Ethics of a Thief (13 page)

“So, you were saying …”

“After buying the balloons, we still had some change, so we headed for the candy.” Carry glanced at him. “We put only one coin in the machine, but, each time we turned the knob, candy kept coming. It must have been broken. After stuffing our mouths and pockets, we hurriedly left so as not to get caught. We ran to the corner and crossed the street.”

“That had to be exciting for you two kids,” Steven said, with a smile.

“It actually was.”

“So, go on with your story,” he said.

“On our way to the stream, we ran barefoot on the hot cement and tried to find shade. But, the trees were few and far between, so, we were hoping to hitch a ride, but had no luck. And, boy did our feet suffer,” she grinned. “We were both let down when we saw that the stream was dried up. We couldn’t believe we walked on hot cement for nothing. We ended up sitting in the shade, blowing up balloons and eating our free candy,” she chuckled. “We tried sitting on the balloons, but they popped from the heat. When Stan and I get together, we still laugh about that day.”

“Days like that are unforgettable,” Steven said. “Your story reminds me of an outing with Abigail. Remember that trail behind our houses?”

“Yes. It goes to the top of the hill.”

“Remember the green water tank? One day we walked to it, but we took only one child-sized canteen of water. While hiking, I thought it was too hot to be walking up a hill. I wanted to go back, but Abigail insisted we continue. She said, ‘We’re not turning back, we’re almost there.’ While she was speaking, we heard what sounded like a rattler, so we slowly walked and listened. Suddenly, a snake snapped its head in our direction. Abigail screamed, and we both ran farther up the trail. Before we knew it, we were at the water tank with perspiration pouring down and laughing hysterically. We couldn’t figure out where our energy came from as we gasped for air.”

“After that ordeal, we were in no hurry to return down the path. So we sat, drank water and splashed some on our faces. Adventurous I started climbing the ladder to the top of the water tank, but Abigail didn’t want to go. But, after thinking about the snake, she didn’t want to be alone.”

“So, what happened when you returned? Did you see the snake?”

“No. It was starting to get dark. I was concerned about finding our way back, but, like most boys, I called her sissy for being afraid. So, together, we ran so fast the snake didn’t have time to coil or snap.

“You boys, you’re all alike, aren’t you?” She laughed.

Steven pulled up in front of Carry’s place. They got out, went to her front door, and entered. He followed her into the living room.

After walking to the phone, she pushed the message button, listened, but none were from Abigail. “Can I get you a drink? I have iced tea and soda.”

“Iced tea, thank you,” he said.

While Steven waited, he grabbed a handful of nuts from a glass dish, picked up the phone, walked to the couch and sat. Then, he yelled, “Can I use your phone?”

“Of course you can.”

After retrieving a business card from his wallet, he dialed Mr. Jester.

When Carry handed him his drink, he mouthed the words
thank you
.

This time, Mr. Jester was in, so Steven was relieved. “Hi, this is Steven Wilson. Did you get our message? We tried reaching you earlier.”

“Yes. I was about to return your call. What can I help you with?”

“We need to reach Larry. Can you please give me his home phone number?”

“Those numbers are confidential, Steven.” “Yes. I figured that. But, they are the last people to see Abigail and the kids. And, as you know, we must reach them. I don’t think they would mind if you gave their number out under the circumstances, do you?”

“My heart goes out to your family. Because you’re friends with Larry and Sandra, I don’t think they’ll mind. I’ll get their number, hold on.”

After a short wait, he said, “Ready?”

“Sure.”

Steven jotted down the number and said, “Thanks, I owe you.”

“That information is private. Remember that.”

“I know.”

As soon as Steven ended the call, he dialed Larry’s home. A woman answered. “May I speak with either Mr. or Mrs. Kilgore?” He repeated it twice.

“No, señor.”

“Habla English, señorita?” Steven asked.

“No. No, señor. No estan en la casa.”

“Do you know when they’ll return, señorita?”

“No estan en la casa, señor.”

“Gracias, señorita.” While ending the call, he was aggravated. “One more wall.”

“What happened? I gather the Kilgores weren’t home.”

“You’re right, so I still don’t know if she is with them. I’ll have to try later.”

