Gem of a Ghost: A Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery by Sue Ann Jaffarian Read Free Book Online Page B

herself up, Lainey continued. “We moved in together right after New Year’s. I own a condo near campus. It was convenient for both of us.”
    “He’s still in the condo?”
    “He started staying with a friend, another guy at school, after we broke off our engagement, but when I decided to come here I told him to stay in the condo while I was gone. It would be better for his studying, especially so close to the end of the school year. After school ends, he’ll move out.” Again the tears started.
    Emma was almost to her SUV when she heard someone call her name. She turned to see a thick, older woman wearing a white lab coat and white orthopedic shoes walking toward her with surprising energy, in spite of a slight limp.
    “Mrs. Whitecastle, a moment, please,” the woman called.
    Walking back through the parking lot, Emma met the woman halfway.
    “Mrs. Whitecastle,” the woman said, “I’m so glad I caught you. I’m Dr. Garvey, Kitty Garvey, Lainey’s doctor here at Serenity Place.” She held out her hand to Emma, and Emma shook it.
    “You’re the facility’s resident doctor?”
    “Actually, my husband, Dr. Michael Garvey, and I own and operate it.” She smiled. “Everyone calls me Dr. Kitty. He’s Dr. Mike.”
    Dr. Kitty had a wide, friendly face, with lined cheeks and fluffy silver hair. Rectangle-shaped glasses with red plastic frames perched on her nose, secured by a multicolored beaded chain that hung around her neck.
    “Do you have a moment?” the doctor asked Emma. “It’s about Lainey.”
    Emma became alarmed. “She said she’s doing much better. Is that not the case?”
    “Oh, no, she is doing much better.” The doctor smiled. “She’s such a charming young woman, isn’t she? The residents and staff both love her to bits.” The doctor paused and adjusted her glasses. “I understand you’ve known her a long time—that you’re the mother of one of her childhood friends.”
    “That’s right. I’ve known Lainey since she was a little girl.”
    “Do you intend to come back and visit her?”
    “Should I not?” Before Dr. Kitty could answer, Emma added, “I know she got upset during my visit today, but I think it did her good.”
    “It did her a great deal of good, I’m sure.” The doctor paused. “Mrs. Whitecastle, let me be blunt. You’re the first person who’s visited Lainey since she’s been here. When you called today and inquired about visitation, I was standing in the reception area. I told the desk clerk to give you special permission to visit today during our afternoon free time instead of waiting until Sunday, our usual visiting day.”
    “Joanna Reid, Lainey’s mother, hasn’t been here?” Emma’s anger toward Joanna threatened to boil like a teakettle.
    “No, I’m afraid not. She hasn’t even called. Lainey’s young man called a couple of times when she first got here, but not lately.” The doctor pursed her lips. “Lainey has mentioned you and your family in our talks. I think it would be good for her if you visited again.”
    “Of course, Doctor.” Emma considered an idea she had while speaking with Lainey. “In fact, I was thinking of inviting her to my cabin in Julian for a visit. It’s about ninety minutes from here. It’s peaceful, and I have access to horses. As I recall, Lainey used to ride when she was a girl.”
    The doctor beamed. “I know Julian well. Dr. Mike and I go there every year for their apple festival.”
    “Can Lainey leave the facility?”
    “She can leave anytime she wants, although I think she still needs a bit more time with us, at least until we’re sure she’s going home to a stable environment. But for a short weekend, I think it would do her a world of good to visit you in Julian.”
    “How about next weekend?” Emma suggested. “I can pick her up on Friday afternoon and bring her back on Sunday evening.”
    “Before we tell Lainey, how about you and I talk by phone later in the week. Let’s see how she’s