“AND THAT’S HOW YOU left it?” Liam said.
Catherine nodded. “I told her she could take all the time she wants—tell me the story at her own pace. These recollections are very hard on her.”
“Did she say anything more about the two girls or Karolina?”
“Nothing yet. At this point in her story she doesn’t know what happened to Karolina, and there’s no mention of any twins.”
“I got a call this morning from a man named Arthur Woodward. He says he’s Lena’s son and he wants us to stay away from his mother.”
“She has a son?”
Liam nodded. “He sounded concerned, but irritated. He asked me if his mother was talking to me about a woman named Karolina. I told him I really couldn’t say, that any communications between an attorney and her client are privileged and confidential and that I was working for the attorney.”
“Perfect,” Catherine said. “We can’t disclose any information, even if he is her son. Not without her permission.”
“Right. And then Arthur said to me, ‘Is she repeating those crazy stories about two lost children? Is my mother telling you she wants you to find Karolina’s lost children? Can you at least tell me that much?’
“I told him I was sorry but I couldn’t tell him anything. I suggested he ask his mother what she’d said. Then he got downright nasty.
“‘Look,’ he snapped, ‘she’s a senile, delusional old woman. There’s no babies, there’s no Karolina. Never was. I don’t know what your play is, but I don’t want some moneygrubbing lawyer leading her on and making bullshit promises. You’re not going to find any missing children. So leave her alone. And I better not find out you’re taking any of her money. Do you understand? Am I clear here?’ And then he hung up.”
“Whoa. What a pleasant fellow,” Catherine said. “I know I’ve only had a couple of days with her, but I don’t get the feeling that Lena’s senile. To the contrary, her narrative is well structured, organized and detailed. She’s articulate. And Liam—she knows I’m pregnant!”
“Maybe she’s also very observant.”
“I’m not really showing, am I?”
Liam shook his head. “Nah. And I keep a careful watch on all parts Catherine.”
“Did you say something to her?”
“I haven’t said anything to anybody.”
“Lena said she’s part Gypsy, so maybe she’s got mystical powers.” Catherine wiggled her fingers and laughed. “You know, I’m growing to like her. It’s like she’s my grandmother. And I don’t believe she’s mentally impaired. I have colleagues at the bar who can’t communicate half as well as she does.”
“I agree with you. She doesn’t appear to be senile or delusional. I get the feeling that Arthur’s more concerned about her money than her mental condition. Do you think he’s looking forward to a sizable inheritance?”
“I don’t know. She lives on East Pearson Street, in one of the vintage buildings. Her wardrobe is exquisite; she wears beautiful clothes. Haven’t you noticed?”
Liam shrugged. “I guess I wouldn’t know the difference. She always looks dignified. Put together. She’s certainly not some dowdy old lady.”
“Liam, that’s not a very nice thing to say. Still, I bet she drops a pretty penny on Michigan Avenue.”
He nodded. “She’s a very attractive woman.”
“Without letting her know, can you get some background on her? And on Arthur Woodward?”
“Cat, you cut me to the quick. You’re talking to the world’s greatest investigator. Not to mention the world’s greatest…”
“Stop. I’m serious. See what you can learn about Lena and her family.”
“I will.”
“I don’t think I’ll mention Arthur’s call to Lena. Not yet. I’ll just go ahead with the interviews like we’ve been doing.”