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Dottie tossed and turned in her bed, unable to sleep. Her mind raced as she replayed the events of the day in her head. What had she forgotten to tell Michaela? It was important, and it nagged at her incessantly. She sat on the side of her bed and tried to remember everything she’d overheard in Dr. Dude's office. It just wouldn't come. She looked at her alarm clock. It was after midnight.
Damn, I shouldn’t have had that third glass of Sherry. It’s keeping me up. She decided to go into the kitchen and make herself some hot chocolate.
Dottie stood but had to hold onto her bedpost for moment. Sometimes she got dizzy when she first stood, and she didn’t want to take a chance on falling. A new right hip reminded her she wanted no part of the inside of a hospital room. When she felt steady, she looked beside her night table and sure enough, Cookie had placed her walker where she could easily reach it.
I hate this damned thing and I don't want anyone to know I have it, but I do know that when I get up at night I'm a little rocky.
Dottie grabbed the walker angrily and held on to it as she slipped on her slippers and robe and padded across her bedroom into the hall. She pushed the elevator button, and the door opened immediately. The elevator made a quick sweep to the first floor, and she exited in her kitchen. A voice startled her and she almost jumped out of her skin.
“What are you doing out of bed, Countess?” a surprised and concerned voice demanded. Cookie stood across the kitchen, her face a mixture of anger and concern.
Dorothy turned and smiled when she saw Cookie in her robe standing near the opposite entrance to the kitchen.
Dottie tossed her head and her silver hair, free from its bun, danced around her head. "I couldn't sleep. There's something I forgot to tell Michaela, and I thought if I had some hot chocolate, it might jar my memory. I know it's important and I think it might be the final piece to the puzzle." Dottie was so frustrated she was close to tears.
Cookie walked across the kitchen and took Dottie’s arm. "Countess, sit at the table, and I’ll make your chocolate for you. The next time you need help this late at night please ring for me,” she added in a reproachful voice.
Dottie sighed but remained silent as Cookie ranted a bit longer, “Henry and I are happy to help you anytime you need us. You do know that," she said in an accusing tone, as her right eyebrow arched. Dottie knew that when the eyebrow arched, she was in deep trouble with her housekeeper. She sat quietly as Cookie continued to chastise her, but her mind wandered to more important things.
“Countess, are you listening to me?” Cookie demanded.
Dottie waved her hand and dismissed her. "Seriously, Cookie. This is important. I overheard a conversation today in Dr. Smirkowitz’s office, and it had something to do with Margaret’s granddaughter."
Cookie went over to the refrigerator and removed a gallon of milk. Then she retrieved the cocoa powder from the walk-in pantry. "Of course, you did,” she interrupted Dottie. “It’s Allison Massie, you told Michaela about it when she was here a few hours ago."
Dottie shook her head. "No, no, no. I did not." Dottie protested sharply, her voice caustic. “Stop telling me what I said because you weren’t even in the room,” she added, her voice belligerent.
Cookie shot her a stunned look and opened her mouth to speak, but before she could get the words out, Dottie spoke again.
“Oh, yes, I apologize. I didn’t mean to sound so rude.” Dottie gave Cookie a pained look. “I’m just anxious because I’m sure I’ve forgotten something important.”
Cookie gave her a brief smile and gestured for her to continue. “Go on. Tell me what you remember,” she encouraged. Cookie prayed for patience and hoped she didn’t smack the arrogant old lady, something she’d never done but dreamed of often.
Dottie thought for a moment. “I did tell her about Allison, but there’s another young woman who’s in danger, and I cannot remember her name to save my life," Dottie continued as she pounded her delicate, blue-veined fist on the table. “It makes me so mad,” she wailed.
Cookie laid a reassuring hand on Dottie's shoulder. "You'd best settle down so you'll be able to think more clearly. I'm going to have some chocolate, too, and I'll sit here with you, and we’ll try to remember together."
Dottie nodded stiffly.
“Sometimes two heads are better than one,” Cookie added, but Dottie remained silent.
As Cookie busied herself at the stove, Dottie slowly sipped her hot chocolate. It was warm and comforting and the milk felt like velvet in her mouth. She felt her blood pressure and pulse slow down. She turned to Cookie, and said, in a rare moment of appreciation, "Cookie, I hope you know how much I appreciate you and Henry. You are the only family I have now... and Michaela, of course, and I don't know what I would do without you."
"Thank you, Countess Borghase. That means a lot to us. We love you and that's all the more reason why you should call us at night when you need help." Dottie thought Cookie sounded like she might cry.
”For heaven’s sake, can’t you just let it rest,” Dottie blurted out.
As soon as the words escaped her mouth, Cookie wished she could stuff them back in. Dottie rarely said anything that touched her heart, but Cookie had replied like she were speaking to a child. Cookie turned away from the stove and faced Dottie who rolled her blue eyes. Cookie ignored Dottie’s angry look and carried the hot chocolate over to the large oak kitchen table and sat down.
"Would you like a refill? I made a full pot," Cookie offered.
Dottie stared steadily at the table but pushed her cup toward Cookie. "Yes, it's really good, and it hit the spot."
Cookie smiled and refilled Dottie’s cup. The two women drank their chocolate in silence as Dottie thought about her eavesdropping escapade at Dr. Dude's office. Suddenly, a light bulb went off, and she smacked the table and said happily. “I remember the girl’s name. I know her name. It’s Danielle, and the Russian said he was going to get her tonight before she talked to anyone. Oh gosh, Cookie, please give me the phone so I can call Michaela."
"Yes, ma'am, I'll get it right now." Cookie scurried across the kitchen, as fast as her buxom-full frame could carry her, returning with Dottie's house phone. She pushed the redial button for Michaela’s cell.
Michaela answered on the first ring. ”Dottie, what’s wrong?” Mic’s voice sounded strained and tired.
"Michaela, Michaela, nothing is wrong. I remember something else from today. The Russian man was also after a young girl named Danielle."
There was long silence. Michaela was unable to speak.
"Mic, do you hear me. There's a young woman, who probably works in Dr. Dude's office, and she's in trouble. I know it. I just remembered." Dottie's voice was excited, and she seemed a bit short of breath.
Michaela said softly, "Thanks, Dottie. I knew they were after her.”
“He said he was going to find Danielle tonight and take care of her,” Dottie added as she paused. “Does that mean anything to you?”
“Yes, I know. I’ve found Danielle,” Mic said sadly.
“What’s wrong, Mic? You sound funny,” Dottie said.
"I’m okay. Go to bed and get some rest. I’ve got to go, Dottie. I'm pretty busy now, but I'll talk to you tomorrow." Michaela stared at the bloodied body of Danielle Alvarez. She could hardly hold back the tears.