"So, did Billy really go and see Karl and Dolly that day?" Sarita was excited to know and looked at Gilly, who had a far-off expression.
"Yes. Billy showed up shortly driven in a long, black car that seemed almost like a limousine.
Karl answered the door. He was immediately taken aback and a bit intimidated. Billy stood flanked by two men in suits. One was the lawyer representing Harold and the other was a silent, tall, powerfully built man who was introduced as Sol. He looked like and most assumed him to be a bouncer or bodyguard. In reality he was one of the sharpest lawyers in that firm. He stayed silent and observed while the others did the talking. It was useful for him to be seen as sort of a hulking dumb brute and he could play the role really well.
"Good evening Karl! Can we come in?" asked Billy in a confident pleasant tone.
"Who are these people?" Dolly was suddenly at his side and asked.
"This is Harold's lawyer,"said Billy pointing to one man. who extended his business card to Karl and offered up his hand for handshake.
Billy then turned to the other man and said,"And this is Sol."
Sol looked directly into their eyes with almost a childlike innocent look that Karl and Dolly found disconcerting. He bowed his head ever so slightly in their direction.
"Come in. This way!" Dolly seemed to recover first.
Karl and Dolly led them to the living room. Billy could not spot Clare. She was in her room.
After the initial exclamations of faked indignation and outrage at Harold for his ingratitute, Dolly and Karl, proclaimed some kind of relief at the situation. They confirmed that they were not responsible or liable for any more expenses or efforts towards Harold.
"Well, if that old man has somehow managed to take advantage of this young man's good fortune, we cannot do anything. They are both adults We have done our best for that old fool, all these years." Dolly was careful not to say anything directly against Billy or even sound as if she challenged his goodwill. Karl was having a tough time. His face showed it and Dolly kept him silent by taking over. Sol sat in the corner observing, not saying a word.
"Well, I am glad we all agree to the current arrangements and can proceed from here," said Harold's lawyer.
He continued, "There is one thing Harold wanted me to convey to you all. He wanted to thank you - Karl and Dolly for all you have done for him all these years. He realises that he has left suddenly and that it might affect you in some ways. He has sent you a cheque for half the amount of his aged pension for the next six months. You have incurred some expense for him and he hopes this will compensate for it and smooth the transition.
He sends his love to Clare. He has sent her a little package. He would like to see her and very much hopes that you can all visit him at his new place as soon as you can. He will be moving out west in a couple of weeks."
Dolly looked eagerly to take the little package sitting next to the lawyer.
"I'll give it to her," she said reaching out.
"Would you mind calling her? Can we have a word with her, please?" asked Harold's lawyer.
"She is in her room. She is upset and traumatised with all this happening when she was home alone," Karl started. He was waiting to somehow assert his unhappiness and thought he had found a way.
"Oh! Really, I am sorry to hear that! In that case I would really like to speak to her and make it right with you folks. We could arrange counselling for her and you and compensate you for any trouble," said Billy. The lawyer nodded assent.
"She will be alright with a bit of care. We are helping and comforting her," Dolly pitched in quickly, with a meaningful look at Karl, "I'll go and get her." Dolly glared hard at Karl, willing him to not to go over the top, but to play it just right. Karl looked puzzled at her, not being able to divine he subtle message.
"But you cannot force her to talk to you, can you?" asked Karl.
"No, Sir. We cannot force anyone. We just thought that since she is over 18 and old enough legally to speak her mind, we would like to hear from her directly. We would like to help her if she is upset. Harold seems to care about her too," the lawyer explained.
Karl was still trying to decide how to react to this. Dolly was observing him as she got up and headed towards Clare's room.
Suddenly, she turned and called out,"Karl, come quickly, and help me in the kitchen while I get Clare."
Karl got up and followed her. Dolly pulled him into their bedroom on the way and shut the door.
[There was a hurried discussion in emphatic sibilant whispers, with Dolly directing Karl. Her mind seemed to be going at full speed, while Karl's was still trying to get past the first gear.
"Should we let them talk to her? I mean they cannot force us to, in our own house!" Karl was starting to get riled up and unless stopped, could work himself to an angry madness. Dolly nipped it in the bud.
