The medical room was furnished spartan. Freddy lay in his bed, breathing quietly and regularly. His eyes were closed but he seemed on the road to recovery. Dempsey and Harry entered the room. Slowly the old man opened up his eyes and a smile played around his lips.
"Harry, my dear, it's nice to see you. And you brought your friend. You two have saved my life. I knew I had done something right, " he whispered, his eyes filled with tears.
"Oh God, Freddy, I'm so relieved that you feel better. I thought you were going to die. Dempsey was at the right time in the right place. We owe him your life. I would never have coped, I love you, Daddy" she sobbed and fell into his arms.
"Thank you, Mr. Dempsey. I owe you something. How the hell could I be poisoned? Dr. Potter has told me everything. I can't believe it. Who would do something like this? Do you already have a trace? What's going on , children?"Freddy asked stunned.
"Call me James, Lord Winfield. We've come to the conclusion that it was one of your guests. Could someone have a motive?"Dempsey asked interested in a serious voice.
"No, definitely not. These are all good friends and family. I can not explain it, " said the old man shortly.
"We have a suspicion, Daddy. It's certainly about money and I can't explain everything now, but we need to know who is favoured in your will. What happens to the property if we are both dead?"
"However you should not call me Daddy. I'm Freddy, even, if I had almost gone over the Jordan. This also applies to you, boy. You are one of the family. Not quite yet, but I don't give up hope, that my daughter slowly discovers. She was never the fastest. So far, her taste was more than bad. But you're not running away, so I still have hope",Freddy said, grinning wide.
"Just from the death bed raised, and once again impossible. Freddy, come back to the topic. It is really important, "she begged him earnestly, and rolled her eyes.
"I only want your best, dear. If something happens to me, you should not be alone. He is a good guy and I think my taste is better than yours. What was the question? Ah yes, the will. Everything goes to you. If you die and there is no beneficiary in your will, then the property goes to a foundation."
"Which charity is it? We need all the information ya have. Who's the president and where does the money go?", Dempsey asked with emphasis.
"Take it easy. I almost died, young man. In the case of both of our death, a local foundation is favoured. My good old friend Commander Duffield will take care of everything. He heads the Foundation "Children in Need". He could convince me that the money is well invested."
Harry was very pale. She could not believe what she had just heard. That could not be. Since her childhood the Commander was a welcoming companion. Never, the good-natured old gentleman was capable of that. The family could always count on him. He had been for over 40 years, a good friend.
"You don't believe that it was him, right? He is my best friend and I trust him. Harry, say something! What happens here? Do you think he is able to kill me? He could never do something to us. He is like a brother to me."
"I don't know, Freddy. I'm sorry, I don't know what to think of it. This can't be",she said softly, and her hands trembled.
Dempsey put a hand on her shoulder. She was about to collapse. The last days had been too much for her. Normally she was a strong woman but now she seemed frightened and hurt.
"Your father should recover and rest. Let's go out, I would like to talk to ya and not upset your dad, "he whispered into her ear.
She nodded in agreement. Harry sat on the edge of the bed and took Freddie's hand into hers.
"Try to get some sleep, Freddy. We have everything under control. Don't worry, we clarify everything. We have to go now but we'll come back tomorrow. I love you. Get well soon. Until tomorrow, Daddy, "she said, worried and kissed him on the cheek.
"It was a short visit. But I understand, work calls. Tell the others that I'm fine. Martha is certainly worried. Inform me about the news, I want to know what's going on. You should get some sleep, Harry. You look worse than me and I was almost dead. Clarify the case and let me know what's going on. Come over here, James, "he asked Dempsey.
Harry got up and walked towards the door. Dempsey leaned closer to the old men.
"I'm disappointed, Jimmy. You promised me to take care of my daughter. She looks awful."
"You know her. It's not easy to help her. She is a tough nut and stubborn. I tried everything but ya know that she tries to cope alone. But I promise ya that nothing happens to her, Freddy."
"She is everything to me, and I rely on you. Just as her mother. Both overestimate themselves. Do not give up, she will understand it soon enough. Tell my sister that I love her and everything will be fine",Freddy said in a broken voice.
"I can't. We had to fool them about your condition. It was necessary and we will explain later. Trust me."
"You already have the most important thing in my life. Do you need more evidence of my trust? Bring her home safely", Freddy asked.
"I will. See you tomorrow, " Dempsey said goodbye.
-TBC-
