Page 105 of Remiss
“Is there a reason why you have a new number?”
“It’s a long story,” Meggie said, sighing.
“One I’ll be happy to hear another time,” Father Wilkins replied. “You interrupted my beauty sleep, so please tell me what it is that you need.”
“I tried calling earlier. You sent me to voicemail.”
“I didn’t recognize the number. I don’t give everyone access to my exalted self.”
“How lucky I am to be counted among those that you do.”
“Sarcasm is a sin.”
“That’s nowhere in the bible, Father Wilkins.”
“It’s part of my rule book.”
“Right. Of course. Remind me of that the next time I write a check to you.”
“Charity is a Christian tenet, madam.”
“Relearn it,” Meggie said. “Humility is also one of those tenets.”
“Only for the meek and the submissive.”
“Good to know you escaped unscathed.”
“Thank you for your concern, Mrs. Caldwell. It’s been nice chatting with you—”
“I called because I’m in LA. I want to see my son.”
“Rule, I take it.”
“Do I have another son in Los Angeles?”
“You tell me. You have so many of them, I’m sure it’s hard to keep track.”
Meggie gritted her teeth. “I’ll ignore that,” she said evenly. “I would like to visit him tomorrow—”
“No.”
“D-does he not want to see me?” She understood if he didn’t. As Christopher pointed out, she’d failed Rule horribly. “Will it cause a s-setback?”
“Are you asking in your pedestrian way if the doctor has advised against a visit from you? His mother? The woman who prides herself on being a homemaker? Wife? Mom? The one who allowed her son to descend into madness?”
The food she’d eaten rose up, but Meggie forced it back down, and sniffled.
“Guilty tears don’t move me, madam.”
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “If the doctor doesn’t want me to see him—”
“Did I say that? Do not put words in my mouth as you put expectations on Rule’s sanity. See where that’s landed you?”
“I-if the doctor says it’s okay and Rule is willing—”
“Rulewantsto see you and his twin.Iam declining your request because you don’t deserve that privilege.”
“If he wants to see me, then you cannot stop me. He’smyson.”
