Chapter Two: Discovered Under Coffee
HenrikMan204: I've been giving it some thought, Gord, and I was wondering . . .
HoboJoe214: Wondering . . .?
HenrikMan204: Well, frankly Gordon, I was wondering if you wanted to come visit for awhile. Two weeks maybe? You could stay at my place, I've got room, or at least, can make some for ya.
(Long Pause)
HenrikMan204: Well . . . what do you think?
(Pause)
HoboJoe214: Frankly . . . I'm not sure.
HenrikMan204: Not sure? How can you be 'not sure'! Have you any idea how much time I've put into this? This little thing of ours isn't something concocted over tea! You can't bail on me!
HoboJoe214: No, no, no, you've got me all wrong. This has nothing to do with you or I.
HenrikMan204: Explain.
HoboJoe214: I'm having . . . "family issues", to put it lightly.
HenrikMan204: Help me out here. Toss me a bone. I think you can trust me. Family issues can be anything from 'I just found out my dad murdered his ex-wife' to 'My uncle lost at an eating contest'.
(Pause)
HoboJoe214: My brother tried to commit suicide . . . and we only barely stopped him.
(Short Pause)
HenrikMan204: Oh, gosh . . . look, I'm sorry. I understand. Maybe another time.
HoboJoe214 HAS LOGGED OFF
Tessa watched from the window of the living room as Scott's plane flew off towards London airport. She still wasn't sure if Jeff's decision to let Scott choose his own destination was a good one.
The door opened, and Jeff walked in, having seen his son off. Tess turned towards him, not sure how to phrase what she was about to say.
"Jeff . . ." she began, trailing off.
He looked at her, startled at someone saying anything. Very few words had been shared within the house in the past couple of days. "Yes, Tess?"
Tess bit her lip before speaking. "Well, see, I'm not saying you're wrong but . . . do you think it was wise to let him choose his own vacation spot?"
Jeff sighed. "I promised him he could so that he'd know we understood him."
Tess was exasperated. "But Saskatchewan? Jeff, no matter how you slice it, that's not good for him. You have to draw the line somewhere."
Jeff was equally frustrated. "I know. He'll probably only get a reality check, instead of a therapeutic vacation. But I made a promise, and what he needs most now is to know that he can count on his family."
Tess wiped her eye where a tear was forming. She'd cried a lot in the past few days. "He loved her more than anything. He was willing to take his own life to be with her. I just hope he finds what he needs in Canada."
Greg was once again checking over the paperwork of a patient, when everything went black.
"Guess who!"
Greg was not in the mood. He was just about to check on Mr. Van der Hune, and that always made him frustrated. Mr. Van der Hune was a very pessimistic man, who had fallen from a display at a museum, and gotten a fair sized bump on the head. Greg Peterson was the hospital's amnesiac specialist, though when patients were low, he also did pediatric work.
He sighed. "Libby, I don't have time to play . . . I have to check up on Mr. Van der Hune. I'm sorry."
There was a giggle. "I'm not Libby . . ."
He was confused. The voice did sound older. "Excuse me?"
The hands covering his eyes were lifted. He turned around to see one of - in his opinion - the most beautiful people he'd ever seen. "Jane . . ." He smiled at her in her horrible hospital gown.
She made a pouty face. "Do you really have to check on Mr. Van der Hune?"
He sighed. "Yes, I do. But I'll only be about 20 minutes."
She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Okay then." She leaned forward and kissed his cheek before letting go. Jane flashed him a grin as she walked away.
Greg felt as though he would fly down the hall.
As his plane landed on the flat plains of Saskatchewan, Scott stared out at the corn fields and buildings that lay on the ground below. Even though he was landing in the capital, the airport was on the outskirts of Regina, and the vast farmlands were completely visible.
Scott knew that his family probably thought he was crazy for choosing to come here. But he had to see it. He had to see Lana's family. He needed to see the only other people who'd cared about her the way he did.
The plane touched down, and he quickly moved off to claim his luggage. The flight had been rather boring - honestly, who wants to watch a bunch of crappy movies for 6 hours? He was looking forward to heading off on his quest to find the Fitzgeralds.
It was 6 pm. Nothing good on TV. All the books in the house read over twice - at least. Raining - no good for swimming.
Simply put, Tessa Highlander was one bored woman.
She looked from where she stood by the window to where her fiancé was playing the piano across the room. She couldn't even sit down and enjoy his music without Jeff reprimanding her.
Tessa noticed the computer sitting on Jeff's desk. The high-sped internet access was begging to be used. It was one of the few things Jeff hadn't banned her from.
