They went straight to the local hospital where Andy’s mother was admitted for observation. He’d called the police and made a statement as soon as they arrived, while Caris spoke to the staff relaying what she knew of Patsy’s condition. Then, she gave her statement.

The young officers didn’t seem too enthusiastic about the job at first. Caris was still mad at the manager and staff of the nursing home, and in no mood for their cavalier attitude. Putting on a sweet smile she ushered them into the hospital room. A nurse was putting more fluids into the IV, and Patsy was sound asleep.

In a quiet voice, she pushed the point home, that the nursing home could not continue to operate like it was. “As you can see, gentlemen, Mrs. Carlile is in a terrible state. I can only repeat what I said earlier. If she’d been left for much longer she would have died from starvation and dehydration. I’m sure you both have mothers and grandmothers, and would hate to see them treated like this.”

One was taking notes and nodding, while the other couldn’t take his eyes off the bed. He was visibly shaken. Caris felt no remorse. Sometimes seeing was believing.

“I’m not an advocate for revenge, but I’d like to ensure this doesn’t happen to anyone else. Unfortunately, there are a lot more men and women in the same environment. The situation needs investigating as soon as you can before a tragedy occurs.”

‘We’ll go over there today,” the officer taking notes said, his voice husky with compassion.

A lump formed in her throat. A lot of people her age had not been confronted with death, but doctors, nurses and police could be confronted with it on any given day. It was good to know these two weren’t unaffected. “Will you contact us with the results? You have our numbers.”

“I’ll see what I can do and we’ll be in touch after we’ve checked the place out.”

“Thank you so much. I can’t bear the thought they could carry on like they are indefinitely. Please remember that the young assistant, Rebecca Daniels, appeared to be doing the best she could. Mrs. Carlile speaks highly of her, and Rebecca was helpful and honest.”

“I’ll remember.”

They bustled out of the room and Caris turned back to Patsy. Still sound asleep, a smile had slipped onto her face, which was already looking less gaunt, thanks to an IV of fluids and some soup which had given her cheeks a little color.

“You should check into a motel for the night.” Andy had appeared beside her in his silent way and was also looking at his mom.

“I can organize rooms for us. Are you staying here for a bit?”

He nodded “I’ll stay the night. It’s the least I can do. But get one for yourself.”

“You need sleep too otherwise you’ll be no good to her.”

“I’m fine,” he said, but his jaw clenched.

“You aren’t fine. I understand that this has been a big shock, I can see the effect on you.”

Andy stood taller, making her feel like a little person, as he scowled at no one in particular. “I know you mean well, but you can’t understand how I feel. I’m a private investigator. My first priority, once I got my license, should have been to find my mother. Even before that. If I’d done it years ago, when I was old enough, she wouldn’t have suffered like she has. It’s my fault she almost died.”

“Andy, think about what you’re saying. You thought she was dead. You had no idea it wasn’t the truth.”

“But I should have. For years I didn’t believe the lies my sorry excuse for a father told me. Why, out of all the bull which came out of his mouth, did I believe that one?”

Her heart hurt for him and his inability to see that he wasn’t to blame. She tried a different approach. “I would think it obvious.”

Andy stared down at her then took her arm and led her into a vacant room a few doors down. “Enlighten me.”

She closed the door and led him to a couple of chairs. “If she wasn’t dead then it would mean she chose to leave you. Not only that, but leave you with your father. I remember how angry you were when you first came to town. I remember that you believed your mom would come get you. Understandably, it hurt when she didn’t, but neither of you were to blame.”

Andy slumped in the chair and buried his face in his hands. She hadn’t seen him cry since he was a boy, and it was kind of shocking coming from this six foot seven, beefy Texan, with an attitude. It might make him seem more human, this vulnerability, but she took no pleasure in it.

She held his hand as she sat beside him, looking out the window so he could get himself together without her watching. She was in love with Andy. She would walk over hot coals for him, but this was something he had to work through himself. Right now, she knew she couldn’t take away his hurt.

He squeezed her hand gently as he sighed and she felt a small tremor when he relaxed. Even if she couldn’t fix this, maybe she could make it hurt a little less.