And If there was a tomorrow

Chapter 12

A few hours after talking to Maurice, Peter received a message from Linda, saying that she was heading back to Brazil and that she would be in São Paulo on the next morning. He replied to her: 'Can we have a quick chat?' and she replied: 'Yes.'

He called her and explained everything that was going on. He was afraid that she would refuse to participate in the conversation, but something had happened to her, because her voice was much more resolute, decided and even happier. He didn't know what happened but felt happy for her. They set up a meeting at his office on the next day and he took the opportunity to tell her about her colleagues' reactions to the information he shared. He noticed that her voice choked, because of the happiness of feeling loved by others. They hung up and Peter continued with his day much happier, anxiously waiting for the following day.

On the next morning, he woke up more excited than ever. He sent Linda a message to check if she had arrived at the airport and she promptly confirmed and that she was on her way to the hospital. He dressed his best suit, a nice shirt, combed his hair thoroughly and put on his favorite perfume. He had time to look in the mirror and say:

"Today is the day everything will start to be solved. I've been waiting a long time for this day. Finally, justice will be made for more than one person."

He grabbed his car keys, closed the door, went down the stairs, entered his car and listened to upbeat songs on his way to the hospital, which reflected his glowing spirit at that moment. Upon arriving at his office, he saw Linda waiting for him, and she also seemed to be in a great mood. They greeted one another and he invited her into his office, where they would wait for Maurice to arrive. They had a coffee while waiting and Linda asked about the other topic:

─ Any news from the patient's lawyer and the story you told me?

─ He already grasped that we are not going to turn off the machines. He knows that our law doesn't allow us to do that. So, they are trying to initiate the procedures to get him out of the country.

─ Peter, is there any chance that we can prevent that?

─ What do you mean?

─ Look, I know who he is, I know his life story and I can tell you that I identify a great deal with him.

─ What? What are you talking about?

─ He is a famous author who went missing a long time ago. I spoke to his agent, and I already knew about his desire of not having his life extended, but if I have a chance, I think I can help him. But, for that, he needs to be alive.

─ What are you asking from me exactly?

─ I'm not asking for anything, I'm questioning if we can prevent him from leaving the country.

─ I'm not sure we can do that. If he is stable and if the removal is possible, there's not much we can do.

She didn't answer, but he knew she was planning something. They were going to continue the talk, but Peter's phone interrupted them, screaming for attention.

─ Sir, the journalist you were expecting has just arrived.

─ Please let him in, thank you.

As soon as he hung up, they saw the door opening and a man with short black hair, grey beard and joyful and contagious grin entered the room. Peter stood up to greet him and they hugged like brothers who hadn't seen each other in a long time. Linda waited for an introduction that didn't take long to happen.

─ Maurice, please meet Linda.

─ Nice to meet you, Linda. And thank you for agreeing to talk about all of this. I know it isn't easy, but it's very important.