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next to them.
Mother told you the news?
Dee released Natalie from her embrace. Yes, she said. Ben took a deep
breath. and Dee squeezed his hand.
You two go into the living room, Natalie said, I m going to bring in some
hot tea.
Ben pulled Dee close.
How is Lisa? Dee asked.
Her spirits are high, he said, walking over to a chair and sitting.
How are you? Dee asked, watching his expression.
They didn t want to ruin our trip, Ben said, picking an imaginary piece of
lint from the arm of the sofa. You said that we should have waited, but I didn t
listen; I was just thinking of myself.
No you weren t, she said, kneeling in front of him and taking his hand.
You didn t know.
I should have been here for them.
Natalie walked in carrying a tray with a teapot and three cups. After setting
the tray on the coffee table, she looked at her son.
Ben, I won t allow you to blame yourself for this. If you had been here, the
outcome would have been the same there is nothing you could have done.
Dee stood. I ll leave you two alone for a moment.
Natalie caught her hand. No. He needs you, she said, looking at Dee, her
eyes confirming her words. Dee sat down next to Ben, while Natalie sat in the
armchair to his right. Benjamin, I want you to listen to me, she said as she took
his hand and smiled. You have taken care of your sister and I since your father
died, and you have done a wonderful job as head of the family, but you need your
own life. Lisa and I wanted you to have some peace we wanted you to be happy
and worry free for a little while. Do you understand?
Yes, he said, nodding, but
No buts. I don t want to hear any more of this foolishness about you not
being here for us you re always here for us. Ben rose, pulling his mother up
with him and embracing her. You re a wonderful son. A mother couldn t be any
prouder. Natalie looked down and saw Dee smiling; she reached for her hand.
Denise Skelton
175
Dee walked into her office. She had one serious headache.
Hey, Kimmy said. How was your trip?
It was great.
Kimmy frowned. Is everything all right?
Dee sighed. Just a headache. Can you give me the Harrison file?
Sure.
Dee walked into her office, dropping her coat on the armchair and sitting
behind her desk. Kimmy followed her in and placed the file in front of her on the
desk. Do you need me to do anything? I can get you some aspirin.
Dee looked up. Thanks, that would be great.
After Kimmy left in search of aspirin, Dee opened the file, not knowing what
she was looking for. She had a nagging feeling that she had missed something.
She had read everything, and then re-read it. Then she saw what she was looking
for. Oh my gosh! How could I have been so blind? she said, picking up the
phone and calling Chicago General Hospital. After a few moments, she hung up
then called Chris.
Hey, Chris, I need you to do something for me.
Dee walked up the steps of the Harrison home. She rang the bell and then waited
anxiously. Hello, Sadie, she said to the housekeeper as she walked past. Ben
met her at the bottom of the steps.
Hi, he said, walking toward her.
Where s Heather? she said. I need to speak to her.
She s upstairs with Lisa. Ben looked at the housekeeper. Sadie, would you
ask Heather to meet us in the parlor please?
As Ben and Dee walked into the parlor, he asked, Can you tell me what this
is about?
I d rather wait until Heather gets
Hi, Dee. How are you?
I m good, Heather. Could you close the door behind you please?
She stepped inside, closing the door. Is there a problem?
I need to ask you something, Dee asked. Where is Kyle?
Kyle? Heather asked, looking uncomfortable.
Who s Kyle? Ben asked.
Her twin brother.
What?
Denise Skelton
176
Yes, when I went to the hospital and made a copy of the birth-certificate
application, it stated that Nancy Greer had a daughter. While I was reviewing the
information, I noticed that the document was numbered. So I had it checked out
and I discovered that years ago they would number the documents for babies
from multiple births until the babies were named. Dee looked at Heather again.
Your brother his name is Kyle, right?
Heather looked down. Yes.
Where is he?
I m sorry, Heather said, tears spilling down her cheeks.
Ben stepped forward. Tell us, for God s sake.
He won t come. I tried to get him to meet us in Chicago when you came to
see me. When you left me alone to pack, I called him, and he wouldn t even con-
sider it. He just got angry. I told him about Lisa, and he still wouldn t come.
That s why I didn t tell you. I m so sorry. She started crying.
Ben put his arms around her. It s okay, he said, stroking her back. It s not
your fault, he said, looking over at Dee.
We need to figure out how to get him to come here. He needs to be tested, Ben
said, pacing.
We can t make him come if he doesn t want to, Dee said, following him
with her eyes.
He ll come, Ben said angrily. He ll come if I have to tie him up and tow his
sorry butt behind the plane.
After Dee left, he went back inside to have a talk with Heather. He pleaded
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