Page 23 of The Wish
Alex laughs. ‘I absolutely need help. I’m having trouble with the coding between the life shots and the animated. I need a specialist effects artist to work with me.’ He grins at his friend. ‘You don’t happen to know someone, do you?’
‘I can do it. The issue iswhenI can do it. Ian’s constantly peering over our shoulders to see what we’re up to, he’ll never go for it.’
‘Well, in that case, you’re probably not going to like what I’m going to say next . . .’
Steve leans back in his chair and folds his arms. ‘OK. Hit me with it.’
Here goes nothing. . . Alex thinks to himself. He’s been building up to ask Steve this question. ‘So, like I said, at home I’ve got a lot of the equipment we need. I’m just missing the team that brings it together.’
‘The team. So more than just me?’
‘Yeah.’ Alex is feeling a bit sheepish now. ‘I was hoping you would have a word with Phil and Sarah, and maybe Charlie too, to see if they’re interested in helping us.’
‘We’re officially an us, huh?’
‘Steve.’ Alex sighs. ‘Look, eventually, I can get this all done on my own. But even with your help, I’m going to be pushed for time. And Jesse . . .’ Alex peters out. He’s not sure he can find the right words.
Steve’s expression turns serious. ‘it’s OK, man, I get it. I’m in. I’ll have a word with the others. If coding’s your problem, Sarah’s your answer.’
‘Thanks, mate. Appreciate it.’ The two men sit in silence for a moment. ‘There’s just one other small thing I’m worried about.’
‘Alex?’ Ian shouts out from the far end of the room.
‘Speak of the devil,’ Alex says wryly.
‘How’s it all coming along?’ Ian asks, slapping him on the shoulder with his usual half-aggressive fake friendliness. ‘With all that time you’re taking off, must be almost done by now.’
Alex shrugs off the hand. ‘It’s a big job, Ian. I’m actually on my way out.’
‘Out. Out where?’
‘I’m going back to the hospital. I need a bit more information for the, ah, game.’
‘That’s the attitude boy, good work. So, it’s looking good?’
‘Yeah, it’s good, Ian. I might need to borrow some camera equipment; I need to shoot some live scenes to help make it work. Wouldn’t mind if I could borrow Steve at some point too?’
‘Yeah, sure, take what you need, hope you’re not making a miniseries though,’ Ian says, laughing at his own joke.
‘Not a series Ian, just a feature,’ Alex laughs back at him before turning to Steve, who shakes his head, knowing now what Alex is planning.
As Alex walks away, Ian calls out to him.
‘Just let me know when you’re done, I’ve given your current assignment to Bronwyn to finish, she’ll probably do a better job than you would have anyway.’
‘See you, Ian,’ Alex calls out as he leaves, hearing the usual encouragement Ian gives to his colleagues yelled out:
‘Now get back to work the lot of you.’
CHAPTER 12
Back on the ward, Alex enters Jesse and Amy’s room to find it empty. He wonders if Jesse is with Kelly and is surprised at how the thought of finding the two of them together pleases him. He’s hovering outside, not sure what to do, when Sandy walks past, does a double take, and stops. ‘You came back then?’ she states with a grin.
He shrugs. ‘I said I would.’ He clears his throat. ‘Do you know where Jesse is?’
Sandy checks her watch. ‘She should be just about finished with treatment. Are you in a rush?’
Alex doesn’t quite know how to answer this – the fact is, he wants to get on with the project, but he needs to chat a little more with Jesse before he can. ‘Sort of,’ is all he can manage. ‘I just need a bit more background before the next stage.’
