The Story So Far: Maggie and Della are roped into building a computer for a woman who was blinded in a car accident. They later discover that woman is also dying of cancer.
The woman’s husband is widely blamed for the accident. Maggie and Della are drawn into the middle of a bitter family argument. They’re also wary of the husband, who might be trying to use them to protect himself.
Read The Miracle Man from the Beginning, at: http://maggiemusing.wordpress.com/the-miracle-man/
Photo courtesy Pam Roth, USA
Maria Carlini ended up in the hospital the week we were due to deliver her computer. That put us back a week, but only one. Her pain medication needed adjusting. They also looked at her other eye, which was healing but still sightless. In the meantime, I spoke to my husband and asked if he’d mind coming with us when we were ready to deliver. Della and I were still spooked by David Carlini’s behavior in our office.
Antonette Trocadero took up residence in our office, at least during the times restaurant business was slow. She apologized for David and gave us up-to-the-minute news on Maria’s condition. She was candid at least. David had not taken his lay-off graciously. He’d accused his foreman and co-workers of plotting against him and had to be forcibly removed from the work-site. That’s why he “seemed upset” when he came to visit, Antonette explained. “It’s a terrible thing,” she said, capturing us both in her small, but solid, presence. “You gonna’ see. When Maria gets the computer, it’s gonna’ make David a new man.”
Oh, I could hardly wait. All the money in the world would not be enough. Della sat, stiff-shouldered, in the chair next to mine and listened as Antonette defended the Carlini clan. “I’m sure it will,” she agreed politely.
Antonette’s cell phone rang. She flipped it open and responded in terse Italian. Then she clamped it shut. “I gotta’ go,” she said, apologetically. “People comin’ in for lunch. Joseph needs a hand.” She shouldered a heavy hand-bag and started for the door. “You gonna’ bring the computer for Maria this week?” she asked, hand at the knob.
“I’m going to call this afternoon,” I promised.
The Queen of the Carlinis nodded in approval and left our office. I stared at the phone, ruefully, then picked it up. “Stick around for a minute, Del,” I said, then punched in the number. “Hullo?” a hoarse voice answered at the other line. It was Anne, David’s sister.
“This is Maggie Sczcep,” I said. “Maria’s computer is ready. When can we bring it by? We’ll need some time to set it up. Oh, and my husband will be coming along, too.” Alex Herman, my spouse, was the perfect foil. He was a rehabilitation specialist at a hospital downtown. We’d have security in the guise of medical assistance.
Thumbs Up or Down? Photo Radu Andrei Dan
Anne hesitated for a minute. “Wait a sec,” she said. I heard her shouting in the background. “David? David!”
“Uh?” David’s voice sounded on the far line.
“They’re ready with the computer. You need to talk to them. David?”
There was a hollow, crackling sound on the other end as the phone was passed to David Carlini. “Hello? Oh, hi,” he said. I think he’d been sleeping. “Maria just got back from the hospital. Can I call you tomorrow?”
We left it at that. Della and I went out for lunch and met up with my husband to discuss issues of follow-up and security. Alice DesChamps decided to join us for that discussion. We did not go to Trocco’s. “David Carlini is under a great deal of pressure,” Alice began. “Based on what you tell me, his behavior can be erratic and unpredictable. So far, though, he hasn’t threatened you directly, has he?”
I thought for a minute. “No. He was angry, but not at us. And then the next minute he was fine.”
Alex raised his eyebrows and nervously rubbed his face. “Isn’t there some way you can do this outside of their home?” he asked. “A clinic somewhere?” This entire affair worried him, and for good reason. “Then you could have more security and control of the situation.”
Della shook her head. “Maria just got back from the hospital. She’s in no condition to be moved again. Besides, we’ll need to come back there at least once to make sure everything’s operating correctly.”
Alex scowled. “Why can’t somebody else do this?” he asked.
“Because Della and I designed the computer and built it,” I explained. “It’s our baby. Besides, what if something happened to someone else who just showed up? At least the Carlinis know us.”
Dangerous Discussions
“Maggie’s right,” Alice said. “There’s a great deal of tension and unpredictability, but it might be worse with total strangers. I hate to say it,” she said directly to Alex, “but I think the two or three of you would be best. Just try to minimize contact. Make sure the computer works the first time. Maybe you won’t have to go back.”
“Okay,” I said. “Alex, can you live with that? Frankly, I don’t like this any more than you.”
Alex took my hand and held it in his. “I’m going to talk to Antonette after this is over,” he declared. “She had no right to involve you with this. This guy is dangerous. First his wife and now maybe you.”
Della shook her head. “I wouldn’t be so sure of that. For all we know, he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“Tanked to the gills,” I declared, sourly.
“You don’t know that,” Della replied.
Alice broke the tension, deliberately I’m sure. “Alright!” she declared, standing up. “From here on in, we go forward and get the job done. What’s the next step?”
“We wait for a phone call,” I said and drained the last of my coffee. “I just love sitting around waiting, don’t you?”
