Letters in Time, Reiss Susan [read me a book TXT] 📗

You don’t live in your apartment anymore!” He took a deep breath and bellowed, “Ms. Chase, WHERE ARE YOU?”

In the sweetest voice I could muster, I began to explain. "Mr. Heinrick, I told you I inherited my Uncle Jack's Cottage. I came down to the Eastern Shore to take possession." Slowly, I described subletting my condo, arranging physical therapy sessions, and a mountain of other details. “You see, Mr. Heinrick, there is no reason to worry.  I’m fine.”

I could imagine his cheeks swelling with breath as he harrumphed.

“No reason to worry? Of course, there is reason to worry! My client disappeared. You could have been abducted for all I knew. You really should have notified me. I can’t begin to detail all the ways this could affect your case if the other side gets wind of your jaunt out of the city.” He let out a deep sigh. “But, as far as I know, it’s our secret.”

I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. I wasn’t doing anything wrong. No one could believe I was faking my medical situation.

Mr. Heinrick cleared his throat and spoke again in his most controlled voice. "Now, all you have to do is return to the city immediately and we'll say no more of this escapade."

“Um, I’m afraid that’s not going to happen, Mr. Heinrick, at least not for another six months.”

“WHAT?”

"Perhaps you didn't hear me. I've sublet my condo. I'll be spending the next six months here at the Cottage. And before you get yourself all upset again, there's nothing we can do about it. I arranged it this way for a reason. So I couldn't go home."

“The reason for your eccentric behavior eludes me.”

“My behavior isn’t eccentric,” I said with growing indignation. “I’m doing what is right for me. The doctor approved it, so here I am.”

I heard his quiet groan of submission. “Well, if you insist, I suppose there’s nothing I can do to persuade you to—”

"I’m afraid there's nothing you can say or do. Cell phone coverage is spotty in this area, so I'm having a special line installed in the house. Once I have better service, I'll be able to respond to your calls and emails promptly. I think you'll find I'll be a very cooperative client."

He didn’t give up easily. “But you won’t come back to the city?”

“No, I’ll be here on the Maryland Eastern Shore.”

He sighed again. "Very well. But there is one thing you must do. Not for me, but for yourself. You must keep alert to any strangers. Note if anyone seems to be taking an unusual interest in your activities. If that is the case, you must let me know immediately. Immediately, do you understand?”

I wondered if the man repeated himself like this to a jury. If he did, would they be as annoyed as I was?

“I don’t understand,” I said.

"It's quite simple. If the defense knows you're there, it may send spies to watch you. I don't want anything to undermine this case."

“Spies? I’m not faking anything. Mr. Heinrick—"

“Oh, do not poo-poo the idea. If our positions were reversed, I would do the same thing. They want to make sure you were truly hurt and not lying about your injuries."

I was aghast. "All anyone has to do is look at my chart, X-rays, and scans to see—"

“I’m not going to debate legal maneuvers with you. Be aware of the people around you. If anything suspicious happens, promise me that you’ll notify me immediately. Promise.”

Now, it was my turn to sigh. “Yes, Mr. Heinrick, I promise.”

"Very good. I'll have my secretary contact you for an address to send these papers. I assume you get mail wherever you are?"

I wanted to prick his supercilious bubble. “Yes, we have all the modern conveniences here, like electricity, running water, indoor plumbing—”

“All except reliable phone and internet service.”

I had to end this call before I exploded. "I'll give you the address now." There was a little arrogance in my voice.

He dismissed the idea. “No, I’ll have my secretary take the call.”

I gave the information to the poor woman who worked for him. The man was so frustrating. Always telling me what I could and could not do … and when. I lumped him with all the bossy doctors and nurses. Yes, they were helping me, but I was so tired of people controlling me. I felt sure that if I'd told him I was coming to the Eastern Shore, he would have forbidden my move. I couldn't let that happen. I wanted, no, needed to be here.

Calmer, I put the phone safely in my pocket and made it down the steps without too much pain. I wished I could look forward to finding another letter from Daniel, but I'd been too tired to write to him the night before. It probably was proper etiquette in the 1860s to wait for a response before one wrote again. Nevertheless, a wave of disappointment washed over me as I hiked up my crutches and headed to the kitchen for breakfast.

At the doorway to the writing den, I stole a peek at the desk where the other letters had appeared.  A short note was there.

Dear Emma,

Forgive me for writing so soon and showing how anxious I am to hear from you again. I only wanted you to know that you are in my every thought.

Yours with great esteem,

Daniel

I snapped a picture of the note and scribbled down a quick copy of the letter in case it started to fade before I got back from the P.T. appointment. Safely tucked away with the other letters and copies in the cubbyhole, I