Morning has a way of coming, whether you're ready for it or not. And Tuesday morning arrived way too early for Link. He groaned and turned off his alarm, running his hand over his face while he tried to get his wits about him.
His father's prognosis wasn't good. Deku had suffered a seizure and passed out. He'd regained consciousness briefly while being transferred into the hospital. His speech was garbled and unintelligible. His blood pressure dropped, and he passed out again before Link arrived. The blond could do little but agree to the slew of tests that were recommended, though he understood very little of what was being brought to him.
Mar, for her part, was understanding and apologetic when Link met her. Her violet eyes were downcast and her tone grave while she detailed what little she had been told during the tense ambulance ride to the hospital. The restaurant had comped their meal, but Link insisted on giving Mar cash to fill her gas tank before the Zonai woman headed out.
Link spent the next few hours notifying all the family and friends he could think of about his father's condition. It took all of his coaxing to prevent Aryll from flying home a week early to join him, but in the end, she agreed to keep her original days and times for her flights to join them for Mipha's wedding, on the understanding that Link regularly kept her updated..
The nurses finally sent the exhausted blond home at 2am, assuring him that he would be notified when they got any results from the tests and lab work that had been run. It still took him far longer than he wanted to calm down when he got back to the house. His father's fat old cat was all over him for food, so he sat on the floor and kept the animal company while it ate. Link finally fell into a fitful sleep in his bed a little after four am.
But the meeting his father had scheduled with the law offices to finalize his will remained, regardless of the condition Deku was in. Link hurried through the shower before pulling on a pair of dark wash jeans and a dark green button-down. His damp hair was tugged back into a ponytail before he grabbed his keys and headed out.
A quick stop at the factory for the paperwork and to give his team instructions turned into almost fifteen minutes of the dancer explaining again what little information he had about his father's condition.
He happened to glance at the clock and took his leave quickly, racing back to his car. The SUV was nothing fancy despite having the funds to have purchased one of the custom cars he and his team manufactured–on an annual basis if he had so desired. Link didn't advertise the funds he'd been quietly accruing since he became a dancer. It was never about the money. A good portion was donated to charity, and a bit went into the factory under the name of 'anonymous benefactors' when equipment broke that insurance wouldn't cover. But most was saved, sitting quietly in an account that he rarely touched.
He double checked the address he put into the SUV's GPS, and the arrival time. He was late, despite his best efforts. Fortunately, it would only be a couple minutes, and given the downtown location, it was simple enough for him to use traffic or parking as the excuse.
Link found parking in a lot down the block and paid the kiosk before jogging down the street. The law office of Sheikah, Sherfin, and Hyrule took up both floors of a brick-faced building in the heart of Kakariko. The courthouse was two blocks away, allowing the staff of the office an easy walk for days spent in front of a judge and jury.
A bell jangled as Link entered the building.
A redheaded secretary sat behind the desk and spoke into a headset while reaching into a file drawer, her voice low and soothing. "I understand that, Mr. Yambi, but Ms. Aris does have until the eighteenth to submit her paperwork before the court will make their decision. Sir... Sir, I understand you're upset, but if you'd like to discuss– Sir!" She winced before catching sight of Link and immediately standing. "Good morning, sir. Did you have an appointment?"
"Yes. Well, my father does," Link corrected himself. "I'm here on behalf of Deku Forrest."
"The car guy? No way." A new voice greeted him, and Link turned towards the hallway. A young man close in age to himself leaned against the doorway with a stack of folders in his hands. Sharp green eyes caught Link's from behind his glasses, and he shook his head, sending his brown bangs down into his eyes despite his best effort to tame them. "Don't tell me you're related to him. You guys are legends in the Hyrule car industry."
"Guilty as charged," Link grinned. "Link Forrest. You are…?"
"Camilio Sherfin. My father's the Sherfin in the partner name. I'm interning here, learning the ropes."
"Cam. He's got a meeting with Ms. Sheikah. You going to show him the way, or stand here chatting and make him late?" The secretary asked, raising an eyebrow at him.