Virgil's eyes followed her as she sat down at his father's desk. He continued playing. He knew she would rather be sitting near him, but his father had forbidden it . . . for now, at least.
Tess turned on the computer, and patiently waited for the internet to connect. The prospect of checking her email was too tempting.
Jeff was completely oblivious to it, but each of the boys (plus Tess and Tin-tin) had their own email accounts. And, well, since Virgil and Tessa could barely talk to each other . . .
The new email sat at the top of her inbox. She smiled over at Virgil before clicking it open.
My Dearest Tessa,
I miss being with you more and more each day. I love you more than the day I asked you to marry me. I had hoped my father would give this up sooner, but it looks as though this wall between us won't be coming down for awhile.
Please know, my darling, that if it were at all possible, I would take you away and marry you, never to look back at my father's restraints again. But you know that you and I both are destined to stay here, so I shall have to wait until this storm of ours passes.
Always know that I love you.
Virgil
Tess could never imagine what he saw in her. She loved him dearly, but she knew that she herself was no prize. She was continually amazed by his poetic sense towards her.
She was just clicking the reply button when an Instant Message popped up, taking her by surprise.
HenrikMan204: Hey . . . you didn't tell me you'd be on.
Tess looked at the sender. She knew no one by that screen name - then again, she only ever talked to John. Still, she was curious.
HoboJoe214: John? That you?
Whoa. HoboJoe214? None of the boys on this island used that screen name.
HenrikMan204: 'John'? Gord, what's up with you today? Who's John?
Oh, it's Gordon, she thought, but why is the screen name different?
HoboJoe214: Oh, sorry. I guess Gordon forgot to log out when he was on. This is Tess.
HenrikMan204: Oh. Okay. Sorry . . . wait, so, you live with him?
HoboJoe214: Yeah, us and the rest of our family.
HenrikMan204: Your and Gordon's family?
HoboJoe214: Yes. Our family.
HenrikMan204: So . . . has Gordon told you about me and him?
Tess was starting to get confused - which, considering it was Tess, wasn't saying much.
HoboJoe214: Um, no actually, he hasn't.
HenrikMan204: That's odd . . . don't people usually share important details with their family at least?
Tess was officially confused.
HoboJoe214: Technically, we don't share a family yet. I'm still engaged.
HenrikMan204: Oh. So, you don't know anything about me and Gordon?
Correction: Tess was officially, completely, and utterly confused.
HoboJoe214: No. I don't even know who you are, but believe me, I'll be asking Gordon about it.
HenrikMan204: Gee, I hope I don't get him in trouble.
HenrikMan204: Oh, crap, I just realized what time it is. I really have to go. Nice meeting you, Tessa. Tell Gordon I said Hi.
HenrikMan204 HAS LOGGED OFF
Tess logged off as well, and was completely confused. Quickly, she logged out of her email, and went offline. She went into the start menu, frantically ready to do a search.
Quick at typing, she entered her search: HenrikMan204.
Five entries popped up. Saved IM conversations.
Tess gasped at some of the phrases.
HenrikMan204: I don't see why this should be kept a secret. You'll have to tell your dad about us sooner or later.
HoboJoe214: Yeah, but you don't know Dad . . . he's not exactly . . . open-minded when it comes to things like this.
HenrikMan204: But this is really important to you - you have to tell him.
Another came up next:
HenrikMan204: I have the pictures of me you wanted - I'll email them to you.
Finally:
HenrikMan204: Not sure? How can you be 'not sure'! Have you any idea how much time I've put into this? This little thing of ours isn't something concocted over tea! You can't bail on me!
Tess couldn't believe it. Of course, she and Gordon had never been close, but if he was having this kind of relationship with a stranger on the internet . . . how could she have been so blind?
"Virgil," Tess began, "is Gordon . . .?"
Virgil stopped playing. "Is Gordon . . . what?"
Tess pondered how to put it. "Is he . . . rooting for the other team?"
Virgil's forehead creased. "I don't follow."
Tess sighed in exasperation. "Is he a flamingo in the world of men!"
Virgil wrenched. "Ew! Heck no! My brother is definitely rooting for the home team. Believe me."
She coaxed him forward with her finger. "Come here, and read these. I know it's likely invasion of privacy, but I think we deserve to see this."
Virgil got up and walked over to the computer. He peered at the screen, and read over its contents.
He thought for a moment, biting his tongue. "I'm sure there's a logical explanation for this. I'm certain he's not . . . how you think. And I'm sure it's no big secret who this Henrik person is."
