Enough to Miss Christmas

He actually stammered. "Karen asked me to. I didn't see the harm."

"Well, I do! Whether it's lying or misleading, it's wrong and it puts me in an awkward position."

"I know what you mean, Ma'am." Thatcher said. "I find myself in similar circumstances more often than I like."

"Karen's a twelve-year-old child! Why would you go along with such nonsense?"

He glanced up the stairs confirming we were alone. "She lost her mother and she feels a need to protect her father; to be brave for him. I tend to cut her some slack and go along when she asks me to . . ."

"Lie?"

"I'm sorry if it created a problem for you. I'll make it right. I'll talk to Mr. North."

"Don't. Let it play out. If there's a problem, it rests with Karen. She knows my thinking on the matter."

Thatcher looked concerned. "Will you be speaking to Mr. North?"

"I'll be telling him the truth, unlike a lot of people around here. And I'll be returning to the hotel." I looked up to see Paul descending the stairs, alone. The look on his face told me he sensed our less than friendly exchange.

"Is there a problem?" he asked.

I brushed his question aside before Thatcher could respond, then added, "Thatcher is about to arrange a hotel for me. I hope you don't mind."

There was a surprised look on Paul's face, than a smile. "No, no problem. Maybe that is a good idea." The glint in his eye said he thought my decision was randy. I was far too irritated to harbor such mischievous thoughts.

"I'll get right on that, Mrs. Blanding." He was more than happy to bail out but turned to Paul before leaving. "Don't forget, the agency is sending over two prospective women to take up Mrs. D's duties. They'll be here at seven."

Paul read my mind. Less than twenty-four hours ago the poor woman was healthy and functioning and now they were interviewing her replacement! Were they going to pre-book the funeral as well?

Paul answered. "It's only temporary but even if she pulls through this attack, she'll be out of action for a long time. The kids need someone. So does the household. Unfortunately I'm no damned good at running it."

"You don't have to make excuses to me, Paul. I know the last day has been tough on you. I'll just go with Thatcher and let you do what has to be done."

"Like hell you will! I'm not deserting you again," he said startling me. He turned to Thatcher. "Call my cell phone when you have Sarah's hotel set up and call the agency. Tell them to postpone any interviews until at least nine o'clock. If that's not satisfactory, we'll call someone else. Sarah and I are going to dinner."