida smiled. “Anyway, I like my sons.”
“I do believe that was a compliment,” Peter said.
“Praise the Lord,” Randy said.
Blossom said, “Can you drive me back to Miami after the appointment, Rina? Randy has to leave tomorrow.”
“Of course he has to leave,” Ida said.
“So does Peter,” Rina said.
“Ditto,” Ida remarked.
“Peter’s working on an important case,” Rina told her.
“He always has an important case.”
Randy said, “What’s going on, bro? Does it have to do with that missing nurse and the mentally challenged man you were looking for?”
“It does. We found a body. The nurse’s girlfriend.”
“This is not table talk,” Ida said.
“I’ll fill you in later.” Decker turned to Rina: “Nice that both you lovely ladies are offering to come with Mom to the doctor. I’m sure she appreciates it.”
Ida said, “I don’t need hovering. And driving Blossom back—Miami’s way out of your way, Rina.”
“My mother lives in Miami,” Rina said. “I’m going to visit her, so it isn’t out of my way. I’ll be happy to drive Blossom back.”
“That’s right,” Ida said. “She can come here, you know. Your mom.”
“She’s a little frail,” Rina said.
“How old is she now? Like, ninety?”
“She’s ninety-seven.”
“Is she all there?” Ida asked.
“Mom, that’s not appropriate,” Decker said.
Rina said, “She had a stroke. She has trouble talking. But she’s all there.”
“I’m sorry to hear about her stroke,” Ida said.
“We still have fun. We watch a lot of movies together. The old ones. Maybe you’d like to visit her with me after your tests. You’re a lot stronger than she is. I think you could make the car trip to Miami.”
Decker looked at her. “At meshuga?”
Are you crazy?
They had bought a place in Israel and already he was speaking Hebrew. Rina ignored him. “Come with us, Ida. We’ll do a girls’ road trip.”
“How will I get back?” Ida said.
“I can take you back, Ida,” Blossom said. “I have a car. It’s just Randy and I came in one car. And you can stay with us in Miami.”
Randy started coughing.
“Nonsense,” Rina said. “My mom’s condo has three bedrooms. We’ll be perfectly comfortable together.”
Randy mouthed a silent thank-you.
“Come with us, Ida,” Blossom said. “It’ll be fun.”
Ida puffed up her chest. “Maybe I’ll do that.” She stood up. “Dessert, anyone?”
“I think we’re all up for your pies,” Rina said.
“If I don’t eat all the chocolate pecan by myself,” Blossom said.
Rina said, “Why don’t you two detectives talk shop while we clear the table, and we’ll call you when we’re set up for dessert and coffee.”
“Great idea.” Blossom stood up and started clearing the dirty dishes. “I’ll make the coffee. I brought a special blend. It’s caffeinated, though.”
“Who needs sleep?” Rina stood and began taking in the platters of food. “This was fun.”
“It sure was.” Blossom turned to Ida. “Fun, right?”
The old woman stifled a smile. Then she mumbled, “Shoulda held out for girls.”
CHAPTER 8
MOMMY!” JULEEN RAN into my arms, and I bent down to give her the biggest hug I could muster with my arm in a cast. “Are you okay, Mommy? How do you feel?”
I was trying to keep my eyes dry. “I’m doing much better.”
“You can talk!”
“Yes, I can.” I let her go from my embrace and stood up, keeping her hands in mine. My son’s suite was done in brown leather and suede. Red silk pillows on the sofa, and a yellow plaid blanket was draped over a modern but oversize cushy-looking chair. At least it had some warmth in it. The biggest tell that it was Gabe’s was the concert grand Steinway in the middle of the room. It was also where Chris kept his cello. It was out of the case, on its side next to a music stand. Juleen’s violin case and chair sat opposite, about four feet away. “Pretty nice setup.”
She hugged my waist. “I’m so glad you’re here!”
“Me too, priya, me too.”
Chris was standing over a small table, looking through papers. “Is this your homework for today?”
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you do it?”
“I was waiting for you to come. You’re two hours later than usual.”
“Well, I’m here now. That should have given you plenty of time to finish part of it.”
“Can I eat dinner first? I’m hungry.” Juleen looked around. “Where is dinner?”
“I’ll get it for you in a minute. Start your homework.”
