Page 36 of Ghost Falls
“Yes, sir. I understand that.” Cannonball seemed to shrink in on himself, as if he were trying to disappear altogether.
Milt tapped a finger on his desk, his eyes on Cannonball through the camera. “Our elite Coast Guard swimmers can handle those temperatures and the rush of water the falls generate. It’s what they’re trained to do, but tell me why these men should risk their lives to save yours when you’ve foolishly put yourself in extreme danger in order to eclipse your father?”
“He doesn’t pull any punches, does he?” Cannonball muttered to Fitz, who simply shook his head.
“No I don’t. You’re asking a branch of the United States military to put lives on the line, not going into a warzone, or being sent on a covert mission behind enemy lines, but to keep a dumbass daredevil from drowning after attempting a crazy stunt?”
“This is my last stung, sir,” Cannonball said. “I’m done with this whole thing. I spent last night Googling local colleges with accounting courses. It’s time I grow up and support my family like a man, not like a ten year old who thinks he’s immortal.”
“Is that what your father thought? That he was immortal?” Milt asked.
“Yeah, he always said he was too mean to die. He was right on one count, but not on the second.”
Milt sighed. “For some reason, people want to see you do this asshole stunt andnotdie trying. I spoke with the commander of Coast Guard Station Niagara. He asked his swimmers if any of them were willing to work the stunt with you. All twenty of them said yes.”
“Wow, I can’t believe it.”
“Neither could I. Report to the station at oh-eight-hundred-hours tomorrow for a safety briefing. Ask for Commander Anthony. Good luck, son. Don’t make me read your obituary or one for those volunteer swimmers.” With those words, Milt disconnected the call.
Jude was stunned. He didn’t think anyone would be foolish enough to volunteer for a mission like this, nor did he think Milt would be willing to pull the strings to make this idea a reality.
“Donotbe late,” Fitzgibbon said.
“So that’s it?” Heidi shouted. “We almost had Carl talked out of doing this foolish thing and now it’s all systems go since the coast guard is volunteering to help? What the fuck is wrong with you people?”
“Excuse me, Mrs. Cannonball?” Everly said from the connecting door. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”
Heidi eyed the little girl warily, but nodded her head.
Everly ran into the room and scrambled up on the bed beside Heidi. She took the woman’s hand and was silent for a few seconds. “I know how scared you are, especially with the secret you’re keeping. Cannonball’s gonna be okay tomorrow.”
“Can you guarantee me that?” Heidi swiped at her damp eyes.
Everly shook her head. “No, I can’t. There are no guarantees in life. My Dad tells me that all the time. Right now though, I see that Cannonball is going to be okay. Ricky’s gonna get to him in time.”
“Who’s Ricky?” Ten asked his daughter.
“The cute swimmer who’s gonna get in the water to save Cannonball.”
“Ricky’s cute?” Ronan asked with a snort.
Everly nodded, sending her strawberry blonde hair flying around her face. “But that’s not the point.” She turned her attention back to Cannonball. “You have to pay very close attention at the meeting tomorrow morning. You think you know it all, but you don’t. What they tell you is going to save your life. Keeping your family together is up to you. Heidi, you should tell Cannonball the secret.”
“How do you know the secret? I haven’t told anyone.” Heidi’s tears had dried and she was smiling shyly at her husband.
“When I held your hand I felt two heartbeats.” Everly giggled.
Cannonball gasped. “We’re having a baby?”
Heidi shook her head. “No, we’re having two babies. Weren’t you listening to Everly?”
Cannonball’s mouth opened and closed, but no sound came out.
“Listen carefully, I’m not going to do this on my own again. I swear to God, if you die, I’m gonna find a man who will be by my side through everything, including burying your stupid ass. Understood?” Heidi wore an angry look that lasted about ten seconds, until Cannonball pulled his wife into his arms.
“Do you know if we’re having boys or girls?” Cannonball asked, obviously believing completely in Everly’s gifts.
“Yes, but I’ll keep that information to myself. The good news is that neither of them are going to want to be daredevils.”
