Time became a blur to the Tracys as Gordon remained in his coma, they
rarely left the hospital, their Grandma had arrived looking incredibly old
with the new strain of worrying over her grandson.
The first three days merged into one, until none of them knew what day of the week it was at all. Luisa and Kate had become close over the time spent waiting for and supporting their men and they helped as much as they could, bringing clothes, fetching coffee, forcing the wounded family to eat. Of course Josie Tracy was a huge help, bossing her grandsons and son around, demanding information from nurses, spending hours with Gordon regaling stories from his childhood. The tiny woman really was a pillar of strength.
It was on the fifth day of Gordon's coma that the Tracys heard dreadful news.................
Virgil sat numbly, he blotted out the bleeps he had become accustomed to from the machines as he read softly.
'And the clouds blew across the sky as the last dragon was defeated, his tail disappearing into the dark chasm below them......'
He paused, looking at the still form of his younger brother, 'if you ask me, a dragon would be much harder to beat than that hey Gordo, I mean you can't just stab it with a dagger and kill it, you'd have to get the exact position in order to kill it......'
John interrupted from where he sat by the window, 'I reckon you'd need a power laser if you were really going to kill it,' he pondered, 'I mean you'd need one with great force and accuracy.........'
Alan interrupted from the other side of Gordon's bedside, 'John, just because you're taking laser and communications does not mean you know exactly how to kill a dragon.'
John opened his mouth to object, Alan rambled on, 'I'd just jump on it's back and stab it in the eye!'
This brought snorts from both Virgil and John, 'yeah and you think you could jump on something that huge?'
Jeff jumped in, 'Boys!' he sighed, 'what are the chances that any of us will ever have to face dragons, can you stop this nonsense, you're giving me a headache.'
His sons fell silent, Virgil shut the science fiction novel and placed it on the bedside table, which was covered with flowers and cards from WASPS, friends and family.
Jeff leaned forward in his chair and rubbed his temples, he knew he shouldn't have scolded his boys, he was just exhausted, he had been at the hospital since Gordon had arrived, 93 hours before. His mother had tried to force him to go and get some fresh air or just a change of scenery but he couldn't do it, he couldn't leave his son.
His mother had gone for some coffee, dragging Scott off with her, and lord knows he needed the caffiene. Jeff's eldest was doing a brilliant impression of an animated corpse, pale, eyes sunken, hardly eating. Jeff knew he must look the same but the condition of his eldest child was worrying him.
As John began reading the paper aloud to Gordon, Jeff stared passed them out of the window, the press had finally left, the crash was no longer front-page news, though any developments in the cause of the crash were immediately in the papers.
'Hey Dad!'
Jeff looked up sharpely, 'what is it John?'
His middle child was frowning in disbelief as he stared down at the newspaper in his hands,'It says here that Redding is going to be charged with reckless endangerment'.
Virgil and Alan were quickly on their feet and at their brother's side peering over his shoulder at the article.
Jeff felt very angry, 'read what it says John.'
'Negligent Cadet Causes Hydrofoil Deaths' John began, 'The hydrofoil accident at WASP headquarters that killed 5 people last week and has left one fighting for his life, was caused by the negligence of a WASP cadet. It emerged last night that charges were being made against Cadet Curtis Redding, 20, of Massachussets, it was claimed by witnesses that Cadet Redding was given a specific order to check the hydraulics of the $250,000 hydrofoil, but reportedly uttered 'I'm not his slave' after Commander Brown, 32 one of the fatalaties of the crash , issued the order. Cadet Redding, then reportedly walked away from the hydrofoil and disobeyed the order. Redding's parents Miles Redding, former Aquanatic Discovery Commander, and Sue Redding issued this comment,
Curtis feels dreadful for this horrific accident, it is a tragedy for all concerned, we all send our prayers and good wishes to the families of those other youngsters on board, we so nearly lost our own son, we can only imagine how they feel.
No mention has been made of how Cadet Redding is planning to plead, but the truth remains........'
John began to turn the page to continue reading the article when Alan stopped him.
'JOHN!' he shouted, 'go back to the beginning a second'.
'Alan!' Jeff growled wanting to hear the rest.
'Dad! John, humour me please.'
John began to read again, 'Negligent Cadet Causes Hydrofoil Deaths. The hydrofoil accident at WASP headquarters that killed 5 people last week and has left one fighting for his life..........'
'STOP!' Alan shouted, his expression horrified.
'What is it Al?' Virgil asked gently.
Alan raised a hand to his mouth, as the others stared at him.
'It can't be right. It just can't be.'
'What can't?' John asked puzzled.
'It said five' Alan said softly, 'it said five people died, their were only four weren't there?'
John, Virgil and Jeff immediately looked shocked and horrified, John frantically turned the page and continued reading at a much quicker pace, almost dreading what the article would tell them.
'but the truth remains, the loss of lives of five crew members, possibly six' at this every Tracy in the room felt their hearts leap in horror, 'could have been caused by this cadets negligence. Fatalities include Commander Tariq Brown, 32, Cadet Noel Dalton, 19, Cadet Sam Williams, 20, Cadet Jack Munroe, 19, and last night the death of Cadet Stephanie Waters, also 19......'
