I called directory assistance and they connected me, after the operator laughed at my asking for Carol Dawson. “Archie Bunker?” She giggled, like I’d been prank calling.
“No, Carol, a female, not the actor.”
It started ringing and then there was a scratchy sounding, “Hello?”
“Aunt Carol, it’s me, Claire,” I felt shaky but tried to keep my voice steady.
Dead air.
“Aunt Carol, I’m really sorry to bother you. I know you don’t talk to him much but it’s imperative that I talk to my father. Like life or death kind of thing. If I phone home and my stepmom finds out I’m calling, she’ll never let him talk to me.”
She sighed, “I have nothing to do with your father, Claire. And where are you? Lily’s family has been worried sick trying to find you. It only got worse after Lily took off to heaven
