Chapter Thirty Two

At the start of his Tuesday shift at Hill Crest, Newton had apprised Marjorie of the latest turn of events. She'd been horribly shocked at learning of the attack on Sarah Thompson's husband and absolutely horrified at the mention of Jason's arrest. He'd assumed Donna would have broken the news to Marjorie already.
      Jeffrey Newton scowled at Donna's mother-in-law. "Your not eating won't help Jason." He folded his arms, adding: "Marjorie, Myra informed me you stayed in bed all of yesterday and this morning."
      She gave him a grimace: "After having hardly slept Sunday night. Thankfully the dreadful barking from the dog that disturbed my rest has stopped now."
      "Get up, Marjorie, and eat your lunch," he told her in a harsh tone, in an effort to prompt a little enthusiasm.
      Marjorie pushed herself up on her elbows and, with obvious reluctance, allowed him to help her into her chair and wheel her to the dining room. He stayed nearby, noticing she only picked at her lunch. Other residents were giving her knowing, sympathetic glances.
      Either Marjorie wasn't hungry or she was avoiding the empathy saturating the room. He stepped away toward her neighbour, a resident in need of assistance with cutting his food. He noticed Marjorie push her plate aside.
      "Jeffrey, before you go …" He raised his head. "I'd like you to know I'll be having my supper in my room. I don't need the sympathy from these old farts."
      He sighed aloud. He should have known Marjorie would opt for the solitude of her room, preferring to sleep, keeping the worries from her mind.

Newton was doing rounds collecting supper trays when he entered Marjorie's room. He switched on the light, glanced around and noticed her rollaway table held her supper, untouched. He gently shook her.
      She opened her eyes, looking surprised at the lateness. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
      Marjorie sat up as quickly as her weary body would allow. "Well, out with it, Jeffrey. You look like the cat who got the cream."
      "Donna phoned about five minutes ago. I'm sure you'll be delighted to hear Jason is going to be released soon."
      Marjorie reached out to him; he walked into her hug. "Oh, Jeffrey, thank God! I told you Jason hasn't done anything wrong. He's a good boy. I knew they'd let him go in the end."
      He took her hands. "I knew that bit of news would cheer you up, Marjorie. But don't get too elated just yet. Jason is being released on police bail because their evidence against him isn't strong enough. He could still be charged at a later date. The police will no doubt be carrying on with their enquiries."
      Marjorie pulled her hands free and wagged her finger. "Jeffrey, I'm ashamed of you. You know as well as I do that there is nothing to enquire about. Jason is completely innocent."
      "I'm sorry Marjorie, but I'm afraid I don't share your confidence in your grandson. There have been so many incidents, and he's been giving Donna a terrible time with his lies …"
      The older lady threw herself back against the pillows. "If you're going to keep talking like this, I'll be asking you to leave. I will not have you calling Jason a liar."
      He put on his best disarming smile. "Marjorie," he breathed, "forgive me. I hadn't meant to be offensive. These last few days have put a strain on all of us."
      Marjorie relented. "All right. I admit it was kind of you to keep me up to date with all the goings-on." She narrowed her eyes at him: "But, you must promise me you won't speak about Jason like that in my presence. And I warn you, don't ever say anything against Jason to Donna."
      He let his chin drop to his chest. "I promise, Marjorie. I wouldn't hurt Donna for the world, you know that." He levelled his gaze to hers, an idea forming in his head. "In fact I'll pop over to see her as soon as I finish my shift this evening. I'm sure she wouldn't mind my offering her some words of comfort."
      Marjorie relaxed deeper into her pillows and closed her eyes. "Jeffrey, I'm so glad Donna has got you to take care of her."