Sacrifices of the Soul, Chapter 82
by SIPort

Julian had just finished his shower when he heard his private line ringing. He got to the phone.

” Son. How are you?”

” I won’t know until I see her doctor’s today. Keyes is going to be here soon. “

” Ok. What do you need from me?”

” The Crane Jet fueled for takeoff, and living arrangements for Mama, Coach Russell and myself.”

” No problem, Son. Anytime.”

” Yes, Mama. It’s me. I think I’ve found Simone.”

” Oh, thank God. Thank God!”

” Mama.”

” So, she’s there with you? Can I speak to her, Chad? I only want to hear her voice. When are you coming home?”

” Mama, please.”

Eve finally heard the hesitancy in Chad’s voice. “ Chad, what’s wrong? Simone IS there with you, right?”

” What, Chad?  Tell me.”

“ If my information is correct, she’s in Bellevue.”

Eve counted to 20 in her mind and then spoke up. “ Ok. I’m coming to New York.”

” I knew you would. I’m sure that you’re going to get the call soon that Julian’s sent a car for you. The plane is getting ready. Pack for a few days. I’m going to see her now. Um, about the Coach..”

” I’LL tell TC. You get to Simone, Chad. We’ll be there as soon as possible.”

” Talk to you later, Mama.”

” Bye.”

Chad hung up the phone and heard a knock at the door.

” Mr. Keyes.”

“ Are you ready to find your sister?”

” So, he made it clear to you that I don’t remotely intend to leave Bellevue today without my sister.”

” I had already surmised that, and have been working on it. A couple of psychiatrist friends will be meeting us at the hospital, and I already have associates working on getting your sister released into her parent’s guardianship. “

” Good. Her parents will be in the air within the hour.”

Whitney and TC were sitting in the kitchen eating breakfast when there was a knock at the backdoor. Whitney opened the door.

” What the hell are you doing here?”, Whitney snarked. Eve pushed past Whitney and came into the kitchen.

” I don’t have time for your tantrum, Whitney. TC, we need to talk.” Eve turned back to Whitney. “ IF you want to help, you can begin by packing a few day’s things for your father.”

Whitney stood there, staring at her mother.

“ Girl, I’m not playing with you. Get your ass upstairs and pack your father a bag. I have no time for your mess.”

Now Whitney and TC both stared at Eve. Neither one could ever remember the last time they’d heard a curse word out of Eve’s mouth.

“ Whitney, do as your mother says.” Whitney stomped out of the kitchen.

“ You’ve heard from Simone?”

“ Chad called me. He said he found Simone. There’s a problem.”

” What? Is she hurt? “

” Well, I don’t know about her physical condition, but mentally, something is wrong. Chad thinks she’s locked up in Bellevue.”

” Bellevue? Isn’t that the crazy place?”

” YES, Crane lawyers, TC. And, I, for one, am thankful that they are there. You haven’t dealt with the social services system, I have. And, I know that it’s going to be complicated to get Simone back in our care, especially since she’s in another state. So, if I have to use CRANE resources to get our baby girl back home, I’m going to do it. I can’t believe that you won’t let that Crane shit go.”

” Well Eve, that’s two profanities in under 10 minutes. Is this the real you?”, TC snarked.

” If it is, then you better watch out. Cause, this Eve don’t take shit from nobody. I’M about finding my daughter, but if you want to stand here and bitch, moan and whine about the Cranes, then I’m outta here.” Eve started towards the door when  TC called out to her.

” Eve, wait. Of course I want to go. She’s not your daughter. She’s OUR baby girl, and I haven’t gotten a night’s sleep since she left.” The pain and worry in TC’s voice cut Eve to the bone. She saw the man that she had loved for so many years. Just then, Whitney arrived in the kitchen with a walk-on piece of luggage, and a duffle bag.

” Here you go, Daddy. It should last you a few days.”

Eve shrugged. “ I’m leaving. Anyone who wants to go is welcome. “

The three of them leave the Russell house.