Chapter 18,19,20

Chapter 18

Michael was sitting at his Operations desk when a strange number came up on the caller I.D. for his none secure phone.  He hesitated then answered, “Michael.”

A familiar voice replied, “Your boy is dead.”

Michael piped up, “I don’t believe you, Phiny!”

Phiny laughed, “Believe it.  I emptied an entire mag into him and if that don’t kill him, the nature will.”

“I need proof,” Michael said.  “Where is he?”

“Well, if there is anything left by the time you get there, he is at the coordinate you will receive shortly in an email,” Phiny continued.  “Do me a favor, give me more of a challenge next time.”  With that she hangs up.

Michael immediately dials Cole’s phone.  “Hello?”

“Pastor Greene,” Michael replies.

“Yes, Michael?”

“Pastor Greene, have you heard from Cole?”

“No sir,” Pastor Greene answers.  “I have not.  Mr. Falcon is here though.  Ellen and the kids went to the states to be with Tina.”

Michael seems somewhat relived.  “Oh that’s good.”

“Yes, they left a while ago.  Now what can I do to help?”

Michael sounding somber, “Pray!  I know you are already.  Cole is missing.  Phiny claims she killed him but I don’t believe her.  I have sent men out to where she said we could find his body.  Stay where you are and keep this phone.  I’ll call when I know something.”  Michael hangs up.

James immediately begins praying for the entire situation.  Cole, Ellen, the kids, Tina, everyone!

Michael begins communication with the team he sent to the location Phiny sent him.  They are still a few minutes out and will check in as they approach.  Michael himself begins to pray.  He doesn’t know how he will react if Phiny is telling the truth.  He prays that Cole somehow survived.  He doesn’t want to think about having to call Tina.

Michael’s prayers are interrupted by the recovery team commander.  “Command, this is Dog Bone reporting.  We are approaching the sight.  We have lots of blood here.  No sign of a body.  We do have some pieces of clothing and a few other things.  We also have bullet fragments and what appears to be pieces of flesh.  Over here I see some large animal tracks and drag marks.  My team is taking data, pictures, and collecting evidence.  When complete we will bring it in for analysis.  Dog Bone out.”

Michael sank in his chair.  He could picture the scene in his mind and put the pieces together.  He pretty much knew what the data pointed to.  How he wished he was wrong. 

A few hours later the lab called with results.  Michael walked slowly down the hall, took a deep breath and punched in the code to the lab door. 

“What do we have Sam?”

Sam stood up and walked to his data center.  “Well, Michael, all of the blood collected at the scene is a match for Agent Donavan.  The pieces of clothing are just pieces of normal clothing bought at a local store.  From my inspection of the tears, they were torn by large animal teeth and claws.  The bullet fragments match those of the firearm given to Phiny.  The animal tracks seems to be that of local wild pigs.  So this is my analysis of what happened.  Phiny shot him multiple times and left him.  Later the smell attracted wild pigs and they attacked his body and probably drug him off to finish things.  We may never know for sure.”

Michael signed, “That’s what I was afraid of.  Thank you Sam.  Call me if you get anything else.  As of now, Agent Donavan is Officially MIA until I get proof.”

Michael walks out of the lab and back to his private office.  He dreads the call he must now make.

Chapter 19

As Tina unlocks the front door, her cell phone rings.  “Hey Pam.  Everyone arrive ok?”

Pam replies, “Yes we should be there shortly.”

“Great!”  Tina continues, “Hey I need you and Ellen to talk to the kids about something on the way.”  Tina proceeds to tell Pam about Hazel and Suzy staying at the house and how she wants the kids not to mention Cole and what they needs to do.

As Hazel and Suzy settle into their rooms, Tina plops down on the couch to think and rest.  After a few moments, Suzy come into the room.

“Hey Tina, level with me,” Suzy says as she sits down.  “You and my brother, you guys are back together, right?  I won’t tell mom.  I promise.”

Tina laughs.  “We discussed the idea but he’s working now so nothing definite.”

Suzy smiles.  “That ring tells me you did more than discuss it.  Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.”  Suzy winks at Tina as Hazel walks in.

“Tina dear, you are so kind,” Hazel says.  “Thank you for letting us stay.”