Tess's eyebrow arose. "Oh?" She closed the old conversations and pulled up the one she'd just had.
Virgil scanned it over. He hung his head. "Tess . . ."
"What?" she questioned.
He laughed slightly. "He thinks you're marrying Gordon, and that Gordon is going to get in trouble for keeping the fact that he has a social life a secret."
"Seriously!" She reread her conversation. "Oh, crap."
Virgil reassured her. "Tess, it was a harmless mistake. I'm sure there's nothing going on with Gordon that was meant to be kept a secret." Tess appeared to be somewhat assured.
Virgil, however, was shaken.
Scott tried to relax as he drove off from the big city, his hands shaking as he held the wheel of his rented Buick. He frequently shot glances at his map and the small piece of paper with the address on it.
He turned to look out through the windshield. Some people would just see an endless road lined with flatness and cornfields. Not Scott. What he saw ahead were cornfields filled with the thoughts roaming through his head, and a road leading him onward in his destiny.
A strange sound echoed through the car. It took Scott a moment to realize it was the cell phone he had shoved carelessly onto the backseat. He pulled over to answer it.
"Hello?" he asked into the phone.
"Scott!" his father's relieved voice called. "Good. You arrived okay. How was the flight? Why didn't you call?"
Scott rolled his eyes. His father worried too much. "I'm fine, dad. The flight went well. I suppose I was just too caught up in being here to call."
There was a pause on the other end. "Where are you now?"
Scott looked outside the window. "Saskatchewan. Some small town. I forget the name . . . passed the sign about five minutes ago."
There was a sigh from his father. "You're sure you're okay alone out there?"
"I'll be fine, dad. I swear."
Another pause. "Alright. Call me when you find a place to stay. Bye."
Scott flipped the phone closed, and turned the car back on. His dad could be such a pest sometimes.
–
The Tracys sat eating a quiet dinner of steak as Jeff sipped his coffee.
Tess and Virgil sat across from each other, a did Alan and Tin-tin. They seemed to be doing a fairly good job of ignoring him.
He sighed. Perhaps he had been a little too strict with their punishment. And perhaps he shouldn't have punished Alan and Tin-tin as well.
But then again, he felt that they needed to know what it was like for Scott. Being cut off from the one you love was a terrible thing. He had also hoped that it would help Scott get over his missing Lana. It seemed to have only made things worse.
Jeff took a final bite of his steak. Perhaps he should lift the ban early. Then again, it was so nice not to have to listen to music during the early hours of the morning. And not having to worry about walking in on an awkward moment was heavenly.
Tess was finishing up her steak too, he noticed.
"I was online today, Gordon," she said as though that should mean something to him.
"Yes?" Gordon prompted. To the untrained eye it would appear as though he was perfectly unaware of what she was getting at, but Jeff could tell his son was nervous.
Tess swallowed her steak with such unimaginable poise. "I found some rather interesting things-"
There was a small sound, and Tess shot a look at Virgil. He appeared to want her to watch what she said.
"-o-on eBay," she stumbled out.
Gordon's eyebrows shot up. "eBay? Since when do you shop on eBay?"
Tess seemed to be fishing for words. "Oh, not often. Today was my first time, really. Quite interesting actually."
Jeff suspected she would have gotten off without a hitch - if she had kept her mouth shut just a second longer.
"I never even realized you could buy fish online."
Virgil's hand slapped his face. Alan bit his lip.
Gordon remained collected, though he could tell he was centimetres away from laughter. "Yes. It's amazing that they ship all those little guppies without damage. The wonders of technology."
Tess smiled, having no idea she'd had the biggest "blonde moment" in probably the history of the island. "Such beautiful images too. Whoever thought of eBay was a genius."
"I'm sure they are, Tessa. I'm sure they are." Gordon held up his glass in a toast, while the others suppressed laughter.
–
HenrikMan204: Dude, you never told me you were getting married!
HoboJoe214: I'm what!
HenrikMan204: Don't try to hide it, Gord. I talked to her online two days ago. You really shouldn't keep things like this a secret from a fiancée.
HoboJoe214: Whoa, whoa, whoa - back up the train! Who were you talking to? Because I can tell you I have no plans to get married anytime soon.
HenrikMan204: Well, then how do you explain Tessa?
HoboJoe214: Tessa? TESSA! ROFLOL!
HenrikMan204: What is so funny!
HoboJoe214: Tess is my future sister-in-law. She's marrying my brother, Virgil.