The room froze.
Nobody spoke.
This wasn't how it was supposed to play out.
Steph was dead?
This was like a nightmare, like a domino effect, all those who were seriously injured were dying.
The only person left, was Gordon.
__________________________________________________
Scott swallowed the dark hot liquid with a frown of disgust. He'd never been a fan of coffee.
His Grandma frowned at him from across the table, 'just get it down you young man' she ordered, 'it will make you feel more alive.'
Scott sighed and pushed the polystyrene cup away from him, 'I know grandma, I just, this is so hard.'
Josie placed a hand over his, 'I know pet' she said softly, 'it's hard for everybody but you're not going to help anyone by running yourself into the ground.'
'I know Grandma I just can't seem to get my head around this.'
Josie's voice suddenly became harsher, 'well you are just going to have to Scott' she said firmly, 'you have to pull yourself together. Your father needs you, your brothers need you and Gordon needs you. I know how you feel believe me, do you think I wasn't tempted to wallow after your mother's death, or your grandfathers? Of course I was, but I knew I had to be there for Jeff and all you boys so I didn't.'
Scott felt spurned on by his grandma's words.'I'm sorry grandma you're right' he murmered, hanging his head.
Josie smiled, 'grandmas usually are sweetheart.'
Scott stood, 'right I'd better go back see if anyone needs sorting out'.
'Would you like me to come.'
'Nah, you stay here a minute grandma, have a rest, that flight must have wiped you out yesterday.'
His grandma smiled, 'maybe I will have a little sit'.
Scott squeezed her shoulder as he walked away, 'thanks grandma.'
'It's what I'm here for Scott!'
As Scott reached the ICU corridor he saw Alan bolt from his brother's room. Scott frowned and immediately quickened his pace, following his younger brother as he dashed to the bathroom.
When he reached the room he saw his brother throwing water over his face repeatedly.
Scott approached him cautiously, 'Alan?'
Alan jumped and spun around, his eyes tearful, and wary.
Scott pulled Alan into his arms as he began to sob, 'hey Alan what's wrong? Is it all getting too much for you, come on talk to me.'
Alan's sobs subsided, 'Steph's dead.' he said simply.
Scott was sure he'd mis-heard his little brother, 'What?'
Alan pulled back and looked Scott in the eye, 'Steph is dead.'
Scott felt weak and he squeezed Alan's forarms tighter to keep himself stable, 'oh no'.
Alan sniffed, 'it was in the paper, apparantly she died last night.'
Scott frowned in disbelief, for a second he questioned God, 'why would you let something like this happen to such a sweet, beautiful girl?'
Then he turned back to Alan.
He didn't know what to say.
Alan rubbed at his eyes with the palms of his hands, 'That's it....' he muttered, 'that's all of them except Gordon and that bastard, Redding.'
Scott nodded, feeling the ice tightening around his heart, at the mention of the guys name.
'I just can't believe this time last week everything was fine.'
Scott sighed, 'I know.'
Alan suddenly looked frightened, he turned to Scott his expression distraught, 'Oh Scott, he's just got to make it,I couldn't handle it if Gordo didn't make it!'
Scott held his baby brother as he dissolved into tears.
______________________
Jeff stood from his chair slowly, feeling 60 not 47. He felt a weariness he hadn't felt since Lucille's death, a weariness he'd always prayed he'd never feel again.
He cast a glance at his second eldest and middle child, who sat heads pressed together, before leaving the room.
He walked into the corridor and almost fell over an object obstructing his path, leaning down, he slowly retrieved a wallet.
Opening it to see if it had any identification, Jeff's breath caught in his throat. No, this must be a mistake he thought staring down at the card in his hands, he turned it over and let out a deep breath.
He hasn't been doing this, I know he hasn't!
But in his heart, he knew it was true.
With an oath Jeff turned in the direction he'd last seen his son.
________________________
Meanwhile in Gordon's room, John also stood shakily.
Virgil raised an eyebrow, 'you ok?'
'Yeah, I just need some air, I guess I should go see Kate too, she's been in that canteen for hours.'
'I should check in with Luisa too' Virgil offered, 'but I don't want to leave him alone.'
John sat down again, 'I'll stay then, you go!'
'No John'
'Go on Virg'
'I said i'll stay, you go, just check on Luisa for me alright?'
Just as John opened his mouth to object a voice came from the doorway, 'why don't you both go, I'll stay with him.'
Both boys turned to see their grandmother.
Virgil gave a smile of gratitude and John squeezed her shoulder as they left the room.
They remained lost in their own thoughts as they walked down the corridor in silence.
A loud shout captured both their attentions.
'I TOLD YOU ALREADY, I NEVER SAID THAT! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!'
John felt like he'd been punched in the gut, hard. Air whooshed from his lungs and for a second the corridor they were standing in seemed to spin.
Virgil saw red, his heartbeat accelerated to such an extent he could hear it in his ears.
From where he stood arguing with police officers, Curtis Redding looked every inch the petulant child, his left arm was strapped in a sling and he looked furious.
Virgil turned to John who looked pale and unsteady. John gave a small nod.
