ODDS OF LOVE : SEASON TEN

Episode 12

His wife was dead.

Gerald closed his eyes as he sat in his recliner in his study. The words ran through his mind over and over again. He had just worked his mind into believing that his wife had actually tried to kill him for whatever reason she found plausible and necessary. He had been getting himself used to the idea of being a divorced man.

Then yesterday he discovered the truth. His wife of ten years was dead and buried in the garden while her odd cousin was impersonating her. Pamela had been living in his house and eating his food and plotting his death. And she tried to destroy his school. She tried to harm his students and staff.

And before she died his real Penelope had cheated on him with a woman. Faith Lane.

All of this was even harder for him to wrap his head around then that his wife had wanted to kill him. That was slightly more believable. He was not the easiest man to get along with, he acknowledged as he opened his eyes and reached for his decanter of brandy to pour a bit more into his crystal glass. He drained it down fast. He was not a big drinker except for special occasions. Although, he smiled to himself, this could count as a special occasion.

His cell phone rang and he looked at it. He was expecting the media. Who else would call him ? David had returned to his own apartment. He was a nice enough man, his nephew, but didn't do well in too sad occasions. He didn't recognize the number. Undoubtedly the media. Let it go to voicemail.

The door to the study opened and in came his very loyal butler Dawson who had came over with him from England years ago. Dawson had been with his family forever. So long Gerald had forgotten exactly how old he really was. By rights the man should be retired by now but he refused to leave. Gerald gave the very elderly man a generous salary and a downstairs bedroom that was easy for him to get to and only expected him to answer doors. He didn't mind having the man around really. " Yes ? ," he asked wearily.

Dawson had a compassionate expression upon his withered old face as he said precisely," Sir , Mr. HighTower , you have a guest. A Mr. Alfred Giadello. He arrived in what they call a Uber. He was unable to use the front steps due to his condition so I had him come through the kitchen entrance. Is that alright, sir? "

Gerald was surprised that one of his teachers was visiting him but for some odd reason he was glad. He did not particularly want to be alone right now. " That's fine. Please send him in. And, Dawson, could you please tell Cook to bring in some tea and refreshments? If it's not too much trouble? "

Dawson smiled gently at the man he saw as a grandson more than an employer. " I'm sure it will not be an issue, sir. "

The elderly man left the room slowly and into the room came Alfred on his walker. The man was as beautiful as the first time he had seen him even with his floppy arm and slow halting movements as he walked. There was just something about the man that drew him in , he thought as he stood up.

" Hello, Mr. Giadello. What can I do for you today? "

Alfred smiled faintly. " That's my question, Dr. HighTower. How are you doing ? After.... everything yesterday? I don't mean to intrude. I just wanted to check on you. As for how I know where you live I'm not a stalker. I checked on the internet. "

Actually he had hacked the school database to discover that information but Alfred didn't think the headmaster would appreciate hearing that from him, Alfred thought as he turned his walker around and sat gratefully down.

Gerald felt honored that this man had actually checked on him. Just like he had when DuBuis Lane had stopped by when he was sick. He never had thought his staff or students cared that much for him.