Free The Vigil by Marian P. Merritt Page A

out real quick.”
    The corners of his eyes squinted as he contemplated what I suggested. “It would be nice to know. Not that I’ll go find her or anything.”
    I laughed. “Why not go find her? Or at least send an e-mail or call. What would be the harm in that?”
    “Cheryl, you don’t know what you’re asking.” He wiped off the perspiration dripping from his temple with the sleeve of his T-shirt.
    “What do you mean by that?”
    “If I called her, I’d be opening a can of worms I’m not sure I can deal with.”
    A panting Mr. Bojangles perched at my feet.
    “Let’s go back to my house and see if she’s married. If not, you can think about what to do next. No pressure. ‘K?” The word was one we used as kids when we wanted to reassure each other we were fine.
    “‘K.” He smiled revealing a line of blue along his lips and on his teeth.
    I laughed and stuck my tongue out at him knowing mine was a deep dark red. Just like when we were kids.
     
    ****
     
    “Look.” I pointed to the picture of Dr. Angelle Guidry on the St. Theresa’s Children’s Clinic homepage. “Same last name. My bet is, she’s still single.”
    The corners of Anthony’s lips spread into a slow smile.
    Angelle’s golden-brown hair reflected the light and her butterscotch eyes stared back from a professional photograph on the staff page. Her embroidered lab coat boasted her name. The website listed her as a pediatrician.
    I’m sure her patients adored her.
    Not unlike my older brother, judging from the way his eyes never left the screen. “Wow,” he finally said. “She hasn’t changed much.
    “Oh, I bet she’s changed a lot.” I clicked on the contact us tab and jotted down the address and phone number to the clinic. I pressed the sticky note into Anthony’s hand. “Here you go, bro. It’s up to you. My bet is she would love to hear from you, and you know she’s less than two hours away.”
    He slipped the note into his pocket. “I must be crazy for letting you talk me into this. I was better off not knowing.”
    “Really?” I arched my brow. “Really?”
    He squinted and glared. “Yes. Really.”
    I shook my head. “I don’t think so. You should call her.”
    “I’ll think about it.” He turned away.
    “Anthony.” I placed my hand on his arm. “I let Beau get away and look where we are now. He’s married but doesn’t have his wife. It’s an impossible situation for us. But maybe for you and Angelle, it’s not too late. Promise me you’ll give it some serious thought.”
    He kissed my forehead the way he used to when we were teenagers. “I love you, sis, and I promise I’ll think about it.”
    After he left, I gave Mr. Bojangles a well-needed bath. He went to his cozy bed in the living room and fell asleep. I envied him. I took forever to fall asleep.
    I glanced toward the clock. Just enough time to grab a bite for lunch and drive to Lafayette.
    A quick phone call to Mama confirmed what Anthony said.
    “She’s driving me crazy, Cheryl,” Mama whispered. An interesting choice of words coming from her, but I let it pass. We had not discussed the pills, and I hoped my visit later this afternoon would present the opportunity. “Can you come over and talk to her? You’re a nurse. She might listen to you.”
    This was big coming from her. That she thought I could accomplish something she couldn’t was a first. “I’ll be over later. But first, I’m going to see Annie Battice.”
    Her silence spoke volumes.
    I smiled and then hung up.
     
     
     
     

Dix
     
    The familiar scent of pine and ammonia mingled through the halls of the long-term care facility. In the shiny floor, I saw the reflection of an elderly lady walking toward me. She smiled as she passed by. The nurses had been pleasant at the front desk, and when they’d discovered Beau had left my name as a visitor today, they gave me a visitor’s badge and directions to Annie’s room.
    As I entered her room, the familiar, yet foreign