Chapter 24. Ailing Mother

“They are at it again,” Freeman laments, flinging a copy of the evening newspaper on the polished study table. He glares around with a frustrated demeanor, his arms folded.

Rose sighs in resignation. “What is it again?”

“Take a look.” He gestures to the paper. “Something fishy is going on here!”

Rose picks up the newspaper, holding it up for a moment. As her eyes peruse its contents, her face goes blank. Then a subtle frown fleets across her countenance. She purses her lips in deep thought.

Calmly, she returns the paper to its previous position on the polished surface, as if time were in slow motion, and then leans into the upholstered chair. Her placid demeanor catches Freeman off guard. Her reaction is out of character for an issue of such magnitude. If he didn’t know, he would think she knew about it before it got out.

“So…” He prompts, sliding his hands into his pockets with furrowed eyebrows.

“Rumors,” She states flippantly.

Freeman sau