THE DEMON'S LEGACY
Chapter 16
Bane disconnected the phone call and leaned back in his office chair, drawing Henri's attention.
"Now we play, Mama?" the boy asked, sitting on Talia's lap in a nearby chair.
She kissed his forehead. "You go ahead, sweetheart. I'll be with you in a minute."
"Wait for you," Henri said, squeezing his stuffed monkey.
Except for Talia's time spent with Nyssa, Henri had been clinging to her ever since her return home. When his parents had sat down to call the League's regional commanders and summon them to the palace to discuss Nyssa, Talia had encouraged him to go play with his train set. But Henri had insisted upon sitting with her. Bane was glad of it, for his son's presence kept Talia calm and gave her something to do with her hands while they talked with their brothers on speaker.
"I will tell Jiddah that our brothers will be arriving tonight," Talia said. "She will want to prepare the kitchen staff and have rooms readied. You're sure Nashir is okay with this?"
"Okay? Doubtful, but he will stand for it as long as our brothers arrive under cover of darkness, as we've instructed, and leave the same way, and do not linger more than one night."
Ever since he had given Talia the news about Nyssa, Bane wanted to allow her to share her emotional reaction, which she had yet to reveal. He could tell she was still processing everything. But before he could broach the subject now, an anticipated knock sounded at their door, followed by Barsad's appearance.
"Unca John!" Henri cried, sitting up but still not abandoning his mother.
Barsad crossed the room, steps dragging, expression haunted.
"How is Sanjana?" Talia asked. "Dr. Misra is here?"
"Yeah, just arrived. He's coming up the elevator right now." He collapsed into a matching upholstered chair near Talia and dragged a hand down his flushed face. "I didn't wanna leave her. She's so damned scared."
Henri gasped at the profane word and looked up at Talia as if expecting her to rebuke Barsad. Talia gave the boy a cautioning look.
"Are you sure you don't want to play with your trains now, habibi?"
"You play, Mama."
"I'm speaking to Uncle John right now. He is very worried about Sanjana."
"Why?"
"Because his baby might be born very soon. John is going to stay here with us while the doctor is with Sanjana. We must cheer him up."
Henri held out his monkey. "Hug monkey, Unca John."
"Thanks, kid, but no. You hug him for me."
"Okay." And Henri did just that.
Talia reached across the tea table and rested her hand on Barsad's arm. "Everything will be all right, John."
He combed his fingers through his short hair, something it appeared he had been doing for quite some time, for tufts stuck up in all directions.
"This is Nyssa's fault," Barsad said in a scratchy voice.
Bane knew that black, sightless stare of his sniper. Deadly and of singular purpose.
"Ever since she came here, Sanjana's been going crazy, afraid we'll be betrayed. It's caused her to go into early labor; I just know it. If anything happens to Sanjana or the baby, I swear I'll end her, Talia, sister or not."
"It won't come to that," Talia said.
"Jesus, I need a cigarette," Barsad moaned.
"Dr. Haqqani will be here by this evening," Bane said. "And, remember, we already have the incubator."
"Never thought we'd need it," Barsad said, one heel tapping on the rug.
"Sanjani is close to her due date, brother," Bane said. "In fact, she may be closer than predicted. Projecting such a date is an imperfect science." He smiled mildly at Talia. "I remember when Melisande's time drew near. I couldn't sleep, I was so excited and terrified, and she wasn't even carrying my child." He chuckled. "Sometimes it seemed like it, though, since I was so close to her for all those months. We learned together, she and I. And, in the end, everything worked out, even in those trying circumstances. So we must remain optimistic for Sanjana."
"I'm trying, damn it," Barsad muttered. "I said everything positive I could think of before I left her, whether I believed it or not." He chewed on his stubby fingernails. "I shouldn't have left her. She needs me." He drew in a long draught of air through his flared nostrils, said, "Fuck Dr. Misra," and got to his feet, started for the door.
"Barsad!" Talia cried.
Bane rushed in pursuit, caught his lieutenant just before he could open the suite door.
"Damn it, Bane, let me go."
Bane's grip on Barsad's arm allowed for little hope of escape. Calmly he held Barsad's tortured gaze and ground out, "You will remain with us, brother. I understand your desire to comfort Sanjana, but your appearance with Dr. Misra present will only upset and worry her further. She knows it's not just you that your presence would potentially imperil."
"Misra is Nashir's guy. He's not going to say anything to anyone who might screw the El Fadils."
"That's not a chance any of us can afford to take, especially your child, Barsad. Even if Misra never said anything willingly, we both know if he ever fell into the hands of one of the El Fadils's many enemies, he might give us up as leverage to save his own life."
Talia carried Henri across the room to stand near, as if to make sure Barsad considered her son. Henri looked worried now, hugging his monkey close, his brow furrowed.
"Don't be mad, Unca John," the child said in a small voice.
Barsad frowned at the boy, the tension leaving his muscles. "Sorry, kid. I'm not angry; I'm just frustrated."
