A Cross to Bear by M.J. Lovestone Read Free Book Online

Gabby.
    “Yes, well, continuing on.” He handed her a copy of the will for her inspection.
    Maggy had left her everything: the house, motorcycle, car, small camper, and surprisingly, the $50,000 in her savings account. Mr. Ferringer also informed her that Maggy had a $500,000 life insurance policy, of which she was the sole beneficiary.
    Gabby was shocked. She knew that her sister was frugal, but she was surprised to learn that she had saved so much money. The life insurance policy was pure Maggy—always trying to look out for her little sister.
    At the moment, Gabby would give it all and everything else she owned for one more minute with her sister.
    “Also,” said Mr. Ferringer. “I was to give you this key.”
    He held out a large, old-looking key. Gabby took it, wondering what door it might open.
    “What is the key to?” she asked.
    He offered her a shrug. “I do not know. Nothing more is said about it.”
    When she had signed the papers and the lawyer had finally left, Gabby made herself a Bloody Mary and considered the strange key. Later she went about the house, searching for its keyhole, but to no avail.
    Leave it to Maggy to be so eccentric , Gabby thought.
    She searched the house and garage for the rest of the day but still found nothing. That night around dinnertime, she gave up her search for the time being. She hadn’t really been intent on the task, but rather had been using it to avoid doing something she dreaded—visiting her father and relaying the news about Maggy.

Chapter 12
    Gabby pulled up to the retirement home and parked far away from the entrance. There she sat for a good half hour, dreading what she had to tell her father.
    The day was overcast, much like her mood.
    When she finally found her courage, she made the long walk across the parking lot and went inside. At the reception desk, she was greeted by Jamya Phillips, a plump African-American nurse she knew well who particularly adored her father.
    “Oh, child, come here,” said Jamya with open arms.
    Gabby had thought to keep her shit together, but when the loving nurse embraced her, she melted and began crying like a baby against the woman’s bosom. She was led into a vacant room and helped to sit on the bed. All the while, Nurse Phillips held her close.
    When Gabby got control of herself, she looked the woman in the eye. “Does he know?”
    “The police came by the other day and told him,” Jamya said with a look of concern and shook her head. “The poor man cried all night long. But then, yesterday mornin’ he had forgotten what they’d said. Told me you and Maggy would be comin’ to visit him today.”
    “Should I tell him again?” Gabby asked.
    “You know he ain’t going to remember. Why put him through all that again?”
    “Is that your professional opinion, Mrs. Phillips?” said Dr. Gupta, who had suddenly appeared in the doorway to the room.
    Jamya regarded him over her shoulder and turned back to Gabby with an irritated scowl. Her face turned kind again when she looked upon Gabby once more. “You need anything, you just let me know, sugar.”
    “Thanks, Jamya.”
    The nurse left, eyeing the doctor for a moment as she passed by, her plump figure causing him to move back into the hall to allow her passage. He entered the room, shaking his head slightly. When he stood before Gabby, he was all seriousness.
    “I am sorry to hear about your sister. Everyone loved Maggy.”
    “Thank you, doctor. I really wish the police hadn’t told him . . .”
    “Yes, I apologize for that and take full responsibility. The staff should know better.”
    “Nurse Phillips said that he has already forgotten. Do you think that I should tell him again?”
    “Yes,” said Dr. Gupta. “I find that it is best to remind patients like your father of the reality of the world around them.”
    “But won’t it be like hearing it for the first time for him?” Gabby asked.
    “Yes, and no. It depends on the person, the day, and the level