"Karl!! Just listen to me!! If we play this right, we could get something more. They seem willing to pay and they sure seem to be able to afford it. Darling, just do as I say," Dolly was firm, she caught hold of his shirt front, looked him in the eye with a glint of a sly smile. Karl had always found her attractive in such a mood. She softly whispered instructions.]
Dolly and Karl, walked into Clare's room.
"Clare dear. We know you have been through a lot and are upset. That old man has sent you a package or something. His lawyer is here with Billy. They are willing to pay for your counselling and compensate for your suffering. You don't have to say very much, just that you are upset and not feeling well. Don't talk much. We can arrange things with them," Dolly took a look at Clare's face. It had an anxious and confused expression. She wanted the lawyers to see that. She got behind the wheelchair. Karl followed at the side. They emerged in the living room shortly.
Billy's eyes went towards Clare and she looked back at him directly for a few seconds. Karl had his hands on her one shoulder and striking the pose of the affectionate father. Dolly was keenly observing the lawyer's expression. The lawyer and Sol looked at Clare's expression change as her eyes met Billy's glance briefly. It went from her being troubled and anxious to one of sweetness and joy, even as the anxiety remained. She was however confused and did not understand what was going on.
"Clare, we hear that you are not feeling well and are upset with all that has happened today. I know it has all been sudden. We want to help. How are you doing now? What do you feel?" asked the lawyer looking intently at her.
Clare was silent for a few seconds, trying to gather her thoughts and wits.
"Clare! How are you? Harold sends you his love and this package," said Billy, proffering her the little package. She took it and set it on her lap. Not in a hurry to open it.
"How is Harold doing? Is he Ok?" she asked quietly, concern in her voice.
"Oh, Harold is doing quite well. He is resting comfortably and is in good spirits. He is receiving the best care possible," said the lawyer, "However, he misses you and would like you to visit him. Would you like to do that?"
"Of course, I would very much like to visit Harold. I miss him. When can I visit him?" Clare said clearly and firmly.
"She has had a rough day. Right now, I am not sure Clare is in a state..." started Dolly, desperately trying to preempt her answer and get her back into the room as quickly as possible.
"I am Ok and would like to see him as soon as possible. I miss him and would like to see him at his new place, that is all. I can then visit him regularly, perhaps less often," replied Clare interrupting her.
"It can all be arranged. There will be someone who can drive you all there and back. Here is the phone number. Please call and arrange any time convenient to you. Harold will be looking forward to seeing you all, Clare," said Billy. He handed a couple of business cards to Clare.
Clare took the cards with a smile. Her mood and appearance brightened up considerably. Karl and Dolly, who were standing behind her, were the ones who were not able to observe it.
Dolly, however had had enough of the discussion going out of her control. She said loudly,"That is enough for today, young lady. You need to eat and go to bed. Karl, dear, can you please give her dinner and put her to bed? I will see you later before I turn in, sweetie! Say goodnight to these gentlemen."
Dolly lightly kissed Clare on the top of her head. She signalled Karl to turn her wheelchair around.
With a wave towards Billy and the lawyer, Clare was soon gone.
Dolly sat down to talk business with the lawyer, facing him, next to Billy. Her glance went between the two often trying to read them more deeply.
"So, is that settled? Can you all visit Harold tomorrow? Clare seems to want it very much and says she is feeling up to it?" said the lawyer.
Dolly nodded silently. She was working it out in her head. She decided that it was best not to rush into anthing hasty in her proposal, particularly with a clever lawyer sitting in front of her. It would be best to sleep on the situation and then come up with a plan.
"Perhaps sometime tomorrow at the earliest. We will get back to you folks and call that number," Dolly said. She then clarified who were all the contacts and what their phone numbers were once again. She was a calm and thorough woman when she needed to be.
"You can call me or leave a message for me at this number anytime," said Billy handing her a couple of his personal business cards.
"We will leave now and be in touch," said the lawyer. He, Billy and Sol stood up.
Soon Karl came back having served Clare dinner. He and Dolly saw their guests off.
Karl and Dolly rushed back quickly to Clare's side. They were keen to see the contents of the package and pick up the cards handed to her. Luckily, Billy and the lawyer had, with some forethought, put in duplicates of all the business cards and contacts. Clare had seen them and kept one set for herself. She opened the package and it was a musical doll that played one of her favourite tunes - (she and Harold had seen it in the mall in one of their outings), a little stuffed bear and some chocolates."
Copyright (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved
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