Dolphins in the Stars

By Ron Frazier

"Written with imagination. Not just an adventure and a love story, but made me contemplate the way I emotionally interact with other people." – Thadeus Frazier-Reed                       

College freshman, Nick LaMay, asked Elaine, the most exotic, beautiful co-ed in his cross-species genetics class, to go on his maiden voyage in an antique Jeep along the North Carolina beach.

                                Little did he know that this invitation would take him on an unimaginable voyage to a world he had never heard of, trying to save Elaine from a shadowy criminal with murderous intent. Along the way he would return to the past of tall sailing ships and into the future of quantum starships on a water world of beautiful ocean creatures evolved far beyond Earth's own sea mammals.

                                His voyage would bring together old and new friends and lovers, working together to save Earth's sea mammals from uninhabitable oceans to live on a peaceful, loving water world in the stars.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ron Frazier
• Release date: Oct 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393998280

Book preview

For

Karen Frazer

Thadeus Frazier-Reed

My dog Lila

Contents

One    Mistakes

Two    Tom

Three    Chapel Hill Hotel

Four    Tom Moves South

Five    Asheville

Six    ESS Eagle

Seven    Ambassador’s Lagoon

Eight    University Island

Nine    Appalachian Trail

Ten    Mission: Dolphin Rescue

Eleven   Two Pacificas

Twelve   Research Station

Thirteen   Ambassador’s Dinghy Race

Map of Western Pacifica

Mistakes

One

Sitting at breakfast with his friend Tom, Nick absently asked, Can I buy another old Jeep for the fraternity?

If you have money to give away, why not give it to me? Tom slapped Nick on the shoulder. Suuure - waste your dough on this outfit. Why do we need another vehicle Nick? Tom cocked his head waiting for an answer.

Maybe a guy needs to get away once in a while without interfering with everyone’s plans, Nick answered as he gazed out the window at the tall pines on the UNC campus.

That’s pretty mysterious, but y’all suit yourself. Later Bro. Tom gave a quick wave as he left the dining room and sauntered off to his class.

Nick had seen a gas engine Jeep at an antique vehicle show in Spencer, NC. All of the old Jeeps that could be used on the road had been converted to electric motors. Nick wanted one because they still had original manual transmissions and four- wheel drive. The fraternity owned a newer model with all the modern electronics, but Nick had seen an old model on-line in Chapel Hill, with old fashioned analog instruments and electrical system. Of course the battery pack was digital so it was a hybrid electrical system; that’s as close as you could get to the antique he had seen at the museum. He was still daydreaming about the Jeep when he heard the grandfather clock in the living room strike the hour. He had to hurry to get to his first class, Cross-species Genetics.

After class he waited outside the classroom and fell in beside Elaine as she walked past him.

Mind if I walk with you? Nick smiled and matched her pace.

Not at all. Elaine returned his smile, a curious but unsurprised look on her face.

I’ve been thinking about buying an old Jeep to drive along the beach. I wonder if you would go with me on the maiden voyage to try it out, Nick asked, as if they were old friends; this was the first time he had talked to her.

Okaay? When were you planning this ah—voyage? Elaine went along with Nick’s familiar attitude, but her mind was working; no man had ever approached her with this line.

I’m thinking this weekend. I’m on my way to look at the Jeep now. Where do you live?

I live at California House, how about you? And by the way I’m Elaine. What’s your name? Elaine stopped on the plaza in front of the Genetics building.

Oh, I’m sorry for not introducing myself. Nick seemed to come back from some distant realm to find himself here in Chapel Hill. I’m Nick LaMay. I live at Pennsylvania House. How about if I call you tonight and firm up our plan. I would like to get to the beach at sunrise. Is that too early for you?

I get up early to study, so I can be ready when you are. Just give me a couple of days’ notice if you can.

I’ll call tonight. California House—Elaine, Right?

That’s right, leave a message if I’m out, I’ll get back to you before I go to bed.

Ok Elaine, tonight. Nick turned and hurried off to the trans stop.