“Hazel, you are always welcome,” Tina replies.  “Ladies, I need to tell you both something.  While I was in Jamaica, I found myself at a local church that runs an orphanage.  There were these two precious kids, a brother and a sister that I fell in love with.  They had been through so much and I decided to adopt them.  My sister Pam just picked them up at the airport along with Ellen, who with her husband runs the orphanage.  They will be here shortly.  I hope you don’t mind.  Everything just happened all at once.”

Hazel smiles while Suzy looks stunned.  Finally Hazel speaks, “Wow Tina.  That is wonderful.  I can’t wait to meet them.  What are their names?”

Tina smiles, “Isaac is 3 and Laura is 9 months.  They are jewels.  They just captured my heart the first time I met them.”

Suzy perked up. “Has Cole met them?”

Tina shot her a look.  “Yes he has very briefly.  They all seemed to get along just fine.”

“I don’t really see him as the fatherly type,” Suzy laughs.

Just then the front door flings open and Isaac comes running in.

“Mommy,” he yells rushing to Tina.  He jumps up into her lap.  “I miss mommy!”

Tina grabs him and hugs him.  “Mommy miss Isaac.  Did you enjoy your plane ride?”

“Not really,” he replied.

“Why not sweetie?”

Isaac whispered in Tina’s ear so no one could hear, “I kept thinking Daddy won’t find me here.”

Tina laughs but then almost cries as she hugs him and replies, “That won’t be a problem.  I promise!”

Isaac smiles and points to Hazel and Suzy, “Who they?”

“This is my friend Hazel and Suzy.  They are staying with me for a few days.”

Isaac looks confused.  “What bout me, sissy and Nana Ellen?”

Tina laughs, “You are staying here too.  You and Laura will stay in my room and Nana Ellen will have her own room right next door.  Mrs. Hazel and Miss Suzy have their own rooms as well.”

Isaac’s eyes get big.  “Wow!  This big house!”

“Well why don’t you go check it out while we talk,” Tina says putting him down.

Isaac runs off to explore.  Tina stood to greet Ellen who was holding Laura.  She took Laura and kissed her and motioned Ellen to sit.

“Pam you gonna stay?”

Pam sits, “I can for a bit but then I better go.”

They were all talking when Tina’s cell phone rang. “Dr. Carpenter.  Yes please hold.”

Tina stood and handed Laura to Pam.  “Ellen, can you please come with me,” she said as she leaves the room.

Ellen quickly follows as Tina gets back on the phone in the master bedroom shutting the door behind Ellen.  “Michael please go ahead.  Ellen and the kids just got here.”

Michael continued.  “Tina, I don’t know where to start.  I never wanted to have to…”

Michael stopped.  There was silence.  Finally Tina spoke as she sat on the edge of the bed.  “Michael, please don’t say what I think you are about to say.”

More silence.  Michael speaks softly, “Tina, I’m sorry.  Officially he’s MIA but all signs point to the fact that he’s been killed.”

“NO!”  Tina screams as she drops the phone and falls to her knees.

Ellen picks up the phone as Pam comes running in and consoles her sister.  Tina is sobbing on the floor and crying out, “NO, Cole, No!”  Pam knows instantly what the call was.

“Michael, this is Ellen.  I know this wasn’t easy and you didn’t have to call her.  Thank you.”

Michael answers, “Ellen, I knew she needed to hear it from me.  Now I will call his family.”

Ellen replies, “Michael, his family is here at Tina’s.  You want to talk to them?”

Pam takes the phone, “Michael, this is Tina’s sister Pam.  I will take care of telling his family.  There is a lot going on here.”

“Thank you, Pam,” Michael says.  “I’ll call in a few days with official reports.”

Pam hangs up the phone and she and Ellen console Tina.  As they hug, Ellen prays for Tina, the kids, and also asks that if Cole is still alive God would protect and bring him back safely.  When Ellen finishes, Tina kisses her cheek and dries her eyes.  “Well, we’ve got a decision to make.  I don’t think we should tell the kids until we know for sure, but what about Hazel and Suzy?”  They have so much going on right now.”

