Growing Up and Other Tall Tales

Chapter 64

On her last day in the hospital, Lyra asks me quietly about the child.

"Aiden." She asks, her eyes unfocused as she flips through the TV channels. I hum in acknowledgement, flipping through some papers. I hadn't wanted to bring my work to Lyra's sick bed but she adamantly refused to be my reason to slack off. "The little boy. What happened to him?"

My pen stills on the paper. I forget to lift it and the ink blotches.

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"Excuse me. I'd like to speak to Ms. Havensport." I ask as people clear the front desk of the hospital receptionist

She opens her mouth to drone something and the closes it abruptly as she registers what I am asking from her. She raises her eyes to me.

"As in, the chairman?"

I nod.

The girl looks down at my outfit. I had exchanged my suit for a hoodie and tracks. I stare back.

"If you could hurry." I urge

"Um." She looks back at my face, again, undoubtedly registering that I can't be older than early 20s and frowns hard again

"God. You people never make this easy." I mutter and draw out my barely charged phone. The receptionist, startled by the attitude, averts her eye to the guards nearby.

"Sir, we don't want any—"

"Janet." I say loudly. "I've been standing in front of your hospital for almost half an hour and they won't let me see you. Honestly, this what you call customer service?"

The shrill sound of the intercom buzzing on the receptionist's desk follows instantly after I cut the call. The woman at the desk has no time to look unimpressed at me. She picks up the call and her face turns white. She turns to look at me and then looks down.

"So, let's try this again." I say, when she puts down the phone. "I'd like to speak to Janet."

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"Why are you bullying my receptionist?" Janet greets me and pulls me into a hug

"I got bored." I shrug with a smile

"Mother called me. She said she had a friend in the hospital." She looks at me. "Last I recall, Mother doesn't have friends."

So that's how Lyra got upgraded from the hospital bed in the ward to the VIP suite without my intervention.

"She doesn't." I concede. "Look Janey, I've a favor to ask."

She looks at me for a steady second,

"Capo. I can't remember the last time you asked a favor from me, or anyone." And then more quietly, "What's happening at home? Mother sounded terrified when she talked to me. It scared me."

"Nothing's wrong." I reassure her. "We ran into a little trouble is all. I just want you to do something for me."

"Anything."

"Do you know anything about a baby John Doe that came to your hospital, three days ago?"

She thinks about it. "No. But I can ask, why?"

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"Thanks, Janey." I say looking at the small unmarked grave we had picked