“I will. I’m going to join the activities in the library like I planned. There’s a book club discussion this afternoon and some board games this evening. Public areas, lots of witnesses.”
“Good. And Mary?” Bert’s voice softened despite his worry. “I’m really proud of you for trusting your instincts and calling this in. If her nephew really is doing something to her, you might have just saved Diane’s life.”
“I hope so. She’s a good person. But I know I’ll feel foolish if it turns out that Colin is a great nephew and caregiver, doing only what he’s supposed to do. But, just in case…”
“Don’t doubt yourself,” Logan said with emphasis.
Bert added, “You’re ready to help her now, and we’re all here backing you up. You’re not alone in this.”
“I know. That’s why I called you.” Her voice held warmth that made Bert’s chest ache. “I knew you’d take me seriously and make me feel less alone… and less crazy.”
In the background, other Keepers were still working.
“Cole, I want you on standby,” Logan continued. “If we need to get someone to her location quickly, you’re our pilot. Start looking at flight options and calculating response times.”
Sadie’s fingers flew, then called out to Cole, “The ship is the River Duchess, operated by Maritime Heritage Cruises. Currently sailing from Charlottetown to Saint John, New Brunswick.
“On it.” Cole moved to his laptop, already pulling up maps and airport information.
Bert filled her in on what Sadie had uncovered. “We know Colin is her only living relative, the son of her sister. He is listed as her sole heir. His parents are dead, and so they only have each other. He’s already on her bank, trust, and brokerage accounts.”
“He’s living off her,” Mary muttered. “I’ve seen him use her credit card.”
“That’s exactly what we found out.”
Logan is contacting Canadian authorities. But remember… you need to be very careful. If Colin realizes you’re suspicious, you become a threat to him.”
“I understand. But if he’s possibly drugging her, we have to do something.”
“We will. But we do it smart, not reckless.” Bert heard the frustration in her voice and understood it. Mary’s protective instincts were as strong as his own.
There was a pause, and Bert heard her take a breath like she was working up the courage to say something.
“What is it?” he asked gently, instinctively knowing she wanted to talk to him without others hearing. “I’ve taken you off speaker now. I’m going into the hall.” He nodded toward Logan as he stepped into the hall, the phone now pressed against his ear.
“It’s probably stupid, but...” Mary’s voice was quieter now, almost hesitant. “I wish you were here. I mean, I know I can handle this, and I’m being careful, but I just... I wish you were here with me. And it would be good to have another pair of eyes here. Maybe I’m imagining this when, in truth, I have no proof that he’s doing anything to Diane except be a caring nephew.”
Bert’s heart clenched so hard it was almost painful. She wished I was there. Mary, who was so fiercely independent, who never asked for help unless she absolutely needed it, was telling him she wished he was there.
“I can be,” he said before he could think it through. “I can get on a plane today. Cole can fly me to a commercial airport where I’ll catch a flight to Saint John, wherever the ship docks next. I can be there by tomorrow.”
“Bert, you don’t have to?—”
“I know I don’t have to. But I want to. If you want me there, I’m there. Just say the word.”
Another pause, longer this time, and Bert held his breath waiting for her response.
“I want you here,” Mary said finally, her voice thick with emotion. “I feel safer just knowing you’re considering it. But the ship is at full capacity. The cruise coordinator mentioned it at the welcome reception. There are no empty cabins.”
Bert’s mind raced, trying to find a solution. He couldn’t let logistics stop him from being there for Mary when she needed him.
“Oh,” Mary said suddenly, and he could hear something shift in her tone. Nervousness, maybe, or determination. “You could... you could stay with me. In my stateroom. You could be my partner. Or my friend. Or whatever we tell people. The cabin is big enough for two people, and there’s plenty of room to maneuver with the wheelchair. We could make it work.”
Bert’s brain short-circuited for a moment. Mary was inviting him to share her cabin. To be there with her, to protect her, to be whatever they needed to be to make this work.
“Are you sure?” he asked, his voice rougher than he intended. “I don’t want to crowd you or make you uncomfortable.”
“You wouldn’t. Bert, if you’re willing to fly across the continent to help me with this situation, sharing a cabin is the least complicated part of the equation.” She paused, then added more softly, “And honestly? Having you there would make me feel a lot better, knowing you'll see what’s happening. I’m starting to doubt my judgment.”