Elaine just shook her head at the disappearing man who had just asked her . . . was this a date? Well she guessed she had to wait to find out. Sometimes humans could act in strange ways. She should be used to that; wasn’t her mother always unpredictable? She wondered if her mother would approve of Nick.

Nick walked up the driveway of a brick ranch house built long ago and obviously renovated. It could not have stood for centuries without renovation, but still it looked like something from a long gone age. A knock at the door produced an old man dressed in jeans and T-shirt; his clothes, even though still common enough, were somehow out of style.

I’m Nick. I came to look at the Jeep.

I’ll meet you at the garage out back. Just follow the driveway. The man disappeared behind the closing door without introducing himself.

Nick walked around the house following the driveway; he saw the garage door, part of an old garage built in the same style as the house, slowly rising on some ancient opening mechanism, which creaked and groaned to the door’s open position.

She don’t look so good anymore, but everything works. The electric motor—put in by my great great grandfather, who was an electrical engineer—has very little time on it. I’ve kept everything lubed and cleaned underneath. I have an extra set of wheels and tires if you want to drive on the airway. These big sand wheels are only allowed on the old interstate or back roads and the beach. There are two new seats that you can have; took the old passenger seat out, but that’s when I got sick. Never got around to repainting it after my grandfather passed. He completely rebuilt it after his dad was gone and left it to me. I feel bad that I didn’t keep the appearance up, but I’ve had lots of health issues. The old man, still not introducing himself, shut up then and handed Nick the keys.

Nick climbed in and put the key in the ignition, which was now just an on and off switch.

Oh, almost forgot to warn you to put in the clutch before you turn the key. Not too many vehicles with one of them these days. The man stopped talking again and stood, looking sad, while Nick started the motor and watched the gauges come to life.

Nick saw that the gas gauge now showed the amount of charge in the battery pack instead of the amount of gas in an extinct gas tank. Except for the quiet purr of the electric motor, there was no other indication that he was sitting in anything but a twentieth century vehicle.

Nick had studied old Jeeps for years, he knew about the clutch, but thanked the man anyway, and headed out of the old garage like a pro. After his test drive, he took a look under the hood, underneath, and surveyed the battery pack and added electronics. He went back to the brick house from another age; he paid the man, who only nodded while handing Nick the paperwork, loaded up the airway wheels, new seats, and headed back to the frat house. He plugged the battery pack into an electrical connection to put a full charge in the Jeep.

After lunch, Nick went outside and looked over the Jeep. The battery indicator showed a full charge, but Nick decided a test drive was in order to check everything out. He thought he’d better check the four-wheel drive before he drove on the beach; he headed for Jordan Lake and some off-road trails he had hiked last year. He followed Mt. Carmel Church Road south from Chapel Hill and soon turned off on an unmarked dirt lane towards the lake. Low places in the road were still filled with water from recent rain; Nick shifted to four-wheel drive and cruised through the muddy water, splattering the sides of the Jeep with red mud. He saw a short, steep rise in the road ahead; he stayed in four-wheel drive but shifted down a gear. The old Jeep hummed right up the hill, with a bit of slip, but alternate wheels dug in and pulled the ancient machine over the rise. Nick wished the Jeep still had its gasoline engine; he missed the sound of the museum Jeep he had rode in over the museum grounds. It was still fun, feeling the cool breeze off the lake in the open Jeep, and using the versatile gearing with two shifters to negotiate the slippery road. Nick soon forgot about the museum Jeep and enjoyed this upgraded vehicle which didn’t spew hydrocarbons into the air. All he had to do now was decide whether to wash off the mud before picking up Elaine on Saturday.

Nick decided that he had done enough test driving; he found a spot where he could turn around. He backed into a narrow track that entered the dirt road. When he tried to shift back to a forward gear, he heard a noise from the transmission and couldn’t shift into gear. After several frustrating attempts to shift gears he finally shifted out of four-wheel drive back to two-wheel. That allowed the shifter to go into a forward gear. He was a little worried about getting stuck, but the route back was down grade so he headed for the paved road to Chapel Hill. On the way to Chapel Hill he made up his mind to see the old man in the brick house.