"Hug monkey."
"C'mere. I'll hug both of you."
Barsad held out his hands. When Talia hesitated, Bane freed his lieutenant and nodded ever so slightly to Talia to assure her. She surrendered Henri, who kissed Barsad's cheek once he was in his arms.
"Don't be sad, Unca John. Let's play trains."
They moved to the living area. Bane settled on the loveseat with his arm around Talia, while Barsad and Henri sat on the rug near the train tracks that circled the large coffee table.
"Choo, choo!" Henri cried. "Make 'em go, Unca John."
As Barsad absently took the controls and started the colorful electric train on its way, Bane said, "Our brothers will also arrive tonight, Barsad. We just got off the phone with them. Your presence, of course, will not be required at the council."
"I'll be there if I can."
"There's no need," Talia said.
"Yeah, there is. I want a vote in this business. And you know what that vote'll be."
"We cannot discuss this matter with our emotions," Bane cautioned. "That is why it might be best if you are not there, brother."
"I have a right to be there."
"Indeed, you do. However, as your commander, I can bar you since you are not a regional commander. I won't, of course, but I will have to take your input with a grain of salt."
"That won't be a first," Barsad grumbled with a hint of his old humor. When Henri's energetic movements accidentally knocked the train off its tracks, Barsad set it aright.
"The timing on all of this is terrible, I know," Talia said.
Barsad eyed her. "You seem awful calm about finding out you have a sister."
"I haven't truly processed it all yet. I'd rather not think about it, to be honest, not until your baby is born and we know everyone is well. That's more important to me."
"Thanks. I appreciate that." He watched the train. "I just wish I could be there with her."
"Haqqani will be here as quickly as possible," Bane said. "You may still be able to witness the birth."
"And if not," Talia gave Barsad an impish smile, "I'm sure there will be more Barsad babies to come."
###
Time tortured Barsad. He did his best to keep himself together, if for no one's sake than Henri's. Whenever he sighed or said something about Sanjana and the baby, Henri would look up from playing, his smile dying. At one point, the child forced the stuffed monkey upon Barsad, who relented and held the plaything until Henri was distracted again by his other toys.
A servant brought lunch to the suite; Hisham's duties kept him in the infirmary with Maysam, at Barsad's fervent request. Though not comfortable with helping Dr. Misra in such a procedure, Hisham's years of service and friendship with Barsad made the request impossible to refuse.
Abrams joined them in the small dining room, bringing with him an update from the infirmary.
"The baby hasn't been born yet, but the doctor doesn't see any signs of distress. He doesn't think it'll be long now."
Barsad wilted in his chair with relief. "How's Sanjana?"
"Hanging in there. She said she'd feel better knowing that I was updating you."
"How's my grandmother holding up?" Talia asked.
"She's a trooper, of course."
Even with this heartening news, Barsad ate little of the meal, often getting up to pace on the adjoining veranda.
Before today, the enormity of impending fatherhood had been his only concern when it came to the birth of his child. Now, all he cared about was Sanjana and the baby making it through the day. He hadn't felt this weak and helpless since he had accidentally shot and killed his own brother decades ago. He felt just as responsible when it came to Sanjana's life now, for he was the one who had pursued her and claimed her as his own, planted his seed. She would've been better off without him.
After lunch, while Talia, Abrams, and Henri returned to the living area, Barsad lingered on the balcony. Bane joined him, and they stood side by side, looking out over the compound ablaze in the afternoon sun. Some of the El Fadil children played on the shaded side of the courtyard below. Sweat trickled down Barsad's face. He thought he had wanted to be alone but found Bane's presence comforting. Even more surprising was when Bane put an arm around his shoulders, for Bane was physically demonstrative only with Talia and Henri.
"Be strong, brother," Bane rumbled. "We are all here for you, you and Sanjana and the babe."
An unexpected lump rose in Barsad's throat, and he couldn't look at his friend. "I know. Thanks."
"When you are ready, come join us. I am sure we will hear good news soon." With a pat on Barsad's shoulder, Bane left.
Something about hearing Bane say those optimistic words gave Barsad new strength and belief. Yes, he needed to believe; he needed to stay focused and positive. Hadn't his League training taught him that? All things learned for the field also pertained to life. When flashes of Sanjana's fearful, pained face reared up in his mind, he replaced the images with ones from their past, times when her beautiful smile filled him up and her laughter rang in his ears. Those visions bolstered him, fought against his fear of losing Sanjana as he had lost his only brother back in West Virginia.
When he joined the others, Talia was reading Henri a story while Bane and Abrams quietly talked about the impending council of the League's commanders. Soon Talia carried Henri's sleepy form to his bedroom for a nap.
"Want to wait for baby," Henri protested.
"Maybe by the time you wake up, the baby will have come," Talia soothed. "In fact, if you go to sleep like a good boy, I bet the baby will come even faster."
"I be good."
Bane chuckled as the two disappeared down the hallway. "I am not sure who is more excited for Barsad's child—Henri or Barsad."