Ellen speaks, “Yes dear they do but they deserve to know.  He’s their son and brother.  Michael said right now he is MIA until they have evidence.  Just tell them what he said.  They deserve that much.”

Pam speaks, “Ellen is right.  I will go with you and Ellen can keep the kids occupied.”

Pam helps Tina up and they walked out holding hands as Ellen gets Laura and goes to find Isaac.  Tina takes a deep breath.  As she enters the room, Hazel speaks up.”

“Everything ok dear?  We heard a scream”

Tina sits on the couch next to Hazel and begins to speak.  “I just got a call from Cole’s boss.”  Tina takes a deep breath trying to hold back the tears.  She sees Hazel’s face turn somber as if she knows what is coming.  Tina continues.  “Cole is officially MIA but all signs point to him being killed and that he would call when he had more information.”

Hazel has tears rolling down her face and Suzy just sits in shock.  After a bit of silence, Hazel begins to pray out loud.

“Father, If My Cole is still alive, please protect him and bring him back to us.  If he is not Father, please accept him into your hands.  Help us understand and keep us strong.  Protect and heal Matthew.  Your will be done in all.  Praise and Glory in your name, AMEN.”

Tina, Hazel, Suzy and Pam all hug and cry.  They sit that way for several minutes and then separate and sit in silence.  Pam finally somberly speaks.  “Tina, I hate to but I better get going.  I have to get up early and catch up on all my missed work.  Call me if you need me.  Anything!”  She hugs Tina, says bye to Hazel and Suzy and leaves. 

Just as she leaves, Isaac comes running into the room.  “Mommy, it place great.  Me love it here.  Can’t wait daddy get home.”  Isaac stops as he jumps in Tina’s lap.  “Oops, me not pose to talk daddy.  Sorry mommy!”

Tina laughs as she hugs him.  “It’s ok sweetie!  Where’s Nana Ellen?”

“She put Laura night night.  I stay mommy.  Can I?”

Tina smiles at Hazel, “Tell you what.  Go put on your PJ’s and have Nana Ellen help you brush your teeth and I’ll read you a story.”

Isaac jumps down and runs out as he says “You got it!”

When he leaves, the silence is deafing.  Finally Hazel speaks up.  “You gonna tell him his daddy is MIA or you gonna wait til you know for sure?”

Tina smiles, “How did you know Cole is their daddy?”

“I knew something was up when I saw your reaction earlier when I asked about you and Cole.  It didn’t take long to put it together.  Just tell me I didn’t miss the wedding.”

Tina laughs as she takes a drink of water.  “No.  We decided to wait until this mission was over.  Now it may not happen at all.”  Tears well up in Tina’s eyes. 

Hazel puts her arm around her.  “Tina, I know my Cole.  If you and these precious children is what he has to come back to, he will do everything in his power to do so.  He was never the same after you two called things off before.  We just have to keep hoping and praying for him.  We have to stay strong for those two babies.”

Tina plays with her ring.  “Yes I know.  He is so great with them.  I wish you could have seen him Hazel.  It was beautiful.”

Hazel kisses Tina’s forehead.  “I will soon sweetie.  I will.  Now, let’s take a look at this beautiful ring.  I see Cole has is father’s eye for jewelry.  Tell me the significance.”

Tina holds her hand up for Hazel to look.  “Well, the emerald of course is mine and Cole’s birthstone and for our perseverance of love.  The two small diamonds are for Isaac and Laura.  The band is inlaid with Jamaican black coral since that is where God brought us back together.”

Hazel kisses Tina’s hand, “You’ll see him again sweetie.  One way or another.”

Just then Isaac came running in.  “Mommy, ready.  Story!”  He jumps up in Tina’s lap. 

“Alright but before we do that, I want to tell you something.  You know Mrs. Hazel.  She is your daddy’s mommy.  That makes her your grandmother.”

Isaac smiles a big smile.  “Wow.  Me lucky.  More family. What me call her?”

Tina smiles, “Maybe you should ask her.”

Isaac crawl over to Hazel’s lap.  “What call you?”

Hazel smiles.  “I have always liked GiGi.  How does that sound?”

Isaac hugs Hazel.  “Love GiGi!”

Hazel hugs Isaac.  “Love Isaac!”

