Chapters 13 & 14

Chapter 13

As the plane lifted off the ground, Tina began to sob.  Missy put her arms around her sister.  “He’ll be ok, Tina.  He is strong and God will protect him.  He’ll be ok.”  It took several minutes for Tina to compose herself and speak.

“This last week has just been a whirlwind of emotions:  Cole, the kids, the engagement, everything.  It all seemed surreal, like a dream, I just can’t believe everything that has happened.  It’s sinking in and it is just so emotional.  It’s very draining and now I have to change my entire mindset back to reality and the hospital.  I can’t do this Missy!”  Tina began crying again as the three Carpenter sisters embraced on the plane.  They comforted Tina silently most of the flight while she just let her emotions flow.  Soon she was so emotionally drained, Tina drifted off to sleep.

Missy and Pam chatted quietly and prayed for their sister.  They decided that Tina should not be alone.  Pam decided she would stay at Tina’s house while Missy spent time with her family.  Pam was single and shared an apartment with a friend.  Missy was married and had a 5 year old daughter and a 3 year old son.  They all lived within an hour drive of each other and their parents.  Family was important to them. 

Tina woke as the plane touched the runway.  She didn’t realize how tired she really was.  As the plane taxied to the gate, Pam told Tina their plane.  Tina was glad to know she’d have some company.  She didn’t feel like being alone.

As the three stood at baggage claim, Tina’s phone rang.  She looked to see who it was but the number was blocked.  “Cole, are you ok?”

“Sorry Tina, it’s not Cole.  This is Todd Campbell.  Do you have a minute?”

“Hey Todd.  Sure I am just waiting on my luggage.  What’s going on?”

“Well Tina,” He answered.  “I haven’t heard from Cole so I wanted to update you so you could tell him.  Are you in contact with him?”

Tina sighs, “Well I am back in Texas and he is in Jamaica but I have a number he wanted me to give you so you could contact him.”  She read Todd the number. 

“Thanks Tina.  I’ll call him right away,” he answered.

Tina hesitated to ask but finally did.  “Todd is everything ok?”

“Tina, I can help him but it will take time and it will be off the grid.  Right now the best I can do will take at least 6-9 months with no guarantee,” he told her.

Tina struggled to keep her emotions in check.  “Todd, he doesn’t have that much time.  You have to do something, NOW!”

“Clam down Tina.”  Todd tries to calm her.  “What do you mean he doesn’t have that much time?  Is he in trouble?”

Tina turns away from the crowd.  “I can’t go into details right now but they are after him.  They almost killed him once.  He is determined to stop them.  I don’t think it will be good.  Please Todd!”

Todd again tries to keep her calm.  “Ok Tina, I will see what I can do.  I need to talk to him and get current details.  I will do my best.  Cole is a very good friend.  After I talk to him, I’ll work on some things.  I’ll keep you updated as much as possible.  Just stay with me on this.”

The conversation ends with Tina almost in tears again.  The sisters get their luggage and head home.  They drop Missy off first and then Pam and Tina head to Tina’s house.

“Pam, don’t you want to stop by your place for anything?”

Pam answers.  “Nah.  I’ll run by in the morning after you go by the hospital.  Just relax Tina.”

“Pam, I need a drink.  Can we stop?”

Pam was surprised.  She knew her sister only drank when she was really stressed or upset.  She could tell this was not going to be an easy next few days.  “Sure T but only one. Promise?”

Tina laughed, “Yes only one.  I have to be able to work tomorrow.”  They stopped, had their drink, and then headed to Tina’s. 

As soon as they walk through the door, Tina says, “Pam I am really tired.  I am gonna go lay down.”

Pam sets down her luggage.  “Ok T.  I’ll fix something to eat later and get you.  I’ll call mom and dad and let them know we are home.”

Tina crashed on the bed.  She was so tired but couldn’t seem to get to sleep.  Everything she closed her eyes she saw something bad happening to Cole.  She tried to get a good picture in her mind.  She thought of the kids and how great Cole was with them.  That made her smile and she tried to keep that picture in her mind.  With that she was finally able to draft off to sleep.

She had been asleep for over an hour when her cell phone wakes her up.  She looked at the clock and picked it up.  It was just after 5PM.  “Dr. Carpenter,” Tina answered.

“Tina,” a panicked voice said.  “It’s Hazel Connor.  I need to find Cole.  Do you know where to find him?”

Tina was surprised Cole mother was calling her.  “Well, I have a phone number for him.  Is something wrong?” 

“It’s Matt,” Hazel answers.  “I don’t know what’s wrong!  They are working on him now.”