Though Barsad appreciated Bane's attempt at humor during such a trying time, he had no energy to respond in kind as he usually would.
"He seems to be trying hard to behave himself since Talia got back," Abrams said.
"Looks like your strategy of taking his mother away from him for a while left an impression on him."
"Let us hope it lasts," Bane said.
Barsad realized how he had taken Henri for granted since his birth. Bane's kid—healthy and happy, surrounded by love. He had never considered anything else for the boy. Talia's pregnancy and delivery had been smooth; Henri had been relatively free of illness and injury since, though the little daredevil often tested the limits of his body. Barsad knew Bane considered the same things now and was thanking his lucky stars. Barsad vowed he would never take anything about his own child for granted.
The sound came so faintly Barsad thought he had imagined it, but Bane looked at him just then, as if he had heard the same thing.
"Was that—?"
Barsad didn't wait for Bane to finish the question. He bolted for the door.
"Barsad," Bane called, a command in his voice.
"I'm not going out," Barsad insisted. "I just thought I heard a baby cry."
Bane lumbered over to join him near the door, which Barsad cracked open an inch. Both listened. Yes, there it was! A distant squall, so faint but unmistakable from down the hallway. Barsad thought his knees would buckle, especially when Bane put a heavy, congratulating paw on his shoulder.
"Welcome to fatherhood," Bane said then nodded to Abrams. "Tell Talia."
Barsad listened longer, the cries soon dying away, replaced by the pounding of his heart in his ears.
"I can't hear anything now."
"No need to worry," Bane said. "They are behind a closed door, remember, and are no doubt cleaning and swaddling your little pup."
"Jesus, I hope they're okay."
Talia rushed into the room, Abrams in her wake. "You heard the baby?" Talia asked in the tempered voice she used whenever Henri was napping. She quickly glided over to them, and Bane stepped back. Abrams joined them in a comical foursome crowded near the cracked door.
"I can't hear it anymore," Barsad said, disappointed.
Talia put her ear near the door, and they all listened again.
"Abrams," Barsad said. "Go check."
"They're not gonna want me in there right now."
"I don't give a shit." Barsad's grip on his arm urged Abrams closer to the door. "Just stick your head in to make sure they're both okay."
"And ask if it's a boy or a girl," Talia added.
"All right, all right," Abrams said. "Don't yank my arm outta the socket. I'm going."
Bane closed the door after Abrams.
Talia embraced Barsad. "Congratulations, John." She kissed his cheek.
"We're not outta the woods yet," Barsad said. "Remember, this is a preemie. We might have to move him or her to a hospital."
"Hopefully that won't be necessary." Talia tried to smile with confidence.
"I've arranged for a helicopter to be here within half an hour, if there is a need, brother," Bane assured him. "We will fly your child to Kothari Medical Centre in Bikaner."
"I'm going with 'em."
"You know that is not possible."
"Oh, it's possible. I can disguise myself."
"I cannot allow it, brother."
"If it was your kid, you'd do it, Bane."
"Even if I could allow it, you know Sanjana will know better. Sanjana, Maysam, and Abrams would go."
"Barsad." Talia touched his arm to distract him. "Let's not argue about something that isn't even necessary at this point and hopefully won't be. Let's sit down and wait for Abrams to return."
They didn't have long to wait. Abrams slipped back inside the suite, red-faced and smiling. Barsad jumped to his feet.
"Are they all right?"
"Yeah, both are fine, though the kid's a bit on the small size. Understandable, of course."
"A boy or a girl?" Talia prompted him.
Abrams grinned and said nothing just to torture Barsad, who rushed around the sofa to confront him.
"Abrams," Talia admonished. "Tell us."
"A boy."
Barsad halted, staring slack-jawed. "A boy…"
"Yep." Abrams awkwardly slapped Barsad's shoulder then moved around him to sit down.
"He's all right?" Barsad needed to hear it again.
"Seems to be. Maysam said he'll go in the incubator to keep warm, and the doc will set him up with some oxygen just to help him breathe easier. He'll monitor him until your doc gets here."
Though Barsad was glad to have a physician on hand, he wished Misra was gone long enough for him to see Sanjana and the baby. Their son.
Jesus, was he going to cry?
"Come, brother," Bane invited. "Sit back down and relax. All is well."
"Henri will be so excited," Talia said. "He will have a little brother to play with. I just need to somehow convince him that he's going to have to wait a while before your son can keep up with him."
They all laughed, even Barsad as he slumped into a chair, feeling like a sandbag that had been cut open and held upside down.
"What about a name?" Abrams asked. "Did you guys already decide on something?"
Barsad nodded, tried to find his voice. "Yeah, we did. We agreed if it was a girl, we'd name her after Sanjana's mother…"
"And a boy?" Talia prodded.
"If it was a boy…we'd name him James…Jimmy." He swallowed hard. "After my brother."
Yep, sure as shit, he was going to cry.