Page 21 of Daddy Detectives: Episode 2

“Hi, Mom,” I say.

“I’m just calling with an update,” she says. “The police picked up Gary Sharp. He’s being charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and attempted murder. He’s being held in the Cook County jail. His arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday at 9 AM. I just wanted you both to know.”

“Thanks, Mom,” I say. “We’re on our way to the hospital now to see Rhonda.”

There’s a pause on the phone line, and I imagine my mom’s having a bit of difficulty processing the news that Rhonda is suddenly in my life again, at least for the moment. I’m not ready to even think about the future. “Mom?”

“Yes, I’m here, honey.”

“Are you okay with this? With me seeing Rhonda?”

“Of course I am, sweetheart,” she says, sounding far chipper than she did a moment ago. “You know I support whatever you want to do.”

* * *

When we arrive at the hospital, we stop at the information desk to check on Rhonda’s status. She’s been moved out of the emergency room and admitted to the hospital. That’s encouraging. It means her condition is stable now. The woman at the reception desk gives us her room number. She’s on the fifth floor.

After stopping twice to ask for directions, we eventually find our way to her room. Her door is partially open, and we can hear voices coming from within.

A nurse steps out. “You can go in. She’s awake.”

I step into her room, Tyler right behind me. Rhonda’s lying in bed, her head propped up. The room is quiet and the lights are off, but the blinds on the windows are up, letting in some natural light.

She turns to us and smiles. “Ian!” She sounds almost surprised to see me. “And Tyler. I’m so glad you came.”

I sit in the chair beside her bed, and Tyler goes to stand by the window.

“How are you feeling?” I ask.

“I’ve been better,” she says. “But it’s not too bad. They operated on my arm last night and put pins in my elbow.” She lifts her arm, which is now encased in a bright green fiberglass cast. “Maybe you can sign it before you leave.”

“Sure.” I glance over at Tyler, who’s pretending to look at the view outside the window. He’s giving us space. “I wanted to make sure you’re all right.”

Rhonda blinks back tears. “I’m doing okay. I honestly didn’t know if I’d see you again. I mean—after everything that’s happened—I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t want anything to do with me. I made a lot of mistakes with you. Some mom I am, right?”

My throat tightens as I think about everything I want to say. I want to be open and honest with her, and I don’t want her to get the wrong idea and think everything is fine between us. But I also don’t want to hurt her. “You should know that Ruth Alexander will always be my mom.”

Rhonda nods. “I understand, and I don’t blame you, Ian, honestly.”

I nod, too, glad to see we’re on the same page. “She saved me, you know. My dad, too.”

Rhonda continues to nod. “They sound like wonderful people.”

“We can be friends, though,” I add, hating the look of resignation on her face. Her eyes—so much like my own—radiate sadness.

She smiles. “I’d like that.”

“And you won’t have to worry about anything—medical bills, rent, groceries. I’ll help you out. I’m… kind of wealthy.”

“I know you are. I’ve followed you in the news over the years. I remember when you made a huge endowment to that Chicago arts organization. And when you donated a new recreation building to the children’s club. I was so proud of you. I knewthen that you had a good heart, that you’d grown into a fine young man.”

“I can’t take credit for the money. I inherited it from my grandfather.”

“Still,” she says, “you’ve done so much good with it.”

I shrug, uncomfortable with the praise when I feel I don’t deserve it. “I just wanted you to know you don’t have to worry about money.”

Rhonda swallows hard. “Thank you.” Her tears overflow, streaming down her cheeks. “I always loved you, Ian. I want you to know that. And I’m so sorry for what you went through as a little kid. I swear, I did what I thought was best. I just wanted to protect you.”

---