Isaac kisses Hazel’s cheek and crawls back to Tina’s lap.  “Now story”

Tina smiles, “Not yet.  I have one more thing.  Suzy is daddy’s sister, Your Aunt.”

Isaac jumps down and runs to Suzy and hugs her.  “More Aunts, Wow!  Mommy would it be k if GiGi, Suzy stay for story?”

“Sure sweetie,” Tina says as Isaac climbs back up in her lap.  She opens the book and begins reading. 

Before the story is half over, Isaac is fast asleep.  Tina closes the book and carefully picks him up and carries him to bed.

When Tina returns, she says “I think Isaac has the right idea.  We should all get a good night sleep.  The next few days could be very long and tiring. If you need anything, just let me know.”  They all hugs goodnight and head off to bed.

As Tina lays down, she once again kisses Isaac who is sound asleep in the bed next to her.  Laura stayed in bed with Ellen.  Tina rolls over and thinks about Cole.  Every time she closes her eyes, she sees his lifeless bloody body lying on the ground.  She begins to cry.

She buries her face in her pillow, trying not to wake Isaac.  She finally decides to move to the couch.  She grabs a blanket and pillow and settles in.  She again begins to cry, this time more uncontrollable than before.  She drops to her knees.

“Why, God?  Why?  Why would you bring him back into my life and then just up and take him away?  Why God?  I don’t deserve this!  What about those precious kids?  After all they have been through.  WHY!?!”

Tina buries her face in her hands.  Then she feels an arm around her.  She looks and sees Ellen kneeling next to her.  “I figured you might need a shoulder and a friend.”

Tina hugs Ellen. “Thank you.  I know I shouldn’t question but I just…”

Ellen interrupts.  “It’s ok sweetie.  We have to be honest with God and ourselves.  He knows you aren’t questioning Him or blaming Him.  You just want to know.  It’s natural.  Believe me I have been in your shoes.  I know exactly how you feel.”

Tina looked at Ellen in disbelief.  “What do you mean?”

Ellen and Tina sit back up on the couch as Ellen begins telling her story.

“I was engaged once before I met James.  We were high school sweethearts.  We both went to university together.  He was coming home late one night from work.  We had just graduated and were making final wedding plans for later that month.  He was driving home and was hit head on by another driver and was killed.  His injuries were so bad he was almost unrecognizable.”  Ellen had tears running down her face.  “I thought I’d never get over that.  I felt like I had died right along with him.  I even lived my life that way for a while.  Then one day, I walked into a small church and listened to young minister speaking about life and joy we have in Christ.  He quote from John 16:22 ‘So with you: now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take ways you joy!’  He then quoted Psalm 30:5 ‘Weeping may stay for the night but rejoicing come in the morning.’  I have to admit I wasn’t sure I believed it or if it even applied to me.  After the service, I asked to meet with someone.  It happened to be that same young minister.  I told him my story. He got me in touch with someone and I was able to work through things.  After several months, my joy was slowly being returned.  The next week I went back to the little church and spoke with the minster.  I invited him to lunch as a thank you for all his help.  That was James’ and mine first date.  We were married one year to the day of the car accident.  The Lord had turned my day of weeping into a day of joy!”

Tina sits stunned before finally speaking.  “Ellen, I had no idea.  Could you help me get through this?  I am not sure where to turn, except to God.”

Ellen smiles, “That’s the best place to start sweetie.  Yes, I will be here as long as I can.”  She wraps her arms around Tina and they sit back on the couch and finally cry themselves to sleep. 

Chapter 20

Tina awakes to the smell of coffee and bacon.  She looks and sees Ellen in the kitchen cooking and talking to Hazel.  She gets up and walks to the coffee and pours a cup.  “Good morning ladies.”

“Good morning,” they both say.

“Smells wonderful Ellen.  Thank you so much.  The kids up yet?”

“Actually, they got kidnapped by their Aunt Pam for the morning.  They will be back by lunch.  Thought the three of us and Suzy could use some time.  Suzy is freshening up.  You have time if you’d like to as well.”

“I think I will.  Thanks.”  Tina gives Ellen a hug as she passes.