HenrikMan204: Oh. Boy, do I feel like an idiot.
HoboJoe214: Don't sweat it. At least now I know that my personal life is safe . . . wait, you didn't tell her anything, did you?
HenrikMan204: No. But trust me, she'll be asking questions in a bit. In fact, I'm surprised she hasn't already started.
HoboJoe214: She tried. But then her future husband thwarted her attempts, and, to make a long story short, I now have license to tease her for the rest of her life about eBay.
HenrikMan204: eBay?
HoboJoe214: Don't ask. (BTW-check your email! I have decided on a name!)
–
Scott lay back on the uncomfortable bed. The only thing he could find to sleep in was a sleezy motel. It was 9 o'clock at night, and this was the only place still open with available rooms.
Scott had driven all day long. He still hadn't reached Lana's hometown. He felt exhausted. Jeff had called a grand total of five times. Each and every time, Scott knew his father was trying to say something, but it just could not come out.
Only a few hundred miles more to go, he thought, as his weary mind drifted away, I'll be there tomorrow. I swear, Lana, I'll be there.
–
Jane straightened her jeans as she heard a knock upon her door. She cleared her voice. "Come in," she said sweetly.
Greg entered, wearing a pair of jeans and a Rolling Stones t-shirt. "Ready?" he asked.
She smiled and grabbed his arm. Their first formal date. "I can't wait," she replied anxiously.
"Neither can I," he replied, a loving note to his voice. She blushed.
They carefully slipped out the back exit. The only way no one would see them - patients dating doctors wasn't necessarily frowned upon, but it wasn't smiled upon either.
He walked her down the street. "So, what have you been remembering lately?"
She sighed. "Nothing really. I keep having visions of that same man in my head. He must be someone important."
"Your father?" Greg suggested.
Jane shook her head. "I don't think so. My father is dead."
Greg was surprised. "Your father is dead? When did this happen? When did you remember this?"
Jane blinked. "He died . . a couple years ago. Along with my mother. I just remembered it now."
He smiled. "You amaze me sometimes. I do believe we shall find out who you are yet."
"I only wish I had a better name than 'Jane'," she sighed.
He stopped walking, and so did she. He turned to her, and cupped her chin with his hand. He stared into her eyes, and spoke softly. "On the contrary, 'Jane' happens to be the most beautiful name I've ever heard."
Jane smiled at him, and their lips met.
–
HoboJoe214: Um, you know about that thing you asked me about . . . about, a week ago? Not quite?
HenrikMan204: Not quite . . . I've been slightly busy. Which thing?
HoboJoe214: The thing about visiting?
HenrikMan204: Yes, I remember that thing now. :p
HoboJoe214: Well, maybe I could swing by for a couple of weeks. I'll have to talk to my dad (frankly things around here are getting depressing).
HenrikMan204: That's great, Gord! I can clear out some space in my apartment. You don't mind sleeping on a cot do you?
HoboJoe214: Nope, that's no problem. I probably won't be down for a few days at least. I'd rather get out there asap, is that going to be a problem?
HenrikMan204: tosses box Pardon? Sorry, I was getting ready.
HoboJoe214: See you in a few days then. ;)
–
As Scott approached the driveway, it was almost 1:30pm, but he saw no one outside - just a bunch of cornfields, and the occasional cow. His Buick rounded the corner, and a hound appeared, barking rather loudly.
A beautiful girl - or at least, that's what he thought she'd be under the coveralls, and messy ponytail.
"Scamp! Shuddup!" the girl yelled at the overweight beagle. She turned towards Scott, who stood by his car. "Sorry, he's all bark and no bite. Can I help you with somethin'?"
Scott took a deep breath. This was quickly getting to be too much for him. "I'm not sure."
The girl stared at him, and the dog circle her ankles. "Well, are you lost? Do you need directions?"
He closed his eyes, then reopened them. "I'm looking for someone . . ."
She cocked her head. "And who might that be?"
"That depends - are you Lana Fitzgerald's cousin?"
She swallowed hard, and her eyes went wide. "Come inside."
–
He sat at a cozy table over a cup of coffee. She sat across from him.
"My name is Samantha Fitzgerald - everyone calls me 'Sandy' though. I was her cousin," she had tears in her eyes. "She died little more than a month ago. It's been a struggle ever since.
"We've had to move Uncle Ed in, and call my father down frequently for help. I never realized she did so much . . . it's amazing how we don't appreciate people until they're gone." Her hand went to her mouth, and she sobbed quietly as tears streamed her face. Scott had to turn away, for fear the same thing might happen to him.