The police officers walked away from Redding,
Virgil and John were on him in a mere second!
_________________________________
Alan and Scott slowly walked from the bathroom, Alan holding a scrunched up tissue in his hand.
The last thing they expected to see was the furious face of Jeff Tracy as they stepped into the ICU corridor.
'ALAAAAAN!' Jeff screamed.
Alan and Scott both jumped out of their skin.
'What?' Alan asked frightened, 'what's wrong?'
Jeff looked absolutley furious, 'You tell me,' he spat out.
Alan was completely confused, Scott stood shocked at his father's behaviour.
It was only when Jeff lifted up Alan's wallet and retrieved his ID, Alan realised what was wrong.
His hands went to his back pocket automatically, sure enough, his wallet was missing, it must have fallen out after he ran from Gordon's room. He stared at his father, 'is that what this is about?'
Jeff held the ID card in his hand, his expression incredulous, he looked down at the card and read the print, 'Alan Tracy, Parola Sans Race ID'.
Scott tried to calm his father, still not really understanding, 'Dad, you know that's what Alan really wants to do, surely you don't have a problem with him going occasionally on a weekend?'
Jeff gave a sarcastic laugh, 'the weekend, the weekend? Maybe I'd be able to cope with that' he muttered, 'but unfortunately this card has been stamped with dates for more than just the weekends for months now.'
Scott turned to Alan
Alan sighed and rubbed at his temples.
Jeff was on a role now, he continued reading, 'Monday May 4th, Tuesday May 5th, Wednesday May 13th.................'
'Dad!' Alan tried.
'Hah! Oh look,you were at the Sans,the day of your brothers accident, you surprise me Alan re.....'
'DAD!' Alan shouted, stopping Jeff's tirade.
His father stared at him still furious, 'go ahead son I'm curious to hear your explanation as to how you've been attending classes at the same time as you are drag racing!'
'It's not drag racing, it's more professional than that!'
Jeff snorted, Scott stood arms folded, looking pissed off with Alan.
He decided to bite the bullet, 'ok, I have been missing lessons, but dad, i tried to get into the course I really did, I just didn't like it!'
'Heck of a chance you gave it Alan you've only been there three months!'
'You know I'm not like John or Virg, i'm not cut out to be stuck in a classroom!'
Scott jumped in, 'so you thought you just wouldn't bother!'
Alan frowned at his elder brother, 'Scott no offense but butt out, this has nothing to do with you!'
Scott glared back, 'who was it that helped you with your homework so you could get into College in the first place?'
Alan shook his head, 'exactly, you all just decided that I would go to College, I mean Dad you practically shoved me on that plane!'
'Alan you have to grow up a little' Jeff yelled back, 'a racing driver is not a serious profession, for goodness sake!'
Alan had heard this before, many times, 'You don't know that though! You always write me off, for all you know I could be really good, I have a real shot at making a go of it!'
Jeff calmed down a little, 'I don't doubt your abilities Alan!' he said 'but the fact remains, you need your education.'
Alan shook his head, hurt, this was always the way these arguments with his dad turned out, he'd always end up backing down.
Jeff sat down slowly in a plastic chair, Scott slumped into one next to him and ran a hand through his hair.
Alan stood for a moment and then did the same.
Jeff sighed a weary sigh and ran a hand over his face, 'I really don't need this from you right now Alan, as if I don't have enough to deal with, with your brother the way he is.'
Alan stood again, 'don't you make me feel guilty for just wanting to follow my own dreams dad!' he hissed, before turning on his heels and stalking back into Gordon's room.
Jeff put his head in his hands, Scott put a reassuring arm around his father's shoulder, 'hey it'll be alright Dad, everything will be alright!'
Jeff nodded slowly trying to pull himself together again and praying nothing else would go wrong.
________________________________
John and Virgil flung Redding at the corridor wall with a force he hadn't expected.
'Hey, what are you doing?' the object of their anger asked, frightened.
Virgil grabbed Redding's chin between his fingers as John held him against the wall.
'Listen you little punk!' he hissed, 'you had better admit your responsibility for that crash!'
Redding looked smug, 'I don't know what you're talking about?'
Virgil's eyes flashed furiously, John, seeing Virgil was about to knock the guy out pulled Virgil away and shoved Redding harder,making him wince as his injured arm hit the wall,John pushed his face so close to Reddings that he could feel the guy's breath on his face.
'Oh I think you do....' John growled, feeling the anger build inside him, 'you're responsible for the deaths of five people, how does that feel?'
For a moment some kind of emotion flashed in Redding's brown eyes, and then it disappeared, back to bravado, 'you guys are crazy!'
Virgil roughly pushed John away and grabbed Reddings jacket in his fists, 'no, this is just mad, you don't want to see us crazy! And I tell you something, if our brother dies because of you, I swear......'
'Brother?' Redding interrupted, then realisation dawned, 'ah, you're Tracy's brothers aren't you?'
'That's right!'
Redding sneered, 'I guess stupidity runs in the family then!'
That was all Virgil needed to hear, he landed a punch to Redding's stomach, John instead of stopping his brother, joined in the fray. Nobody insulted his family!
This was how the police found them.