I said, “God forbid that I interfere with her studies, but can this wait?”
Chris gave me a sour look. “Don’t coddle her. I’ll be back in a half hour.” He started to leave, then turned around. “You can eat soft food now, Terry. What do you want?”
“I’d love some oatmeal.”
“No problem.” He pointed to Juleen. “Start your homework.”
After he left, Juleen said, “Was he strict like that with Gabe?”
“Honestly, he didn’t pay much attention to Gabe.”
“Probably because he was so perfect.”
“Gabe was perfect and so are you.” I sat down on the brown suede sofa and patted the empty cushion next to mine. She sat and hugged a pillow.
“How are you?”
My eyes started to water. “All right.”
“You look sooooo much better.”
“Do I?”
“Believe me, you do.” She slid over until she was under the crook of my arm. “Your eyes are still black and blue, but your face is back to normal.”
“I did look pretty scary.”
“Mommy, I don’t care what you look like, just that you’re here.”
“Me too, priya.” I paused. “Do you miss home?”
A big smile. “Not so much now that you’re here.”
“I missed you, too, priya. I need to catch up with you. What are you studying?”
“Algebra, English, no science. But four languages. It’s hard. I get everything confused.”
“What languages?”
“Spanish and French. But also Russian and Chinese. Why am I learning Russian and Chinese?”
My immediate thought was that he was grooming her for his foreign clientele. But maybe that was harsh. I always thought the worst of him. “I have no idea.”
“Oh, and Chris has a violin teacher for me. Did you know he also plays violin?”
“I did know.”
“He’s so good at it. Way better than me.”
“He’s very talented.” I took a deep breath. “Is he nice to you?”
“No, he’s mean. He’s very strict. And he glares a lot.”
Those were all good signs. “Yeah, Chris does glare. It’s just the way he is.” I was silent for a beat. “He … he doesn’t touch you, does he?”
“Touch me?” She looked confused, then made a face. “Ew, no! He stands on the other side of the room when he talks to me. Even when he’s correcting my violin playing, he never touches my hands like my old teacher. He just picks up the violin and shows me.”
“Okay.”
“Why do you ask? Is he a pervert?”
Too many ways to answer that question. “No, but I’m a mother. He’s not related to you, and you’ve been alone with him a lot. I just want to make sure.”
“Related to me doesn’t have anything to do with creepy.”
“What do you mean?”
A quick backtrack. “Nothing.”
“Juleen, what do you mean? Tell me!”
She sighed. “He’s not like Uncle Pramod.”
My heart started racing. “Why? What did Uncle Pramod do?”
“Nothing, Mommy. But he is creepy.”
“How?” I persisted.
She began to imitate him. “You look beautiful, Juleen. You look just like your mother, Juleen. If I were younger, Juleen—”
“Oh, dear God—”
“He’s a dirty old man.”
“I’ll kill him,” I said. Or better yet, I’ll ask Chris to do it. “Did he touch you?”
“No. Never.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“And what could you have done? He’s the head of the family. Father would never listen to me over him.” She frowned. “Why doesn’t Uncle Pramod like Father?”
“He does like Father, Juleen.”
“Then why doesn’t he give him money?”
“Because your father promised him that he wouldn’t gamble. And then he did.”
“He’s punishing him?”
“I think so, yes.” For a variety of reasons, one that has nothing to do with gambling.
“Why doesn’t Daada help?”
“Daada is old now. He does whatever Pramod tells him to do.”
“But Father is Daada’s son too.”
“Yes, but he’s the younger son.”
“Well, I think it’s stupid.”
“I do too.”
She looked at me with her big dark eyes. “You’re divorcing Father, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I am.” I took her hand and kissed it. “I’m so sorry.”
She shrugged. “Is it because of Chris?”
“No, not at all. I contacted a lawyer before any of this happened.”
“Is it because of Father’s gambling?” she asked.
“Yes, and other things.”
“What other things?”
“Too many questions, Juleen.”
“Do you like Chris?” Before I could think of an answer, she said, “He likes you.”
“Why? What did he tell you?”
“Nothing specific. I can just tell.” She laid her little head on my shoulder. “I missed you so much, Mommy.”
