Page 2 of Scooter's Endgame
Coming to a quick decision, I make my way over to the desk. I smile at the cashier – Carol, according to her nametag. “Hi, how may I help you, sir?”
“I couldn’t help but overhear Ms. Pierce is having some issues. I’d like to settle her account, please. Could you tell me the amount?”
“Sir, it’s not a small amount.” The woman’s look of surprise almost has me laughing, but I refrain as I have no wish to embarrass her.
“I’m good for it. Just tell me how much it is.”
She studies my face to assess, I assume, how serious I am. I guess she finds the answer she’s looking for since she replies. “The total bill comes to four hundred and nine dollars and eighteen cents.”
Nodding, I take out my card and hand it to her. Once the transaction is finalized, I glance over to where Kathleen is still frantically trying to reach whomever, without much luck it would seem. “Thank you,” I say with a smile. “I’d be most obliged if you didn’t tell Ms. Pierce it was me who paid her bill.”
“Sir, in the twelve years I’ve worked this desk, I’ve never been blessed to witness an act of such kindness. Over the years she’s” — the cashier nods toward Kathleen — “been in and out of this hospital with that little boy, and not once has his daddy been with her, no matter what the day or time.
“I’ve developed a soft spot for her, and it breaks my heart to know how that deadbeat partner of hers treats her. Thank you for showing her some compassion and humanity today. I promise I won’t say a word, so I’ll say thank you on her behalf.”
I can actually feel myself flush at her words. Awkward at her praise, I clear my throat but find myself unable to say a word for a moment. Finally, all I can say is, “We always take care of our own, ma’am. Thank you for your assistance.”
Going back to my seat, I study Kathleen. She’s lost weight since the last time I saw her, and she’s looking exhausted. Yet, for all that, she’s still a beautiful woman. Not necessarily beautiful in the classical sense – some would say her mouth’s too wide for that. To me, she’s gorgeous as she is.
It’s the look of compassion, of empathy, in her eyes which draws me to her though. Eyes that have seen too much. But it’s the sheer beauty of her soul that made me fall in love with her. But, for as long as I’ve known her, she’s been with someone else, and these feelings have remained bottled inside.
For the seven years I’ve known her, she’s been with a colleague on one of the other teams – Jefferson Grimes. He’s not the most popular man on the base, but his team put up with him because he gets the job done. Despite being a complete jackass, he’s proved himself to be committed to the job.
“Mama, it’s okay. Don’t cry,” I hear a little voice say and look over to find Kathleen has returned to the cashier’s desk.
Tears stream down her face, and I can only assume that Carol has informed her the account has been settled. The sight has my heart clenching, and I’m incapable of staying away. Without conscious thought, I find myself on my feet and walking over to where they’re standing.
“Kathleen?” She turns drenched eyes toward me, and a look of relief crosses her face. “Everything all right?”
“Beckett, hey,” she replies, frantically wiping at the tears. “Yeah, all good, just a bit tired and overwhelmed. It’s been a long night, you know?”
“How long have you been here?” I frown as I notice justhowtired she looks.
“Um, what time is it now?”
“A little after eight thirty,” I reply, checking my watch.
“Oh. Wow. That late? Gosh, we’ve been here since half past three, quarter to four – somewhere around there.”
Playing dumb, I ask, “Where’s Gonzo?”
“Oh, er, Jeff – he – he had — er – somewhere to be.” She doesn’t look at me. My gaze meets Carol’s, and I see a quick flash of anger in hers, but she remains quiet.
“Do you need a lift home since he’s had to leave you here?”
“No, no. I’m good thanks. I …” She doesn’t complete her sentence, blushing a fiery red. “I’ll give my girlfriend a call to come get us.”
“That’s not necessary. I can give you a lift. I’m just waiting for Gator – he has an appointment this morning, but he should be just about finished now. You can ride with us.”
Speak of the devil, as Kathleen’s pondering my offer, Gator comes strolling over to where we’re standing.
“Hey, Kathleen, Luke. Good to see you guys. What brings you to the hospital this morning?”
“Hey, Godric,” she replies. “Luke had some breathing issues during the night, so I – er – we brought him in.” It would be comical to see the look on her face when she realizes she almost let it slip that Gonzo wasn’t with her last night, if it weren’t so damn sad. But she recovers quickly, I’ll give her that.
“Gonzo has an appointment this morning, so I offered to take Kathleen and Luke home. You good with that?”
“Yeah, good. Well, I’m ready to get out of here if you are,” Gator responds, turning for the door.
