I lifted the handset and cleared my throat, then hesitantly dialed the number from the card in my hand. A male voice answered, “Big Jim’s executive car service, how can I help you?”

For a second I almost answered in my newly acquired Russian accent. But there was no need to disguise myself, not over the phone. Well, I still had to make sure to cover my tracks, so I pretended to be the concierge I’d passed on the way up to the apartment when Sebastian first led me inside.

“Hello, I would like to order a car for a resident, please. As soon as possible. It’s quite urgent,” I added, thinking on my feet. The sooner I got to see my gran the sooner I would feel the knot inside my stomach loosen. Or at least I hoped it would. I needed to see her with my own eyes, make sure she was okay, and that they weren’t going to evict her without talking to me first.

Big Jim asked for the passenger name, and I provided him with Sebastian’s, as well as the address, though he assured me it wasn’t needed. Big Jim obviously drove Sebastian around plenty of times.

I wondered if I was making a mistake using this particular car service—someone who Sebastian knew—but then again I still didn’t have any money to take a taxi, let alone a bus, up north past Medford to the nursing facility. Sebastian hadn’t exactly been prepared for my arrival, and the promise of the allowance hadn’t been forthcoming. I made a mental note to remind him of that the moment he came home.

At least this way, using Big Jim, the charge would be put on Sebastian’s account, and it would be days, maybe weeks before he found out I’d taken a trip without his permission. I certainly didn’t need the extra scrutiny right now. I needed for this to work. I needed the money he’d promised me. And I wasn’t going to get that if Sebastian became suspicious, wondering where I was going when I supposed to be new to the area.

Big Jim promised that he would be there in an hour. I complained, but he said it was the best he could do with the last-minute notice. I reluctantly agreed and ended the call, my eyes skimming the surface of the messy apartment. Well, I certainly knew what I could do to whittle away the time, I thought.

By the time the actual concierge called up to the apartment to let me know a car was waiting outside for me, I’d managed some fair progress in the apartment. I’d tidied away and paired up the scattered shoes and sneakers, piled up clothes ready to go to the dry cleaners—or for me to wash in the laundry room I presumed the building had somewhere. I’d also busied myself emptying the fridge of leftovers, as well as finding enough fresh food to start prepping a meal for the evening. I’d cook it all when I got back, but at least the chopping was done and the chicken was marinating. It had been a long while since I’d been able to make a proper meal and I’d found myself humming, happily, as I’d wandered around Sebastian’s kitchen.

Before I could consider that I needed a key to get back into the apartment I was already in the elevator on my way to the ground floor. I pushed the small problem to the back of my mind for now. There were other much more pressing issues at hand.

“You’re not Sebastian?” Big Jim said as a thick crease appeared between his thin eyebrows when I stood by the car I’d only earlier gotten out of.

I nodded and greeted him with a big friendly smile, hoping he wouldn’t ask too many questions. I also sent up a little prayer that he wouldn’t find it necessary to contact Sebastian and let him know.

“Anna,” I said and pointed to my chest, laying the accent on thick. “Sebastian not here. Said to explore new home.”

Big Jim frowned digesting the information. Then shrugged as if it meant little to him. He was still going to get paid, and he’d already met me before. It wasn’t like I was some stranger taking advantage or stealing a ride. But the moment I thought that, was the moment I realized that was exactly what I was doing, taking liberties in more ways than one. Big Jim opened the passenger door and I climbed inside, leaving my guilt out on the curb. A means to an end, Anna. Eye on the prize.

“So, where are we going? You want to go shopping? I know the best spots.”

I shook my head and leaned forward, closer to the partition and twisted my lips realizing I hadn’t planned how to communicate this to the driver without him becoming suspicious.

“Er…” I pointed to the small notepad that was mounted to the console. Presumably Big Jim used it to scribble down notes, addresses for his pick-ups, or maybe he simply used it to jot what he needed to buy at the market. I gestured for him to rip me off a sheet. Doing as I wished he passed me a piece of the notepaper then shifted in his seat looking for a pen. After a moment he found one tucked away inside his jacket pocket.

Quickly I scribbled down the name of the town and passed it back. I didn’t give him the exact address, which I had thought of omitting. I would have Big Jim drop me off close to the care facility and walk the rest of the way.

In the rearview mirror, confusion clouded Big Jim’s eyes again and he stared back at me. “What do you want to go up there for when you have a whole city to explore?”

I shrugged and sat back, crossing my arms, refusing to give an answer.

“Suit yourself. Get comfy then. There’s water in the back, help yourself.”

Twenty minutes later we entered the small town of Montvale. I perked up in my seat and scanned the area. I’d been away for about a year and change but it hadn’t changed a bit. On the main street, there were still a few stores with boarded-up windows alongside stores that were still clinging to life, displaying sales and marked-down prices to encourage passersby to enter and part with their cash.

“So, where to? You want to give me some directions?”

We slowed at the crossroads and I pointed toward the steakhouse and its adjoining parking lot. “Stop there,” I said abruptly, then added, “please.”