“I gather the person didn’t speak English.”

“The only thing I could get out of her was they’re not home. But I have no idea if that means now, for the day or several days.”

While trying to be cheerful, she said, “Well, I found Abigail’s keys.”

“Let’s go,” he said. He stood, walked to the door and waited for Carry.

On their way to Abigail’s, little was said. She broke the silence with, “It’s okay to be yourself with me. It’s only natural you’re feeling frustrated.”

After giving her a grateful smile, he said, “Honestly. I don’t know what I would have done without you today. I’m glad you’re here. It’s nice having a close family friend by my side. I’m sure it’s painful for you to see us suffer.”

“It is. And, I do care about all of you. You’re family to me.”

As they pulled up to Abigail’s home, they hoped they might find something to lead them to her and the children. Carry took the key and opened the door. When they entered, the place smelled musty. She quickly opened the windows to freshen up the room with air.

Steven went to retrieve the messages and wrote down each person who called. “At least, we know she didn’t make it home from Santa Barbara. Some messages were five days old.” He silently tried to figure out what to do next. “They must be at sea. That’s the only explanation for taking bags from the trunk. I’m calling the harbor patrol or the Coast Guard.”

Elizabeth Wilson gazed out the window while the flight attendant announced to fasten seat belts and close tray tables.

After taking off, she turned to her husband, John. “It’s the first time I’ve been afraid. What if Alisa dies, what will we do? I never thought one of our children might leave before us.”

He reached for her hand and continued to listen.

“What will Danny and Lisa do? Losing both parents, it’s unbelievable. This whole thing doesn’t seem real. How can everything be great one moment and change so drastically a few minutes later? It’s bad enough about David -- the children without a father -- but what if Alisa doesn’t come out of her coma? What if she dies, too?”

While listening, John felt tears well and slowly creep down his cheeks. He quickly turned away and wiped them with his arm.

She pulled on his sleeve. “Honey, I’m so glad I have you to talk to, but I know I’m making things worse for you.”

“For God’s sake, Elizabeth, don’t you start worrying about me, too, okay?”

The rain continued after the aircraft landed -- fitting for their moods. They sat, stood and waited around in the luggage claim. When their luggage arrived, they left and hailed a taxi. During their drive to the hospital, Elizabeth noticed their young driver. He reminded her to pray for the recovery of Alisa’s young taxi driver.

While John peered out the window, he reached for his wife’s hand. Soon, they arrived at the hospital, paid the driver and marched directly to the information table.

The clerk had a warm smile and said, “The intensive care unit is on the fourth floor, and her room is number 404.”

After thanking her, they headed toward the elevator. They rode up, while staring at the button lighting up at each floor they passed. Once they arrived, they quickly walked out and went down the fourth-floor corridor, which was painted a cheerful yellow on one side and orange on the other.

Immediately, they found the nurses’ station to inquire as to their daughter’s medical status, and hoped for some good news. There were three people sitting and a few were standing and checking charts. Some flowers were on the counter and looked as if they would soon be tossed. There were many family photos on the office counters.

John found a middle-aged woman with dirty ash hair that was starting to gray. “Excuse me, miss,” John said. The nurse looked up from her work. “We need to talk to you about our daughter, Alisa.”

“Yes. What is it you need?”

“Can we get an update on how our daughter, Alisa, is doing? She’s in room 404.”

“I’ll check with her nurse.” The woman walked toward a young woman, possibly from the Philippine Islands. After conversing, the nurse left her station and walked out the door and then toward them.

“Hi. I understand you are Alisa’s parents. I heard you might arrive today. I’m Sharon, your daughter’s nurse.”

“This is her mother, Elizabeth, and I’m her father, John.”

“It’s nice to meet you both,” she said. “I’m sure you’re quite concerned about your daughter.”

“Can you give us an update on her condition?”

“The good news is she’s stable and has a normal heart rate. Unfortunately, she is still in a coma.”

“Do you think she might come out of it soon?”

“It’s anyone’s guess. It could be today or in a few months. We have no way to predict when she might wake up.”

