Chapter 73

Chris did so and said, “What happens now?”

“Just as soon as my part-time secretary gets here, I’ll send her over to see the judge. I’ll call ahead and tell him what we want, and we’ll have it before five.”

“Wow! Mitch said that the wheels can be well greased in a small town environment.”

“That’s the way it is, and it saves everybody a heap of money.” Chris’ cell phone rang again, and he looked at the display.

“It’s a local number, so I’d better take it.” He opened the phone, said “Hello,” listened a few minutes, and added, “Thank you for letting me know.”

He turned to Mr. Vanderbilt. “That was the hospital. She’s gone—we’d better get over there.”

“Right you are. I’ll be in touch.”

They shook hands with the lawyer and headed for the rental car.

“Do you want me to drive?” Mickey said as they approached the car.

“No.”

“Are you sure, Chris? After all, your mother just died.”

“That’s true, and I’m standing here wondering why I don’t feel anything.”