"I miss her so much," Sandy cried, staring at him. "She wasn't just my cousin . . . she was my best friend. We shared everything. I'd give everything own up to have her back."
Scott reached put and held her hand. "Your cousin was a wonderful woman."
She sniffed. "I'm sorry. Now, how did you say you knew her?"
He let go. "My name is Scott Tracy. My father heads IR. She helped us before she died. At first, we were the worst of enemies, but then . . ."
"Then?" she prompted.
"We were completely in love right before she died. When she died, I almost killed myself. Well, actually, technically I tried twice." He looked into her eyes. "I loved your cousin more than anyone could know. She was my world."
And the two of them sat at the table crying for the longest time.
He'd done it. Scott had found his answer. She really was gone. He cried as though he'd never cried before.
–
Tess tried to relax as she took her morning shower. Usually the warm water would sooth her every thought, but this morning, there was so much to sooth.
How could her ex-boyfriend try to commit suicide? He'd never seemed fragile to her when they were dating. On the contrary, he seemed quite solid. She would never have believed it if she hadn't seen it with her own eyes. But that wasn't her only problem.
Was her future brother-in-law gay? Gordon and her had never been close by any stretch. But had she really missed something that big?
Perhaps it was all a big misunderstanding. After all, Virgil had lived with him his entire life, and it came as a shock to him. But something was nagging at Tessa.
At first, she thought it was her own head. Then she realized there was something strange. She felt the back of her neck, and let out a scream that could awaken the dead.
She peeled the slimy alligator off of her neck, and let it drop on the floor of the shower. She hit the button to turn off the water, as she ran out of the shower. She continued screaming.
Tess quickly grabbed the towel and wrapped it around herself quickly as the door flew open to reveal Virgil, Alan, Gordon and Tin-tin.
She pointed at the small alligator now crawling out of the shower. She turned to Alan. "ALAN! GET THAT THING OUT OF MY SIGHT! NOW!"
He rushed past his brothers and scooped up Frodo. "Bad boy," he murmured. He quickly ran away from the glare Tess shot him, fearing her wrath.
She stood there, towel and all for a moment, scowling at the people in front of her. "What are you staring at! GET OUT!"
They didn't have to be told twice as they ran away as fast as they could. Tess slammed the door behind them, slumping to the floor in embarrassment.
–
Later in the day, the Tracy family was called gathered around in the living room. Jeff stood in front of his desk, towering over them.
Tess stood next to Virgil, listening intently, trying to forget the morning's chaos.
Jeff cleared his throat. "It has come to my attention that we don't have what one would call a decent-sized team right now. With John in space, Virgil and Tessa both suspended, and Scott over in Canada, we are left with two boys . . . plus Tin-tin and Brains, of course. Though, we could really use some extra hands."
Tess looked eagerly at Virgil. Maybe they were getting off the hook!
"Which is why I've asked Lady P to come for the next few weeks, until everything goes back to normal . . . or what passes as 'normal' in this family."
Tess was crestfallen. She and Lady P were on good terms - well, now they were at least - but she so wanted to reinstated. Being suspended might seem like a vacation to some, but it was really a boring, boring life. "Sounds good," she piped out.
Jeff smiled. "I'm glad you think so, because she'll be landing in five minutes."
–
As Lady Penelope steeped out of the plane, she sensed the normally beautiful island was being overseen by a heavy cloud.
She had been shocked when Jeff had explained the situation to her. She would have never thought any of the boys were capable of trying to commit suicide - let alone Scott. And the whole thing with Virgil and Tessa was completely perplexing.
She saw Jeff walking towards her followed by his children, and she tried to hide the blush creeping across her cheeks. If only Jeff could understand what she felt for him. If only he could move on from the death of his late wife.
"Hello, Penny," he said, taking her into his arms.
Penelope knew it was only a gesture of friendship, but every time he held her, her heart skipped a beat. "Good afternoon, Jeff," she said politely.
He pulled away. "It's good to have you here."
"It's good to be here." She smiled at him.
Tess rushed over to her. "Penny! Hey!"
"Hi, Tess!" she said, hugging her. Jeff stepped away, a stiff smile on his face.
Tessa pulled away. "Penny, I have a question for you . . ."
"Yes . . ." she replied cautiously.
Tess smiled. "Would you mind being one of my bride's maids?"
Penny lite up like a candle. "Of course not! I'd love to! Come on inside, we must discuss wedding details!" The two ran off towards the house like a couple of school girls.
