Chapter 77

“We read about the malpractice suit because the wire services picked up the story. In fact, that’s how we knew where to look for Christopher.”

“Why are you looking for him?” Mickey said. “If you don’t mind my asking.”

Arnold spoke for the first time since he’d met Mickey at the door. “Because I’m getting married in June, and I’d like to buy my grandparents’ house. Do you think he’ll sell it to me?”

“He might, if you ask him nicely and offer a fair price,” Mickey said. “Why don’t we go ask him?”

“Now?” Mrs. Bottoms said.

“Why not? He’s been moved from the Intensive Care Unit to a regular room. In fact, Ted and I were just about to go visit him when you folks arrived. Arnold, why don’t you drive your car around behind the house, and we’ll meet you at my car?”

“What do you think, Mom?” Arnold said.

“Why not?” she said. “It’s what we drove all this way for. We would have called, but Christopher doesn’t seem to have a telephone listed.”