A week later, Mrs. Allen returned to Harry’s office and her face was lit up with a big smile. “Good morning, Mr. Hogan, Ms Blackett.”
Harry looked up. “Forgive the expression, but you look like the cat that swallowed the canary. I hope you’re going to tell me why.”
“Indeed I am!” She sat down. “A few days ago, I was up earlier than usual and I saw him when he dropped off a Tim’s coffee.”
“You planned to be up early,” Bertie said, smiling.
“Does he know you saw him?” Harry asked.
She shook her head. “I knew his grandmother and the little things he did for her. He misses her and I think this is his way of keeping her memory alive. She was always proud of him. So, I’ll let him keep his secret until he’s ready to tell me.”
“I think he would be embarrassed if you told him you knew,” Harry said.
“Probably, but I’ve found a way to thank him without him getting suspicious. The minimum wage is going up so I will raise his pay for the things he does for me… give him a little above minimum wage.” She paused a moment, then added, “His father died when he was young. It hasn’t been easy for Carl and his mother, but they’re good people.”
Harry was nodding. “Has he told you his future plans?” She nodded and Harry chuckled. “I’m not surprised. He told me about your chats over lemonade and hot chocolate.”
“And a few home-baked goodies,” she added, as she stood up and held out a check. “I talked to Ms Blackett a couple of days ago, to ask the charge for your services.”
Harry shook his head. “No charge for this one. Pass it on to Carl next time you pay him, a small contribution towards the education of a future top neurologist.”
“Thank you. I will certainly do that.” Then she turned and hurried out the door.
“Wow! He’s aiming high,” Bertie said.
“He hopes to be one of the best.”
“Hogan… I feel sure you just brought tears to that woman’s eyes.”
“You’re seeing things.” He shrugged into his jacket and walked quickly to the door. “I gotta go talk to Joe… about… something.”
Bertie looked at the closed door, smiling and shaking her head. Hogan was more compassionate and caring than he would admit, she thought.