After thanking the nurse, they walked into room 404. Neither of them was emotionally prepared to see her hooked up to medical equipment, an I.V. and the sound of some device beeping to alert her caregivers. Above her, a screen flashed symbols with various vital signs. The room was warm, but the blanket was tucked up to her neck.

John held Elizabeth’s arm tightly. She covered her mouth with her hand as she walked toward her daughter. After their initial shock, they went next to the bed and gazed at her. After Elizabeth bent closer, she kissed her daughter’s forehead.

John pulled two chairs and placed them next to each other. The one closest to their daughter was for Elizabeth. When she sat, she held Alisa’s hand and softly wept.

Slowly, John walked toward the window with tears welling up in his eyes. He looked out the glass and bent forward, holding his stomach. Within minutes, he walked toward the door and started to leave. “I’ll be back in a few.”

After nodding, her attention was drawn back to her daughter.

While trying to discover where the chapel might be, John avoided eye contact with each person he passed. After walking around for ten minutes, he found it and reached for the chapel door. When he opened it, it was unoccupied. He took in a deep breath and slowly released it. The small room was softly lit from the sun coming through the three stained-glass windows. On the podium was a Bible, and next to it, two chairs. The chapel pews could easily seat twenty. After sitting in the back row, he knelt with his head lowered.

At that moment, he didn’t know if he felt angry or confused, so he prayed. “Haven’t I done everything you’ve wanted? Why are you allowing my family to suffer like this? Please. I beg you. Don’t take our daughter from us. Danny and Lisa need their mother. And, we need our daughter. So, please, I’ll do anything, but don’t let her die.” While praying, he could no longer hold back his tears. He grabbed a tissue box and wept.

As he sat thinking about various Bible verses, he remembered, “God will never give us more than we can bear.” So, he reminded God. “I can’t bear to lose Alisa. She’s my first-born, I love her. You know how close we are. I beg you. Don’t take her from me.” Crying, he said, “Please give me direction. I need to get the best possible care for her.”

Exhausted, John slumped over the pew. His face started to relax, and his mind had some level of peace. “At least, I know she is in your hands, and you already know the outcome. I do trust you with our daughter.”

When he opened his eyes, everything in the room looked brighter, and his mind felt as if it had been cleansed. Okay. I need to be prepared. What questions do I need to ask her doctor? Can she be transferred to San Diego, and, if yes, when? But, first, I should call Scripps or Scripps Green Hospital and find out what options we have once she is transported.

Quickly, he marched back to the nursing staff on the fourth floor. “Is Doctor Nelson here?”

“No. We’re sorry, and we don’t have an exact time to expect him. Most likely he’ll be here after six.”

“Can you page him?”

“I can, but it won’t do much good, He’s in surgeries all day.”

“Thank you. I’ll check back later.”

As he was walking to his daughter’s room, a male nurse tapped his shoulder. “Hi, my name’s Ian,” he said. “I was working when your daughter was brought here. She almost didn’t make it; her vital signs were alarmingly low. The doctor gave her a shot to bring her back.”

John looked at the young man without a word.

“But, your girl’s a fighter, that daughter of yours. I hope you don’t feel discouraged because she’s in a coma. It’s a miracle she made it this far.”

John touched the man’s shoulder. “Thanks for putting things in perspective. I guess we should be grateful she is alive.”

“Your daughter has a will to live, that’s for sure. Otherwise, I think we could have lost her.”

John’s eyes become moist, “It’s comforting to know someone like you is looking out for her. I’m glad you reminded me of her inner strength. Those words are precious.”

When John walked back into the room, he saw his wife holding their daughter’s hand, and her head lowered while praying.

He walked to the other side of the bed and stopped next to Alisa. As he glanced at her, he placed his hand on her face. “So, how’s my beautiful girl? We love you, Honey. You’re going to get better. We’ll make sure you go home as soon as possible. Can you hear me, Sweetie? If you can, squeeze Mom’s hand.” He looked over at Elizabeth and waited. After she shook her head, he said, “It’s okay if you can’t react right now. You need your rest.”

When he saw the exhaustion on Elizabeth’s face, he was surprised when she offered him a smile. She stood and moved into the hall and motioned for him. When he joined her, she asked, “Did you find out anything?”