by Shawn Keys
With her parting gift delivered, Evelyn focused on Cadence, continuing the conversation they had been having while going through security. “Once I fly back from Jamaica tomorrow, I’ll help Anya with finalizing her college registration and getting the funds delivered to the right place.”
“Thanks. I got the feeling she was nervous about all the legal stuff.” Cadence shivered. “I’m the same. I have no idea how you don’t go blind reading those documents all day.”
With a light smile, Evelyn replied, “You get used to it. This was simple. The tax code allows a family gift once a year under a specific amount. You’re well under the limit. Nice little tax shelter for you too.”
“That’s not why I’m doing it.”
“No reason why an act of goodness can’t hurt a little less.”
Kicking her heels onto a seat across from her, MK lounged deeply in her chair and leaned her head against the back rest. “Why are you heading to Jamaica?”
“One of my businesses is acquiring some property in Kingston. I want to be there.”
“Expanding beyond the island? Big step.”
“Not a huge one. I’ve never wanted to get into the conglomerate game. I’d rather support a chain of smaller businesses. But this move makes sense.”
MK asked, “Any chance you’ll get to Havana for any of the games?”
“Not this time,” she said, looking at peace with the decision even if she had a little regret.
“How about Bordeaux? Will you be there for those games?” MK wondered.
Evelyn smiled. “I have an investor whose bank is based in Ireland. Their tax codes are even more forgiving than Portesara’s. I owe him a personal visit. Seems a waste not to take a small vacation while I’m at it. France isn’t too far away, and it is lovely that time of year.”
Irène laughed. “Coming from someone who has a tropical paradise in her back yard, that’s high praise.”
“Not all paradises are created equal,” Daniel said. “Only got a dozen or so international trips under my belt before the incident, but each country has its own charm.”
“Do we get a chance to experience any of it? I thought we all had to stay in the hotels designated as part of the athletes’ village?” MK asked.
“That’s where we’ll be situated. Nothing stops you from wandering about, though you should try and relax before you have to crush your competition. Not to mention the risk of catching a cold or something. Getting sick because you wanted to check out the local night-life is a bad reason not to get a medal.” Daniel shrugged. “To each their own. But once your event is over, everything loosens up. Especially on closing ceremony night and the few days following. It’s usually quite the party. Some go sight-seeing. If you want to travel around Cuba a little this week, we’ll get the chance.”
Irène was about to jump in when her phone rang. Popping out of her seat, she walked over to one of the tall windows with a view of the tarmac. “Hello?”
Azélie added to the conversation. “Just as long as you all don’t get too lost in the excitement. Sorry Cadence, but Atlas Equipment doesn’t have a rep going to this thing, so we’re not going to be able to sit you down with anyone from their company. That’s still up in the air. But MK and Irène have a chance at catching someone’s eye. I’m going to be putting you both in front of as many microphones as I can to talk about yourselves. Maybe even as a unified team under Daniel. Trade in on his name a little if he’s mentioned in a redemptive light. I’ll sample the mood before I let anyone interview you. Don’t want you getting harassed. But from what I’m hearing, his story is trending positive. We need to capitalize on any good press for the team. That will help get you noticed. I know that sounds shallow, but it’s part of the game.”
“We’ll be good girls and take our medicine,” MK smirked. “Though I’m not going to be thrilled if I have to do another round of ‘I’ll get her next time’ speeches.”
“Then crush Dior and change the narrative,” Daniel said.
“Yes, Sir.” She grinned back.
Daniel was about to say something else when he noticed Irène was standing totally still. Her mocha skin had gone multiple shades lighter as she continued to nod at whatever she was hearing over the phone. She was nodding as if understanding, but she wasn’t blinking. Her lips trembled and tears were starting to stream from the corners of her eyes. Daniel spoke softly to the others, “Something’s wrong.”
