The Greatest Lie Part 17

"Who cares, they're poor and you and Cole are rich. I don't know how he can even keep track of all of his loot."

"That's not the point. And I know I'm right, because when I left money in places around the house, it disappeared."

"You mean you set them up? Mother, that's disgusting."

"I'm so glad you agree. Well, I fired the last girl, and Marta needed to be able to go to school, so she is staying at her mother's until we find someone new."

I gasped. "You can't do that! Marta's mom lives in the frigging Crenshaw district, right in the middle of the 16th Street Gang's turf! She's a sitting duck for Miguel!" I tried not to hyperventilate. I managed to control my breathing enough to hear her answer.

"Well, I really don't see any alternative. I mean, I can't stay in, and Marta needs to finish her education."

"Mom, it's your grandchild you are putting at risk! And I'm stuck here in SARS isolation for another week!"

"I'll do my best. But we are guests here in Cole's home, and I owe it to him to maintain high standards. I hope you agree with me, as the parent of a young child."

"Alyssa needs a safe environment. I'm sure Cole doesn't really care about a few bucks lying around his house. He's probably got a few million more where those came from."

"I haven't even discussed it with him. He's looking at a project in Alaska. I know he would support my decision."

"Well, then, you have plenty of time to look for a new nanny."

"Dear, let's not start comparing schedules. Mine is just impossible for the next week."

"Well, I can't very well interview them from here. Have I gotten any packages from Thailand, or have you been too busy to check the mail?" I asked with faux indulgence.

"Yes dear, the other day, a package arrived from Chiang Mai."

"What is it, can you tell?"

"If I open it I'll ruin my manicure. Wait a minute. It's been opened and resealed by Customs. The Custom's form says it's just a laptop." I pumped my fist and whispered to Nancee, "Tran sent us the laptop."