Just like the first time, the man answered the door but didn’t say a word. After Nick explained the problem the man finally spoke, I know what the problem is. I’ll give your money back if you want, but I think we can fix the problem in a couple of hours. Your choice.

Nick thought a minute. Let’s fix it.

You know the way to the garage. Like the first time the man disappeared behind the closing door.

Okay, all buttoned up. There’s a dirt road two blocks down. Go give it a test. If it’s good you don’t need to come back. If it don’t work, stop back and we’ll decide what to do. Don’t worry, if we can’t fix it you can have your money.

It was midnight. Nick was exhausted, but he found the dirt road and went through all the gears with no problem.

Looks like the old man knew what he was doing, Nick said to no one.

Home at the frat house, Nick plugged the Jeep in again. He went into the bathroom on the first floor and cleaned up with some hand cleaner. Dragging himself to his room, he undressed with the lights off and fell asleep as soon as he hit the pillow.

It was late morning when the sun, hitting his face, woke him. He slowly became fully awake; at full consciousness he realized what he forgot to do last night. He grabbed his phone and called California House.

Is Elaine home? His voice trembled slightly as he spoke.

No, I saw her go out early. I don’t know where. Did you try her cell? The girl said with an accent Nick couldn’t place.

No, she didn’t give me the number. Nick was getting frustrated.

Is this Nick? There was that funny accent again.

Yes. Can you give me her cell number?

We usually don’t; Elaine said you would be calling last night.

Yeah, I know. I didn’t get home until very late and forgot to call. I’m sorry.

How about if I call her and let her know that you called? suggested the funny accent.

Ok, I guess I don’t have much choice. Please tell her I’m sorry. I’ll explain what happened when I talk to her.

Nick hung up with a sinking feeling he didn’t understand. He guessed that this was more important to him than he realized, or was it just that he had been so stupid, forgetting to phone Elaine last night? He went on thinking to himself; I guess I’d better forget about it and get some breakfast.

In the dining room he saw Tom and set his tray down across the table.

Morning Nick. Why such a glum face?

Tom, why am I such an idiot?

I wondered that myself old buddy, Tom said with a glint in his eye.

This is serious. I just screwed up the first date I ever made with a girl.

What girl? I didn’t know you cared about dating. Your right, I guess this would have been the first time, at least I never remember you dating in school. Tom reflected on the years he had known Nick.

Elaine, she’s in my genetics class. I was supposed to call her yesterday to confirm our plans for driving on the beach in the new Jeep. I worked on it so late, at the old man’s house, that I came home and fell asleep. I called this morning and she wasn’t home. The person I spoke to wouldn’t give me her cell number. I’m just a failure when it comes to women. Nick hung his head; his breakfast was cold and untouched.

Oh Nick, it’s not that bad. You have to be persistent with these things. Tom tried to be helpful.

It just feels like I blew it. Asking her was such a spur of the moment thing. I should have just asked her to go to lunch or something on campus.

Suit yourself, but I think you should keep calling. Where does she live?

California House.

You might just drop by there and see what you can find out, or maybe you’ll run in to her. I’m sure it will work out if you keep trying. I’ll be gone for a few days. Good luck Nick. See ya. Tom left the table giving Nick’s shoulder a pat on the way out.

It was only about an hour to the beach now that sea level had risen; the beach was just to the east of Raleigh. The eastern shore had changed so much that grandparents, who had grown up there, needed a map to find their way on the new roads constructed all along North Carolina’s coast. For the college age people the old coast was past history and the stories their grandparents told seemed like the stories of a different country. Of course, the influx of people to North Carolina from all over the southern shores had changed everything. With the mix of transplants from across the country and other planets a new society had been built; the Old South was just a distant memory recorded in history books and old novels.