Following his concern, the others all rose and shuffled over toward the pale girl. Before they got there, Irène sank heavily into one of the chairs. Her phone slipped from her grasp and fell to the carpet.
Thankfully, it didn’t shatter. The line was still open, and Daniel could hear someone calling out, wondering if anyone was still there. He bent fast and snatched it up off the ground. “Hello? Who is this?”
“Who’s this?” the woman on the other line asked right back.
“I’m Irène’s athletic coach. We were just about to board our flight for a competition. She’s looking pretty shaken. Can I ask what’s wrong?” As he spoke, he watched Cadence and MK flow to Irène’s sides, hugging her and rubbing her back, trying to coax her out of her shock.
“I’m sorry, but the details are private. It’s about her primary guardians.”
“Her grandparents? I know them. Phillip and Henrietta Minot. I’m a family friend. I know you can’t give me specifics, but Irène looks seriously shaken. I need to know something, so I can help her.”
The woman on the other end didn’t respond immediately. To him, it felt like she was weighing her professional obligations. Eventually, she replied, “I’m Doctor Marise Belmont. Her grandparents have been in an accident.” Another pause. Then, with sympathy, she added, “I’m sorry to be the one to tell you.”
“It’s serious, then?” Daniel grappled his own emotions under control. Irène’s going to need you. Keep it together.
“I told her she should to come to Nouveau Marseille General… soon. If you wish to help, I suggest you help her arrive as soon as she can.”
“She’ll be there as soon as possible.” He waited until he heard the doctor’s thanks, then hung up the call. Meeting Evelyn’s gaze, he shook his head.
By then, Irène had leaned into Cadence’s shoulder and was sobbing loudly.
Azélie came closer. “What is it?”
Daniel kept his voice low. “Her grandparents have been in an accident.”
“Is it that bad?”
“Has to be. We need to get her to the hospital, now.”
Evelyn had come close enough to hear as well. “Do we need to retrieve the bags? I think they are already loading. We’ll have to talk to the attendants at the counter. Get them to pull her bags from the plane.” She paused a moment, then suggested, “Maybe I should ask them to pull all of our stuff?”
“No!” Irène came off Cadence’s shoulder. “You can’t!”
Cadence stroked her arm. “Irène, it’s OK. We’re here for you. We’re not going anywhere!”
“No!” Irène snapped again. “I’m not going to let you!”
MK fired right back. “We’re only missing one –”
Irène didn’t let her finish, “– don’t give me that! Any of you. This isn’t just a competition. If you pull out… if the whole team pulls out… if you all fail to make your mark…” She shook her head hard. “You’ll never make the fifty-cut going to Bordeaux.”
All their gazes flew to Daniel.
His eyes were closed in pain. He knew what they wanted. I’m the only one here with experience in this. Evelyn is on the business side. Azélie is too new to the stage. Damn. Wish I could call my old coach. But I don’t have that kind of time. Facing up to his responsibility, he opened his eyes again. “The commission will be kind to Irène. Whatever she needs to deal with, they’ll bend over backwards for her. But we aren’t her family. I don’t know what they’ll do.”
Gritting her teeth, MK insisted, “We are her family!”
Irèn
e didn’t wait for Daniel. “This isn’t only about that! This isn’t about checking a box. You’re there to make a mark!” Squeezing her eyes shut, fresh tears poured from her eyes. “Please, don’t… I feel bad enough. I can’t. I mean, I need to stay. I can’t… can’t think about… just go! There’s… nothing you can do here except cry with me.”
Neither Cadence nor MK looked convinced; they were torn. Neither wanted to be selfish but Irène was reminding them they had reason to go. Important reasons.
Evelyn stepped in. “Go. All of you. I’ll cancel my trip. There’s nothing that I can’t cover by videoconference. Might irritate a few people but nothing more. I’ll get her to the hospital. I’ll help her take care of anything that… needs being done.”
She didn’t say more, but Daniel knew what she meant. If death certificates need to be witnessed and wills resolved… she can do it. He locked stares with Irène.
