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He leaned over and kissed her. “I’ll see you tonight.”
—
Athena was in the kitchen when Whit walked in to grab a cup of coffee for the road.
“Did you speak with Sloane?”
He nodded. “Yes, she took it as well as can be expected. Alarm Systems will be here around ten.”
“Okay, that’s good. I’ll stay upstairs until then and keep an eye on her. What did Dr. Porter say?” she asked.
“He’s concerned, of course, but this type of brain involvement has always been a possibility. He’s upping her steroids for now, and if that doesn’t work, he may add some new meds to her regimen—possibly a different immunosuppressive to reduce the inflammation of the blood vessels. I really hope something works. I can’t stop thinking about all the possibilities. What if she has a stroke?”
Athena patted his arm. “You can’t think like that. One day at a time. You’re doing everything you can for her, and it won’t help anyone to ponder all the what-ifs.”
“You’re right. Thanks for keeping me grounded.”
She smiled at him. “That’s what I’m here for. Well, I’d better go check on Sloane.”
“See you later.” As he watched her walk away, Whit thought again how her presence had made such a difference. She was much more than just a home care worker. She was ministering to both of them with her care of Sloane and her willingness to be a sounding board for him. He’d only thought about what he needed for Sloane when Athena was hired, not realizing that he would benefit too. His thoughts were interrupted by Doris’s sudden appearance.
“Excuse me, Senator. I was hoping I might have a word.”
“Of course, Doris. What is it?”
She opened the kitchen door, looked out, then came back in, her voice lowered. “It’s Miss Karras. I’m concerned that she’s not taking proper care of Mrs. Montgomery.”
Whit’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“Forgive me for saying so, but it hasn’t escaped my notice that Mrs. Montgomery has gone downhill ever since she arrived. She’s always mixing strange things into her food, and when I ask what they are she tells me it’s different herbal remedies.”
Whit was annoyed. He didn’t have time for these petty jealousies. “I know you care deeply for Mrs. Montgomery, and I assure you she is getting the best possible care. In fact, Ms. Karras is so concerned with Mrs. Montgomery’s safety that we’re having an alarm installed on her door. Ms. Karras’s references are impeccable, and she’s been a great help to us both.”
Doris looked as though she wanted to say something else but hesitated. Finally, she nodded. “Yes, I can see that she’s been a comfort to you as well.”
Before Whit could reply, she spoke again. “Forgive me for bringing it up. I’ll take my leave.”
Whit was fuming as she walked out. How dare she insinuate that something improper was going on between him and Athena! Sloane was already suspicious of Madelyn; he didn’t need Doris fanning the flames and making her jealous of Athena too. He’d have to keep a close eye on Doris. She might be a longtime employee, but she was by no means irreplaceable.
- 38 -
ATHENA
Athena kept her distance while the alarm company outfitted Sloane’s door with the new sensor. Now a chime would ring through the house anytime Sloane opened the door. That would make it much easier for Athena to move about the house unobserved by Sloane. It was almost time for lunch, so she walked down to the kitchen.
“Hi, Doris. Is Mrs. Montgomery’s lunch ready?”
“Yes, I made her a nice chicken pot pie. She’s getting rail thin. I hope you can get her to eat something.”
“I’ll do my best. Can you take it into the sunroom? I’ll eat with her there as well. She said she wants to start coming downstairs again for her meals, and I don’t want her to eat alone. Hopefully that will cheer her up.”
Doris nodded in approval. “I like the sound of that.”
Athena knew that the effort of walking up and down the stairs would use up the little energy Sloane had, but she could see that Sloane was getting depressed being stuck in her room all day. She didn’t want Sloane to shut down before Athena had accomplished what she came here for.
When she reached the bedroom, Sloane was asleep on the love seat, her book on her lap, her head back. Athena debated whether to let her sleep but decided that Sloane couldn’t afford to skip any meals. She walked over and gently touched her shoulder.
“Sloane?”