Big Jim pulled the sleek black car up alongside dirty trucks and stopped. He turned in his seat to look at me, a question in his eyes.

“One hour. You stay here, okay?” I managed to sputter out. It felt like it was getting harder to maintain the façade now that I was back home. I just hoped to god that no one spotted me while Big Jim was around. Otherwise, the cat would indeed be out of the bag then and the information that I was a fraud would most certainly get back to Sebastian. Big Jim looked like the loyal type.

“Sure thing, honey. Whatever you say,” he said, twisting his body to look out the front. He picked up a magazine off the passenger seat beside him and began to read. Content that he wasn’t going to follow me, I got out and headed to the restaurant. I knew I would be able to slip out around back and walk the two blocks to the Sunset Hill nursing home. I knew I wouldn’t have long with Gran but every minute counted and I couldn’t wait to see her face when I surprised her that I was back.

The automatic doors slid open and a combination of detergent and air-fresher, mixed with the smell of vegetable soup that had been left on the stove for too long, hit me as I entered the care home. I wrinkled my nose, getting used to the odor, and approached the reception. A harried woman who looked like the weight of the world was on her shoulders glanced up at me with an impatient look in her eyes.

“Hi, I’m here to see my grandmother, Bernadette Pavlov. Is she still in room one-oh-nine?” I asked, with a pleasant smile on my face. I edged my way toward the corridor that would lead me to Gran’s room, but the woman, with the name tag of Brenda, raised her hand.

“Wait a minute,” she said with a sigh. Brenda shuffled a couple of papers then once seemingly done glanced back up at me. “Okay, what was the name again?”

I gave it, my impatience escalating.

“Let me check. And what’s your name? Do you have identification?”

I gave that too and handed over my temporary passport. There had never been this kind of interrogation before and wondered why all of a sudden she needed my ID. “Is this necessary, I just want to see my grandmother.”

“Protocols I’m afraid.” After a few taps on her clunky keyboard, Brenda let me know Gran was still in the same room and pointed the way. “Next time you really should make an appointment. Visiting hours are strictly between two and six. Also, you will need to sign in.”

I scribbled my name and flung down the pen a little harder than I’d intended; it skittered across the counter and landed on the other side. Brenda tutted and gave me a scornful glance. Finally, once all the inane protocols were maintained Brenda buzzed me through to the central part of the facility. I quickly found the room and knocked gently before opening.

“Come in,” I heard a voice call. I smiled instantly when I saw her. Gran sat in an upright ruby wingback chair positioned in front of the only window in the small room. The chair had seen better days, faded pink on the arms by the sun, but Gran looked just the same. Just as I’d remembered, with a bright glint in her eye and always with a smile on her thin face.

“Hi, Gran!” I said and approached, pulling her into a hug. It felt like I was holding a small, fragile bird. I hoped they were feeding her well.

“Who are you?” Gran replied and looked at me, searching my face as if she was trying to place me. My stomach dropped like it had been filled with stones. Then her lips twitched, broadening quickly into a huge smile, her dentures on display. “Oh, don’t look like that, Anna. I’m only kidding.”

“Gran!” I admonished. “You shouldn’t do that… you made me think… I thought you couldn’t remember who I was!”

She cackled and patted my hand. “As if I could forget my only granddaughter. The wandering adventure-seeker! Besides, I have to have my fun too. Not like I have the TV to distract me anymore.”

I shook my head and joined in smiling at the mischievous old woman. She’d always been partial to a practical joke or two in her time, probably kept the staff at the facility on their feet too if I knew her.

“Well, don’t just stand there. Sit down. Tell me everything. Did you have many grand adventures? It is so good to see you.”

I pulled the visiting chair beside her and we sat together, the sunlight streaming in, bathing our skin.

“You could say that,” I said with a slight laugh. I wasn’t sure exactly how much to tell her, I didn’t want her to worry needlessly. Probably best to give her the highlights. Then I remembered the mugging and the present I’d bought for her and glanced at my shoes.

“Anna? What is it?”

“Oh, nothing. I just haven’t brought you anything. I…”

“Silly girl, you don’t need to bring me anything. Seeing you is present enough! And those chocolates you sent from Belgium were divine. You’re such a thoughtful girl. I had to fend off the nurses from stealing them with my walking stick,” Gran said with a chuckle. “But tell me did you manage to visit Bererov?”

Bererov was the small town Gran’s parents, my great-grandparents who’d died before I was born, lived in before emigrating to America. Gran was only a baby herself, a toddler if I remembered correctly from her stories when they’d left. But I’d promised to try and visit the place of our family’s origin.

“Not quite,” I said with a wince, then brightly added, “But I did see some of Saint Petersburg. It’s a lovely city, and I met this wonderful woman who helped me when I ran into a little bit of trouble.”

“Trouble? I hope everything is okay?”

“Don’t worry, Gran. Everything worked out for the best… but it did mean I had to cut my trip short and come back.”

“Well, I’m sorry for that. But I am glad to see you. I’ve missed our little talks.”

