Page 60 of Trust No One

“Senator, how did you find your way here from ancient Rome?”

“Grandma is reading a book to me about Rome. It was my idea to dress up. The ivy is supposed to be a hat. It’s from the garden.”

I plucked at a wilting leaf. “It’s very realistic.”

“It’s not gold. The Romans wore gold.”

Maria had always been brilliant. Able to think multiple steps ahead, she’d always been the smartest Hale. Not a surprise her daughter was very bright. “I’m sure some of the garlands were green.”

“Maybe.”

“Molly.” Edith rounded a corner, her phone and reading glasses in hand. Frown lines deepened to what must’ve been a new level. Thick bands of silver streaked her black hair and drained color from her pale skin. “Raine.”

I straightened, keeping my hands on Molly’s shoulders. “Hey, Edith.”

Her brow shifted as if determining the purpose of my visit. “Molly, can you look in the freezer and see if there is one more ice cream bar?”

“There isn’t,” Molly said. “I looked.”

“Look deep, behind the bags of broccoli. There’s one more.”

Molly grinned. “Okay!”

When the child ran off, I said to Edith, “Maria is awake. She’s talking, and she’s alert.”

Edith’s shoulders softened as some tension melted. “Thank God.”

Odd Gabe hadn’t told her. “You should be able to visit her soon.”

“I don’t want to take Molly to the hospital.”

“I can watch her.”

Her head shook. “She’s doing well. Better we give it a little time, so we know Maria is in good shape. Gabe is there?”

“Yes. The doctor has asked us all to leave her to rest, but he’ll be back with her soon.”

“Do the doctors know what caused it?”

I hesitated. “I don’t think they do.”

“Doctors. They aren’t as smart as they think they are.”

“They’re taking good care of Maria.”

“I found it!” Molly shouted from the kitchen.

“Great, honey. Eat it up!” Edith said.

“Maria’s recovery is going to take weeks, months. I want to help with Molly.”

“I’m taking care of Molly. But thank you.”

First cousin once removed didn’t trump grandmothers. I’d never pushed for a relationship with Molly after Maria stopped talking to me, but circumstances had changed. “I want to see Molly more often.”

Edith seemed wary. “How long are you back?”

“For some time.”