“Are you by yourself, Hazel?”

“Suzy’s on her way dear. She should be here shortly.  I don’t know what to do Tina.  Should I let Cole know?”  Hazel is distraught.

Tina answers trying to calm her, “Why don’t we wait and see what is wrong first. Tell you what.  I ‘ll call the hospital there and try and see if I can get any info and call you back, ok?”

Hazel seems a bit relieved.  “Sounds good.  Thank you sweetie.”

Tina looks up the number for the hospital and dials.  Finally a voice on the other end says, “Community Hospital, how may I direct your call?”

“Emergency please,” Tina answers.  After a short pause someone answers and Tina begins.  “This is Dr. Carpenter from Baylor in Waco.  I am calling to check on a patient by the name of Matthew Connor.”

“Yes Doctor, one moment.”  After a few minutes the lady continues.  “Dr. Carpenter, Mr. Connor is in critical but stable condition.  It was not a strong heart attack but they do believe there is about 50 % blockage.  They are hoping to do surgery in the next day or so.  He is currently being moved to Cardiac I.C.U.”

Tina replies, “Thank you.  Are they thinking about transferring if he is stable enough?”

The lady answers, “I can certainly check on that Doctor.  If you will leave a number, I will let you know and keep you informed.”

Tina thanks her and gives her the number.  She immediately hangs up and calls Hazel back.  After several rings and unfamiliar voice answers, “Hello?”

“Yes this is Tina Carpenter.  I am calling for Hazel,” Tina says not sure who answered.

“Oh hey Tina.  This is Suzy.  Mom is talking to the Doctor.  She should be done in a bit.”

“Oh ok, then we can compare notes.  How are you, Suzy?”

“I am good Tina, thank you.  Oh here come mom.  I’ll talk to you later.”

Tina waits to hear Hazel’s voice.  “Hello Tina dear.  I just talked to the Doctor. He said if he stays stable until morning, they may transfer him per a doctor’s request.  Would that be you?”

“Yes ma’am.  I hope that is ok.  After what they told me, I think it would be best.  Community just doesn’t have the resources Baylor does.” 

“That’s fine,” Hazel answers.  “I agree and would actually feel better.  Do you have someone to take him?”

Tina smiles, “Yes, one of the best cardiac surgeons in the country is a good friend of mine.  I haven’t talked to him yet but am sure I can sweet talk him.  What did they tell you?”

“Well, they said it was a small heart attack due to blockage and that surgery is probably the best option.  What do you think, Tina?”

“Hazel, I am gonna tell you straight that surgery is a must.  They told me the blockage was more then 50%.  That means more attacks are possible.”

Hazel sighed, “The next one could be fatal too, right Dear?” Tina hesitated.  Then Hazel insisted, “Tina, tell me.  I need to know.”

Softly Tina replies, “Yes Hazel, it most likely could be.  Look don’t worry.  God has his hand on this.  Let’s pray him through the night and get him to Baylor and things will seem better.”

“Amen sweetie,” Hazel replies.  “I have put my trust in the Lord for almost 70 years.  I am not about to stop now.  Will I see you at Baylor tomorrow or are you still out of the country?”

“I will be there,” Tina says.  “I actually came back today.  I will have my cell but if I don’t answer just have the hospital page me.”

“Ok.  Tina, thank you so much.  I didn’t know who else to call.”  Hazel hung up.

Tina calls her friend.  “Hey Larry its Tina.  I need a huge favor.”

“Hey Carp, what can I do for you?”

“A longtime family friend is in ICU in and out of town small hospital.  He had a slight heart attack toady.  I was told he has more than 50% blockage.  If things go ok overnight, they are transferring him her in the morning.  Can you take him?”

“Carp, you know I will.  What’s his name and the hospital?”

“His name is Matthew Connor and he’s in Community Hospital in Lindin.  Thanks Larry,” Tina says.

“Lindin?  That’s a heck of a transfer.  I am not sure that is such a good idea, Carp.  The trip alone could kill him.”

Tina sighs, “Please Larry.  This is very important to me.  What do we need to do to make this happened.”

“Tina, honestly,” Larry settles into his serious mode.  “I can’t guarantee he’ll make the trip in his condition.  Chopper is out of the question and that’s almost five hours by ambulance.  They only way I’d even consider it is if I went out there and examined him and prepped him and rode back.”

“Larry, I’ll do whatever it takes.  There is a small airport about 12 miles away.  I’ll charter a plane for your flight there and have someone there to pick you up.  I’ll make sure there is an ICU equipped ambulance waiting.  I’ll owe you big time.  What do you say?”

