Page 109 of The Last Man on Earth
Dorinda doesn’t even flinch. “Yes, that’s the next matter. Mr. Newcastle has leased you a house in Hillcrest.”
I burst out laughing at that. I don’t even live there and I know Hillcrest is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Atlanta. The new Buckhead, so they say.
“He insists that you and the baby be in a secure, peaceful environment.”
“Secure and peaceful,” I repeat. “Interesting.”
She keeps going, listing items like she’s reading a shopping order from heaven. House staff, meals, car service, prenatal wellness, beauty treatments. But by the time she’s finished, I just feel pissed off.
“Tell me something, Dorinda.”
Her eyebrows lift.
“Has Mr. Newcastle scheduled an actual conversation with me, or do I need to make an appointment?”
She takes a seat at the other end of the couch, her face stern but understanding.
“If you’re free this evening, Mr. Newcastle would like to come here and speak with you. And your parents.”
I close my eyes. “My head is spinning.”
She doesn’t respond to that.
“How about…leave me your phone number and I’ll text you an answer.”
It’s quiet for a moment, then she says, “This is for you.”
When I open my eyes, she’s holding a cellphone out to me. “It’s preprogrammed with important contacts. Mr. Newcastle and myself.”
I take it, but before I can say anything, she dips her head, gathers her things, and walks out the door.
The silence she leaves behind is full of questions.
“Well.”
Daddy steps into the room. I can tell by his eyebrows that he’s been listening.
“Sounds like Mr. Newcastle is on top of things.”
I shrug. “Not everything.”
“He sent these lovely flowers.”
“Oh, those are all from him?”
Daddy nods.
“Interesting.”
He sits where Dorinda was and studies me for a minute. “You trust him?”
“On the island, no question. He took care of me, Daddy. He kept me safe. But now, I don’t know where things stand.”
He nods, quiet for a moment. “I’m sure he’s dealing with a lot.”
“That’s what Shara said.”
He puts a hand on my foot. “I’m grateful to him. Because now I have you back.”
