Page 29 of Smuggler's Cove
“What about me?” Madison asked.
“Madison, I am a little more concerned about you than Lincoln. He has a lower profile, and it will be easy for him to blend into the neighborhood near Baruch.”
“What happens to the scholarship money at Pace?” Lincoln asked.
“The balance will revert to the school. Think of it as giving another student an opportunity.”
Lincoln could not argue with that.
“Hello? Remember me?” Madison was dreading the answer.
“Rhode Island School of Design?” Sidney winced while making his suggestion. It was a private school and much pricier.
Madison could not argue with the ranking of RISD. It is considered one of the finest in the country. But that meant uprooting herself. Reestablishing herself. She had put so much time and effort into her undergraduate work so far. But she could bring her projects with her. She would be the new kid on the block, but she was also prepared. At least she did not have to worry about Gerard, her ex-boyfriend. It would be good to be far away from him, and not have to plan her social schedule around when he might be hanging out at their usual haunts.
Madison was ticking off the pluses and negatives. Olivia was attending school in Boston. She would have a friend an hour’s train ride away. Madison was making a valiant attempt to put a positive spin on this very ugly, overwhelming situation. What mattered was her artistic creativity. She could bring that with her regardless of where she landed.
Lincoln looked pensive. “Let me get this straight. I go to Pace for one year and then to Baruch. Madison goes to RISD now? I live with Tyler and Madison lives with who?”
“I can stay with Nana and Pops until I get settled.” Madison was already getting her head in gear.
“Sidney, if you think you can make this transition as painless as possible, there’s really no other option, correct?” Lincoln stepped into his adult shoes.
“Correct.”
“You mentioned security,” Lincoln prompted.
“We will set you up with a private company and monitor the fallout. If we can keep your names out of the papers, there’s less chance you’ll be on other people’s radar. What kind of building does Tyler live in?”
“Doorman.”
“Are you sure he’s serious about having a roommate?” Madison interjected.
“I’ll call him now.” Lincoln pulled out his cell phone and dialed his friend’s number. “Ty. LincLinc. You serious about a roommate?” Lincoln listened and nodded. “Long story. I will catch you up tomorrow.” Another pause. “Sounds good. Thanks, man.” The air in the room lifted.
Lincoln turned to his sister and the speakerphone. “We’re good. I have to pay for the utilities. His folks are paying for the loft. It’s in Tribeca. Just south of Canal, close to Chinatown, so there will be plenty of places for us to eat!”
The idea of food made Madison’s stomach turn again.
Sidney gave a slight chuckle and continued. “Two security guards will meet you in the lobby tomorrow morning. They will escort you to school.”
“That’s going to look kind of goofy, no?” Madison asked.
“These guys are paid to shadow you. Their job is to have their eyes and ears peeled. You can just pretend they’re not there,” Sidney reassured them. “Madison, you should plan on RISD. With your credits and GPA, you should have no trouble transferring. Fortunately, you are only three weeks into the semester, and I know you are a quick study.”
Madison thought she might hurl again but was able to keep whatever was left in her stomach inside her stomach.
“I know this is hard. But I have known the two of you since you were little kids. You are going to be okay. It is another one of life’s adjustments. I will call you tomorrow afternoon to see how things are moving along. In the meantime, if you need anything from me, just call. Cynthia will find me.”
“Thanks, Sidney,” Madison replied. Lincoln followed.
“And Mom? Can you tell us where she is?”
“The less you know, the better. She is okay. She will be in touch later this evening. Now, get something to eat, and try to get a good night’s sleep. You have a lot of work ahead of you.”
“Goodnight, Sidney,” Madison spoke into the phone.
The two sat in silence for a few moments. Lincoln put his arm around his sister. “Well, kiddo, it’s not like this is the first time we’ve been exiled from our domicile.”