'BREAK IT UP NOW!' A policeman shouted at the three boys.
Another policeman hauled a fist-flailing Virgil from Redding as another policeman pulled John away.
The policeman who had shouted the order, grabbed Redding by the shoulders, Redding pointed a finger at Virgil.
'You know what, everyone thought your brother was so perfect, the Commander, everyone at WASP even the lovely dear-departed Stephanie, not so perfect now is he? I almost hope he does die!'
Virgil gave a cry of rage and struggled against the police officer restraining him, 'LET GO OF ME! LET GO OF ME, LET GOOOOO!'
John's policeman tightened his arms around John as he too tensed.
Redding was wrestled away.
__________________________
Jeff was in the corridor when he heard the footsteps, Scott's gasp of surprise should have indicated that something was amiss.
He glanced up and stared in disbelief at the sight coming his way.
Two policeman were walking up the corridor, steering a protesting and wriggling Virgil and John. John's nose was bleeding and Virgil's shirt was ripped. The police looked angry.
They stopped in front of Jeff and Scott.
'Mr Tracy?'
'Yes' stammered Jeff.
'I'm sorry to do this to you at such a difficult time, but your boys were caught fighting in the ward.'
John and Virgil looked defiant.
Jeff stared at them both, 'I don't believe this!'
The policeman looked irritated, 'I trust we can leave these two in your capable hands?'
Jeff couldn't speak, he just nodded.
'We don't tolerate fighting in a hospital' he added addressing John and Virgil, 'even if you felt it was justified. You're damned lucky the hospital director isn't pressing charges.'
'Yeah, sure, lucky' John muttered under his breath.
'John! Shut it!' Scott hissed.
John fell silent.
The police walked away.
John and Virgil stood facing their father and brother.
'It's not how it sounds' Virgil began.
Jeff sat staring.
'It was that Redding, he was saying things.'
Scott stood then, 'where is that sick, pathetic.....'
'SCOTT!' Jeff shouted, silencing them all.
Virgil tried again, 'he was goading us, he deserved it!'
If Virgil had assumed this would appease Jeff, he was sorrily mistaken.
His father took a deep breath, 'I have never....' he said softly, 'ever been more ashamed of my children, than I am right now!'
'Dad.....'
'NO JOHN! Don't try to explain, you two are behaving like common thugs, brawling in a hospital and Alan is missing lessons and messing up his life, and Gordon......' he broke off swallowing, 'Gordon......well lord knows how or if he's going to come out of this.'
Scott felt awful, 'Dad......'
Jeff interrupted him, 'all I want is for us all to stick together through this, we're supposed to be a family, we should be doing everything we can to make this easier to deal with, not making things 10 times worse!'
He rubbed his forhead, 'You boys have no idea how close I am to losing it right now, your brother is lying in there, we don't know if he's going to make it........'
Scott said softly, 'Dad he will.'
'We don't know that Scott! And I can not deal with the rest of you right now, we have to be there for Gordon now, don't any of you see that?'
'But Dad....' Virgil uttered softly moved by his father's words, 'we did it for Gordy, we couldn't let him just get away with this.'
'Just forget him Virgil, let him go, punishing him isn't going to make Gordon better ok, he'll get what's coming to him.'
Virgil hung his head meekly, 'ok dad!'
Scott handed John a tissue for his nose, Jeff looked at the three of them, 'alright' he said softly, 'come on, let's go see our boy!'
And all four walked back to the room.
_____________________________
Alan and Josie were each seated on either side of Gordon's bed, Alan was threading his fingers through Gordons. He looked up as the rest of his family walked in.
His eyes widened as he noticed Virgil and John's conditions, now what in the heck had those two been up to?
He raised an eyebrow at John who shook his head lightly.
Right, not telling hey? He'd get it out of them later. He looked back at Gordon and smiled slightly, we'll get it out of them later, eh Gordy? He thought to himself.
Jeff, Scott, Virgil and John sat down.
John's chair scraped back, jolting Josie from her sleep, 'Wha...?'
Her eyes took in first John's and then Virgil's appearance, 'Oh my word' she exclaimed but saw the look on Jeff's face. She'd seen that look before, Jeff had everything in hand. She'd ask him what happened later.
She leaned forward slightly and gently moved a piece of Gordon's hair from his forhead, then she began to sing,
'goodnight my sweetheart, close your eyes, dont let the night take you by surprise.........'
John rested his head against his grandma as she sang the lullaby she's sung to Gordon and Alan, well to all of them really when they were little.
Virgil stared silently at Gordon willing him to wake up.
Scott put an arm around Alan as his little brother mouthed the words he knew so well as he clung to Gordon's lifeless hand
Jeff said a prayer over and over in his head, and as Josie's song sent a soothing balm over all their hurts, the words echoed in Jeff's head.
'Please let him wake up'
'Please let him wake up'
'Please'
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
SO,
WILL REDDING ADMIT RESPONSIBILITY?
WILL GORDON WAKE UP?
HOW WILL JEFF REACT TO LUISA AND VIRGIL'S LITTLE SECRET?
WHAT RECRIMINATIONS WILL REMAIN SURROUNDING ALAN'S BUNKING OFF COLLEGE?
