The Tesla Legacy

Chapter 11

Vivian was glad she still had on her formal suit from the wedding. Otherwise, they probably never would have let her breathe the rarefied air of the Waldorf. The doorman would have sensed, with his doorman radar, that she could never afford to stay here and tossed her out on her butt.

As it was, she walked through the white and gold columns unmolested, careful not to slip on the marble floor, and made for the elevators. Nobody in the lobby seemed like a threat — rich folks and their bodyguards and children. Nothing unexpected.

When Vivian had called her, Tesla’s mother had given her the room number and promised not to leave until she got there. On the phone, she seemed more irritated than frightened. Only a few minutes after Tesla’s call, Vivian knocked on Mrs. Tesla’s door.

Hugh Hollingberry answered and showed her inside. He looked worried, and he locked the door behind her.

The suite was done in reds and silver, with a spindly looking table holding the television. She figured the table cost more than she made in a month.

“I’m sorry to be seeing you again under these circumstances, ma’am,” said Vivian.

Mrs. Tesla gestured to a silver tray on the table in front of her. “I’ve ordered tea.”

“I’d like to check that the suite is empty,” Vivian said.

Mrs. Tesla raised her eyebrows. “I’m sure any killer would have had the sense to strike before we brought in a bodyguard.”

“I understand, ma’am, but I still need to check.”

Mrs. Tesla raised her shoulders in an irritated shrug, and Vivian took that as a yes. She went through the bedroom. When she checked the closet, she was surprised by how many clothes Mrs. Tesla had brought. Nothing hiding in there and nothing in the bathroom or under the bed.

Hugh Hollingberry was still standing next to Mrs. Tesla, his hand on her shoulder, when Vivian returned.

“My son is a little paranoid. He gets it from his father.” Mrs. Tesla poured Vivian a cup of tea and handed it to her. “But I’m certain you know this already.”

Vivian wasn’t going to reveal what she did and didn’t know about Joe Tesla. “What was in the suitcase the thief tried to take from Mr. Tesla?”

“Odds and ends his father wanted Joe to have. Papers, mostly.”

There had to be more to it than that. “What kind of papers?”

“Whatever a father leaves a son,” she said. “I’m certain Joe knows more about it than I do. He’s an enigmatic man, don’t you think?”

“I’m sure I don’t know, ma’am.” Vivian wasn’t divulging anything, and neither was Mrs. Tesla.

“He’s a very good son, but he worries too much about his mother.” Mrs. Tesla smiled at Hollingberry. “It was kind of him to send you here, but unnecessary.”

“I’m sure he doesn’t think so.”

“He is not the one who determines such things.”

Vivian wasn’t sure how to respond, so she kept quiet. Mrs. Tesla clearly didn’t like being told what to do or being imposed upon. Vivian would probably react the same way.

“I need my privacy,” Mrs. Tesla said.

“I understand, ma’am, and I will stay out of your way as much as I can.”

Mrs. Tesla shook her head. “Please leave us in peace. I want no police, or security, or whatever you call yourself, watching me. I can look after myself.”

“Mr. Tesla was very clear that I remain with you until he says otherwise.”

“So I shall be very clear as well — he has no say here. He is my son, not my keeper.”

Hollingberry twitched ever so slightly.

“I’ll be outside if you need me.” Vivian didn’t need to sit in the woman’s lap to protect her, although it’d be easier if she stayed close.

Mrs. Tesla crossed to the door, unlocked it, and opened it. “It was kind of you to stop by.”