“God has special plans for that girl,” Ellen says as she leaves the room.

Hazel agrees, “Yes, He has wonderful plans for her and Cole.”

Ellen scoops bacon onto a plate.  “You think he’s still alive, don’t you?”

Hazel takes a drink of coffee.  “Yes.  A mother knows.  When Cole’s twin brother was born.  I had a feeling instantly and knew he wouldn’t survive.  Even when the doctors said he was fine.  I knew.”

“I didn’t know Cole was a twin,” Ellen says as she starts the eggs.

“Neither did I,” Hazel laughed.  “Back then we didn’t have all the fancy stuff they do now.  I didn’t even make it to the hospital with Cole.  He was born in the side room of the church.  His twin was backwards.  By the time I got to the hospital, he was in great distress and so was I.  They almost lost us both.  Finally they did a C-Section.  He was alive when they got him but I knew instantly he wouldn’t make it.  Mother’s intuition I guess.   Caleb Michael lived 7 days, 7 hours and 7 minutes.  My sweet perfection.  That’s when we took him off the machines and left it in the Lord’s hands.”

By now, Ellen was sitting with Hazel, holding her hand.  “I can’t imagine, but as you said a mother knows.  You hang on to that feeling, Hazel.  The Lord put it there.  Keep that hope alive.”

Just then, Tina comes in.  “Hazel, got some good news.  Dr. Gordon called and he says Michael is getting stronger and he is scheduling surgery for tomorrow morning.  Said he woke up this morning and asked for bacon and eggs.”

Hazel laughed.  “Good ‘ole Matthew.  Let’s eat and get over there.”

Ellen finishes making breakfast while Tina finished freshening up.  Just as Tina comes in, Ellen is serving things up.  Tina takes her seat between Ellen and Suzy.  They all hold hands as Ellen prays. 

After they finish, Tina, Hazel and Suzy head to the hospital while Ellen stays to wait on the kids.  “Ellen, call my cell if you need anything.  If it off, all my office and have them page me.  The numbers are by the phone,” Tina says on her way out.

When Hazel enters Matthew’s room, he is giving the nurse taking his blood pressure a hard time.  “Don’t let him fool you sweetie.  He’s a big soft,” Hazel says walking towards him and gives him a kiss.

The nurse smiles.  “He may be but he’s been talking my ear off all morning.  Glad you’re here ma’am.”

“She just doesn’t want to listen,” Matt jokes.  “I told her the doctor order my bacon and eggs but she won’t give ‘em.”

“Too many bacon and eggs is probably what put you in here,” Hazel says as the nurse leaves.

“Speaking of this place,” Matt replies.  “Where is it?  This ain’t OUR hospital.”

Hazel smiles.  “You’re right.  I had you brought to a much better hospital by a friend of ours.”

Matt looks at her, “What friend do we know that has access to a fancy place like this?”

“Well,” Hazel answers.  “Here she comes with Suzy.  Let me introduce you to…”

Matt interrupts.  “Tina Carpenter as I live and breathe.  My My, the Lord just keeps blessing me today.” 

Tina smiles, “That’s Dr. Carpenter to you buddy.”  She laughs and give him a hug. 

“Oh sorry.  Dr. Carpenter.  How are you sweetie?”

“Been well.  Thank you.  Staying busy here, doing research and trying to heal the world.”

“Well just seeing you made me feel 100% better so you must be good at it,” he says with a wink.

When he does that, he reminds Tina of Cole.  It both makes her smile and want to cry.  She hesitates before speaking just to make sure she is composed.  “I do my best.  Now on to business.  Dr. Gordon is in surgery and won’t be around for at least an hour.  I need to go up and get some things done myself so I’ll be down when he is finished.  Hazel, I’ll leave it to you to decide what details to fill Matthew in on, if you know I mean.”  Tina smiles as she walks out the door.

Trudy looks up surprised as Tina walks into the office.  “Dr. Carpenter, I didn’t expect to see you today.  Everything ok?”

“Yes Trudy,” she replies.  “Thank you for asking.  I’ve got so much paperwork to do.  I thought I’d come catch up.  Could you please call the lab and have them call when they have the next round of test ready?  I’d like to be there.”