“Carp, you drive a hard bargain.  I’ll go out there and asses him but make no promise on bringing him back.  I’ll be at the airport here at 6AM.  Meet me there with arrangements.  I know you can’t go but I want to make sure I have everything before I leave.  Can you do that?”

Tina relieved, “You got it Larry thanks.  I’ll see you in the morning.”

Tina makes some calls and gets everything arranged.  She is talking with Suzy about the plan when Pam comes in.  Tina hangs up and fills Pam in over dinner.

 Chapter 14

AS the sun begins to rise over Jamaica, Cole is just about to the gas station where he left the van.  He is sure they have sent someone to get it and ask the attendant questions.  The attendant was just unlocking the door when Cole pulls up in the old bus. 

“Good morning.  That ole thing still runnin?” he says as Cole gets out.

“That it is friend.  It has been a life saver.  What about my other van.  Where is it?”

The man smiles, “Well come in, have a cup of joe and I tell you.”

Cole walks with the shop keeper into the store.  “By the way my name is Cole.”

“Nice to meet you Cole.  My name is Rasta.  Coffee will be ready in a bit.  Now about your van.  Not long after you left, several guys came and asked where you were.  I said I sold you my bus and you took off for the coast.  They asked more questions but not have the answers.  They said they’d send for the van.  They gave me a number to call if I remembered anything or saw you again.  Couple hours later a truck came and took the van.  That’s it.”

“Did they say who they were or anything?”  Cole asks as Rasta pours two cups of coffee.

“Only name I got was the one on the phone number.  I put it over here.  He walks over and looks through a stack of papers.  “Here it is.  Says Phiny and the number.  That’s it.”

“Do you mind if I write that number down?”  Cole asks as he pulls out a notepad. 

“Not at all,” Rasta says handing him the paper.

Cole copies down the number and asks, “Do you know where I can buy a used car for a good price?”

“Sure, Charlie’s,” Rasta smiles.  “Go back up that way about half a mile and take a left.  He’s about a mile up.  Tell him I sent you and he’ll treat you right.  Anything else?”

Cole hands him back the number.  “Yes, I about an hour can you call that number and tell them I came by and said I had a flight out of the airstrip up here leaving at 9AM.  Say nothing else and I’ll make it worth your while.”

Rasta laughs.  “You don’t have to worry about that, my friend.  I can see you are a decent man which is more than I can say for those other guys.  You a Christ follower?”

Cole looks up, “Yes I am, why do you ask?”

Rasta laughs.  “I can always tell.  Pastor Greene and Ellen have helped you right?”

Cole looks at the man astonished.  “Yes but how…”

Rasta laughs and points to the pen Cole wrote the number down with.  Cole looks at it and realizes it has the name of the church on it.  “Ah, I see.  Do you know them?”

Rasta takes a sip of coffee.  “All my life.  Ellen is my cousin and James and I grew up together.  I introduced them, well sort of.  Any friend of theirs is a friend of mine.  Anything I can do to help you, just let me know.  Here is my number.”

Cole smiles as he takes the number.  “Right not just what I said about the call will be fine, but I’ll keep this just in case.  Thanks.”  Cole lays $50 on the counter and leaves.

He drive to Charlie’s just like Rasta said.  As he gets out a friendly Jamaican man greets him.  I’ll give you $200 for the heap and not a cent more.”  He laughs as he sticks out his hand.

“Rasta sent me,” Cole says shaking the man’s hand.

“Well in that case I’ll give you $100,” he says with a laugh.  “What can I do for you Friend?”

“Well sir, I need a car.  Prefer a dark colored one like SUV and needs tinted windows.”

“A man who knows what he wants.  I like that.  Well son, I got a handful you can choose from.  Come this way and let ole Charlie fix you up.”

Cole follows Charlie to a line of several dark SUV’s.  Cole chooses one with the darkest windows.  “It’s priced as $10,000 but since you are a friend of Rasta’s, I’ll let you have it for $8,500.

“Wow, that’s a good deal.  Now about the bus,” Cole says.

“I’ll knock another $500 off for it,” Charlie says                                                                 .

“Actually,” Cole begins, “I was hoping I could get you to really fix it up for me.  Bumper to Bumper and painted up real nice like this.”  Cole pulls out a picture he sketched.  “And have them put the church name across it like this.”

“Wow!” Charlie looks at the paper. 

Cole chimes in, “It’s a surprise for Pastor Greene and the church.”

Charlie looks at Cole, “you know Pastor Greene?”

