The Cork Contingency by R.J. Griffith Read Free Book Online

meet? When will you see—”
    “Hold on, sis. I said I met him, not read him his rights. Plus, I don’t think I like him very much. He’s scruffy and aggravating and…it’s a little early to tell, but I’m pretty sure he’s unorganized.”
    “Really? Unorganized?” Janet burst into a fit of laughter.
    “It’s getting really late here, sis. I need to turn in soon. I just wanted to let you know I made it here all right. I’m super tired from exploring the city. I’m going to turn in for the night. Love you.”
    “I love you, too, Margaret. Call me again soon when you can tell me more about this mystery guy. Bye.”
    Margaret signed off and tossed the phone into her purse. She reached for her computer and logged into her video chat account. She’d installed it on her father’s home computer so she could check on him from work. With his slow recovery, going back to working in surgery seemed like a far off dream. She clicked on the picture of a house and waited. She missed talking to her dad. Even though he couldn’t answer back, he showed how much he cared through his eyes.
    “Hello, this is Mr. Smith’s house. I’m filling in for his daughter while she is away. Are you calling for her?”
    “No this is Margaret, I was calling to check up on my dad and to chat with him.”
    The woman tucked her long gray hair behind her ear and leaned closer to the computer. “Oh, Margaret, I’m sorry! I didn’t recognize you. I’m Charlene,” she said with a wave to the computer. “Your sister hired me while you’re away. Rolland is doing great. We’ve been working on saying a few words. If you’ll wait, I can go get him.”
    “OK.”
    The slim woman left to get her father.
    Margaret thought about all the speech therapy she’d tried.
    The doctors said that with the type of stroke he had, speech and mobility would eventually return.
    Had she given up too soon? She struggled with her feelings until she saw the fragile frame of her father being pushed through the doorway.
    “Hi, Dad, you look good today.”
    “Ma-ret.” His speech was slow and drawn out.
    A tear dashed down Margaret’s cheek. “Dad, I’m so proud of you. It looks as if Charlene is doing a good job taking care of you.”
    He reached his working hand out toward the computer. “Wuv voo.”
    “I love you, too, Dad.”
    Margaret’s plans to spill out all her worries and frustrations about her trip seemed out of place. Instead, she chatted a little longer with her father about her trip to Blarney Castle and the woolen mill. “Charlene, can I talk to you before I sign out?” Margaret asked.
    “Sure. After I help Rolland back into his chair, I’ll come right back.” She said something to Margaret’s father, and then pushed his wheelchair from the room.
    “I’m back. What did you want to tell me?”
    Margaret fought back her pride. “Thank you for staying with my dad and taking such good care of him.”
    “My pleasure. Call back soon.”
    “I will.” Margaret clicked the hang up button on the screen. No one seemed to need her at home, but at least Dad was in good hands.
    Could it really be 10:30 PM here? She didn’t feel tired, but she still felt chilled from spending the day in damp clothing. I think a bath is in order.
    Lavender-scented soap frothed on the surface as she poured it into the water . I can’t believe I hired Donnell . Wait, did I hire him? She sank down and let the heat soak into all her pores. She finished, slipped into fresh pajamas, and hopped into bed. I wonder what time Donnell meant when he said, “I’ll see you in the morning.”
    Margaret woke to the thudding of construction work. “No sane person does road work at this time of day.” She rolled over and pulled the down comforter over her head. I don’t remember buying a down comforter. She groaned. “That’s right, I’m in Ireland.” She rubbed her eyes and tossed her pillow at the door. “Be quiet,” she said before drifting back to sleep.
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