Driving alone with his depressing thoughts about the missed chance with Elaine, and berating himself for not taking Tom’s advice to be persistent about getting a date, Nick followed his weekend plan to drive along the dunes which rose up just past the eastern side of the new airway. The airway was designed for vehicles without wheels and driverless vehicles, replacing the old I-95 when hurricanes began to make repairs too costly. In some places the airway was an elevated tube, reinforced against hurricane force winds. There were separated lanes for air cars, driverless vehicles, and conventional vehicles. It was really a transportation system that incorporated all types of ground or near ground travel including high-speed trains, which could carry personal vehicles in protected train cars.

At the national seashore dune access point, nearest the end of the highway from Chapel Hill and Raleigh, Nick pulled up to a tire pressure station. He planned to deflate his tires for better traction in the sand. Nick took a brochure on seashore rules and a map of camping spots including potable water locations. After consulting the map, he had just lifted the air hose off its hook when he thought he heard his name. The sky was just becoming light. He looked towards the beach; he saw only sand and heard only surf; he shook his head, thinking he imagined the voice.

Nick, Nick its Elaine.

Nick saw an arm waving above the sand ten feet away. He ran to the arm. He dropped down to the sand and stared into the face of the one girl who would never speak to him again.

Elaine, I . . . Nick’s mind was blank and racing at the same time. What, Elaine . . .?

Nick, I can’t go any further, I’m bleeding, I can’t stand up or I’ll bleed even more. Help me. Elaine’s voice was weak and even fading. Get me to the UNC ER.

Nick didn’t think, he acted. Ok I’ll get you there, give me a minute to make a bed for you in the Jeep. Don’t worry.

He squeezed her hand then ran to the Jeep. He spread the ground cover, blankets, and pillows, part of the camping equipment he had planned to use for the maiden voyage, on the passenger’s side of the Jeep. Fortunately, in his depression he hadn’t put in the new seats. He ran back to Elaine, carefully lifted her in his arms, and carried her, then laid her gently in the Jeep. He backed out of the beach entrance and reversed the direction he had just followed to get to the beach. He wished he could get on the airway; the tires on the Jeep were not safe on the high-speed road, so he followed the old highway.

Nick, do you have any other cloth I can use to stop the bleeding?

Nick reached in back of his seat, never slowing the Jeep. Can you unzip this bag? Use anything you find.

Yes, thanks Nick, I feel better now. I was so scared until I saw you. Drive carefully. I’ll be ok till we get to the hospital. Elaine did sound better.

Nick relaxed just slightly, he still wasn’t thinking, he just concentrated on getting to the ER.

After a few minutes when Elaine had finished getting one of Nick’s T-shirts to stop the bleeding she asked, Can I use your phone to call the hospital?

Of course. Nick handed her his phone.

Her face smiled up at him from the pillow bedside his leg. He forced a smile back and gently touched her arm. He could hardly believe this was all happening. He wanted to ask her so many things; none of the questions that came to mind could be said out loud. He stared at the road; everything seemed to pass at an excruciatingly slow pace.

Hello, this is Elaine Seangeltunn. I think I was drugged and I’m bleeding. I’m on my way to the ER. Please contact Dr. Selskie. She is my UNC doctor. If she is not available, tell the ER doctors I’m from Pacifica. They can find my chart in the hospital records. I may need blood. I don’t know how much I’ve lost. I’ll try to contact my father and have him come as quickly as possible. I’m ok for now. I’m traveling with a friend and I’m lying down; I stopped the bleeding by pressure with a cloth. Have the doctors call me at this number if they need any more information. Thank you. She clicked off. You’re saving my life Nick. I was going to bleed to death on the beach. Maybe not right away, but if no one came till later in the morning . . . What made you come by yourself so early?

I don’t know. It was the plan I had for us. I thought you would never speak to me again. I’m having a hard time believing any of this is happening. It’s almost like a nightmare, but with the amazing good thing that we’re together. I’m sorry; I’m babbling. If I would have called you when I was supposed to, all the bad stuff would not have happened. I’m so sorry. I don’t know how you can talk to me. Nick was overcome by a wave of emotion.

