Suspicion of Deceit (46 page)

"What did he say?"

"Nothing. He asked me to pour us some brandy. We talked about ... I don't know. The leak in the roof. His new dentist. Where my daughter wants to go to college in the fall. Then I helped him stand up. He embraced me and went upstairs to bed."

"I guess what I want to know," she said, "is what you're going to do now. He wanted to turn over his businesses to you, didn't he?"

"Ah." Anthony smiled. "I said no. Do you mind?"

"Mind? I am so relieved!"

Anthony amended; "Of course I'll help, but I made it clear I don't want to follow in his path. He understands. I'm a lawyer. I like what I do, and I don't want to give it up."

Gail laughed. "He
understands?"

"Well ... a little fight keeps the old man alive."

"He'll never see home again, will he?"

Anthony put an arm around her. "He sees it more clearly now than ever, you'd be surprised. He asked me to bury him there, on the old family estate. I gave him my word."

Gail pressed her forehead against his shoulder.

The realtor cleared her throat a few paces behind them. "Are there any questions I could answer for you?"

They turned around, then looked at each other. Gail said, "I like it."

Anthony said, "You're sure?"

She made a laugh of pure delight. "I think this is the one."

Surprise flashed over his face, then he smiled. "I think so, too."

Gail looked past him toward the gazebo and waved at Karen. "We like it!" A cheer came from across the yard.

As they walked back toward the house, Gail tugged Anthony around and pointed. "You know what we could plant in that corner?
A framboyán.''''

"Ah, yes." He smiled. "I can see that."

She could see it too: The tree would grow over the years, spreading to shelter them with its shade, and in springtime the flowers would flame bright orange-red.