Spring Forward by Catherine Anderson

Author:Catherine Anderson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2018-01-02T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

They decided to take Crystal’s car. She was so upset that Tanner drove, and she said not a word. Tanner suspected that they were each occupied with their own thoughts.

The first thing they saw when they entered the retirement center was the large form of Patricia Flintlock at the front desk, looming over Marsha and chewing her out about something. When the old biddy saw Crystal, her mouth drew into a tight line.

“You’re arriving rather late for a visit,” she said.

“It’s only eight,” Crystal reminded her, her voice cool but polite.

“Be gone by ten.” Her tone was the same as she might have used to order a stray dog away from a trash can.

Tanner didn’t know if he wanted Crystal to stand her ground or run like a scalded cat. She was already upset, and another round of verbal sparring would only unsettle her more.

“I’m sorry?” Crystal said. “Your rules say visiting hours in the community areas end at ten, but Tuck and any other resident can have guests later than that in an apartment. Someone can even stay all night.”

“I’ve changed the rules.”

Crystal straightened her shoulders. Tanner felt proud of her, although when he considered that, it seemed silly. He’d played no part in raising Crystal to become a strong woman who would dig in and fight for her grandfather’s rights. Yet he still wanted to pat her on the back. She’d make a wonderful mother, the kind who would go to bat for her kids without hesitation.

“If so, I haven’t seen that in writing. You can change the rules anytime you wish as long as you abide by Oregon law,” Crystal replied. “Shall I call Tuck’s attorney to see if you’ve a right to change the in-apartment visiting hours?”

Patricia pivoted on her heel and all but stomped away. Tanner suspected the woman was trying to look regal, but instead she came off as pathetic. He whispered to Crystal, “What’s she do, swallow an ugly pill every morning?”

Crystal grimaced. “Maybe she was just born with a nasty disposition. The corporation that owns this facility should screen their employees better.”

They walked up the hall to Tuck’s apartment. Crystal tapped on the door, then cracked it open. “You at home, Tuck?”

“Sure am,” the old man called back. “Come on in.”

When they stepped inside, Tanner was surprised to see a woman sitting beside Tuck on the brown sofa. She was a pretty lady with dark hair and brown eyes. Tanner thought she exuded elegance in a black skirt and a jacket over a red blouse. A gold necklace twinkled where it draped down from under her collar. Diamonds flashed on her fingers.

“Essie, this is our friend Tanner Richards,” Crystal said. “Tanner, this is Essie, Tuck’s new friend.”

Essie stood to shake Tanner’s hand. Despite the ravages of arthritis in her knuckles, she had a firm grip. The thought flitted through his mind that she’d be a force to be reckoned with in a board meeting.

“I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Tanner. My last name is Maxwell Childers.

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