The six-story Fireside Retirement Home had the definite odor of cleaning solutions, mixed with musty belongings that some of the old people weren't willing to part with. Other than that, the state funded facility was clean, and looked like a pleasant place for the elderly to spend their last days. The foyer led to a reception area where an older woman sat behind a desk knitting a baby blanket.
"I would like to see Adelaide Bertrand. Is she home?" Jackie asked.
"Oh goody," said the receptionist. "She gets very few visitors. Let me call up to her room and see."
"I would rather surprise her."
"It's against the rules, I'm afraid. We have to have the resident's permission before we let anyone up."
"I see." Jackie gave her name and then prayed she wouldn't be denied when the receptionist called for permission. She became further apprehensive when the receptionist repeated her name three times over the phone.
At last, the woman hung up and smiled. "She's coming down. Have a seat."
"Thank you." Jackie sat in a chair and waited until she heard the elevator whine its way down to the bottom floor. She stood up as soon as the door opened.
With a hint of a French accent, Adelaide asked, "Are you Jackie?" She looked to be in her late sixties or early seventies, with gray hair that was close to turning pure white. She was thin, but not overly so, and her shoulders were slightly bent forward.
"I am. Thank you for seeing me. I wonder if there is someplace where we can talk in private."
"Are you from Social Services? Because I sent my change of address."
"No, it's about another matter."
"What other matter?"
Jackie took a deep breath, noticed the receptionist was clinging to her every word, and lowered her voice. "We really should talk in private."
Adelaide studied the candid look on Jackie's face for a long moment, and then motioned for her to follow. She led the way to a large community room where several other residents were watching a game show on a large TV. "Don't worry, most of them are hard of hearing," she said, as she chose a table away from the others.
"Miss Bertrand, I am a private detective and I've been hired to find Georgia."
Adelaide's eyes widened. "Does Mathew Connelly know where I am?"
"No, and we aren't going to tell him."
"Do you swear?"
"I swear."
Adelaide again searched the sincerity in Jackie's eyes and relaxed a little…but just a little.
"Miss Bertrand, Georgia stands to inherit millions if we can find her. Will you tell me what happened?"