Free Ties That Bind by Debbie White Page A

this a bit slow,” he said tapping my hand lightly reassuring me he was on my side all the way – I needed that right about then.
    Francis, realizing he may have coughed up a bit more than we were ready to handle, leaned back in the booth and let out a sigh. “I’m probably a bit overzealous in my approach – given that you just started your search and all,” he said.
    I nodded my head. Clearing my throat and as delicately as I could, I asked him if he’d give us the address to the convalescent home Teresa lived at. He scribbled down the address and slid over the information. As I went to get the paper, he quickly took it back saying, “You might want her son’s information too.” He scribbled something else on the paper and this time let us keep it.
    “Do you really know who my parents were?” I blurted out.
    “Yes, I believe so. I know what Teresa told me. However, based on some of the information I have, it may not be true. Unfortunately, she had a habit of not telling the truth. That’s why we broke up. I’ll reserve the information I have until you can confirm or deny some things. We’ll meet again,” he said looking at Charles and me.
    We finished our drinks and pleasantries and promised to keep in touch. He said he understood that it was a lot of information to take in during one meeting. He offered to meet us again after visiting Teresa. I wanted to see what she’d offer up first before I got the information from a stranger.

Chapter Thirteen
     
     
    That night, over grilled cheese sandwiches and hot tomato soup we discussed our next plan of action. We both found comfort in the savory taste of tomato soup and grilled cheese on sourdough bread – it helped calm our nerves and allowed us to be able to think clearly, or so we believed.
    “Do you think he’s telling the truth? How do we know he's not a bold face liar?” I asked slurping my soup.
    “If he’s a bold face liar, he’s a good one,” Charles said in between bites and slurps. “He went out of his way to enter valuable information on your family tree, then went a step further and agreed to meet with us. I truthfully think he knows something…how much remains to be seen,” he said looking me deep in my eyes.
    “Well, I trust your instincts better than mine,” I murmured. “I’m probably too close to the situation,” I added.
     
    ***
     
    I tried to sleep that night, but all I could hear in my head were the words my sister and her son were still alive. I hadn’t had any contact with her in over thirty years. It was going to be strange seeing her again. I wondered if she’d mellowed in her older years, and maybe even got a bit nicer. We’d find out soon enough. I tried to close my eyes and rest. I knew that I had a big day coming up.
    Finally, after what seemed like hours, I drifted off to sleep. When I awoke, I didn’t recall dreaming about anything, so I guess my brain finally did succumb to darkness and I rested.
     
    ***
                 
    The convalescent hospital was an older building that appeared to have wings off a central area. Charles found a parking space and we walked to the sliding front doors that would take us inside. Once inside, we approached a front desk that was busy with people answering the phone, looking at charts, and helping visitors. It almost had the appearance of a hospital.
    “Can I help you?” A pleasant voice asked.
    “Yes, my wife and I would like to visit one of the residents. Her name is Teresa Bowman - Spencer. We were told she’s here. We’re visiting from out of state,” he added.
    The young attendant looked at a chart and then directed us to room 15.
    The hallway was bustling with activity. There were residents in wheelchairs rolling about, nurses pushing medicine carts, and down at one end we could see the meal cart delivering lunch. We came to room 15 and stopped to catch our breath before entering.
    The room had two beds, but only one appeared to be occupied. The bed