Angel of Mercy by Andrew Neiderman Read Free Book Online Page A

photographs. “But I’m glad I came here and saw what Mrs.
    Livingston looked like when she was younger.”
    “She was a very beautiful woman. I was very lucky.”
    “Yes, you were.” She sat back and smiled as though she were reminiscing with him. “Susie says husbands and wives grow closer in their senior years. Especially after their children are married and gone,” she added.
    “Sylvia never let go of her sons, marriages or no marriages,” he said.
    “A son must cleave to his wife and a daughter to her husband. It’s only natural. It’s harder for a mother to accept that than it is for a father, I suppose.”
    “You sound a lot older than you are,” he replied, impressed.
    “I am older in many ways than other people my age.
    I’m glad you see me that way, Mr. Livingston.”
    “Call me Tommy. You’re not my employee any more.”
    She smiled. He was a very vulnerable, sad man. He needed Susie.
    “So you have a sister?”
    “Yes. I have a twin sister who lives with me here in Palm Springs.”
    “You don’t say, a twin sister?”
    “Yes, Susie.”
    “And what does she do?”
    “Susie likes caring for people and keeping their homes clean and in order. She didn’t go to college.
    She’s had a number of different jobs, tried being a secretary and hated it. It took her a while, but she’s really found herself now that she’s gone into domestic service.”
    “Really? Is that what she’s doing here?”
    “Yes, but she doesn’t work regularly. She likes to meet different people.”
    “She’s not married then?”
    “No. Susie is… rather shy. She was born with a leg problem, so she wears a brace. But it doesn’t hold her back when it comes to work.
    She could be of great service to you, especially now. I don’t expect you’ll keep this house the way it used to be kept by your wife.”
    “Hardly,” he said smiling.
    “Susie could be of some help, at least until you adjust.”
    “Sure. Bring her around,” Tommy said.
    “I’ll send her over tomorrow.”
    “Sure,” Tommy said.
    They sat there talking softly for a while and then she accompanied him when he returned to the den. All of the mourners gazed with curiosity.
    “This is Faye Sullivan,” Tommy announced. “She was Sylvia’s private-duty nurse.”
    Perry and Todd nodded with recognition now. They watched with interest as their father brought her to the food in the dining room. Faye was still sitting in the living room, perusing some family albums when Perry and Todd, their wives and children, were getting ready to leave.
    “You can come to our house, Tom,” Perry’s wife said. Todd’s wife immediately made a similar suggestion.
    “No, I’ve got to get used to being alone. No sense in postponing it.
    You guys go on, get on with your lives, and don’t worry about me,” he said, pulling his shoulders up to resume his normal firm demeanor.
    “I’ll call, Dad,” Todd said. “And if you need anything…”
    “I’ll stay with him awhile longer,” Faye suddenly volunteered.
    Everyone gazed at her, the sons looking surprised at first and then a bit grateful; the daughters-in-law simply looked a bit amused.
    “There, see. I’m still in the hands of an expert,” Tommy said.
    His daughters-in-law kissed him and his sons hugged him. Then they all moved out. Tommy followed them to the door. Shortly afterward the caterers left, too, even though there was cleaning left to do.
    Tommy voiced his annoyance.
    “It’s all right,” Faye said, gathering the dirty paper plates. “I told them to go.”
    “You did? Why?”
    “At a time like this, you don’t need a bunch of strangers lingering around the house, banging pots and pans and vacuuming. You need peace and quiet, meditation time.”
    “But why should you…”
    “I don’t mind. I used to work as a maid, you know,” she said. “While I was attending nursing school, I hired myself out and made what I needed for living expenses.”
    He stood there watching her sweep