Page 101 of The Facilitator: Part 2
We didn’t speak, and we didn’t sleep. I dozed as the sun began to rise, but when Mackenzie needed to get up, I wearily followed him. There was a lot todo.
He didn’t mention Kelsey at all that morning. Not until he was withSandra.
“Have you told her?” he said, not mentioning hername.
“I have. She’s devastated,understandably.”
“I’ll go and see her this afternoon. Or maybe we should invite her here?” He looked atme.
Sandra was with us at the house. The condo was too small and too busy with the constant stream of visitors. It was lovely for Sandra but driving Mackenzienuts.
“I think you both should go to her. If she’s distressed, she might feel more comfortable in her own surroundings. She hasn’t met you, Mackenzie,yet.”
“You’re correct, of course. Do we need to call?” he askedSandra.
“I haven’t when I’ve visited herbefore.”
“Go now, both of you. I’ll wait on the calls you need to dealwith.”
We were waiting to hear from the undertakers on dates for the funeral. Gabriella was coming over with Vivienne to see what they could do to help. Mackenzie had appreciated Vivienne’s input, other than the other occupants at the condo complex, Mackenzie just didn’t know who to inform. While I waited for them, I sent some emails to work, informing them of the death of Mackenzie’s father and that our return was to be delayed. I asked for him not to be bothered and if there was anything important, to liaise withMary.
She cried when I called her. She’d never met Mack, of course, but despite her constantly cussing him, she was very fond ofMackenzie.
“How is he, love?” sheasked.
“He’s hurting, Mary. He’s gone to see some relatives while we wait on funeraldates.”
“You tell him not to worry about anything. I have it all under control here. I’ll field all calls and emails and whatnots. I’ll call Kerry and let her know, she’ll be worried that you haven’t returned yet. You just leave it to me,okay?”
I’d completely forgotten about Kerry and guessed she would have been confused as to why we weren’t alreadyhome.
I worried for Mary. There was still some fallout from losing the government contract and the share debacle. I know I’d seen a media post that suggested Mackenzie had gone into hiding. It was one of the reasons why I thought it important to notify Mary and the other CEOs about Mack’s death. They could answer any,where is hequestions. I didn’t open his email Inbox even though he had over a hundred unopened. They would all be current—he was fastidious about clearing his emails every single day—but that was a job I’d prefer his permissionfor.
The ring of my mobile distracted me from any further thoughts of work. It was the funeral home. After a brief conversation, I asked them to email all the details to Mackenzie. He could then read and get back to them later that afternoon. I wasn’t sure what time he’d return from seeing Kelsey, but booking a date for his father’s funeral was up to him and Sandra. I asked for options. There was nothing to discuss where the arrangements for Mack’s burial were concerned, he’d arranged it all himself prior to his death. We just needed to knowwhen.
I was at a loss as to what to do next. I wanted to be proactive but equally respect I’d only just met Mack myself. I didn’t drive, so it wasn’t like I could go and sit with the old folks at the condo, and I sighed in relief when I heard a car pull up and Gabriella’s voice float through an openwindow.
Before she could complain I had the air con on and the windows open at the same time, I closed the window just before I answered her knock on the frontdoor.
“Hey, how are you holding up?” sheasked.
“I’m okay. Mackenzie has gone to see Kelsey,” I said, standing aside and letting themin.
“I’m pleased he has. I’m think I’ve met her,” Vivienne added. “I’m sure I bumped into Mack in town and he was with her. She was a beautiful girl and I thought it was strange he hadn’t introduced us. Although, I guess I couldn’t have thought too much of it because it went out of mymind.”
Vivienne had a list of people who she’d notified. She had addresses, email and postal, so we could forward the date once we knew it. She had offered to hold the wake at her house, and both Sandra and Mackenzie had agreed it was a good idea. Again, the condo was just toosmall.
“I have some news as well,” she said. “Addison has checked into the LarkfieldHospital.”
I stared at her waiting for more. “The rehabilitation centre?” she added, confused by my confusion, Iguessed.
“Oh, I didn’t know. I’m pleased to hearthat.”
“Yes, I spoke to her father and we were all of the same opinion, it was for the best. Addison entered voluntarily. However, Lauren, you have a far greater heart that I do. I don’t think that all her actions are due to her mother leaving and drugs. I think that young lady knows exactly what’s she’sdoing.”
“Oh, I agree. I met her, and the way she behaved with Mackenzie, the woman is a brilliant actress. But who knows, while in therapy she might learn how it affects others, and why she feels the need to behave that way. Also, Vivienne, she’s out of the way, fornow.”
“We just have to worry about Daniel,” Gabriellasaid.
