First, Best and Always

Chapter 53 Father Knows Best

“Hello?”

“Pop?” “Pop what are you doing?”

“huummph” the elder Andrew’s grunted into the phone as he eyed his 2nd son up and down, “I see they’ve told you.”

“Pop, what are you thinking?” “I know you feel like you can still do anything you used to do…”

“I can!” the elder man said indignantly.

“You know what I mean Pop..this is a job for a…” he hesitated not knowing whether he should say it, then decided it was time for some plain talk. “This is a job for a younger man Pop, someone physically stronger.”

“I feel fine Hehaka Chikala, but I’m not sure I like your tone”

The thoughts raced through Eric’s head, “he never calls me that” he thought to himself, ”not unless he’s angry or really serious.”

Eric backed off a bit, “I’m sorry Pop, I didn’t mean to sound disrespectful…but this is serious…you don’t need to do this, we’re going to go into surgery in a couple of hours…I’ll be working on him Pop…you don’t need to do this.”

“You’re going to need all the help you can get.” “The boy is farther gone than you think.”

Apprehension began to creep into Eric’s voice, his father was not one to exaggerate, he had a way of sensing things…seeing, and feeling things that others around him didn’t, if he said Craig was in trouble you could bet the ranch that it was true.

“What do you mean Pop?”

“It’s different now…before he knew where he was…he doesn’t anymore… the confusion has already started with him…and the pain is increasing…the pain is driving him… I’ve got to go to him now, reach him before he completely loses his way, if I don’t…” his voice trailed off, Eric knew all too well what that meant.

“He can’t wait any longer son, his spirit is already traveling.” “If we’re going to save him it has to be now…a couple of hours from now there won’t be anyone left to save.”

Eric stood shaking his head in resignation, finally he spoke.

”Pop?” “Will you do something for me?”

“If I can son…what do you want me to do?”

“Take Aaron and Brandon with you.”

Standing Elk hesitated, then finally answered.

“I will son..I give you my word; I won’t do this alone…” with that he hung up the phone.

Eric momentarily leaned against the wall; exhaustion was starting to set in. Gathering himself together he started running down the hall towards the office of the Chief of Staff. He had to get started now, he had to convince Dr. Millieux to get Craig into surgery immediately, and he had to set Raven straight, once and for all he had to get the truth back between them.