Jesus, Val felt self-conscious. Hell, the fact that she was being recorded made her aware of every action. When you know someone is watching your moves, listening to your words to dissect later, being natural is impossible. “Forget it’s there,” Gavin had said. Yeah, right!

“Mrs. Morgan,” Val said, her heart pounding. “I wasn’t expecting you to open the door.”

“It’s just myself, Claudia and Bridget today and Claudia is keeping an eye on Bridget. Please come in.” She pulled the door open, her face hard to read. Val wished she had asked more on the phone, like what this meeting would be about but honestly, it was hard to think logically at the time.

Val entered and glanced at Mrs. Morgan’s ankle. “You don’t have your ace bandage anymore?” It was only at this moment she realized Mrs. Morgan also didn’t have her cane.

“That came off the other day and I can’t tell you how happy I am to be rid of the thing.” Mrs. Morgan smiled and Val relaxed a little.

Val took off her coat and boots and followed Mrs. Morgan into the kitchen. “Please have a seat.” She pointed to the chairs around a table laid for two. Coffee and a platter of small yellow and pink cakes sat in the middle of the table. The decorative icing, in the shape of vines and flowers, was beautiful. Val wondered what pastry shop they came from.

Mrs. Morgan picked up the coffee pot and poured two cups. “Thank you for coming today. Bethany called me after your lunch.”

Val nodded. Ah, so Bethany did call Mrs. Morgan. But for what reason?

“She told me about your meeting.” Mrs. Morgan shook her head. “Bethany has been like another daughter to me. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without her support after Gabrielle…” Mrs. Morgan took a deep breath. “I’m so sorry. It’s just so hard to say the words.”

“I understand completely, please take your time,” Val said sympathetically. If Bethany was paying Mr. Morgan for the condo with sex, Mrs. Morgan didn’t seem to know about it. In fact, Bethany had her completely fooled.

“Please help yourself.” Mrs. Morgan pointed towards the platter, to the cakes. “They’re lemon and raspberry.”

“Thank you. They look amazing.” Val marveled at the intricate icing design. “These are too beautiful to eat.”

Mrs. Morgan laughed. “My Bridget decorated them. They are lovely, aren’t they?”

“Bridget?” Val tried to keep the shock out of her voice.

“She is quite an artist. Her disability might have taken her mind but not her talent. She always could paint and draw.” Mrs. Morgan beamed like a proud parent.

“I have to try one.” Val transferred one to her plate. “Can I ask what disability Bridget has?”

“She has autism.” Mrs. Morgan said it bluntly.