“Sure Doctor.  Anything else?”  Would you like a smoothie?”

“Smoothie?  No but I’d love some water.  I had too much coffee this morning,” Tina laughs.

“One cold bottle of water coming right up.  Oh and here are a couple of more new patient requests for you.  When you have time.”

Tina takes the papers from Trudy as she sits down at her desk.  “Thank you, Trudy.”

Tina looks at the request.  Three more families that want to be involved in the clinical trial.  That makes 75 already.  She can’t believe how many people really want this treatment.  She continues to work on paperwork for about an hour when Dr. Gordon calls.  “Hey Carp.  I am finally out of surgery.  I am heading to Matthew’s room.  Meet me there,” he says.

“Sure Larry,” she answers.  “I’ll be right there.”  Tina buzzes Trudy.  “I am going down to meet Dr. Gordon about a patient.  If the lab calls, tell them to hold off until I get back and then page me.”

“Yes Doctor,” Trudy replies.

Tina heads down to Matthew’s room.  She arrives just after Dr. Gordon.

“There’s my beautiful Doctor,” Matthew says as she enters.  “No offense Dr. Gordon but I’d much rather have her be my doctor,” he laughs. 

“Well Mr. Connor, she almost could have been.  Carp here could have been one of the best cardiac doctor’s in the world but instead chose to go the more noble route of pediatric diseases.”

Tina smiles as she hugs Hazel.  “Yes, some of us actually have to work for a living Larry rather than have all the glitz and glamor of a heart surgeon.”

Doctor Gordon shoots Tina a look, “Harsh words there Carp.”  He gives her a wink.  “Now let’s get to our patient.  Matthew, we have a few tests we want to run today since you are awake.  If all goes well, this time tomorrow, I should be finishing up your surgery.  Ready to get started?”

Matthew sighs.  “Doc, be honest with me.  Is all this necessary?  I mean in the long run what difference is it gonna make?”

Doctor Gordon walks over to Suzy.  “Well Matthew, I hear this beautiful lady is getting married soon.  You want to walk her down the aisle don’t you?  Soon she’ll probably have you a few grandkids.  You want to be able to enjoy them and play and spoil them, right?  This surgery is the difference in you being able to do all of that.  If all goes well in just a few short months your quality of life will go up, I promise.  Heck you might even fell 30 again.  Now, there are risks.  I will go over those after these tests but I am sure you will agree, as well as you beautiful doctor here that the benefits far outweigh those risks.”

Matthew takes Suzy’s hand.  “I guess those are pretty good benefits.  Doctor Carpenter?”

“I agree,” she says.  “He’s the best.  I’d believe him.”

“Ok, its settled then,” Matthew says.  “Let’s do it!”

Doctor Gordon smiles.  “Great!  I’ll go get the tests ready.  You guys visit.  Carp can you come help me please?”

Doctor Gordon and Tina walk down the hall.  Finally Doctor Gordon stops, “Carp, is something bothering you?  Somethings different”

Tina looks at him.  “You always could read me like a book.  It’s Cole.  He’s…he’s…he’s…missing.”  Tina takes a deep breath to keep from breaking down.  “We had all these plans, the kids but now…it could all be gone.”

Doctor Gordon hugs her.  “Carp, you need a night off.  Why don’t you come over tonight?  Bess is really wanting to talk to you.  Just come over, have some of that girl talk you both are so good at.  What do you say?”

“She really did help me the last time but I have Hazel and Suzy and Ellen and the kids all at my place.  I couldn’t.”

“Gosh Carp, I knew you had Matthew’s family at your place but who are the others?”

Tina smiles.  “It’s a long story Larry.  I don’t think it would be right.  Maybe later.”

“Carp,” Doctor Gordon pleads, “you need time for you.  Look at least meet us for drinks after dinner.  We can even meet over as that place by you.  Just name the time.  Come on.”

“Ok Larry.  Drinks, but after the kids go to bed.  Say 9:30 at Pebbles?”

“Sounds great.  We will be there.  Don’t you dare change your mind. Now, I have some tests to set up.  See you later.”

Just as Doctor Gordon leaves, Tina’s pager goes off.  She looks and realizes the lab is ready.  She catches the elevator.