CHAPTER18
FLYNN
Astrange sense of calm has descended over me, and it’s as if this is happening to someone else. Meeting my mother was possibly the best experience of my life, but meeting Iris Young could prove to be one of the worst.
I’m still unsure how to play this because I’m not aware of how far into dementia she has fallen, but as we stand waiting, I am grateful that for once I’m not doing it alone.
Louisa’s hand in mine is comforting, thrilling and as if it was made to fit. It’s as if she was always meant to be standing beside me and that is what I’m most nervous about. What if I can’t have her?
That one sentence has become the most important one in my life because the more time I spend in her company, the deeper the ache grows. I want her so badly I’m thinking of nothing else and that alone has surprised me.
I’ve always craved a gentle soul, and she appears the gentlest I’ve met. Unlike the others, though, I want her for more than one night only and that’s what’s tearing me apart. What if I’m denied even one night? I’m not sure why it’s become so important to me for that at least. Possibly because of the emotions I’m experiencing with my newfound knowledge. Or is it just her? The one I’ve been searching for only to lose as soon as she is found.
Steeling myself for more disappointment, I nod to the woman who answers the door and regards us with suspicion.
“Um, can I help you?”
She looks nervous and I’m guessing that’s because of me, so I let Louisa do the talking as we agreed.
“Mr. and Mrs. Santiago.” Louisa beams, holding my hand tightly. “I think you are expecting us.”
“Of course.” The woman visibly relaxes under Louisa’s warm smile and steps aside to let us pass.
“Follow me. I understand you are here about a relative who may wish to make Cedar Heights her home.”
“Yes. We’ve been searching for the best possible place for her and have almost given up hope.”
The woman smiles, looking a lot more relaxed.
“Even though I’m biased, you won’t find a better place for your relative to live out her days.”
I drop back as Louisa charms the woman and cast my eyes over a palatial care home that only the wealthiest residents could ever afford. It’s clean, bright and has no trace of the smell these places usually have seeping from their walls. Not that I’ve been in many but had the misfortune to visit a few when the elderly relative of someone on our radar proves to be an invaluable tool of persuading their relative to give us what we want.
Louisa chats easily to the woman and after we fill in our contact form, making sure to use false information, I hear Louisa says in her gentle voice. “I would love to chat to one of the female residents about their time here. Would that be possible?”
“I don’t see why not.”
I quickly interrupt. “What was the name of the woman your aunt told you about? Wasn’t she her governess at some point?”
“You’re right.” Louisa turns to the woman and says casually, “I think her name was Mrs. Young. Iris Young to be correct. Do you have a resident by that name living here?”
She looks surprised. “Yes, we do, but she’s an extremely private person.”
“Oh, that’s a shame because it would be so lovely to pass on the kind messages my aunt gave us.”
Louisa turns to me and says ruefully, “It would be so lovely for Aunt Ellen to meet a friend here. It would make all the difference.”
The woman obviously senses a deal breaker heading her way and I’m guessing wants nothing more than presenting her boss with another resident to inflate their bank balance and I watch with amusement as she seizes her chance and says quickly, “I’m sure it will be fine. If you follow me, Iris has one of our best rooms at the top of the building overlooking the fountain.”
We head upstairs and I hold my breath the entire time.
Louisa is acting so cool, and I am extremely impressed with how she conducts herself. I’m certain that’s why the woman is agreeing to this, and I’m also guessing her manager wouldn’t be quite so accommodating.
As we follow her down a carpeted hallway smelling of freshly cut flowers, I wonder what we will find.
We stop outside the last door in the corridor, and she smiles. “I’ll just check she’s ok with visitors. If you don’t mind waiting here for a second.”
“Of course not, we appreciate your help.” Louisa smiles at her warmly as she opens the door with a cheery, “It’s only me, Iris. Are you up for a couple of visitors?”