LITMIR.BIZ

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do any damage.”

      All she could do was nod her understanding.

      During the ride back to his grandfather’s estate, Alex asked her about the tests that had been conducted on Tommy. From a couple of comments he let slip, she was fairly certain he’d already covered all this material with the doctor and that he was merely making conversation to keep her from dwelling on what tomorrow would bring. But she didn’t care about his motives. Talking helped, and by the time they reached the mansion, she felt in control once again.

      Elizabeth and Pete came running to greet her as she entered. Kneeling on the floor, she hugged them tightly.

      “Alex says that Tommy can’t come home for a while, but that he’s going to be just fine,” Elizabeth said as her mother released her. Her intonation made this a question.

      “He does have to stay at the hospital for a while, but he is going to be just fine,” she replied, determined to only think positive thoughts.

      “You look exhausted,” Helen commented worriedly as Nina straightened and rose. Giving her daughter-in-law a hug, she asked in hushed tones, “How is Tommy, really?”

      “He’s doing well,” Nina assured her. “Alex has hired private nurses to watch him around the clock. He couldn’t have better care.”

      Helen smiled gratefully at Alex. “Thank you.”

      Recalling the conversation in the hospital cafeteria the day before, Nina was tempted to remind her mother-on-law that he was merely living up to his part of the bargain, but now wasn’t the time or place.

      “Come see.” Pete grabbed her hand and began pulling her down the hall.

      “He’s learning to build an oil rig,” Elizabeth explained, falling into step beside her mother. “He and Alex spent the entire morning constructing it.”

      Surprised, Nina glanced over her shoulder. “I thought you’d gone into your office.”

      “As long as I have access to a computer and a telephone, I can run my business from wherever I choose. Right now, your family comes first.”

      He sounded so genuine, she would have believed he really meant that if she hadn’t known he was only saying that for the servants’ ears.

      “Look!” Pete demanded as they entered a room with a huge wide-screen television at one end and a pool table at the other. Down at the end where the television was housed, in front of the couch and chair grouping, were a variety of toys. To one side was an authentic looking oil rig, nearly as tall as Pete.

      “My grandfather had miniature replicas created of all the equipment he used in the field for drilling and pumping oil so that he could teach me how to build them. He believes in a person knowing their business from top to bottom,” Alex explained. “This is a drilling rig. We’re going to work on one of the pumps next.”

      Pete beamed as he pointed to the replica. “Drill oil.”

      “Looks like my grandson is already teaching your son how to be an oil man,” an elderly male voice said from behind them.

      Nina turned to discover William Bennett. He was in his pajamas and robe and leaning heavily on a cane.

      “Grandfather. I thought you weren’t supposed to be out of bed,” Alex admonished, continuing to play the part of the grandson concerned his grandfather would die at any moment.

      “Matilda told me about the young’un building on the rig and I had to see for myself. Nothing like having a bit of youthful blood in the house to give the place life. Must’ve rubbed off on me. I’m feeling a lot better.”

      “So it appears,” Alex noted, fighting to keep a dry edge out of his voice.

      “‘Course, I ain’t saying I’m ready to be doin’ cartwheels,” William added hurriedly. He made his way to a chair and sat down. “But I ain’t in no mood to lie up there waitin’ for Death to come knocking on my door.”

      Fear spread over both Elizabeth and Pete’s faces, and Nina realized they’d taken the elderly man’s words literally.

      “Death is coming here?” Elizabeth asked in horror.

      “No. No, he’s not,” Nina said firmly.

      She’d expected the children to accept her word. Instead, both Elizabeth and Pete looked to Alex for confirmation. How much they’d learned to trust the man shook her, and she hoped they weren’t getting too attached to him.

      “No, he’s not,” Alex assured them. “You’re safe here.”

      Both children visibly relaxed but kept their distance from the old man, as if not totally sure he wasn’t a friend of Death’s and hadn’t invited the specter for a visit.

      “Can you show me how the rig works?” William asked Pete, clearly trying to take the children’s minds off of the fright he’d given them.

      Making a wide circle to avoid getting too near William, the four-year-old went to the structure and sat down in front of it. He looked up at Alex and, after getting a nod of approval, began to turn one of the gears.

      William laughed. “Right smart little fellow.”

      Pride spread over Pete’s face and he grinned happily.

      Nina saw Elizabeth look at Alex, the hurt expression of one who felt left out on her face. She was about to place a comforting arm around the girl’s shoulders when Alex turned to the child.

      “I believe I heard Charles instructing you on the proper etiquette for serving tea earlier today,” he said.

      A smile spread over Elizabeth’s face. “Yes. He told me that he thought every young lady should know how to serve a proper tea.”

      Alex gave her a comradely wink, then turned to Matilda who had just entered the room. “Would you see that a tea tray is prepared? While Nina freshens up, Elizabeth will practice what Charles has taught her and preside over an afternoon tea.”

      “Really? Could I really?” Elizabeth asked.

      “I’ll see what pastries Rosemary has in the kitchen and have her start some water brewing,” Matilda said, already on her way to the door.

      Elizabeth looked excitedly at Nina. “Will you hurry so you can join us?”

      “Yes, of course,” Nina replied.

      As she left the room, Helen accompanied her, asking questions about Tommy. Once satisfied that her grandson was getting the best of care, Helen said, “Alex Bennett really surprised me today. He played with Pete for quite a while this morning and actually seemed to be enjoying himself. And just now when he saw Elizabeth looking left out, he made her feel important. He’s good father material. Who would have thought?”

      “Yes, who would have thought?” Nina muttered, not convinced that Alex’s behavior wasn’t all an act.

      “I’d better get back,” Helen said. “Alex seems to be able to control the children well, but I like to keep an eye on them, as well.”

      Continuing into her bedroom, Nina frowned. Tom used to play with the kids just like Alex was doing now. But Alex Bennett wasn’t anything like her Tom. Alex Bennett was a cynic. “And he’s only putting on a good show for his grandfather,” she told herself as she shed her clothes and climbed into the shower.

      Chapter Six

      Nina never thought time could pass so slowly. She’d again spent the night at the hospital with Tommy. Both she and the surgeon had agreed that it would be best not to give the boy any specifics regarding the operation. All he knew was that the doctor was going to fix him and make him better. Still, he was scared, so she’d stayed to ease his mind and because she was as afraid as he was and couldn’t bear to leave his side. Alex had stayed late, as well, and had arrived at the

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