Chapter 6 - The Man Who Hung Up
Before taking Claire to the hotel, Graham called Richard.
He placed the phone on speaker while Evelyn and a hospital administrator remained in the room. At Evelyn’s recommendation, Graham clearly informed Richard that the conversation was being recorded.
Richard answered impatiently.
“What now?”
“This is Graham Mercer.”
“I know who you are.”
“Your daughter delivered a son this morning.”
“So I have heard.”
“She experienced a serious medical situation. She asked for you.”
“I am not discussing private family matters with you.”
“You made it my concern when you abandoned the widow of an officer who served under my command.”
Richard’s voice sharpened.
“Do not use Lucas to lecture me.”
“I do not need Lucas to recognize failure.”
Claire sat silently beside Mason’s bassinet.
Richard continued.
“Claire has always been dramatic. She knew this weekend belonged to Brielle.”
“She was in a hospital.”
“And the hospital handled it.”
“She is your daughter.”
“I have two daughters.”
Graham’s gaze moved toward Claire.
“You behave as though only one matters.”
“That is your opinion.”
“It will soon become the opinion of everyone attending your dinner.”
Richard laughed.
“You are not invited.”
“I was invited by Julian Cross’s father as an honored guest.”
The silence on the line was immediate.
Graham had not known about the invitation until that morning. Julian’s father had served with him years earlier and had planned to surprise his son by introducing the general at the engagement celebration.
Richard recovered quickly.
“You will stay away from my family tonight.”
“Claire is coming.”
“No, she is not.”
“You do not control her.”
“She always creates a crisis when Brielle has something important. Tell Claire we are not leaving the hotel. Brielle’s engagement matters more than another one of Claire’s emotional emergencies.”
Claire’s expression did not change.
Graham’s voice became colder.
“She has just delivered your grandson. Her condition became serious. She asked for her parents.”
“Then the hospital can handle it. We have guests waiting. Do not call me again tonight.”
Richard ended the call.
The room was silent.
Graham saved the recording and gave a copy to Evelyn.
Claire looked at her son.
“I thought hearing it again would hurt more.”
“Does it?” Evelyn asked gently.
“No.”
Claire raised her eyes.
“It finally sounds like freedom.”
Her doctor allowed her to leave briefly under strict conditions. Mason had been examined and was healthy enough to accompany her for a short visit, provided he remained protected from the crowd and they returned promptly.
A nurse helped Claire prepare.
She chose the white satin gown she had originally planned to wear beneath her ivory coat. The gown was simple, elegant, and nothing like the apologetic clothing Brielle expected her to choose.
When Graham offered his arm, Claire accepted it.
“You do not have to say anything you are not ready to say,” he reminded her.
May you like
Claire looked at the folder Evelyn carried.
“I have been ready for years.”
