Chapter 18. Blake - Ominous warnings
Colin’s funeral was a fitting tribute to him.
He’d been a hard worker, building an air-conditioning business from the ground up, leaving him quite a wealthy man.
We could only see the actual service, not the whole room, but Jacqui said it had been full of old colleagues, family, and friends.
We’d remembered him fondly that night, toasting to a life well lived, even if it had sometimes been deviously well lived.
Rose had come up in conversation, but it was minimal, just Leo recounting her behavior at the funeral.
“She was a mess, sobbing the whole time. I think it was her mom beside her, rubbing her back. Even the mom shed a few tears.”
We’d acknowledged his statement and moved on. We had a friendly street, and were hoping that if the house was sold, it would be bought by someone we could bring into our group.
Thursday morning, I was busy restocking the diapers when I heard a knock at the door.
I was trying to get everything organized before I returned to work on Monday.
Haz was doing well, but she was still physically recovering, so I wanted to make her life as easy as possible.
Before I got to the living room, Haz had already answered the door.
A tall, professional-looking woman in a cream suit stood there.
She looked to be in her 50s, graceful and elegant.
“I am so sorry to interrupt you, but I think we need to have a talk. Blake, is it?” she said, bypassing Haz to look at me.
I had a bad feeling about this.
“Yes, I’m Blake,” I moved forward, nudging Haz behind me as I stood in front of the door.
“I’m Loretta, Rose’s mother. I was wondering if I could talk to you for a few minutes. Inside,” she said, motioning toward our living room.
Hell no.
“No, I think at the door is fine,” I stated firmly. Coldly.
“Look, I know Rose has caused you issues. I’m only here because I wanted to warn you.
She’s not well. The night Colin died, I stayed with her.
She has a nursery set up, all in pink with bear decals.
I’m trying to get her help, but you should know, she hasn’t moved on.
I don’t like that you led my daughter on, and I don’t know what your problem is to be misleading young women, but I’m also a mother and I’m worried for your baby.
I don’t think Rose would hurt an infant, but she has some pretty strong delusions,” she finished.
Holy fuck. A nursery? When would the fallout from my fuckery end?
Harriet gasped softly behind me.
“Thanks for letting me know. Why aren’t you getting her help? There’s nothing I can do beyond look out for my family.”
“I’m trying,” she snapped. “She apparently hasn’t done anything to warrant a forced admission, but I’m working with my sister, she’s a psychiatrist, to help her. I don’t need your fucking advice. I’m doing you a community service even being here.”
“Message received. Surely Rose is moving out?” I asked.
“I’m not sure. Colin’s will won’t be dealt with until next week, but my guess is he’s leaving it to Rose. I know he changed his will when she moved in, and she is his only child,” she snapped. “I’m watching her but can’t be here 24/7. I have a life too.”
“Right.” I shut the door in her face. I didn’t want to cut off contact with the only woman who seemed to be trying to deal with psycho Rose, but I wasn’t about to let another person into my fragile relationship.
“The hits just keep on coming,” Harriet said angrily.
“I know, I know. I’ll put off my work return date until we know if she’s staying or going,” I offered.
“You can’t do that. Mick is working too many hours as it is, and you’re still drawing a wage from his hard work. I’ll be fine. I’ll keep the doors locked and if I leave the house, I’ll give Jacqui a heads up so she can watch me leave.”
I felt horrible. This was a fucked-up situation. My wife couldn’t leave the house without supervision. She couldn’t put Immy in her stroller and take a walk up the street like any new mother with cabin fever should be able to, and it was all my stupid fault.
“Okay, but I’ll stick to the local jobs, and you can call me at any time,” I commanded.
“Fine.”
Immy’s cries through the monitor broke our concentration and Haz moved to go and get her.
“I’ll do it,” I said, already on my way to her room.
Even Colin’s death hadn’t solved the Rose drama.
It seemed to have reinvigorated it by bringing hard-faced Rose Senior to our door.
I wasn’t comfortable with the thought of leaving Haz in the house while I was at work, but unless Rose moved, and moved far, far away , our only other option was to move ourselves.
I had never raised that possibility with Haz.
She loved this house, but I’d wrecked her sense of security.
She no longer felt safe here. Even if Rose disappeared into the crazy woman sunset, there would always be the memories here of this fucked-up six months.
I had no idea what I was going to do.