Oh Nick. Elaine put her hand on his leg, it’s not your fault.  Saungy, my sorority sister, told me why you didn’t call. I was kind of upset when you didn’t call. I understand now; I’ve forgotten all about it. It’s my fault that I didn’t call you to find out if something was wrong. When Tom called, I should have found out what happened to you.

Tom Becker—called you? I don’t understand. Did you know him before I asked you out?

No, I didn’t know him. He told me you were his best friend. He told me you grew up together. He said you were upset that you forgot to call me. I told him I tried to call you, but I was told you went out. I told him I was upset and just needed to get away to think. He asked me if I would like to go to the beach with him. He said he wouldn’t touch me and that he considered me your girlfriend.

Elaine was sobbing. She could hardly talk. "I went with him. When we got there, he said he wanted to see someone for a minute in a bar. He told me to keep my head down and he would be right back. It took longer than a minute, but he came back. He said he had something that would make us feel good and we could walk along the beach and watch the sunrise. He took a pill and a sip of bottled water and then gave me one. I took the pill and some water. We drove off to the beach. When we came to the end of the pavement, he told me to get out and wait down by the water while he went to let some air out of the tires, so we could drive in the sand.

I walked down to the water and watched the waves come in. I must have laid down and fallen asleep because I woke up, lying in the sand with water washing over my feet. The sky was lighter on the horizon, it was a funny color. I felt sick and something wet was coming out of me. I touched myself with my finger and looked at my finger. I was bleeding. I panicked and started walking away from the water. I could see a light and so I walked toward it. As I came closer to the light, I felt weak and dropped down to the sand. After a few minutes a Jeep stopped under the light. I could see it was you and I started yelling and waving. I saw you look, but turn back to whatever you were doing. I yelled as loud as I could and then you found me. 

After a long silence with many questions unasked, Nick finally reached down and found Elaine’s hand. We’ll talk about all of that later. Just rest. Try to focus on something good.

Nick squeezed her hand a little tighter. There’s a lot to talk about. I’m with you. I’ll stay with you. I won’t let anyone hurt you. We’ll get to the hospital, let the doctor’s take care of you first before we deal with Tom. I’ll stay at the hospital. You told the ER operator that you needed to contact your father. Is he at home? Nick tried to distract her from the horror that she had been through.

Elaine blew her nose on another of Nick’s T-shirts. I’m not sure. He’s an ambassador. Sometimes he’s called away and I don’t hear anything for a few days. One of my parents usually calls me once a week to let me know what’s going on. I talked to my mother a few days ago. She didn’t say my father was away, but they don’t tell me everything. My father and I share a rare blood type. He always goes to the nearest hospital where I’m living and stores some blood in case of an emergency. That’s why I told you to go to UNC. I’m glad you listened to me without an explanation.

You sounded very emphatic about going there. I was worried about the time it would take, but I really couldn’t think of a good alternative, considering the hour and circumstances. It just seemed I had to act immediately. I’m glad you started to feel better as soon as you were lying down. Do you think the bleeding has stopped? Nick still sounded worried and shaken.

The sky was light now and Elaine looked down at the T-shirt she pressed against herself. There is less blood on this shirt. I’m worried about how much I lost before you found me. I have no way of knowing. Are we near the hospital? Elaine was in control of her emotions for the present.

Ten minutes, Nick said, do you want me to contact your parents?

Yes. Try to reach my father first. If you have to call my mother, tell her as little as possible, have her continue to call my father. Make sure she understands that I might need more blood. I’ll put all of their numbers in your phone. My last name is Seangeltunn.

Ok, we’re in Chapel Hill. We’ll be at the ER in five minutes. Nick was quiet then, negotiating university traffic.

Elaine finished the last number as they pulled up to the ER entrance in an unusual emergency vehicle.

Nick could see a medical team waiting to transport Elaine into the hospital. I’ll be in the hospital waiting to see you as soon as the doctor’s let me. You’re not alone. Anything you need, just let me know or have the hospital contact me.

Nick stopped in front of the blue clad hospital staff. He held Elaine’s hand until she was lifted out of the Jeep.