"Right. Sorry, Greta. Right this way, Mr. Forrest. Her office is up on the second floor, next door to my father's." Cami held the elevator open for him. "What's it like, building custom cars from scratch? You do work in the shop too, don't you?"
"I do," Link acknowledged. The hero worship from the young man was a bit odd to him, but he didn't dwell on it. His father was the one who usually got all the attention. The blond's chest tightened as the elevator ascended. No word from the hospital. He could only hope that was a good sign.
"Where is he, by the way? I thought he was supposed to be here," Cami was asking as they exited the elevator.
"He's in the hospital," Link replied. "He collapsed last night during dinner with a customer."
Cami inhaled sharply and muttered a curse word under his breath. "Geez. Hope he recovers. Give him my best, will you?"
Link didn't have a chance to reply before Cami was tapping on the open door and ushering him into a large office where not one, but two women sat behind the desk waiting for him.
"Link. It has been too long since I last saw you. You do remember me, don't you?" The old woman stood to greet him. "My, you've grown into quite a fine young man. Your father must be very proud."
"He is, Lady Impa," Link replied with a smile and a half-bow. The white-haired lady had been part of his life since he'd been adopted by Deku, and although he hadn't laid eyes on her in over five years, she was just like he remembered, albeit with a few more wrinkles that he would never mention aloud.
"I see your manners remain unchanged. That is to be commended." Impa took a seat and gestured to the blonde beside her. "This is Zelda Hyrule, the newest partner in our firm. I asked her to join us today so she would have an opportunity to meet one of my oldest and dearest friends. But I'm afraid I don't see him with you. Tell me, is Deku quite well?"
Link took a moment to choose his words, distracted by the young woman sitting opposite from him. It was her! Zelda… the woman for whom he'd gotten the Silent Princess tattoo… the same tattoo on his ribs that ached from newness. "He's in the hospital. He collapsed last night during dinner with one of our customers. He had a seizure, and is currently comatose."
Zelda let out a soft gasp that drew Link's attention to her face and sent heat straight to his groin. He was thankful for the large desk between them that hid the hard ridge forming in his pants. This wasn't the time! He silently scolded himself and tried to will away the arousal.
Impa winced. "That is most unfortunate indeed. Perhaps it is best that we are ironing out the details for filing this today. I pray to Hylia we won't need to call upon the terms of the documents anytime soon."
Link nodded and handed her the folder he carried. "Father had everything finished. We spoke briefly over the weekend about needing to file this. He has named me as executor for his will when it comes time."
Zelda accepted it and opened it, skimming over the first page. "I can't recall seeing a will so perfectly outlined and worded. This is like something I would have read in one of my textbooks!"
"Deku has always been concise with his wording. Though you should be aware, Zelda, that what you're holding in your hands is the second draft. I read the first one about a month ago, and suggested some edits and minor revisions. He took a bit of time to revise it, and we scheduled this meeting." Impa leaned back in her seat and eyed the blond. "I told him that it was wise for him to make his arrangements in case something were to happen. I could not have imagined such a circumstance becoming reality."
Zelda thumbed to the next page. "Is this the only copy of the revised will and his final wishes regarding his business and estate?"
"No. There's a digital one as well that Father emailed to Lady Impa over the weekend. He told me that he was going to do it. I assume that you received it?" Link waited for Impa's nod. "But that's the only hardcopy for the moment, yes."
"With your permission, we'll keep the original and have you take a photocopy for your records," Zelda suggested. She looked up from the page and gave Link a clear, uninhibited view of her green eyes.
They met his and held while he gave a nod of assent, though Link could tell there was no recognition when she looked at him. For once, he was conflicted over the fact that he wasn't easily identifiable. It would've made for an awkward first impression.
"I'll go run these copies then. How many copies would you like me to make, Impa?" Zelda rose and Link got his first glimpse of the snug navy pencil skirt that matched her blazer. A cream colored blouse completed with the ensemble, with a pair of black heels. She was polished, professional, and beautiful.
Link didn't hear the response to her question. He was too busy watching her quietly leave the room.
"She has blossomed into quite a young woman, hasn't she?" Impa didn't miss the way his blue eyes followed Zelda's retreating figure. "Your father used to watch his late wife much in the same way you were. She's single, in case you were curious."
