The Preservation Plan - Book 3 of 3

Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

With Shadow Pix out of the hospital, President Westgale has decided to show him his appreciation for saving his life with a dinner gala at the Freedom Home.

"Nicole Kratz, please meet Shadow Pix," Jessica Westgale says, quickly suppressing a smirk of—pride? Infatuation?

"Pleased to meet you," I reply, gazing up at the imposing figure before me. I quickly label him a gentle giant in my mind. Understandably, he's noticeably nervous, surrounded by America's leading politicians and military chiefs. Prior to recent events, just getting into America was next to impossible for him, let alone being the president's guest of honor.

Westgale approaches us. "Well, well, my two lifesavers in the same room," he says with a chuckle, acknowledging Shadow and me with nods. "I'm so grateful to the both of you. Sadly for me, there are a lot of people out there who wish you weren't so brave," he says wryly.

"I don't buy that," my husband, Lowell, chimes in.

The president laughs. "That's easy for you to say when you're the country's premiere golfer, loved and praised by millions." His jocularity fades to sincerity. "In all seriousness, this dinner does not come close to repaying the debt I owe to this man," he says as he places his right hand on Shadow's shoulder.

My gaze drifts as the small talk continues, and I notice Dr. Ahar waving me over from across the ballroom. I excuse myself and move toward him.

"Did you wish to see me, Doctor?" I ask as I join him.

"I hate to steal you away from the party, but it's urgent that I speak with you," he replies, his expression serious. "Would you mind coming to my office?"

"Not at all," I reply, and he turns and leads the way.

"I've been meaning to speak to you since the council's decision was made regarding Anya, but as usual, I've barely had a minute to breathe," Ahar says as he directs me to a chair in front of his large desk. My eyes are immediately drawn to several photos of Anya and his late wife, Maria, on the credenza behind the desk.

"How are things going with the VX drug?" I ask.

"Honestly, I never thought I'd be part of something so astonishing," Ahar replies, leaning back in his chair. "The process of turning that mineral into the drug is simple and completely foolproof. And the great thing is that once it's converted into the drug, its composition can't be altered in any manner whatsoever." He leans forward again and says earnestly, "When I think that this miracle was withheld from our society for thirty years, it really crushes my heart."

"I know what you mean, Doctor. Sometimes it becomes so difficult to trust in humanity, knowing such evil prevails," I reply. "So, what is it you've been wanting to speak to me about?"

He regards me for a moment. "I want to thank you for continuing to support Anya. I realize my daughter will never be free again, but the thought of her being executed... she doesn't deserve that, Nicole," he replies. He turns his chair enough that he can gaze back at the photos, and shakes his head. Tears slowly begin to stream down his cheeks. "She's such a lost soul. Of the five times I've asked to see her, only once did she agree to see me, and even then I couldn't get more than a few words out of her," he says, his voice thick with emotion. "Her eyes... they've become deep, black holes. I'm really terrified there's no hope for her."

"And I understand Dr. Durant hasn't had much success reaching her either," I say gently.

The doctor sighs and nods. "He told me he's lucky if he can get a few words out of her, too."

"I'm so sorry, Doctor."

Ahar stands up and steps over to the credenza to pour us both a glass of water. "If anyone's to blame, it's me, Nicole," he says as he hands one of the glasses to me, then sits down. "I've never been there for her the way I needed to be. Sure, I funded and aided her with her schooling, but obviously that wasn't enough, and sadly, I was so caught up in my own world that I failed to see that. I'm convinced the way I handled my success set the stage for Anya's descent into her world of misery." He stares blankly into his glass as if conjuring a memory from the past.