(13) From Bridget To Benazir
Bridget had made the mistake of keeping Asha informed. Now she regretted it. It was always better to lie to children, that had been her rule throughout motherhood and it had stood her in good stead for the duration. Her sons had escaped many little trials and tribulations in that way, and had, in her estimation, grown into sensible caring adult men, untouched by paranoia and the more absurd types of neediness. Not to mention all that Catholic guilt trip crap. But now that she’d spilt the beans, the beans being Andrew’s, ahem, news, the girl was ready to take flight. Convinced she was next and all that. Andrew reassured that such muddy eventualities had been provided for. It was Benazir to the rescue Bridget was told. Sounds very exciting she intoned. And under cover of night too? Well then she wanted to come as well. As a chaperone maybe. Or riding shotgun or whatever.
Andrew asked to speak to Asha. He quickly regretted his impulse. Asha wanted outta here and right fucking now. Andrew suggested she really didn’t have anything to fear, that this lot didn’t have clue where Bridget lived. Asha didn’t care, they had Bo in chains somewhere and she was next. Lookit, they just tried to kill Andrew, how did they know about him or where he lived? Just cause he was hanging around in Burlingame one morning for an hour? Andrew had to admit, yes, they seem to have him tagged, one of the Burlingame kids must have said something, maybe under duress, but now that one of theirs had been shot by police they’d shrink into the shadows, covering their tracks as they went. Asha, in her inimitable fashion, remained unconvinced.
She was pleased, or sounded that way, to hear that her new host was a Pakistani-Canadian woman, and an independent career girl at that. That would be the kind of chick she could groove with. Even the prospect of a four year old rampaging around the place didn’t faze her. Andrew could see her joining in. Benazir was renting a house quite surplus to her needs, he’d been told, and had laughed as she reported her little one’s races about the place. Asha was informed, before she could ramp up her insistence once more, that Andrew would call her back as soon as he had spoken to Benazir. Bridget, back on the line, sounded relieved, and yet, disappointed.
Benazir, sounded shocked, but true to form, quickly recovered. She’d just gotten the little princess to sleep and was sipping a much deserved Pinot Noir. That’s wine, right? Yes, Andrew, that’s what it is. You should try it sometime. Andrew wondered how she’d enjoy a second princess around the house, but kept mum on the subject. He did, however, feel obliged to inform his new comrade-in-arms about recent developments at his place. You have got to be kidding. And I thought having my boyfriend’s wife march up to me in the store for a refund was exciting.
Benazir was managing a branch of Peachy, the hottest purveyor of electronic toys in the country. She’d only been headhunted two months before and was still thrilled with their corporate culture of keep everyone happy. Everyone being customers and staff, an unusual combination you’d have to admit. They’d been wildly exceeding their weekly sales projections since she’d joined and she’d already had a bonus worth bragging about. But tell me more about your house invasion. Andrew outlined the scandalous circumstances. My god, you got a psychic tip? The angels are on your side. Andrew had to admit, something or someone did seem to be rooting for him. His premonition was vivid and undeniable. And believing it, well, that was a step forward. Putting doubt to rest and letting trust take over. Andrew it’s just so, unbelievable, right here in Rowanton. He reminded her of the stabbing on Carr. Oh yeah right. But in your own home! I feel so bad for you. You did a cleansing right? He was intending. Don’t intend too long, do it soon. You don’t want bad spirits around the place. No, he didn’t want that, heavens no. Benazir hadn’t heard of Jordan and his use of the place, not to mention his influence on Andrew. Few did. He’d promised to take care of business on that front. But now that he had her attention, might it be possible to bring Asha over this evening? He realised it was very short notice. Benazir did not hesitate. Sure bring her over, the nanny just tidied up today, so the spare bedroom is ready.