She gave him a jerky, tear-soaked nod and mouthed the word ‘Go!’.
Daniel exhaled slowly, coming to terms with the choices being made. “Alright. We’ll go.”
The resolve in Cadence and MK weakened as he agreed. He could read it on their faces, wondering if they could really get on the plane without their friend.
Azélie asked Evelyn softly, “Are you sure you don’t need help?”
Evelyn nodded and whispered, “I’m sure. If that changes, I know many lawyers. I’ll get it done. Go. Make sure the others get seen.”
Cadence hugged Irène close. “Are you sure? I don’t want to leave you.”
“I know,” she whispered back. “But you need to. Kick ass for me, Cay.” She glanced over at MK. “You, too. Take down that bitch Dior.” Standing, she opened her arms to Evelyn and stepped toward her. Evelyn embraced her and started to take her back down the concourse.
As Irène walked away from the group, Cadence folded herself into Daniel’s arms. “Did they say how bad it was?”
Daniel hugged her closer, cupping the back of her head against his shoulder. She needed the comfort, but he was glad of the connection as well. “They wouldn’t say. But it didn’t sound good.” The truth was still sinking in with him. Irène just lost her first shot. And even if the commission gives her a second chance, this is going to knock her on her ass for months. Damn! He realized he was holding his own grief at a distance. Stopping himself from thinking about Phillip and Henrietta as friends who were hurt. Stopping himself from considering them as Irène’s grandparents. Losing them will go on hurting her forever.
Azélie stood looking down the concourse, watching as Evelyn and Irène finally made it to the exit. When she lost sight of them, she hung her head forward. Reaching up to cover her mouth, she stifled a sob, “They didn’t survive.”
MK’s eyes flew wide. “What? How do you know?”
“I don’t. Not for sure.” The agent reached higher, rubbing at her forehead. “But you saw her. When they told her over the phone, she didn’t run. If there was even a chance that she could see them, she would have bolted out of here. Wouldn’t any of us do the same?”
Daniel couldn’t argue. “Yeah. Seconds probably wouldn’t matter but nobody would take that chance.” He gestured at the nearby seat. “She didn’t run. She wasn’t in a hurry.” His eyes closed in renewed, sympathetic pain.
Cadence drooped her forehead against him, snuggling closer. “Should we stay?”
“No,” MK didn’t hesitate. “This is what Irène wanted. Best thing we can do is get on that plane. Give the sports commission reason to believe in us. Make them want as many of us on their team as possible.”
Cadence fought to put a smile on her face. “Let’s do it. For Irène and for us.”
* * *
Irène reached out and placed a palm on the glass between her and the room in the intensive care ward. Beyond the window, her grandfather laid in a coma. His lungs cycled with the methodical efficiency that only comes when a machine is doing the work. “Is there any hope at all?”
The doctor with the nametag ‘Traviers’ spoke in that low, calm, soothing voice of medical professionals who knew they were delivering bad news to grieving people. “I’m sorry. Your grandfather has shown no conscious brain activity in the last six hours. He is beyond recovery and is in a vegetative state. If we cease life-support, he will die shortly after. Exactly how long, we cannot say. But it won’t be long.”
Answering only with a small nod, Irène fell back into herself.
Evelyn whispered to the doctor, trying to keep her voice low enough that it wouldn’t add to heartbreaking news Irène had received. “Will she need to identify her grandmother?”
Traviers shook his head. “We found enough ID on them to confirm. The hospital lawyers don’t need further proof. Irène is the listed next of kin, but she doesn’t have to put herself through that.”
“I want to,” Irène said, proving that she had heard despite their efforts. “I need to say goodbye.”
Evelyn didn’t challenge her. She wasn’t a therapist. But it seemed to her that the best thing for Irène right now was whatever Irène decided. “We’ll go whenever you want.”
