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CHAPTER THIRTY
The rules were explained before Tanya and Eddie pulled out of the driveway Friday evening. They planned to be home Sunday. Eddie reminded them to lock the doors and if they came home and the door was unlocked there would be Hell to pay.“ Yes sir,” both children said and waved goodbye as their parents climbed into the car and drove away.“ I’ m glad Justin likes his new phone. I have the lap-top to keep track of both of them. The tiny security camera pointed at the refrigerator was brilliant,” Tanya laughed.“ Gotta have ice if your going to have a party. You can thank Frank for the idea,” Eddie said.“ I can really watch it on the computer?” She asked.“ I already tried but see for yourself,” Eddie said. He already turned the computer on. Tanya glanced at the screen as she stopped for a traffic light. Justin was getting a glass of milk. Eddie turned the lap-top around removing the screen from her view when the light changed to green.
The drive took them through tree lined back roads. The businesses, golf courses and bike trails were hidden by the old trees that were left by design. Builders had to work around the trees rather than clear-cutting for the sake of efficiency. Tanya brought up the subject Sam proposed. Eddie tried to figure out if Tanya was pulling his leg.“ Was this weekend to be some kind of trial run?” he asked.“ Maybe. But the kids didn’ t cooperate,” Tanya said. Eddie could not tell if she thought that was good or bad and dropped the subject.
Tanya turned into the property and Eddie pictured himself living here as she drove up the long curved driveway. She parked near the front door and Eddie pulled the small suitcase from the trunk. Maurice opened the front door before they rang the bell.“ Please come in. Miss Samantha is waiting by the pool,” he said, and took the bag.“ I am so glad you are here. She has been a little down and I’ m not here on the weekends, unless I am needed. I took the liberty of having James prepare some meals for all of you. Red labels need to be heated and blue labels are served cold. If you have any questions please don’ t hesitate to call,” he said, with genuine concern as he led them to a large bedroom.“ We will take good care of her,” Tanya assured.“ Thank you. Have a pleasant visit,” Maurice said, and slipped from the suite.“ I packed swimsuits,” Tanya said and remembered she had put something in her purse.“ This came in the mail today. There was no return address on the envelope and the postmark was from Phoenix.” Eddie looked at the picture and turned it over.“ Daniella 8lbs 11oz 21inches.” No birth date was offered. Eddie nodded. Tanya watched him swallow hard and turn away for a moment.
They changed and made their way through the large home wearing robes over the swimwear. The evenings were beginning to get cool. The hot tub steamed and a mist hovered over the pool.“ The kids had other plans so you just have to put up with us for the weekend,” Tanya said cheerily. Sam was beginning to miss Tanya, who visited almost every day for a couple of hours after John passed. Sam had told her more about her life than she had ever told