"Brad Ferguson - The Forever Con" - читать интересную книгу автора (Ferguson Brad)

The Forever Con

Brad Ferguson
THE OLD LADY sat quietly in one of the two comfortable chairs in front
of the desk of Howard Poffenberger, M.D., Ph.D. Her son sat in the other.
Dr. Poffenberger’s office was well appointed. The furniture was oak where
it wasn’t covered with leather, and the mahogany-paneled walls were
thickly covered with framed academic degrees and carefully unposed
photographs of celebrities and other important people.
“As I stated in my initial letter to you, Dr. Poffenberger,” Kevin
Biederbecke said, “my mother is no longer happy at the leisure facility
where she now resides. To put it as plainly as I can, the place simply hasn’t
lived up to her expectations. Promises have been broken and guarantees
violated — ”
“To say the least,” the old woman muttered.
“ — and she would like to leave there as soon as possible. We’re
investigating a number of facilities in this area.”
“Well,” Dr. Poffenberger smiled. “We would certainly be most glad to
have Mrs. Biederbecke — ”
“Ms. Biederbecke,” the old lady correctly him.
“Of course, Ms. Biederbecke,” the doctor said, “and, as I was saying, we
at Glory Road Estates would love to have you living with us. I certainly feel
that your mother would be most happy here at Glory Road, Mr.
Biederbecke.”
“You can talk to me directly, Doc,” Ms. Biederbecke said. “I’m not
senile.”
“Of course you aren’t,” the doctor said quickly. “Do you have any
questions, ma’am?”
“Let’s just see the joint,” Ms. Biederbecke said briskly. “I haven’t got all
day.” She put out her arm. “Kevin, help me up, please, that’s a dear.”
After inspecting several of the dormitory rooms, the three walked down
a series of brightly lighted hallways to the public area. The old lady’s
bright eyes took in everything they passed on the way, especially the many
colorful posters and leaflets taped to the light blue walls of the corridor.
Once in a while, she frowned as she saw something she didn’t care for, and
she frowned more and more often as they approached the common room.
“I don’t see any organization here at all,” she muttered. “Chaotic, just
chaotic.”
“Mr. Biederbecke,” Dr. Poffenberger said in low tones, “your letter
didn’t make clear exactly why your mother wishes to leave Mount
Willow.”
Kevin shrugged. “She’s bored up there, pure and simple,” he replied.
“She might have put up with the numerous contract violations on the
home’s part if she felt more involved, but most days she just sits around
without a chance to do anything. She’s always been a very active person,
Doctor. She doesn’t want to lose her edge. I don’t want her to, either.”
Dr. Poffenberger nodded. “Well, your mother wouldn’t be bored around
here, let me tell you — ”
“What are you two mumbling about?” Ms. Biederbecke called crossly.
“C’mon, already. Get a move on. I want to see the common room.”