He turned to her in surprise. "Father was married?"
"Of course he was. Many years ago. She fell ill several years after they were married, and one night simply didn't wake up. Broke his heart. She was the love of his life." Impa closed her eyes, losing herself in thought. "After my husband died, Deku reached out to me. There was a time where we spoke daily, at length about our respective spouses. I think my granddaughter expected us to become romantically involved. But any romantic notions we might once have had went by the wayside when he adopted you and Aryll."
Link sat back in his chair and fought to keep his mouth from falling open. After all this time… he had never known the depth of the relationship his father and Impa had shared.
"Don't consider blaming yourself," Impa chided, watching his face. "We've both had good, long lives, and I pray to Hylia that your father's life hasn't come to an end."
"From your lips to the ears of the Goddess," he agreed with a slight nod.
"Here are the copies you requested. And Mr. Forrest–"
"Link."
"Link, I've included two copies for you. One for you, and one for your, um, sister, was it?" At his nod, Zelda's confidence returned. "Very well. I have two copies for you and your sister to keep for your records. I recommend storing it somewhere safe."
He flashed a wry smile. "I take it that a safe inside an office that suffered a break-in over the weekend doesn't count?"
Zelda recoiled. "A break-in? What in the name of Hylia is going on?"
"That's what I would like to know." Link shrugged and opened his mouth to change the subject. But something stopped him, and he turned abruptly to the two women. "If you're religious, will you pray for him, please? It cannot be a coincidence that he collapsed the night after a break-in where the looters left a threatening message for my father on the wall."
Impa immediately bowed her head, murmuring words of prayer in the tongue of the Sheikah.
Zelda's eyes closed, but no words slipped from her lips. The office was quiet, save for the soft, almost musical prayer spoken by the older woman.
"Thank you," Link said when true silence fell. "I know the Goddess hears our prayers."
"She certainly does," the old woman agreed. "Now, I'm certain that you have more pressing things in mind than being here in our office. Have you heard from the hospital this morning?"
"Not yet," Link admitted. "I'll be heading there shortly before heading back to the factory. There's some cleanup left to do, but then I want us to get a head start on the base framework for the next one, even before the order comes in. It keeps the team from complacency."
"Better busy hands and minds than idle ones. Zelda will show you out," Impa decided. "Give your dear father a kiss on the cheek when you visit, regardless of if he's awake or not. If he's in the hospital for long, I'll make a stop to see him myself."
"I shall. And thank you, Lady Impa." Link arose and offered her a half bow at the waist.
"If you'll follow me this way," Zelda waited for him by the door. She waited til they were out of the office and standing in front of the elevator to broach the question on her mind. "Why do you call her 'Lady Impa?'"
A faint blush warmed Link's neck and ears. "Ahhh. When I was younger, I would get confused on whether someone was a miss, or mrs. Lady Impa was one of the first people I encountered when I had that particular issue. She sat me down and explained things to me, patiently of course. But when all was said and done, she told me: 'A true gentleman always refers to a lady with the utmost respect.' She was the most ladylike woman I'd ever encountered in my life, so I called her Lady Impa." He stole a glance at her, realizing how much he was talking, which was unusual for meeting a veritable stranger.
"How did she respond to that?" Zelda asked curiously as the elevator opened. "I've never heard anyone else refer to her in such a manner."
"She laughed and smiled. Made me feel like the tallest, bravest kid in the world, which I needed at the time." Link met her gaze. She didn't shy away from meeting his eyes, but he could almost sense that her guard was up. Perhaps it was professionalism, or maybe something more. Regardless, his window of opportunity was rapidly closing. "I pray you'll forgive the abrupt change in subject, but I'd rather not miss my chance. Would you join me for dinner tonight?"
The elevator chimed and the doors slid wide as Zelda's mouth fell open. "W-what?"
"I find you to be a beautiful woman, Zelda. Clearly quite smart too, given your occupation. Will you allow me to take you to dinner? If not tonight, then on another night that suits your schedule." Link's heart pounded in his chest as he watched her face. He had caught her off guard, more than even he had imagined.
