Chapter 55

Violet Dawson had put off seeing her husband as long as she could. Visiting hours were almost over. Her children had visited Walt one last time before heading back to New York. Jersey City was only a twenty to twenty-five minute drive.

She had told them she would see them at home. Now, she had to do the inevitable. See her sick, dying husband. It was her duty despite everything.

Violet walked into the ICU hospital room.

Walt’s eyes were closed.

Good. He’s asleep. If anyone ask, I’ll just tell them –

He opened his eyes as if he sensed someone was there.

Damn. I hope I can handle this without becoming hysterical.

“Violet,” he said weakly. “Where have you been?”

“I had to run some errands,” she answered as she made her way to the bed. She sat down in the Downtown chair next to it. “I had to start getting things ready for when you come home.”

A slow grin spread across hi