“I won’t let him distract me,” I said.
I helped Mother into the guest bedroom and locked the door from the inside. The room had one tall window overlooking the backyard. I checked that it opened easily in case officers needed another way in.
Then I walked downstairs.
Julian and Chloe were seated at the dining table.
Three plates had been arranged beneath the chandelier. A bottle of red wine stood open between them. Julian had removed his jacket and rolled his sleeves to the elbows, presenting the image of a tired caretaker trying to enjoy a peaceful family meal.
Chloe smiled without warmth.
“How is she?”
“Exhausted.”
“She has difficult evenings,” Julian said. “The doctor calls it sundowning.”
“Which doctor?”
His fork paused.
“Dr. Halpern.”
I had met Dr. Halpern once. He was Mother’s cardiologist, not a neurologist.
“When did he diagnose her with dementia?”
