Tarnished Armor
Part 134

Chandler Mansion. Living room. Morning.

Liza sits on the couch. Then she gets up and paces. She goes over to the phone, picks up the receiver and dials.

She waits a minute.

Liza (into phone): It’s Liza. I’m sorry to be a pain. But I thought we said one o’clock. Forget it. You’re probably on your way over. Ignore this when you get home. Sorry.

Liza hangs up. She goes to the couch and sits down again.

The doorbell rings.

Liza: I’ll get it.

Liza goes to the door and opens it. Brooke is there.

Liza: Oh.

Brooke: Expecting someone else?

Liza: Actually, yes.

Brooke: I’m looking for Adam. Is he here?

Liza: I don’t know where Adam is. He’s supposed to be here right now. He must have gotten tied up at the office.

Brooke: Well, I can wait. May I come in?

Liza: Actually, Brooke, we have a meeting scheduled.

Brooke: But no one’s here but you. I’ll take my chances that Adam will get here soon. Listen, I can only stay a minute anyway. I’ll talk with him, and then you can have your meeting. Okay?

Liza swings the door open wider.

Liza: Come in.

Brooke enters and goes into the living room. She sits down on the couch.

Brooke: How are you holding up?

Liza comes into the living room.

Liza: Just dandy.

Brooke: How’s Adam?

Liza: Adam? He’s fine.

Brooke: Well, that’s good. I mean, I had been a little...

Liza: What?

Brooke: Maybe it’s silly.

Liza: Brooke, if you want to say something, just say it.

Brooke: You sound more like Adam every day.

Liza rolls her eyes.

Winifred enters with a tray of food.

Winifred: Ms. English. I didn’t know that you were going to be here.

Brooke: I’m just dropping by. I’m glad to see you here, Winifred. I had heard that Adam --

Winifred: Yes. It’s true.

Brooke: So if you’re back, then --

Winifred: I’m not sure.

Brooke: Oh.

Liza: “Oh”? What? What are you two talking about?

Winifred: I’m sorry. I’ll just set these things down and get out of your way.

Winifred sets the tray down on the table and begins to leave the room.

Brooke: Winifred?

Winifred turns back to face Brooke.

Brooke: Is it as bad as last time?

Winifred: It’s different.

Brooke: How?

Winifred: He’s quieter.

Winifred leaves.

Brooke sits in silence. Liza stands by the telephone table.

Brooke: I know that Hayley told you. About last time.

Liza: Good old Brooke. Sticking her nose into everyone’s business.

Brooke: You’re hardly one to talk, Liza. I can remember a time when you made it your business to rat out Adam to me.

Liza: Believe me, it’s a mistake I wouldn’t make again.

Brooke looks at her watch.

Brooke: Well, as enjoyable as this has been, I can’t stay.

Brooke rises and walks to the entranceway. Then she turns and faces Liza.

Brooke: I’ll just butt in a little, and then I’ll go. Last time, Adam was running away from what he had done. This time -- and who knows what he’s done -- he seems to be making his peace first. And I think that’s scarier. Don’t you?

Liza doesn’t answer.

Brooke leaves.

The phone rings. Liza picks up the phone.

Liza (into phone): Chandler residence. ... Where are you? We said one o’clock. ... What? ... No. Why? ... What? ... No. ... Of course. ... I’ll go right now. ... I’m on my way.

Liza rushes out of the house.

 
Tarnished Armor Index
Part One Hundred and Thirty Three
Part One Hundred and Thirty Five