Cole replies.  “Yes he and Ellen have really helped me out this last week.  How do you know them?”

“I am a deacon at the church,” Charlie replies.  “This is really great.  We have been looking into getting a bus.  We have needed one for a long time.  This is very generous of you Sir.  Sorry I don’t think I caught you name.”

“Oh sorry, I’m Cole.  So do you think you can fix it up?  I’ll pay for it.”

“Sure.  I have a great mechanic and I know a guys who does interiors and also someone who can do that beautiful drawing on the side.  I am sure for the church they would give me a deal.  They are both members there too,” Charlie says.

“Great,” Cole replies.   Here is the $800 for the car and another $5000 to fix the bus.  If you need more, I’ll pay you when I get back.  Here are the keys.  Deliver is to Pastor Greene when it’s finished and tell him it’s a thank you gift.”

Charlie smiles, “$5000 should be more than enough.  Whatever is left I will donate to the church.  Here are the keys to the SUV and I’ll be sure to fix the bus up nice.  Anything else I can do for you?” 

Cole finishes signing the papers.  “No, I think that will do it.  Thank you so much.”  Cole looks at his watch.  “I gotta run.  Thanks again.”

Cole drives down toward the airstrip.  He pulls out a second phone he bought.  He didn’t want to use the one Tina might call him on.  He needed this one strictly for business.  He pulled the notepad out of his vest pocket and dialed the number Rasta gave him.  After two rings, a familiar voice answers.  Did you miss me sweetheart?”  Cole says to Phiny.

“Donavan!  Where are you?  I thought you were dead!  Are you ok?  Where are you? I’ll come pick you up.”

“Correction Phiny, you hoped I was dead.  I know you turned on me.  Don’t play with me.  You will never get what you want.  Just give up!”

“Never Donavan!  I am going to put you out of business for good.  I am gonna get those kids.  You count on that.  You have no chance against my sources.”

Cole checked the time.  “What do you want with those kids?  What use are they to you Phiny?”  Cole asks trying to figure out what she is after.

Phiny laughs, As if you didn’t know.  I don’t want them really.  I only want them to get to you.  My job is to put you out of business.  I am going to kill you and those kids are a bonus.  Any more questions?”

“Just one,” Cole answers.  “What agency do you really work for?”

“You haven’t figured that out yet?  Boy you aren’t as smart as I thought,” Phiny says.  “I am an XSI agent and as you know, we ALWAYS get what we want, Cole Connor.”

Cole’s heart sank when she used his real name.  He remembered learning about XSI during training.  They were and independent agency that had no rules and were very ruthless.  “One more question.  Does Michael work for you?”

Phiny chuckled.  “Michael is dumber than you are.  Do you actually think he would be XSI?  He is a vein old man who doesn’t know his head from a hole in the ground”

“Well Phiny, thank you for the insight.  I’ve got to run.  I am sure I will see you later.  Have a wonderful day.”  Cole hangs up.  He sits back in the seat.  He knows Phiny is furious he can’t trace this phone.  He is still laughing as the thought as he dials the next number. It rings several times before someone answers.

“Cole are you ok?”

“Yes Michael, I am fine.  I need a team of your most trusted people ASAP.  How fast can you get them?”

“AS long as you are still in Jamaica, not long.  I dispatched a team there after you stopped contact.  Tell me what you need and I’ll get on it.  They have been laying low waiting on me for over 24 hours.  They are ready to go.”

Cole tells Michael his plan.  He gets the team leader on the line so Cole can explain to him as well.

“Cole, you will have to communicate to the team leader through me until we can get you some comms.  I will have them leave a package for you at the airstrip post office under the name Paul Eagleton.  Pick it up as soon as you get there.  You call sign is Eagle.  Team leaders’ call sign is Shepherd and I am Fisherman,” Michael tells him.

The three of them work out the last few details then hang up.  As Cole drives toward the airstrip, he pulls out his other phone for a very important call.  After several rings, voice mail picks up.

“This is Dr. Carpenter.  Sorry I have missed your call.  Please leave your message and I will get back to you soon.  God Bless!”  Cole waited for the beep.

“Hey T, I was just calling to hear your voice.  I miss you and I love you.  I hope you haven’t told anyone about the engagement.  I want to do it together.  I am getting ready to go to work.  Please call me when you can.  I love you, my Sweet T.”

Cole hung up half smiling half ready to cry.  As he passes Rasta’s station, he prays Rasta remembered to make the call.  He should have made it by now.  He thought about stopping to make sure but decided to trust his friend.  He drove on to the airstrip as he put his mind on the mission ahead.