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Part
52
"..and there I was, 100 feet up the cliff, holding on for dear life!"
The attractive young nurse took a sip of her coffee and checked her watch. "I'm sorry Mr. Gage, but I really have to get going," she regretfully told the man.
"Aww, that's too bad. The best part was yet to come!" he replied, sounding discouraged.
"Well, maybe we can talk again tomorrow and you can finish the story then?" she offered, cheerfully.
"I'd like that," he explained, giving her a familiar crooked grin. "But my son is getting out of the hospital today. I'm sure I'll see you around some other time...and then I'll tell ya about the platoon of Japanese soldiers waiting at the top of the cliff!"
"I hope so, it's been a pleasure talking with you Mr. Gage...uh, I mean Jack," she smiled shyly and gave him a little wave, then picked up her tray and headed for the door.
Jack Gage waved to the nurse and then picked up his styrofoam coffee cup, tossing it into the trash. He paused to look up at the clock on the wall, before sauntering down the hallway. I'll bet Johnny's probably ready to go by now. He whistled cheerfully as he pushed the Up button and waited for the elevator. He was the happiest man in the world today. His son was getting released from the hospital and they were about to find out the results of the blood test. Finally, the truth will be told! Harriet won't be able to keep my son away from me, any longer!
The elevator doors opened and he stepped inside. Just as the doors were closing, he heard someone shout. "Hold the doors, please!" Jack quickly put his arm out to restrain the door. He blanched when he recognized the woman that entered.
"Why thank you, Jack," Harriet DeSoto said, a little too sweetly.
"Harriet," acknowledged Jack, with a nod. He watched the doors close and felt his heartbeat quicken. A chill ran down his spine, as the elevator lurched into motion. Stay calm, Gage. He continued whistling nervously, trying to avoid her gaze. He just couldn't resist a glance.
Harriet DeSoto raised an eyebrow and looked down her nose with disdain at the elder Gage. "Jack," she said in an even tone. "It's about time we have a little chat." Harriet reached over and pushed the Stop button and the elevator came to a hault.
"Uh...Harriet, I really can't right now," he anxiously attemted to reason. "I have to pick Johnny up...and I'm already running late." This woman scares the b'jeezus out of me! He suddenly felt a little weak in the knee's and noticed that beads of sweat were beginning to roll down his forehead. "Harriet?" he said, trying to remain calm. He felt as if his heart was going to pound right through his chest. "I think..."
Harriet DeSoto glared at him. "You know...THAT'S the trouble with you Jack Gage!" she growled, waving a finger in his face. "You NEVER think! I told you to stay away from MY Roy!"
At that moment, a terrible pain stabbed through his shoulder and he clutched at his chest. "I...I don't f..feel s'good." He looked at Harriet, hoping for compassion. Instead, he found her eyes narrowed with contempt.
*****
Roy and Johnny stood waiting at the elevator door. Roy held John's duffle bag, while Johnny repeatedly pushed the Down button.
Roy sighed and rolled his eyes. "Johnny, will you stop pushing the button! It won't make the elevator get here any faster!"
Johnny glanced at his partner and shrugged. "I wonder where dad is? He should have been here by now."
"He's probably waiting for us downstairs, he was pretty excited about getting the test results back," commented Roy.
Johnny nodded. His attention still half focused on the elevator buttons. Unable to resist, he gave the button one last push. Immediately, he heard a whirring noise and looked up to see the elevator was now in motion again. "There," he grinned to his partner. "I fixed it!"
Roy shot his partner an ambiguous glance, shaking his head slightly. "Oh brother!"
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