Parker came out then with two large suitcases. He stood next to Jeff.
"Women," they both said, shaking their heads.
–
HoboJoe214: Good news!
HenrikMan204: What?
HoboJoe214: My dad's friend just landed to help out - now he can't complain if I leave!
HenrikMan204: Wait, you still haven't told your family about me!
HoboJoe214: I'm telling them tonight. I'm ready, I'm sure about it. My brother's not here to embarrass me, or you know, shoot me down, so I think I'm ready.
HenrikMan204: If you don't want to come over, you don't have to. I just thought it might be easier, you know.
HoboJoe214: No, I agree completely. It would be a lot easier if I was with you. That's why I want to come. Besides, I can't wait to see your work.
HenrikMan204: My work's nothing special.
HoboJoe214: I beg to differ. Your work is what drew me to you, after all.
HenrikMan204: And my life has never been better. Sorry, but I have to go now. Email me when you've figured out when you can come.
–
Tess sat talking with Lady Penelope in the corner. Since Penny had landed, they'd been sitting in there discussing nothing but the wedding. Virgil seemed happy, as he hated talking about fabrics.
"I was wondering what we could do for colours . . ." Tess began, "Obviously, I'll be wearing white. But what do you think the other colour should be?"
Penelope thought for a moment. "Have you thought about pink?"
Tess looked at her sarcastically. She shook her head. "Why do I even ask . . .?"
Alan and Tin-tin sat playing war with a deck of cards at a small table. They'd been at it for over an hour now, and people feared disturbing them. The looks on their faces were that of utter concentration.
Cards were slapped on the table. Presently Alan held the larger stack. Two aces. "War . . ." they both uttered under each other's breath. They carefully laid out their cards.
Virgil was sitting at the piano, attempting to do something no one had ever done before: teach Brains to play.
"Now this key here is middle C, the starting point. The notes are in alphabetical order, and range from A to G. This is a scale." He demonstrated by moving his right hand smoothly up and down the keys.
Brains tried to imitate him, making it sound more like an awkward cat walking on the keys than someone playing.
Virgil cringed. "That was . . . a good first try. It's a lot like math when you think about it, Brains. You have to count in your head as you play. 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 . . ."
Brains tried again, with a slight more success.
Virgil thought for a moment, before smiling slightly. "Better . . ."
Yes, the rest of the family was relaxed and well-engaged in their own activities. But not Gordon. He stood before his father's desk, looking at the man staring back at him.
"Yes, Gordon?" Jeff announced. The rest of the family seemed to look up all of the sudden.
Gordon had practised his speech several times over in his head, yet he still shook. "W-w-well, you s-see . . ."
Jeff waited patiently. A crowd began to form. No matter what the appearance, everyone was bored. "Well, Gordon?"
Gordon took a deep breath. "I'm not sure where to begin, exactly. Well, I suppose I understand that with Scott gone, and Virgil suspended as well as Tess that we need all the hands we can get . . . but, I really would like some time off."
Jeff looked at his son like he was an idiot. "Right now?"
Gordon swallowed hard. "Well, see, I met this guy online, and I'd really like to go visit him for a couple of weeks-"
Tess suddenly spoke up. "Is that the friend who you've been mysteriously contacting for the past month!"
Jeff turned to her. "Tess, do you know something about this?"
Virgil shot her a pleading glance. Tess shot him a glance that told him he needed to let her say this. She stepped forward. "Yes I do, Jeff. I was online when I found this Henrik messaging me. Then I found some other conversations between the two, and well . . ." She looked down.
"Well?" Jeff prompted.
Tess continued looking down for a moment before looking back at him. "Gordon is . . . he . . . well . . . he has 'other preferences', sir."
Fourteen eyes stared at her. "WHAT!"
Jeff's widened eyes turned to his second-youngest, who was also shocked. "Is this true!"
Gordon looked completely shell-shocked. "No way! Where are you getting this from!" he spat at Tess.
She turned to him. "Oh, come on! 'You have to tell them about us sooner or later'. 'Here are the pictures of me you requested'. How obvious can it get!" she spat back.
Gordon looked disgusted. "You have it completely backwards!"
"Oh really!"
"Yes! We're business partners!"
There was silence, followed by a collective, "What!"
Gordon sighed. "I was planning on telling you. All of you. HenrikMan204 is my business partner. I wanted to do something to help Scott, so I went on the internet and found him on a message board, and joined to contact him. I explained to him who I was after he gave me proper ID. He's going to help me launch the Alana Fitzgerald Emergency Ward in Canada."
