Page 13 of Generation Lost

“Mama…”

“I’m tired. I’m tired of old folks bein’ treated like they no longer matter. Not being given the care they need, the medicine, and food. Most of those folks couldn’t afford fresh vegetables and fruit. Somethin’ so simple, we take it for granted. What if that was me and your daddy? What would you all be doin’?”

“We’d fight, Mama Irene,” said Nine, nodding at her. “You’re right. We’re all senior citizens, and there, but for the grace of God, go us. What they’ve done to these people is horrible. They’ve lost their homes. Now, we’re going to rebuild the homes for them, but the memories are gone. Some of their personal possessions are gone. It’s wrong. All of it is wrong. We’re just worried about Marie Rizzoli coming after you.”

“Oh, my sweet boy, people have been coming after me for years, and y’all didn’t even know about it. Not everyone likes me. I know that’s hard to believe,” she smirked, “but I have angered my share of folks over the years. This one just feels personal.”

Gaspar looked at the others, then back at his mother. He stood, hugging her tightly to his chest as each of his brothers did the same. Then, his teammates came forward to hug her.

“I’m sorry, Mama,” said Gaspar. “I should have known you’d have a reason for this. But do me a favor. Don’t leave the property without a few of the boys.”

“I know, I know,” she nodded. “I don’t wanna check out just yet. I’ll be careful. Now, it’s y’all’s turn. You gotta figure out a way to get them out of New Orleans, or somethin’ bad is gonna happen. I can just feel it.”

Irene turned, starting to walk away from the boys. Turning back, her eyes were filled with tears which nearly gutted every man standing there.

“I love you boys with all my heart and soul. I would do anything to protect you. Anything. But unlike that woman, I won’t hurt others. Do what’s right. You always do.”

They could barely breathe, watching the old woman walk away. They understood why she’d done what she did, but it didn’t make it any easier. She’d declared war on a major crime family.

“I always loved your mam,” smirked Seamus.

“That’s because she’s not your mam,” mocked Gabe.

“Oh, but she’s a lot like my grandma,” smiled the man. “I miss her every day, and I know me dad does as well.”

“We’d love to see him,” said Gaspar.

“That’s good to know. He’ll be comin’ over soon enough. He says fightin’ the Rizzolis will take more than your Cajun luck and good looks.” The Irishman winked at them and left with Scarlutti walking out with him.

“What now?” asked Miller.

“I think we need to find out who is the head of the whole family or corporation or whatever this is and schedule a meeting. We don’t want them here, and if we have to, we’ll fight this war on our turf. Or theirs.”

CHAPTER NINE

“These people are risking their lives for us,” said Otto. “I feel as though we should be doing something besides just sitting around this lovely place all day, walking through the gardens and eating amazing food.”

“You could help me,” smiled Rose, walking toward them. “Hello. I’m Rose Robicheaux. My husband is Baptiste.”

“He’s such a nice young man,” smiled Lila. Rose couldn’t help but chuckle. She supposed he still looked like a young man, but the truth was he was as old as many of them sitting before her.

“Yes, ma’am, he’s a wonderful man.”

“How can we help you?” asked Otto.

“Well, I’ve made it my personal mission these last few years to fight Washington and the healthcare companies on what I perceive as injustices.”

“That’s a mouthful,” smiled Herb. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, healthcare companies that arbitrarily refuse to fill a prescription because they think you don’t need it. Or a pharmacy that forces you to take the generic drug, even though the brand drug is what was prescribed.”

“We’ve had some of those issues,” nodded Patricia. “Otto even had a pharmacy refuse to give him syringes for his insulin. They told him it wasn’t time to refill them and that he needed to be more careful about how many injections he gave himself.”

“Like I was taking insulin for fun,” scoffed Otto.

“Well, we’re going to be continuing our fight for those things but also something else. Social Security.”

“You don’t want much, do you?” smiled Jim. “How are you going to fight that? What are you going to fight? Young lady, I’m sure you’re bright and energetic, and it’s obvious you have a lot of support behind you, but taking on the government and social security seems like a herculean task.”

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