FIND OUT IN THE NEXT CHAPTER................
The first three days merged into one, until none of them knew what day of the week it was at all. Luisa and Kate had become close over the time spent waiting for and supporting their men and they helped as much as they could, bringing clothes, fetching coffee, forcing the wounded family to eat. Of course Josie Tracy was a huge help, bossing her grandsons and son around, demanding information from nurses, spending hours with Gordon regaling stories from his childhood. The tiny woman really was a pillar of strength.
It was on the fifth day of Gordon's coma that the Tracys heard dreadful news.................
Virgil sat numbly, he blotted out the bleeps he had become accustomed to from the machines as he read softly.
'And the clouds blew across the sky as the last dragon was defeated, his tail disappearing into the dark chasm below them......'
He paused, looking at the still form of his younger brother, 'if you ask me, a dragon would be much harder to beat than that hey Gordo, I mean you can't just stab it with a dagger and kill it, you'd have to get the exact position in order to kill it......'
John interrupted from where he sat by the window, 'I reckon you'd need a power laser if you were really going to kill it,' he pondered, 'I mean you'd need one with great force and accuracy.........'
Alan interrupted from the other side of Gordon's bedside, 'John, just because you're taking laser and communications does not mean you know exactly how to kill a dragon.'
John opened his mouth to object, Alan rambled on, 'I'd just jump on it's back and stab it in the eye!'
This brought snorts from both Virgil and John, 'yeah and you think you could jump on something that huge?'
Jeff jumped in, 'Boys!' he sighed, 'what are the chances that any of us will ever have to face dragons, can you stop this nonsense, you're giving me a headache.'
His sons fell silent, Virgil shut the science fiction novel and placed it on the bedside table, which was covered with flowers and cards from WASPS, friends and family.
Jeff leaned forward in his chair and rubbed his temples, he knew he shouldn't have scolded his boys, he was just exhausted, he had been at the hospital since Gordon had arrived, 93 hours before. His mother had tried to force him to go and get some fresh air or just a change of scenery but he couldn't do it, he couldn't leave his son.
His mother had gone for some coffee, dragging Scott off with her, and lord knows he needed the caffiene. Jeff's eldest was doing a brilliant impression of an animated corpse, pale, eyes sunken, hardly eating. Jeff knew he must look the same but the condition of his eldest child was worrying him.
As John began reading the paper aloud to Gordon, Jeff stared passed them out of the window, the press had finally left, the crash was no longer front-page news, though any developments in the cause of the crash were immediately in the papers.
'Hey Dad!'
Jeff looked up sharpely, 'what is it John?'
His middle child was frowning in disbelief as he stared down at the newspaper in his hands,'It says here that Redding is going to be charged with reckless endangerment'.
Virgil and Alan were quickly on their feet and at their brother's side peering over his shoulder at the article.
Jeff felt very angry, 'read what it says John.'
'Negligent Cadet Causes Hydrofoil Deaths' John began, 'The hydrofoil accident at WASP headquarters that killed 5 people last week and has left one fighting for his life, was caused by the negligence of a WASP cadet. It emerged last night that charges were being made against Cadet Curtis Redding, 20, of Massachussets, it was claimed by witnesses that Cadet Redding was given a specific order to check the hydraulics of the $250,000 hydrofoil, but reportedly uttered 'I'm not his slave' after Commander Brown, 32 one of the fatalaties of the crash , issued the order. Cadet Redding, then reportedly walked away from the hydrofoil and disobeyed the order. Redding's parents Miles Redding, former Aquanatic Discovery Commander, and Sue Redding issued this comment,
Curtis feels dreadful for this horrific accident, it is a tragedy for all concerned, we all send our prayers and good wishes to the families of those other youngsters on board, we so nearly lost our own son, we can only imagine how they feel.
No mention has been made of how Cadet Redding is planning to plead, but the truth remains........'
John began to turn the page to continue reading the article when Alan stopped him.
'JOHN!' he shouted, 'go back to the beginning a second'.
'Alan!' Jeff growled wanting to hear the rest.
'Dad! John, humour me please.'
John began to read again, 'Negligent Cadet Causes Hydrofoil Deaths. The hydrofoil accident at WASP headquarters that killed 5 people last week and has left one fighting for his life..........'
'STOP!' Alan shouted, his expression horrified.
'What is it Al?' Virgil asked gently.
Alan raised a hand to his mouth, as the others stared at him.
'It can't be right. It just can't be.'
'What can't?' John asked puzzled.
'It said five' Alan said softly, 'it said five people died, their were only four weren't there?'
John, Virgil and Jeff immediately looked shocked and horrified, John frantically turned the page and continued reading at a much quicker pace, almost dreading what the article would tell them.
'but the truth remains, the loss of lives of five crew members, possibly six' at this every Tracy in the room felt their hearts leap in horror, 'could have been caused by this cadets negligence. Fatalities include Commander Tariq Brown, 32, Cadet Noel Dalton, 19, Cadet Sam Williams, 20, Cadet Jack Munroe, 19, and last night the death of Cadet Stephanie Waters, also 19......'
The room froze.
Nobody spoke.