"Well, uh…"
"Say 'yes', Zel. C'mon. Let your hair down a little." Cami's shit-eatting grin greeted them as they stepped back into the hallway and made their way to the lobby. "When was the last time you had a date?"
"It's not–"
"Don't answer that. Rhetorical question. She'll go. Office closes at five." Cami smirked at them both. "If you don't date him, I'm setting him up with a friend of mine. It's not every day you get Link freaking Forrest asking you out, Zel!"
Zelda finally found her tongue as she smoothed invisible wrinkles out of her skirt. "Yes, well, I suppose there's little harm in having a meal together. After all, you are friends with Impa. I trust you have no ulterior motives in asking me out?" She studied him for a long moment, eyeing him from head to toe.
"None except the pleasure of your company," Link replied sincerely. "I'll pick you up here at five. If anything changes, I'll call the office here so they can pass a message to you." He pulled out his wallet and withdrew a business card from it. "My cell is on the back. I look forward to seeing you tonight." He handed her the card, pressed a quick kiss on the back of her hand on impulse, then turned on his heel and left the stunned blonde to stand in the middle of the lobby.
Link waited til he got back to his SUV to let out his breath. It wasn't a dream, he kept telling himself. He found her. At the law offices. And he asked her out. Had a date scheduled for that evening. He pumped his fist in victory before sliding behind the wheel.
His phone rang before he could put the key in the ignition, an unknown number. He picked it up on the second ring. "Hello, this is Link Forrest."
"Link, it's Saki, charge nurse over ICU at Kakariko General Hospital. How are you?"
"Please tell me you're calling with good news about my father," Link pleaded rather than answering the question.
"Yes and no. The good news is that we've determined the cause of your father's seizure, and we're confident that he'll be awakening shortly." There was a brief pause while the woman on the other end chose her words. "The blood tests came back with significant amounts of cocaine in his system. Given his age, and his medical history, we have reason to believe he was likely poisoned with the drug."
Link's phone fell from his hand, and he fumbled to pick it up again. "I'm sorry… Did you say cocaine? My father has never done illegal drugs in his life!"
"Indeed. We ran the tests twice to be sure of our results. The seizures he suffered were due to the high amounts of cocaine found in his system. Much more, and it would have proven fatal. We've pumped his stomach, and we're working on a full detox while keeping him in a medically-induced coma for the time being. If all goes well, we'll remove that tomorrow and allow him to wake up on his own." Saki exhaled in Link's ear. "We're doing all we can for him. He is weak, and one of his lungs collapsed on arrival. We've managed to return it to normal function, but it was touch and go last night. But he's stable now and our doctors are confident that he'll pull through."
"Thank the Goddess," Link murmured. He rested his head on the steering wheel. "I'll be heading over shortly to spend some time with him."
"Of course. Just check in with the nurses at the station. Give them your name, and one of us will escort you in. Do you have any questions for me at this time?"
"No. I'll be there soon if I think of anything."
"Very good. Thank you for your time, Mr. Forrest. We'll see you shortly."
Link hung up the call and prayed. Cocaine overdose. This was deliberate. There was nothing 'by chance' about the situation that landed his father in the hospital. The obvious people with the opportunity to poison him were at the restaurant and Mar, the woman with whom his father had been dining. But to suspect a client? His father would sooner tan his hide.
And then there were the circumstances with Zelda. He was a fool, this much was certain, for scheduling a date in the middle of the chaos from the previous several days. Even he had to admit that he might've been thinking with his dick instead of his brain. But maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea, to end the day with a positive note and hopes rather than more concerns and unanswered questions. He already knew where he wanted to take her. A sophisticated woman like Zelda? She deserved the best, and Link was determined to give it to her in any way that he possibly could.
His phone rang again, and Link answered it automatically without looking at the caller ID. "Hello, this is Link."
A strong masculine voice greeted him, oozing with intelligence and a hint of arrogance. "Link Forrest? Ganon Dragmire from Castle Town. I was hoping to speak with you and your father, on a rather important business matter that I feel will be mutually beneficial for us."
