Malabarista

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
chapter 22

“Explain,” Lori said. “You look like shit.”

Lane smiled. “You really do know how to cut through all of the crap, don’t you?”

“At least you’re smiling now.” Lori looked at Keely. “She’s got some good news.”

Lane looked at his partner. “Well?”

“I went to talk with the ladies at Jelena’s Alterations. They have this plan to keep the business going and take care of Zacki. She stayed at Rasima’s place the other night.” Keely crossed her arms.

“That is good news.” Lane sat down.

“He’s officially out of here.” Lori hooked her thumb over her shoulder to indicate Gregory’s office.

“And Stockwell is gone.” Keely leaned against the wall.

“Smoke has his own reality cop show,” Lane said.

“You’ve got to be kidding!” Lori stared open-mouthed at Lane.

“No way,” Keely said.

“No, I’m kidding. He’s just playing golf, networking, and enjoying his retirement.” Lane shook his head.

“Sounds like being in hell. I hate golf,” Keely said.

“I prefer quilting with the girls.” Lori began to smile.

“What?” Lane asked.

Lori laughed. “I wonder if they sell Scotch at those fancy golf clubs?”

“Thank you for being here.” Dr. Alexandre wore a navy blue skirt and a pink blouse. She made sure that everyone had either coffee, tea, or water. Christine and Arthur sat on the couch. Lane and Matt sat across from them in chairs.

Christine asked, “Why did you want us to be here?”

Alexandre said, “I’ve got Lane’s point of view. Now I’d like to see the big picture, the family picture. By the way, do any of you know his first name?”

“I don’t know,” Christine said.

“Don’t ask me,” Matt said.

“I promised not to tell,” Arthur said.

“It’s Paul,” Lane said.

Matt shrugged.

Christine said, “What’s so bad about that name?”

“St. Paul’s words are often quoted to condemn people like me,” Lane said.

“Oh,” said Christine.

The doctor turned to Arthur. “How are you feeling?”

“A bit better every day. Waiting for the results of the biopsy.” Alexandre nodded at Arthur. “How is Lane doing?”

Arthur looked at Lane. “Better, I think. He saved a girl in kindergarten and her older sister. He was punished for solving the crime. It took its toll.”

“Why is that?” Alexander asked.

“Smoke is an asshole,” Christine said.

“He was punished for doing the right thing. He was punished for saving the little girl’s life. He was punished for putting a killer in jail. He was punished for defusing a situation at Tsuu T ’ ina. Smoke even tried to take credit for the success of that operation.” Arthur took a sip of tea.

“And Uncle Lane’s been withdrawing from us,” Christine said. “Pulling away. He gets angry all the time.”

“He takes care of us,” Matt said. “He takes care of all of us. I just think he’s been really sad lately.”

“Why do you think that is?” the doctor asked.

“The work,” said Matt. “Our home life. Uncle Arthur’s illness.”

“You think it’s me, don’t you?” Christine said.

“No,” said Matt. “I think it’s us. We create a lot of stress for both of them.”

“Actually, it’s neither of you,” Lane said.

“What is it, then?” Alexandre asked.

“I don’t know how to put it into words yet.”