This wasn't how it was supposed to play out.
Steph was dead?
This was like a nightmare, like a domino effect, all those who were seriously injured were dying.
The only person left, was Gordon.
__________________________________________________
Scott swallowed the dark hot liquid with a frown of disgust. He'd never been a fan of coffee.
His Grandma frowned at him from across the table, 'just get it down you young man' she ordered, 'it will make you feel more alive.'
Scott sighed and pushed the polystyrene cup away from him, 'I know grandma, I just, this is so hard.'
Josie placed a hand over his, 'I know pet' she said softly, 'it's hard for everybody but you're not going to help anyone by running yourself into the ground.'
'I know Grandma I just can't seem to get my head around this.'
Josie's voice suddenly became harsher, 'well you are just going to have to Scott' she said firmly, 'you have to pull yourself together. Your father needs you, your brothers need you and Gordon needs you. I know how you feel believe me, do you think I wasn't tempted to wallow after your mother's death, or your grandfathers? Of course I was, but I knew I had to be there for Jeff and all you boys so I didn't.'
Scott felt spurned on by his grandma's words.'I'm sorry grandma you're right' he murmered, hanging his head.
Josie smiled, 'grandmas usually are sweetheart.'
Scott stood, 'right I'd better go back see if anyone needs sorting out'.
'Would you like me to come.'
'Nah, you stay here a minute grandma, have a rest, that flight must have wiped you out yesterday.'
His grandma smiled, 'maybe I will have a little sit'.
Scott squeezed her shoulder as he walked away, 'thanks grandma.'
'It's what I'm here for Scott!'
As Scott reached the ICU corridor he saw Alan bolt from his brother's room. Scott frowned and immediately quickened his pace, following his younger brother as he dashed to the bathroom.
When he reached the room he saw his brother throwing water over his face repeatedly.
Scott approached him cautiously, 'Alan?'
Alan jumped and spun around, his eyes tearful, and wary.
Scott pulled Alan into his arms as he began to sob, 'hey Alan what's wrong? Is it all getting too much for you, come on talk to me.'
Alan's sobs subsided, 'Steph's dead.' he said simply.
Scott was sure he'd mis-heard his little brother, 'What?'
Alan pulled back and looked Scott in the eye, 'Steph is dead.'
Scott felt weak and he squeezed Alan's forarms tighter to keep himself stable, 'oh no'.
Alan sniffed, 'it was in the paper, apparantly she died last night.'
Scott frowned in disbelief, for a second he questioned God, 'why would you let something like this happen to such a sweet, beautiful girl?'
Then he turned back to Alan.
He didn't know what to say.
Alan rubbed at his eyes with the palms of his hands, 'That's it....' he muttered, 'that's all of them except Gordon and that bastard, Redding.'
Scott nodded, feeling the ice tightening around his heart, at the mention of the guys name.
'I just can't believe this time last week everything was fine.'
Scott sighed, 'I know.'
Alan suddenly looked frightened, he turned to Scott his expression distraught, 'Oh Scott, he's just got to make it,I couldn't handle it if Gordo didn't make it!'
Scott held his baby brother as he dissolved into tears.
______________________
Jeff stood from his chair slowly, feeling 60 not 47. He felt a weariness he hadn't felt since Lucille's death, a weariness he'd always prayed he'd never feel again.
He cast a glance at his second eldest and middle child, who sat heads pressed together, before leaving the room.
He walked into the corridor and almost fell over an object obstructing his path, leaning down, he slowly retrieved a wallet.
Opening it to see if it had any identification, Jeff's breath caught in his throat. No, this must be a mistake he thought staring down at the card in his hands, he turned it over and let out a deep breath.
He hasn't been doing this, I know he hasn't!
But in his heart, he knew it was true.
With an oath Jeff turned in the direction he'd last seen his son.
________________________
Meanwhile in Gordon's room, John also stood shakily.
Virgil raised an eyebrow, 'you ok?'
'Yeah, I just need some air, I guess I should go see Kate too, she's been in that canteen for hours.'
'I should check in with Luisa too' Virgil offered, 'but I don't want to leave him alone.'
John sat down again, 'I'll stay then, you go!'
'No John'
'Go on Virg'
'I said i'll stay, you go, just check on Luisa for me alright?'
Just as John opened his mouth to object a voice came from the doorway, 'why don't you both go, I'll stay with him.'
Both boys turned to see their grandmother.
Virgil gave a smile of gratitude and John squeezed her shoulder as they left the room.
They remained lost in their own thoughts as they walked down the corridor in silence.
A loud shout captured both their attentions.
'I TOLD YOU ALREADY, I NEVER SAID THAT! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!'
John felt like he'd been punched in the gut, hard. Air whooshed from his lungs and for a second the corridor they were standing in seemed to spin.
Virgil saw red, his heartbeat accelerated to such an extent he could hear it in his ears.
From where he stood arguing with police officers, Curtis Redding looked every inch the petulant child, his left arm was strapped in a sling and he looked furious.
Virgil turned to John who looked pale and unsteady. John gave a small nod.
The police officers walked away from Redding,
Virgil and John were on him in a mere second!