For the next thirty minutes we chatted like old times. I recalled all the good things about my travels before the mugging, skipping over that part, telling her about all the colorful places I’d seen, and Gran told me the latest gossip happening at Sunset Hill, including romances going on and also the budget cuts. It seemed there was more drama in this little place that I ever thought possible.

“But how are you, Gran? Are you eating properly? How’s your heart?” I said and retook her hand, maintaining eye contact so she knew not to dodge my question.

“Oh, I’m fine. I’m just old, sweetie. Don’t worry about me. I’m perfectly happy here and I have my ladies. We pass the time with our bridge club. Still sharp as a tack,” she said and tapped the side of her head with a thin, stick-like, finger.

A knock on the door interrupted us and before Gran could tell them to enter, a man in a cheap suit appeared at the doorway. “Miss Pavlov, do you have a moment?” he said.

Gran scowled at him. “Can’t you see my granddaughter is visiting? He took away my TV,” she muttered under her breath to me.

He nodded, but this didn’t deter him any. “I’ll only steal her for a moment. This is an urgent matter.”

“It’s okay, Gran. I’ll be right back. Can’t get rid of me that easily,” I said and got to my feet. Eyeing the man carefully, I had a feeling I knew what this was about, it was only a matter of time before they came asking for the money.

Out in the corridor, we stood silently, waiting for one of us to speak. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Mr. Kershaw. I run this place.” He stuck out his hand but I ignored it. “Maybe it’s better if we go to my office, Miss Pavlov?”

“You can tell me what you have to say right here.” I crossed my arms and stood firm.

Mr. Kershaw sighed. “Well as you’ve already been informed, I believe you were in contact with one of your grandmother’s nurses, Martina, is that correct?”

“It is.”

“Then you know your Mrs. Pavlov’s account is in arrears.”

I closed my eyes, my stomach churning. Burying my head in the sand hadn’t worked out well. “I understand, but I’ve only just returned. I’m afraid I can’t pay you quite yet.”

He stuck his hands in his pockets. “That’s not good enough I’m afraid. If you don’t get the account into good standing by the end of the month, we will have to evict your grandmother. My hands are tied I’m afraid.”

“You’re just going to throw out a sick, old woman onto the streets? She has a bad heart, you know?”

“Well, no… I mean. That’s not what I said.”

“That’s exactly what you implied. So which is it?”

“Please, Miss, there’s no need to raise your voice.”

I clenched my teeth and tried to get my temper under control.

“You have to understand this, at the end of the day, is a business. We’re not a homeless shelter… And unfortunately, we need money to continue looking after the people who live here, including your grandmother.”

I shook my head at him. “How much do I need to bring the account up to date?” I said, my tone painfully even and controlled.

“Let’s go into my office to discuss this in private. I can print out the bill.”

A few minutes later, deflated and completely overwhelmed, I sat in his office, my head in my hands. He’d had the courtesy to leave me alone for a moment. I think he realized it was either give up his space or have me launch myself over his desk and throttle the man until he turned a violent shade of purple. There was no way I was going to get the money in time. I hadn’t realized it was so bad… made even worse by the interest the facility had put onto the debt. And even if I did, by some miracle, manage to pay off what was owed, there were still the monthly payments that seemed extortionate.

I shuffled my way back to Gran’s room, making a pit stop in the bathroom to wipe my face and make myself look presentable, before facing her again.

Gran was still in her chair when I got back, reading a large-print bodice-ripper from the quick glance I had of the cover when she snapped it shut and tucked it down the side of the chair.

“Everything all right, Anna?”

“Everything is fine.”

She sniffed and narrowed her eyes. “Don’t you lie to me, young lady. I can tell there is something amiss.”

I winced. I couldn’t lie to her, she always saw right through me. But I tried anyway. I was responsible for her now, for her wellbeing. I wouldn’t let my mom down. “Just a little complication with the bill is all. Not to worry, it’ll be sorted out in a few days.”

“Anna, you should tell me if it’s something serious. I can handle it. I may look like a frail old woman with a dodgy hip and bad ticker, but I’m still all here, up there,” she said and tapped her temple. “Sit down and tell me the truth, I won’t settle for anything less.”

“Okay. The account is in arrears. We owe the care home about three month’s worth of payments, plus interest.” Her eyes widened and I quickly added, “But it’s okay. I’ve arranged to pay off the debt with the manager.”

“But how, Anna? You’ve only just got back… you don’t have a job. Wait, where did all my money go? I don’t understand. There should be enough to cover years.”

“That’s something I’ll have to look into, Gran. But I think the charges have gone up and maybe we weren’t told, or we were and I missed it. I’m so sorry.”

“The bastards probably stole it all!”

My mouth opened in shock. I’d never heard her swear before and it was a bit of a surprise.

“Close your mouth, dear, you’ll catch flies.”

I snapped it shut.

“They’re threatening to chuck me out on my ear aren’t they?”

“Yes, but I’ve got this okay? I have a plan. You’re not going to lose your spot. I won’t let them kick you out. I promise.”