There was silence around the room. Then nervous laughter from Tess. "I feel like such an idiot."
He smiled. "It's okay. Anyone could've gotten it backwards." Gordon turned back to his father. "We've been making preparations for awhile now, but we both agree things would go a lot smoother if I could meet him."
Jeff looked perplexed. "Gordon, just how much have you told this man?"
"Only what he needs to know. As far as he knows, we are our own independently wealthy company who helps out various aerial armies - hence the secrecy. He also knows that Lana was a girl who my brother fell in love with, and died in an assassination." Gordon looked pleased.
Jeff thought for a moment. He sighed. "Fine. Tess and Virgil, you're both reinstated. But this means double chores."
Tess and Virgil exchanged overly joyous expressions. "Of course!"
"That's great!"
"Thank you so much!"
Jeff nodded. He turned towards Gordon again. "Now, I want you back here in two weeks. None of this staying-longer-than-necessary crap, understood? We're overly short-handed."
Gordon nodded importantly. "Of course, Dad."
Jeff stared at him blankly for a moment before replying. "Well, what are you waiting for? Get packing! You leave in the morning."
–
Scott scooped out the feed from the bin, and vigorously tossed it in front of a cow. Sandy was walking through the medium-sized barn, putting milkers on some cows, and taking them off of others.
"I noticed that there are very few cows in Saskatchewan . . ." Scott said, trying to make conversation as another cow was being fed.
There was a small laugh behind a large heifer. "Yeah, it was Lana's idea. Our family was originally straight crops. But when Lana took over, she wanted nothing of the sort. She'd have gone completely livestock if I hadn't have stopped her. She always had to do things her way, and her way was usually completely different from everyone else's."
Scott smiled. "So, when did you come to help out?"
"I was working here right after her parents died. We'd worked together since we started."
Scott finished feeding the cows. He wheeled the cart back to its original spot. He wiped his hands on the jeans he wore. "What's next?"
Sandy reappeared again. "Do you know how to get milkers on and offa cows?"
Scott shook his head.
Her hands went to her hips. "Jeez, who teaches you city kids! C'mere, you sure-as-heck are gonna learn."
Scott walked over, eager to help.
–
As Gordon walked towards the main entrance of the airport, he was relieved to see the familiar face that he had been emailed over a month ago.
"Hey! Gordon!" He ran towards him, and grabbed a bag. "How's it goin', eh?"
Gordon shrugged. "Oh, pretty good. How are things over here?"
He rolled his eyes. "Chaotic. I am so glad you're here. Now we can pick out a site, and a brick colour, and what style font the name of the building should be . . ."
Gordon laughed and slapped his hand on his back. "Henrik, you're hilarious."
He slapped Gordon's back as they reached his blue Jeep. "No problem. Oh, and by the way, must you call me Henrik? I have a name, you know."
"Yeah," Gordon said, tossing his bag into the back seat,"but Henrik's better."
Henrik shook his head as he climbed into the front seat. Gordon took the seat beside him as they drove towards his apartment.
"So, tell me more about this Lana Fitzgerald person," Henrik began.
Gordon thought. "Well, she worked for us freelance. And, well, she and my brother suddenly fell in love. On her way home to Canada, though, her plane was shot down."
Henrik took a deep breath. "That's terrible. But it's nice you're doing this for your brother. What was his name again?"
Gordon smiled. "I never gave it to you. And I'm afraid I can't give it to you."
Henrik snapped his fingers jokingly as he rounded a corner. His apartment was just down the street.
"I must warn you," he began, turning briefly to Gordon, "the place is a bit of a pig sty in areas."
"That's fine." They pulled into a parking lot, and Gordon grabbed his stuff from the backseat.
They rode up in the elevator, making small talk about the weather in Canada versus the weather on Tracy Island. They soon arrived at the 5th floor.
Henrik took out his key and opened the door to room 517. Gordon stepped inside, and found himself in a spacious apartment. There was a plush sofa in the living room, and various plants sitting round the window. Through it, he could see the balcony which overlooked the local park.
Gordon heard Henrik enter behind him, and he dropped his bag on the floor. Henrik dropped the other bag.
He turned to face him. Henrik was looking frantically from the clock mounted on the west wall to his watch. "Oh no! Is that the time!"
Gordon walked towards him. "What's wrong?"
Henrik turned towards him. "I have to be at work in 10 minutes!"
Gordon shrugged. "Can I come with?"
Henrik looked at the clock again. "I suppose there's still plenty of time for you to unpack. C'mon. Let's roll."
