Page 24 of Families and Other Enemies

Kellen had suspected something like this. The way Hanima had acted... Bridget had raised money, but not enough for cancer treatment. “What do the doctors want to do?”

“I don’t care. The disease is too far gone. There’s no hope, no cure, so I’m refusing treatment. I’m not suffering through chemo and radiation to prolong my life for a few months.”

Kellen understood. She really did. “How much time...?”

“Between the cancer and the punctured lung, things are progressing rapidly. Not long. A few weeks. A month. I’m glad. I’ve already admitted I’m not a brave man, Captain. I don’t want to suffer for long.”

“Right.” Kellen thought of the celebration prepared for him. That might have been a bad idea; it would wear him out even more than the transport from the hospital. But those people waiting at the food bank, they wanted to thank him, and there was no other time. Still, she thought he should be a little prepared, so she said, “We’ve got a little welcome home party waiting for you.”

His eyes lit up. “Dorothy, Lena, Sandra and you and...and Bridget?”

“Definitely the four of us, and a few more.” What an understatement!

“I can hold up for another half hour.” He closed his eyes and leaned back against the seat.

In less than an hour, Kellen pulled up in front of the food bank and parked, and one of the people who had come for his celebration was waiting at the curb.

Ralph recognized him immediately. “My God, it’s Dr. Nouvelle.”

DR. NOUVELLE:

MALE, 40S, WEALTHY AMERICAN, TALL, OVERWEIGHT, BLOND, BLUE-EYED. INTENSE, WELL DRESSED, WITH SCARS ACROSS ONE CHEEK AND EAR.

“What’s he doing here?” Ralph asked her.

She didn’t even try to answer.

Dr. Nouvelle opened the passenger side door and leaned in. “Ralph, I hear you need a little medical assistance.”

Ralph grasped his hand and they shook like long-lost brothers. “Where did you come from?”

“San Francisco.”

“To help me out of the car?”

Dr. Nouvelle grinned. “That’s right.”

Kellen got the rented wheelchair out of the trunk and brought it around.

Ralph told her, “I haven’t seen this man in ten years. He’s a top-ranked pediatric neurologist, one of the best in the country.”

“In the world.” Dr. Nouvelle handled Ralph, his oxygen tank and his incredible weakness with admirable efficiency. “Let’s give you a moment to catch your breath before we go in there.”

Ralph nodded. “Please.”

His breathing was harsh enough that Dr. Nouvelle shot a questioning look at Kellen.

Kellen spread her hands. What Ralph had told her was in confidence, but this medical professional recognized that something was wrong. Soon everyone would know, but for now, she could only hope Ralph would be able to enjoy the celebration of his life.

Dr. Nouvelle took charge of the wheelchair, pushing Ralph up the ramp and into the food bank.

They met Sandra first, positioned just inside the door, smiling a smile that trembled. “Ralph, I’m so glad you’re back. We don’t know what to do in a crisis without you.”

Ralph beamed. “It’s good to hear I’ve been missed.”

She took his hand. “I want to say... I need to say thank you for everything you’ve done for me. You gave me my life back.”

“All I did was say a few words and give you a push in the right direction.” He pressed her fingers between his. “You took your life back.”

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