_________________________________
Alan and Scott slowly walked from the bathroom, Alan holding a scrunched up tissue in his hand.
The last thing they expected to see was the furious face of Jeff Tracy as they stepped into the ICU corridor.
'ALAAAAAN!' Jeff screamed.
Alan and Scott both jumped out of their skin.
'What?' Alan asked frightened, 'what's wrong?'
Jeff looked absolutley furious, 'You tell me,' he spat out.
Alan was completely confused, Scott stood shocked at his father's behaviour.
It was only when Jeff lifted up Alan's wallet and retrieved his ID, Alan realised what was wrong.
His hands went to his back pocket automatically, sure enough, his wallet was missing, it must have fallen out after he ran from Gordon's room. He stared at his father, 'is that what this is about?'
Jeff held the ID card in his hand, his expression incredulous, he looked down at the card and read the print, 'Alan Tracy, Parola Sans Race ID'.
Scott tried to calm his father, still not really understanding, 'Dad, you know that's what Alan really wants to do, surely you don't have a problem with him going occasionally on a weekend?'
Jeff gave a sarcastic laugh, 'the weekend, the weekend? Maybe I'd be able to cope with that' he muttered, 'but unfortunately this card has been stamped with dates for more than just the weekends for months now.'
Scott turned to Alan
Alan sighed and rubbed at his temples.
Jeff was on a role now, he continued reading, 'Monday May 4th, Tuesday May 5th, Wednesday May 13th.................'
'Dad!' Alan tried.
'Hah! Oh look,you were at the Sans,the day of your brothers accident, you surprise me Alan re.....'
'DAD!' Alan shouted, stopping Jeff's tirade.
His father stared at him still furious, 'go ahead son I'm curious to hear your explanation as to how you've been attending classes at the same time as you are drag racing!'
'It's not drag racing, it's more professional than that!'
Jeff snorted, Scott stood arms folded, looking pissed off with Alan.
He decided to bite the bullet, 'ok, I have been missing lessons, but dad, i tried to get into the course I really did, I just didn't like it!'
'Heck of a chance you gave it Alan you've only been there three months!'
'You know I'm not like John or Virg, i'm not cut out to be stuck in a classroom!'
Scott jumped in, 'so you thought you just wouldn't bother!'
Alan frowned at his elder brother, 'Scott no offense but butt out, this has nothing to do with you!'
Scott glared back, 'who was it that helped you with your homework so you could get into College in the first place?'
Alan shook his head, 'exactly, you all just decided that I would go to College, I mean Dad you practically shoved me on that plane!'
'Alan you have to grow up a little' Jeff yelled back, 'a racing driver is not a serious profession, for goodness sake!'
Alan had heard this before, many times, 'You don't know that though! You always write me off, for all you know I could be really good, I have a real shot at making a go of it!'
Jeff calmed down a little, 'I don't doubt your abilities Alan!' he said 'but the fact remains, you need your education.'
Alan shook his head, hurt, this was always the way these arguments with his dad turned out, he'd always end up backing down.
Jeff sat down slowly in a plastic chair, Scott slumped into one next to him and ran a hand through his hair.
Alan stood for a moment and then did the same.
Jeff sighed a weary sigh and ran a hand over his face, 'I really don't need this from you right now Alan, as if I don't have enough to deal with, with your brother the way he is.'
Alan stood again, 'don't you make me feel guilty for just wanting to follow my own dreams dad!' he hissed, before turning on his heels and stalking back into Gordon's room.
Jeff put his head in his hands, Scott put a reassuring arm around his father's shoulder, 'hey it'll be alright Dad, everything will be alright!'
Jeff nodded slowly trying to pull himself together again and praying nothing else would go wrong.
________________________________
John and Virgil flung Redding at the corridor wall with a force he hadn't expected.
'Hey, what are you doing?' the object of their anger asked, frightened.
Virgil grabbed Redding's chin between his fingers as John held him against the wall.
'Listen you little punk!' he hissed, 'you had better admit your responsibility for that crash!'
Redding looked smug, 'I don't know what you're talking about?'
Virgil's eyes flashed furiously, John, seeing Virgil was about to knock the guy out pulled Virgil away and shoved Redding harder,making him wince as his injured arm hit the wall,John pushed his face so close to Reddings that he could feel the guy's breath on his face.
'Oh I think you do....' John growled, feeling the anger build inside him, 'you're responsible for the deaths of five people, how does that feel?'
For a moment some kind of emotion flashed in Redding's brown eyes, and then it disappeared, back to bravado, 'you guys are crazy!'
Virgil roughly pushed John away and grabbed Reddings jacket in his fists, 'no, this is just mad, you don't want to see us crazy! And I tell you something, if our brother dies because of you, I swear......'
'Brother?' Redding interrupted, then realisation dawned, 'ah, you're Tracy's brothers aren't you?'
'That's right!'
Redding sneered, 'I guess stupidity runs in the family then!'
That was all Virgil needed to hear, he landed a punch to Redding's stomach, John instead of stopping his brother, joined in the fray. Nobody insulted his family!
This was how the police found them.
'BREAK IT UP NOW!' A policeman shouted at the three boys.
