Tess had a disapproving frown on her face so I changed the subject. I asked, “Does Gerald have family?”

“He doesn't have any children. And of course Mrs. Weiss has been dead for a number of years. In fact, he had no close relatives. I'm told that his will leaves most of his money to charity. By the way, Lillian, I understand you were the one who discovered that Gerald's bridge hand when he was stricken was 13 diamonds.”

“Yes, that's right.”

“I hope it was fitting to include that hand on Gerald's memorial display in the main hallway. I'm not sure. Some people might think it's a bit unfeeling.”

I kept quiet. I have been accused of being insensitive on occasion and I'm sensitive about it.

When I didn't say anything, Carol said, “Don't worry about it. I know Gerald was an avid bridge player. I'm not a bridge player myself, but I'm aware that a hand like that is very unusual.”

“ Very unusual.”

***

As we walked out of Carol's office, Ophah, the Silver Acres receptionist, was briskly returning to her desk from some errand. “Hi Ophah,” I said, “is the mail ready yet?”

“About 30 minutes,” she said with a southern accent that I could at least understand, as opposed to those of some people, including the housekeeper who cleaned my apartment.

Ophah had a commanding presence and controlled everything within her sphere of influence, which included the mailroom, with unmatched efficiency. “You were talking to Carol about Mr. Weiss, weren't you?” she said. “That was a terrible thing. He was such a nice man. He always winked at me.”

“Unfortunately, there’s nothing that can be done for him now,” Tess said. “But how is your son? Is he playing baseball?”

“Oh, Lord yes, he's playing in a summer league. He hits the ball so far. Hank Aaron is his idol. I watch Mark play every chance I get.”

“I bet he'll play in the major leagues some day.”