Elizabeth said, “She’s still a bit shaken, but all in all, she’s pulled through in her usual style. Tommy, the distress alarm you bought for her is what saved her, and believe me, she’s reminded Father of that more times than I can count.”
Tommy breathed a sigh of relief. “We were lucky with that alarm. I was worried for her after what nearly happened to you, Elizabeth.”
She studied him. “Tommy, I see how healthy you are, how focused. Believe me, I didn’t know what to expect, but seeing you now—I really believe Father may be close to accepting you’ve changed for good. Be patient, Tommy. He needs more time. All will work out, you need only continue as you have been.”
Tommy shook his head, smiled. “There’s little else I can do. Let me get some tea, or something stronger, Agent Foxe?”
“Call me Rome. Tea would be very nice.”
He rose. “I’ll be right back. I’ve already made some.” They heard him whistling in the kitchen. He was soon back carrying a tray with a pot and teacups, cream and sugar on the side, and a covered plate. “You should try my favorite biscuits, chocolate, of course. They’re from the bakery down the street. I’m trying to fatten myself up, not much more to go, maybe a stone.”
Tommy passed around the tea and said around a mouthful of biscuit, “Tell me what’s been happening in the States, Elizabeth. You left so suddenly, without telling me where you went. I understood, though it was a shock.”
“I’m sorry, Tommy. Father thought it was for the best. And I did too, it kept you safe.”
“Mother did tell me now about your three-month stay with that defense trainer, Hurley what’s his name.”
She laughed. “Just remember Hurley.”
“I called Mr. Eiserly. He told me you went to Washington and hooked up with the FBI.” He paused, shook his head. “I was scared spitless when he told me they found you there and attacked you with a helicopter of all things? Mother and I have talked of little else recently. Has the FBI made any progress, Rome? Mr. Eiserly said there were several possibilities but he wouldn’t discuss them with me.”
Rome sipped his tea. “Yes, there are several leads we’re following about the attacks on your sister. The truth will come out, it usually does. Tommy, your sister has survived so far because she’s tough as nails. She insisted on coming back immediately after we heard about the attempt on your mother.”
Tommy took her hand, squeezed it. “I wish the authorities would hurry up and figure all this out, Elizabeth. You might still be in danger. I’m so glad you came back. I hope you’ll stay home now.”
She looked at his strained face. “We’ll see.” She changed course. “I took Rome to see Palmer House. But this view, Tommy—maybe we could trade places. I’ll bet your toilet never plugs up.”
Tommy laughed. “When Mother brought me to see this flat for the first time, she told me she’d fallen in love, not with the toilet, but with the view.”
“Tommy, believe me when I say you really do look marvelous, and yes, another stone will suit you fine. You simply radiate health and, well, contentment. I promise I’ll join Mother’s chorus getting Father to reinstate you.”
Tommy said, “That really means something since you’ve seen me at my worst. So thank you, Elizabeth. It means a lot to hear you say it.”
Rome set down his teacup and leaned forward, his hands on his knees. “Why did you stop using, Tommy?”
Elizabeth nearly came to his defense, as she usually did for her brother from their earliest years, but she stayed silent.
“The truth? I looked in the mirror one morning, only half out of my mind on cocaine, for a change, and nearly threw up at what I saw. It was a moment of clarity, I guess you could call it. I looked at myself and saw my own death. I called Carlos and told him I was going clean and not to call me. Actually, I begged him not to call me. My mantra from that day on was to survive one day at a time. It took me nearly a month before I felt human.”
Rome said, “I know how tough it is to stop cold turkey. It’s amazing, really. What are your plans?”
Tommy paused, sighed. “I’m hoping Father contacts me, but I don’t blame him for waiting to see. I would do the same if I were he. In the meantime, I’m building myself up, had my first workout with a personal trainer Al found for me. I walk everywhere and think about what I might do if Father doesn’t accept I’ve changed for good. And I’m reading textbooks on economics and banking.” He waved toward the pile of books on the coffee table. “So if and when he gives me another chance, I won’t be completely ignorant. I do know how many times I’ve lied to you, Elizabeth, lied to everyone, lied to myself.” He laughed. “I saw Carlos last week and he almost didn’t recognize me. He didn’t even ask me if I wanted coke. He gave me a slap on the shoulder and said, ‘Good luck, mate.’”
“That’s wonderful, Tommy.”
“Enough about me. Tell me about your three months with this Hurley fellow.”
Elizabeth did as he asked, answered all his questions about her life with Hurley, told him about the Roosevelt memorial, reminded him how their grandfather had worked with Churchilland met Roosevelt. She told him most everything except for her feelings for Rome. He asked so many questions that finally she threw up her hand. “That’s more than enough. I hate to leave you, dearest, but Rome and I have an appointment to see Mr. Eiserly, so we need to go. I’ll be back to see you soon.” She hugged him close, kissed his cheek. “I’m so proud of you. I can’t wait for all of us to sit down together to a magnificent feast at Darlington Hall.”
Instead of riding the elevator, they walked the stairs to the ornate lobby, with its wide symmetrical windows. Elizabeth said, “I’m pleased Tommy has a friend. I wish we could have met him, maybe seen Tommy through his eyes, asked him questions about his own recovery.” She eyed him. “You haven’t said much. It’s all right, I know it’ll take time for you to come around to trusting my brother. But I’m quite certain he’s clean, and he’s been clean for what, three months.”
Rome said nothing, merely took her arm as they walked into the bright sunlight. They heard the echoes of motorboats and voices from the tourist boats. When they reached the car, Elizabeth gave him a grin. “You need more practice. Just remember the center line is your friend. And if you see my lips moving, that will be praying.”
Chapter Fifty-Eight
The Red Lion Pub
Parliament Street, London
