From the Edge
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"Paul, I don't understand," Annie said confused.
"We need to talk, but not here."
"What about Peter?"
"This is in regards to Peter. There's a friend visiting someone in the hospital I can ask to watch over our son. I would rather not discuss it here."
"Paul, you're scaring me," Annie whispered, a slight trembling was in her voice.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. I'll be right back."
Paul Blaisdell left his wife sitting by their son's bedside. He walked down the hall to another room and knocked on the door.
"Enter."
An old frail looking Chinese was sitting by the bedside of another young man who was more a boy than a man.
"Excuse me, I hope I'm not interrupting."
"No, my nephew is asleep. You are Captain Blaisdell. What brings you here to honor an old man?"
"How did you know . . . "
"Officers of your precinct have tried to help many of my people in Chinatown."
"I'm sorry, I should have come sooner. I heard your nephew got caught in the crossfire."
"There is no need to apologize. A policeman's life is not an easy path to follow. I try to tell my nephew to stay away from the gangs, but it is difficult. He has no father to guide him on the right path."
"I'm sorry, I've come at a bad time," Blaisdell said. He turned to leave when he felt a surprisingly strong hand on his arm halt his leaving.
"You are troubled."
"It's my son. I need to speak with my wife on some matters, but I do not want to leave him alone with the doctors."
"You fear for his safety."
"I don't know, it's just a feeling," Blaisdell said, shaking his head. "I may be imagining it. I don't even know why I came here."
"Please, I would be honored to stay with your son. My nephew sleeps and will not awaken for a few more hours."
"Thank you." Paul led the old man to his son's room. "I don't even know what to call you."
"That is not important. Just say I am a friend."
As they reached Peter's room and opened the door, Annie cried out.
"Paul is that you?"
"Yes, Annie. I've brought a friend to stay with Peter so you and I can talk."
The old man bowed then said, "It is an honor to meet you and to stay with your son."
"Paul . . ."
"Do not be concerned. I will care for him as if he was my own." The old man took one of Annie's hands and gently patted it.
"Thank you," she said.
"You two go now and talk. I will be here when you return."
As Annie and Paul left, the old man turned back to the bed. He had not gotten a good look at the young man's face when he first entered. Upon seeing him now, the old man could not believe his eyes. The features may have filled out and grew into manhood, but there was no mistaking who it was that his gaze fell upon. He would have to be most careful so that the young man did not see him. It was not time for them to meet. For he knew who this young man was. He was the son of Kwai Chang Caine.
End of part 5
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2001.
This story cannot be reprinted or sold in any other form without strict permission from the author. It is being distributed here solely for your enjoyment.
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