Guthrie does about his youngest son. It might make a difference. Mr. Sullivan is downstairs in the living room. Are you ready to call him up?”
She sighed. “In a moment. I suppose I’m pleased you don’t believe Alexander guilty, at least. He worries me so. I seem to have failed to teach him how to appreciate the people he works with, to value their creativity, help them flourish. He won’t succeed unless he learns that, and so far I’ve failed—oh dear, I should shut up.” The hand he held was shaking. “Maybe I should die, or step down, just go away, and let Alexander have whatever he wants. Maybe I should accept that I’m just an old lady causing a lot of trouble.”
He rubbed his thumb over her hand to calm her and consulted his Mickey Mouse watch. “That’s not the truth, Venus, and hiding from it isn’t in your DNA. No one can change what’s happened. All we can do is fix it. You’ve got to hang tough for a little while longer.”
He leaned over and kissed her forehead. He looked into her fierce Rasmussen green eyes, still powerful with intelligence, now sheened with tears. He hated her pain. He said quietly, “Thank you for being in my life, Venus. My grandmother thought you were amazing. So do I. So does Sherlock.”
He nodded, released her hand, and rose. “When he’s a bit older, Sean will think so, too.” After a moment Savich nodded to Dr. Pruitt, who was standing now against the draperies, his arms crossed, waiting. “I’ll buzz down and ask Isabel to bring Mr. Sullivan up.”
Venus nodded, leaned her head back on the pillow, and closed her eyes. “Yes, it’s nearly time. Please get the family downstairs and yes, ask Mr. Sullivan to come up. It’s time. I want to get this done.”
58
* * *
Dr. Pruitt faced the family in the living room. “Mrs. Rasmussen is speaking with Mr. Sullivan, then she must rest. She will see each of you later.”
“But there might not be a later,” Hildi shouted. “Why aren’t you with her? Why haven’t you called an ambulance?”
Guthrie stood, squared his shoulders as if awaiting a blow. “Is she going to die?”
“You know your mother, Mr. Rasmussen. I would prefer to care for her in the hospital, but she refuses to go. I will return to her immediately.” Dr. Pruitt nodded to each of them and left the living room.
Savich remained by the closed door, Sherlock by the windows, studying their faces.
Alexander stood in his favorite spot, by the fireplace, his hands in his pockets, his shock slowly turning to anger. He took a step toward Savich. “You were with her, not her children, her grandchildren—you, an outsider, who never belonged here. What did she say to you? You turned her against me, didn’t you?”
Savich said, “Why would I do that?”
“Because you believe I tried to kill her, you tried to convince her—”
“Do be quiet, Alexander,” Hildi said. “Please, just be quiet. Mother may be dying, and here you are yelling at Dillon, who, I might add, saved her life.”
“Haven’t you noticed she’s changing her will?” Alexander said, ignoring her. “Sullivan’s up there with her right now.”
Guthrie looked beaten down, his hands dangling at his sides. “That would be appropriate,” he said, “since Rob has returned home. Of course Mother would need to make adjustments.”
Looking at him, Savich felt a stab of alarm.
“Adjustments?” Alexander said. “You can’t be that dense, Father, and neither is Rob. What, little brother? Are you hoping Savich convinced her to put you in charge? Will you get her shares so you can run Rasmussen Industries yourself?”
Rob held to his temper. “Stop worrying about yourself, Alexander. Grandmother wouldn’t think of naming me her successor. She knows I don’t have experience running a company the size of Rasmussen Industries. She knows I wouldn’t have any idea what to do.”
Marsia rose to stand beside him, took his hand between hers. “You can learn if you have to, Rob. Your brother has to know you would learn quickly.” Marsia shot Alexander a look of cold dislike.
Alexander ignored her, said to Savich, “You know what she’s doing, don’t you? Admit it, you know.”
He shrugged. “All I know is that her lawyer Mr. Sullivan is with her. I’m sure you will find out everything in due course.”
While Savich spoke, he studied Rob’s face. He was pale, and he was suffering, Marsia still clutching his hand tight, leaning into him, as if keeping him upright.
Alexander said to