Twisted Roots (DeBeers 3)

"No. There's no point in putting her through such a trip. I have Ricardo coming with me. He'll drive the motor home back. You. Linden. and I will return to the airport and make the last flight out. It will be a series of connecting flights that will bring us into West Palm Beach toward morning, but there is no better way to do it quickly, and quickly is what we want, Hannah." he said firmly.

"Okay."

"When I land and get the rental car. I'll call again. Have someone nearby who can give me clear directions to the Stanton farm. okay? We'll have to get things organized and turn right around. You understand?"

"Yes, Miguel."

'How is Linden doing now?"

"He's doing very well." I said.

"A journey like this could have been very traumatic for him."

"It wasn't," I said. "You don't have to worry about him. Really." I wanted to add he was doing better than I was, but I didn't.

'All right. I'm hoping to be there in three to four hours, Hannah."

"Okay," I said "I'm sorry."

"So am I," he said. "So am I. Just hang on and take care of yourself."

I hung up. A moment later I heard Mrs. Stanton's hurried footsteps. When she stepped into the kitchen, she had to catch her breath,

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"You'd better go upstairs to your uncle," she said. "Quickly!"

15

A More-Happy Birthday

.

Uncle Linden was standing outside of Bess's

bedroom, his ear against the door, which was now closed.

"What are you doing. Uncle Linden?" I asked.

He turned slowly, his eyes so distant they sent an electric surge of fear down my spine. He was more like a blind man, trying to understand from where my voice had come.

"Shhh," he said, bringing his finger to his lips. "Willow's sleeping. She's needs her rest."

"Oh, dear," Mrs. Stanton said, standing behind me on the stairway. "Why is he calling her Willow?"

"Did you close the door. Uncle Linden?"

"Of course. We've got to let her sleep. A pregnant woman needs her rest." he said.

"You see," Mrs. Stanton moaned. "He's not making any sense. I'll have to go get Charles."

"Wait," I pleaded. "Let me see what I can do first."

"But my Bess, she might be frightened."

"I think she's still asleep." I said. She probably doesn't know the door is closed and he's out here."

I gently turned him from the door. "Uncle Linden, you have to come away from here now. We're going downstairs. We'll be going home soon."