Page 58 of Drake Eternal

“To my father,” I said, a choke in my throat.

We drank down our shots and then I checked my watch. “It’s time for me to hit the road. Luckily, I have a driver.”

“I’ll call my driver,” Michael said, nodding. “Miranda.”

He smiled.

“So, you’re finally admitting it, are you? I could tell right away that you two were a thing.”

“Guilty as charged,” Michael said with a laugh. “I knew someone as observant as you would figure it out soon enough. Thank you, by the way, for saving her life. Seriously.”

“I’m so glad I was able,” I said, remembering the event. I feared I would be unable to dislodge the olive and felt a sense of relief when finally, she was able to breathe once more.

“When will you be leaving for Ethiopia?”

“Two days,” I replied. “We’re meeting Liam at the airport and taking a plane together. Ethan McDermott and his partner Elaine will be joining us, if Ethan’s health holds out.”

“Really? Ethan as well.”

I nodded. “Yes. He wants to make it this year. Then, we’ve chartered a small plane to take us to the local airport where my father was supposed to land, and then it’s by truck the rest of the way. The crash site isn’t far, but it’s dense bush.”

Michael frowned. “Is there room on that plane for two more people? I’d love to come and pay my respects. It would give me a chance to see Ethan again as well.”

“There’s always more room. You and Miranda?”

“I’ll talk to her, but yes. I think she’d come with me. Since I’m here, and you’re going, I’d really like to visit the grave.”

“We will be flying to Yebelo and staying at the motel. There isn’t really an airport, so we’ll be choppering in. Then, driving to the location where the plane crashed near Bale Mountain. I’d like to take Sophie and Liam to visit the wildlife sanctuary.”

“Sounds wonderful,” Michael said. “I’ll make plans with Miranda and confirm with you tonight, if that’s okay.”

“It will be my pleasure to have you come along. I’m sure my father would be very happy to see us all together.”

I stood up and took in a deep breath. “Well, I better get to the hotel. I need some food and some quality time with my wife and daughter.”

“And I with Miranda,” Michael said and stood up. We shook hands, and then I turned to leave.

“Thanks, Drake. For everything. You’ve been a godsend to me and to this hospital. I couldn’t have done it without you. Seriously.”

“It was my pleasure.” I smiled and then left the office, making my way down the hallway back to my own office.

I gathered up my laptop and briefcase, then my jacket and was on my way out of the building when I bumped into — of all people — Sam.

I glanced at my driver and was glad to see he was already standing outside the vehicle, the back rear door open.

Sam stormed over to me, a frown on her face. Before she could speak, I held up my hand to stop her.

“I don’t want to talk to you.”

Then, I got inside the back of the limo and my driver closed the door quickly. Sam stood outside the limo and pointed at me.

“I’ll remember this,” she said.

I didn’t respond. “Take me to the hotel, please,” I said to the driver.

We drove off and I glanced in the side view mirror and watched her disappear into the distance, glad that I avoided a confrontation.

I didn’t want her to spoil my good mood, and I knew that while I had every right to give her a piece of my mind for sending the image of me to Kate — and I knew it was Sam who did that — I didn’t want to let the alcohol in my system get the better of me.

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