Traviers focused on Irène again. “I’m sorry, Miss Minot. This is a difficult situation. Before I take you to the morgue, I need you to tell me what you want done for your grandfather.”
“And I have to make the decision?”
There was another man standing in the hall with them, on the elderly side, dressed in an inexpensive brown suit. He had introduced himself as Leonard Juneau, the lawyer and executor of their wills. Irène had shaken his hand more warmly than that connection implied, suggesting he was something of a family friend. “I’m afraid you do, Irène. Your grandparents didn’t have an official Do Not Resuscitate document on file, nor any indication they would want to be artificially prolonged or in what circumstances. But now that you are here, we need to know what they wanted.”
“Can’t I wait?”
“Yes, you can.” Traviers replied, still trying to be kind even if he was putting a little urgency into his words. “But your grandparents are both listed as organ donors. Your grandmother was gone too long before arriving. But your grandfather… he could save lives, Irène.”
Tears streamed down Irène’s face. “People come out of comas.”
“Not him, Irène. I’m not trying to be cruel, but you need to know the truth. He’s gone. He’s braindead. There is no viable chance that he will ever become conscious ever again.”
Irène looked far younger than she was as she cast her eyes over to Evelyn, looking for guidance. It was clear that she wasn’t ready to be making this horrible decision.
Taking a shaky breath, hovering near tears herself, Evelyn stepped up to her and folded a tender arm around her shoulders. “You knew them better than anyone. But if they signed donor cards, it meant they wanted to help people. Let them do that.”
Burying her face into Evelyn’s chest, she trembled as she cried. Yet as she did, she mumbled, “Do w-what… you… n-need to… to do…”
Doing his best, Traviers tried, and failed, to hide his professional anticipation. Evelyn hated herself a little for understanding where the man was coming from. He had just been given permission to save other lives. In the grand scheme, Irène s choice might be called a gift to those other patients and their families. Traviers did well at restraining himself, saving that grim joy for when he was on the phone with the donor organization. “People have been waiting a long time, and they are very ill. If you are ready to say your goodbyes, we will proceed as soon as we can.”
Irène nodded jerkily against Evelyn.
Not knowing if that small motion was visible, Evelyn echoed the nod for the doctor’s benefit. He gave a grateful one in return, then retreated down the corridor to start the process. She continued to cradle Irène while she worked out the flood of guilt at having decided to let her grandfather go.
Eventually she resurfaced, eyes red and swollen but finally somewhat dry. Sniffing, she considered the mild
mess she had made of Evelyn’s jacket. “I’m…”
“Don’t say it, my dear. It’s no worry. Would you like to go in? Say your goodbyes?”
Irène took a steadying breath, looking through the window again. “Yes.”
“Do you want me in there with you?”
“No. I… I need to do this alone.”
“I’ll be right here,” Evelyn promised. She meant it and wouldn’t necessarily wait to be called in if need be. She’d be watching to see if Irène collapsed or otherwise couldn’t handle being in there by herself.
“Thanks. For… for everything. It means a lot that you’d cancel your trip to be here.” A wan smile was all Irène could muster, but Evelyn knew it was genuine.
“You were incredibly generous to tell the others to go. They would be here if they could, standing here. I’m here for all of them.” Evelyn clasped her shoulder, squeezing it supportively. With one last kind smile, she let go of the other woman’s arm. “Go on. Be with him.”
Irène nodded, then slipped through the nearby glass door and entered the room. Through the window, Evelyn watched her approach the man who had looked after her since her parents’ deaths. She stepped softly, as if afraid she might wake him up. Finally, she sank to her knees, clasped the old man’s hand and began to cry.
Evelyn schooled herself to keep control. The last thing Irène needed was for her to become a blubbering mess.
Leonard stepped up beside her. “She’s going to need your help after this as well. I can’t see her being in good shape to understand all the paperwork. I need her to have a full grasp of the donor forms. And the estate situation. It isn’t good.”