The tears came. “I missed you, too, my little kharagosh. I can come every day now after your studies and stay with you until you go to bed.”
“Why can’t you stay with me all the time?”
I sighed. “It will interfere with your studies.”
“It’s Chris, right? He wants you to stay with him.” She looked down. “I told you he likes you.”
“There are physical things I still can’t do, priya. He takes care of me. And I think Chris is right about one thing. You should do your homework.”
“Will you help me with my homework instead of Chris?”
“I can help you with math and English and French and Spanish. I cannot help you with Russian and Chinese.” I walked over to the table and picked up her math sheet. “You don’t need me for this. It’s easy.”
“I know.” Juleen sat down and picked up a pencil. “Can you sit with me?”
“I can and I will.” I sat down, picked up her small hand, and kissed it. “I love you so much, priya. I’m so sorry for everything!”
She squeezed my hand. “I’m happy now that you’re here.”
“I’m happy too.” A pause. “So happy.” I looked around. “Do you ever get out of this room?”
“I still can’t walk that well.”
“Ah, yes. How is your ankle?”
“Much better.” She looked at me. “When it’s healed, can we go for walks?”
“I would love that, Juleen.”
She looked down. “Have you spoken to Father?”
“No, priya.”
“What about Sanjay?”
“Not him either. I think he’s with Father.” I paused. “Would you like to go back home to Father when it’s safe?”
“No!” Adamant. “I love Father, but he doesn’t understand me.”
“It’s hard for fathers to understand daughters.”
“He’s very old-fashioned.”
“That is true. It has good points and bad points.”
“I want to stay with you.”
“And I want to stay with you too.”
“Have you spoken to Sanjay?”
Second time she asked that. “No, I haven’t. Maybe when I’m better, I can call Father.” I pointed to the math sheet. “Let’s pay attention to what we can control, okay?”
She squeezed my hand again. “I love you, Mommy.”
“I love you, too.”
By the time Chris came back with the food, she had finished all her lessons except her Chinese and Russian homework. I couldn’t even read it, let alone help her. He set the take-out boxes on the table. Curry for Juleen and oatmeal for me.
I said, “Smells good.”
“You want some of mine, Mommy?” Juleen offered. “It’s pretty soft.”
“Maybe in a few days. Right now, I’m very happy with my oatmeal.” Chris picked up her completed papers. I said, “Why is she learning Chinese and Russian?”
“She knows Hindi and English. With Chinese and Russian, she can communicate anywhere in the world.”
“Do you know Chinese and Russian?”
“Enough to get by.” He looked at me. “Did you help her with the French?”
“No. It’s been years since I’ve taken French.”
“You used to tutor me.”
“Also years ago.”
“I speak it pretty well. By the way, I’ve got your phones. I’ll charge them up and give them to you tomorrow.”
“Thank you so much, Chris,” I told him. “Thank you for everything.”
To Juleen, Chris said, “You don’t need help for this.”
“I don’t know all the words in the lesson.”
“That’s why I bought you big dictionaries. Don’t be lazy.”
“I’m not lazy,” Juleen protested. “Sometimes it’s hard to find the words.”
“I can help you, priya,” I said. “I don’t know the language, but I can use a dictionary.”
“You’re spoiling her.” When I stared at him, he said, “I can see how this is going down.” He exhaled and shook his head. “I’ll pick you up at around nine.”
“So short!” Juleen protested. “Why can’t she stay longer?”
“Juleen, I told you she’d come and here she is. Quit complaining. And finish your homework because I’m going to check it when I come back.” He turned to me. “I’m tough because she can take it. Remember that.” He left.
“He’s so mean!” Juleen was angry. “He isn’t even my father!”
“No, he isn’t. But he did get us phones.”
A big smile. “Finally!”
“You won’t be able to call Father on yours, priya.”
“But we can play games together.”
“Of course. Tomorrow. But now you do need to finish your homework.”
“Why does he care what I do?” Juleen asked.
I wanted to say, Because you’re a source of pain to him. And he’s dealing with it by appropriating you. When he bosses you around, it’s not that he cares what you’re doing. He’s exhibiting dominance. You are no longer the other man’s child; you are now part of his property.
Instead, I said, “Chris was there for us when no one else came. Sometimes you have to take the bad with the good.”