Nick, we’ll be together soon. Elaine squeezed his hand. She smiled then grimaced as she was laid on a gurney.

Mr. Seangeltunn, this is Nick LaMay. I’m a friend and classmate of Elaine’s. Something happened to her at the beach and she has lost some blood. She told me about your shared blood type and wants you to come to the UNC ER as quickly as you can. How long do you think it will take you to get here? Nick’s hand was shaking as he finished speaking to Elaine’s father.

Nick LaMay, correct?

Yes sir, I’m in the ER waiting room. I want to tell the doctors your estimate of the time it will take you to get here. Nick hoped he didn’t sound as worried as he was.

I’m in my air car heading towards Washington, I think I can be there in an hour. They should have some of my blood at the hospital. Mr. Seangeltunn sounded worried but very much in control.

Yes sir, Elaine told me that would be the case. I haven’t been able to talk to the doctors. We just arrived at the ER and they immediately wheeled Elaine into the building. I’ll let them know what you told me. Call me whenever you want. I’ll be at the hospital as much as I can. I’ll keep my phone with me wherever I am so you can reach me. I’ll tell you everything I know about her condition as soon as we have some time together. Nick hoped he was in as much control as Mr. Seangeltunn.

Thank you, Nick. If I don’t see you in the waiting room, I’ll call you. Mr. Seangeltunn clicked off.

Nick put the phone down; a nurse and a short man in a worn-out suit were standing in front of him.

Nick LaMay? The nurse asked, Nick nodded. The doctors are examining Elaine. Did you reach her father?

Yes. He thought he could be here in an hour. Nick looked worried. Will Elaine be alright?

She has lost a lot of blood; I guess you know. If her father can get here in an hour everything should be fine. I don’t know much more than that.

She turned to the man in the suit. This is Detective Jameson. He would like to speak with you about Elaine. The nurse pointed to an empty office where the two men could have a private conversation.

Will you be waiting here after the detective is finished? The nurse asked nervously.

I’ll be here as much as I can. I hope to meet Elaine’s father when he arrives. Can I give you my phone number in case you need me? I would like to know as soon as I can see Elaine. Nick glanced at the detective, who stared steadily back at him.

The nurse handed Nick a pad and he typed in his name and phone number. He handed the pad back; the nurse nodded. Nick turned to the detective; Jameson motioned Nick to lead the way to the office the nurse had indicated.

After they sat down Jameson spoke, I only had a few minutes with Ms. Seangeltunn; she thought she was drugged. She also told me that the man who did this lived in your fraternity. Lastly, she told me that you saved her life. That’s not a lot to go on. I have many unanswered questions. I think there are too many questions for our first meeting. I hope I can answer a few of them by talking to you for a brief time and then have a longer discussion when Ms. Seangeltunn is out of danger. I can imagine you’re not in a very good state of mind to have a lengthy discussion. I would ask you, when you get a chance, to write down what happened while things are still fresh in your mind. So, for now just a couple of questions. Do you know Tom Becker and what was your relationship?

Yes, I know him. He was my friend in junior and senior high school, Nick answered in a monotone.

Did you know he asked Ms. Seangeltunn to go to the beach?

No sir, I was completely surprised, and extremely upset when she told me who had drugged her. Nick closed his eyes and repressed a sob.

I can see how upsetting this is for you. I’ll try to be brief. I called Pennsylvania House and they told me Mr. Becker has not been home for several days and the fraternity Jeep, which he checked out, has not been returned. Have you talked to him or do you know where he might be?

No sir. I tried calling his cell phone several times and got no answer. I think he went to the shore on weekends; I never went with him and he never told me where he went. Nick was shaken just to talk about Tom.

I see, don’t you think it’s odd that an old friend would never tell you about his weekends? The detective was incredulous.

I know how it sounds, we were friends, but there were some things we didn’t talk about. I didn’t have girlfriends and he did. I think he never mentioned what he did so that I wouldn’t feel like an oddball. He kidded me about other things; we never talked about girls. Also, our relationship seemed to change after we started college. It was almost as if we hadn’t known each other before we came here. Nick shrugged his shoulders.