–
The Jeep pulled into the parking lot, and the two men hurried out and into the main entrance.
Gordon followed Henrik down a hall, up the elevator, down another hall, and into his office.
"So," Gordon began as his pal pulled on a white coat with his name clipped to it, "what is it we have to do?"
Henrik tossed him a spare coat. "I have to make my rounds. Here, put this on."
Gordon caught the coat and pulled it over his t-shirt with ease.
Henrik picked up a mug, and walked over to the coffee machine. He poured a cup, and handed it to Gordon. "I'm sorry, Gord. This is going to be so boring for you."
He accepted the cup, and shrugged. "Not a problem. I'm happy to see your patients."
He nodded. "Good. We only have two today, but both are a handful, believe me."
Henrik held the door for Gordon, and the two began making their way down the hall to the nursing station.
Henrik waited patiently as the nurse sitting at her desk finished a phone call. "Any messages for me Gurdy?"
She checked a folder on her desk. "Yes, you have one, Dr. Peterson. Simone called, and asked if you wanted to have dinner."
He cringed. "And you said?"
She smiled. "Don't worry, Greg. I told her you had a guest to entertain today."
A wave of relief swept him. "You are an angel, Gurdy."
She waved it off. "No problem, Greg. Now, you better go visit a certain little girl before she hurts you."
He checked his watch. "Right. Thanks again, Gurdy." He began heading back down another hall. Gordon followed.
"Who's Simone?"
He rolled his eyes. "She's another doctor, who is convinced I should be hers. I'm really not interested. I have other ideas for my love life."
"Such as . . .?" Gordon prompted.
"Oh, look!" Greg exclaimed, not wanting to form an answer, "We're here! Now, I must warn you, she's a little pill . . ." He reached for the handle of the door, but someone opened it just as he reached the handle.
There in the doorway, stood a very disgruntled 5-year-old, tapping her foot. "You're late," she proclaimed.
He extended his arms. "Hey, I'm sorry, Libby. I have a guest." He gestured towards Gordon. "Libby, this is Mr. Tracy. He's a friend of mine."
Libby looked up at Gordon. "Hello, Mr. Tracy."
Greg bent down so he was looking straight into her eyes. "Now, will you let me in so I can take your blood pressure?"
–
Approximately 15 minutes later, Greg closed the door to her room. "So, what do you think so far?"
Gordon took a sip of his coffee. "You're a miracle worker."
Greg laughed. "Come on, we have to go check on Jane now. Trust me, Jane is way more fun."
As Gordon followed him again, he noticed that the doctor had a bigger smile on his face than he had with the other patients. "Greg?" he asked.
"Yes?" Greg replied, pushing the elevator button.
"What makes her so special?"
Greg smiled as he climbed in the elevator. Gordon followed. The doors closed behind them, and Greg pressed the button for 4th floor.
"She's an amnesiac. No one knows her name, and she has no idea who she is - hence, she became 'Jane Doe'. Someone found her passed out on a beach, and they brought her here. She's staying until she's stable enough to leave."
"And?" Gordon prompted as a ding informed them they'd reached their floor.
He smiled as he climbed out. "And I think it might be love."
Gordon smiled. "That's great, Greg! I bet she's wonderful."
"You can find out for yourself," Greg said, stopping, "This is her room." Greg pushed the door open, and Gordon saw a curtain pulled around the bed.
There was a shadow moving behind the curtain, so Jane was obviously awake. "Hey, Jane! It's Greg. My friend Gordon is with me today . . . he's staying with me this week."
As Greg reached for the curtain, Gordon took a sip of coffee, preparing himself for a bubbly blonde with curves in all the right places. He'd seen enough of those, and frankly, he wouldn't be impressed.
Instead, when Greg pulled the curtain to reveal the girl behind it, Gordon had a completely different reaction.
The first thing that happened was Gordon's eyes went wide as he spit out his coffee. Then his hand dropped the cup, spilling the remainder of it all over him. Gordon was terrified, and tried to run away backwards, only succeeding in running into a tray carrying leftovers. He knocked it over, tripped, and fell back onto it.
Jane sat up in her bed, and Greg rushed over to his side. "Gord - what's wrong!"
With Greg's help, Gordon stood up and just stared at the girl in front of him. He gulped. His eyes would not blink, and he was breathing heavily. "My gosh - Greg, do you realize who this is!"
Greg stared at him. "What are you talking about . . .?"
Gordon looked from him to Jane and back again. "I don't believe it! Greg, this girl is Lana Fitzgerald!"