Chapter 14 - THE VOICE IN THE TABLET
On Sunday morning, Nathaniel found his mother by the conservatory window. Rosa had returned at his request, and Eleanor sat beside a speech therapist named Diane Ellis.
A communication tablet rested on Eleanor's lap.
"You took it away," Eleanor typed when she saw her son.
Nathaniel flinched. "I was told the screen upset you."
She tapped slowly. I WAS UPSET BECAUSE NO ONE ASKED ME.
"I'm sorry, Mom."
The apology seemed too small for the months he'd lost. Eleanor studied his face, then touched his hand.
Diane explained that aphasia could make speech difficult without erasing a person's judgment. "Please don't finish every sentence for her," she said. "Give her time."
Eleanor typed: VICTORIA BROUGHT PAPERS. I REFUSED. SHE SAID NATHANIEL ALREADY AGREED.
"What papers?" Nathaniel asked.
TRANSFER OF MERCY BRIDGE. MY SIGNATURE WAS COPIED.
Rosa gave Dana the name of a notary who had supposedly witnessed Eleanor sign. She had been out of the state on the listed date. Dana began preparing an emergency request to stop any transfer while the signatures were reviewed.
Emma arrived with the photograph of the Harborwell check. Eleanor looked at it, then at Emma's tired face.
"Why... are you... still here?" she asked aloud.
"Because leaving won't make it right."
Eleanor gave a small, crooked smile and returned to the tablet.
THERE IS A SECOND ACCOUNT.
May you like
Below that, she typed a name Emma had never heard before.
OWEN RUSK.