Two more questions. Did you tell him about Elaine?

Yes, I was mad at myself for unintentionally standing her up on our first date. I just happened to have breakfast with him the next morning. I told him how stupid I was, forgetting to call her, and then I mentioned her name. He encouraged me to keep trying to reach her. He even suggested I go to her sorority to see her. Then he asked me what sorority she lived in; I gave him the name. He told me he would be gone for a few days. That was the last time I spoke to him. I can’t believe that he did anything to Elaine. I know he and I haven’t been really close lately, but I’ve known him a long time, this just isn’t the Tom Becker I know. I think we’re missing something but I just don’t know what it is. Again, Nick could hardly contain his emotions.

I’m sorry Mr. LaMay. I’ll keep in mind what you’ve told me. I have to ask you one more question. Do you have a recent photo of Mr. Becker?

Yes sir, in my room.

I hate to ask you; I know you want to wait here. You won’t be able to see Elaine for a couple of hours. Can we go to your room and get the photo so I can make a copy? I’ll bring the original back to you. Detective Jameson honestly empathized with Nick.

Pulling himself together Nick said, Ok, but I need to take my Jeep back to the fraternity. Can you follow me? I also don’t have much time before Elaine’s father gets here. I want to meet him when he arrives.

Ok, that’s fine. If you’re ready, let’s go. I won’t take any more of your time now. I’ll probably want to see you again in a day or so.

Nick thought a minute then asked. Would you be able to drive me back to the hospital? I really want to be here when Mr. Seangeltuun arrives?

I can do that. I have to come back this way, so it’s no problem.

Thank you. Nick let out a sigh and led the way out of the ER.

The detective let Nick out at the ER entrance after they picked up Tom’s photo.

Has Mr. Seangeltunn arrived? Nick asked the ER receptionist.

No sir.

Nick went on, hopeful, Is there any word on Elaine Seangeltunn?

Still with the doctors I believe.

I’m Nick LaMay, please let me know as soon as there’s any information.

I will, as soon as I know.

Thank you very much. Nick turned to find a seat in the waiting room. I should have brought a book. Waiting is the worst and I’m hungry. I’d better get some water at least. Nick bought some water from a vending machine. As he went to find a seat a tall man in an elegant business suit walked into the waiting room.

Nick knew it had to be Elaine’s father. M—Ambassador Seangeltunn? Nick hesitated before he made a fool of himself and walked up to the tall man with his hand outstretched.

Yes, Nick LaMay? The man started to raise his arm. How did you know it was me?

I’m not sure sir, I just knew, maybe there’s something about you and your daughter. I’m so glad you’re here. I guess you should let the receptionist know in case the doctors need you. I’ll be here in the waiting room when you’re done. Their hands were clasped.

Yes, I’ll let them know. Have you been here the whole morning?

Yes, except for a short while when Detective Jameson and I went to get a photo of Tom. I’ll explain everything after you see the doctors.

Mr. Seangeltunn shut his eyes for a few moments. I’ll let them know I’m here and then we can talk.

The Ambassador was superficially controlled, however, underneath the surface, emotions seemed to roll like silent waves. He turned toward the receptionist while Nick found some empty seats at 90° to each other.

Leaving the receptionist, Mr. Seangeltuun took the seat that Nick had saved for him. I might be called in to give blood at any moment. I guess we don’t have time, before they call me to give blood, for you to recount all the events of the morning. Just let me ask, in your opinion how serious is Elaine’s condition?

"I wish I knew. They haven’t told me anything. When I first found her, she thought maybe she had lost a lot of blood. She told me, if I hadn’t found her when I did, she might have bled to death. She was scared. I don’t know how accurate her estimate was. She calmed down after I laid her in my Jeep and found her some clean shirts to stop the bleeding. She seemed to know exactly what to do. I just did as she told me. I drove quickly, but carefully, as she instructed, directly to the ER. As soon as I could I called you. Elaine had entered your numbers into my phone. She was very calm except when we briefly discussed the man who