Another policeman hauled a fist-flailing Virgil from Redding as another policeman pulled John away.
The policeman who had shouted the order, grabbed Redding by the shoulders, Redding pointed a finger at Virgil.
'You know what, everyone thought your brother was so perfect, the Commander, everyone at WASP even the lovely dear-departed Stephanie, not so perfect now is he? I almost hope he does die!'
Virgil gave a cry of rage and struggled against the police officer restraining him, 'LET GO OF ME! LET GO OF ME, LET GOOOOO!'
John's policeman tightened his arms around John as he too tensed.
Redding was wrestled away.
__________________________
Jeff was in the corridor when he heard the footsteps, Scott's gasp of surprise should have indicated that something was amiss.
He glanced up and stared in disbelief at the sight coming his way.
Two policeman were walking up the corridor, steering a protesting and wriggling Virgil and John. John's nose was bleeding and Virgil's shirt was ripped. The police looked angry.
They stopped in front of Jeff and Scott.
'Mr Tracy?'
'Yes' stammered Jeff.
'I'm sorry to do this to you at such a difficult time, but your boys were caught fighting in the ward.'
John and Virgil looked defiant.
Jeff stared at them both, 'I don't believe this!'
The policeman looked irritated, 'I trust we can leave these two in your capable hands?'
Jeff couldn't speak, he just nodded.
'We don't tolerate fighting in a hospital' he added addressing John and Virgil, 'even if you felt it was justified. You're damned lucky the hospital director isn't pressing charges.'
'Yeah, sure, lucky' John muttered under his breath.
'John! Shut it!' Scott hissed.
John fell silent.
The police walked away.
John and Virgil stood facing their father and brother.
'It's not how it sounds' Virgil began.
Jeff sat staring.
'It was that Redding, he was saying things.'
Scott stood then, 'where is that sick, pathetic.....'
'SCOTT!' Jeff shouted, silencing them all.
Virgil tried again, 'he was goading us, he deserved it!'
If Virgil had assumed this would appease Jeff, he was sorrily mistaken.
His father took a deep breath, 'I have never....' he said softly, 'ever been more ashamed of my children, than I am right now!'
'Dad.....'
'NO JOHN! Don't try to explain, you two are behaving like common thugs, brawling in a hospital and Alan is missing lessons and messing up his life, and Gordon......' he broke off swallowing, 'Gordon......well lord knows how or if he's going to come out of this.'
Scott felt awful, 'Dad......'
Jeff interrupted him, 'all I want is for us all to stick together through this, we're supposed to be a family, we should be doing everything we can to make this easier to deal with, not making things 10 times worse!'
He rubbed his forhead, 'You boys have no idea how close I am to losing it right now, your brother is lying in there, we don't know if he's going to make it........'
Scott said softly, 'Dad he will.'
'We don't know that Scott! And I can not deal with the rest of you right now, we have to be there for Gordon now, don't any of you see that?'
'But Dad....' Virgil uttered softly moved by his father's words, 'we did it for Gordy, we couldn't let him just get away with this.'
'Just forget him Virgil, let him go, punishing him isn't going to make Gordon better ok, he'll get what's coming to him.'
Virgil hung his head meekly, 'ok dad!'
Scott handed John a tissue for his nose, Jeff looked at the three of them, 'alright' he said softly, 'come on, let's go see our boy!'
And all four walked back to the room.
_____________________________
Alan and Josie were each seated on either side of Gordon's bed, Alan was threading his fingers through Gordons. He looked up as the rest of his family walked in.
His eyes widened as he noticed Virgil and John's conditions, now what in the heck had those two been up to?
He raised an eyebrow at John who shook his head lightly.
Right, not telling hey? He'd get it out of them later. He looked back at Gordon and smiled slightly, we'll get it out of them later, eh Gordy? He thought to himself.
Jeff, Scott, Virgil and John sat down.
John's chair scraped back, jolting Josie from her sleep, 'Wha...?'
Her eyes took in first John's and then Virgil's appearance, 'Oh my word' she exclaimed but saw the look on Jeff's face. She'd seen that look before, Jeff had everything in hand. She'd ask him what happened later.
She leaned forward slightly and gently moved a piece of Gordon's hair from his forhead, then she began to sing,
'goodnight my sweetheart, close your eyes, dont let the night take you by surprise.........'
John rested his head against his grandma as she sang the lullaby she's sung to Gordon and Alan, well to all of them really when they were little.
Virgil stared silently at Gordon willing him to wake up.
Scott put an arm around Alan as his little brother mouthed the words he knew so well as he clung to Gordon's lifeless hand
Jeff said a prayer over and over in his head, and as Josie's song sent a soothing balm over all their hurts, the words echoed in Jeff's head.
'Please let him wake up'
'Please let him wake up'
'Please'
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
SO,
WILL REDDING ADMIT RESPONSIBILITY?
WILL GORDON WAKE UP?
HOW WILL JEFF REACT TO LUISA AND VIRGIL'S LITTLE SECRET?
WHAT RECRIMINATIONS WILL REMAIN SURROUNDING ALAN'S BUNKING OFF COLLEGE?
FIND OUT IN THE NEXT CHAPTER................