Ellen entered Better Buy Computers to pick up a new power adapter for Nigel’s laptop. It was damaged during the last storm.
Milford was near the coast; as a result, winter there was mild compared with the rest of the state.
“Hey, Ellie,” said a familiar employee.
“Good morning, Mr. Henry. I need a new power adapter for Nige. His got fried during last night’s storm.”
“How’s Nigel holding up?”
“He’s in good spirits, but I know his injury has taken its toll.”
“What do you mean?”
“He can’t speak. He has to write everything down.”
Mr. Henry gave Ellen a hard look.
“My son . . .” Mr. Henry began. “I’m not sure if you know my son, but he has completed his residency at a medical research facility in Newport. He might know people who can help.”
“The doctor said that Nigel will make a full recovery in time. Besides, finances are a little strained right now.”
“My son is in the shop’s basement working on one of his projects. I know that his company is always looking for volunteers to test out new devices.”
“I don’t know—”
Mr. Henry cut Ellen off and pressed an ancient intercom button. “Hey, Dane, please come up here. Ellen Watson would like to speak with you.”
A couple of minutes later, a tall, lanky kid appeared. He looked like a younger version of Mr. Henry.
“Hello, Mrs. Watson.”
Ellen knew Dane from Nigel’s school science camp. He was a few years older than Nigel. He had volunteered as a science camp counselor.
“Your father tells me that you intern for a medical devices company,” Ellen said.
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“It’s not just any medical device company—it’s Meddix Enhancements. They make artificial limbs and other devices to help people who have suffered trauma to parts of their body.”
“I think Dane might be able to help Nigel,” Mr. Henry said.
“What’s wrong with him?” Dane asked.
Mr. Henry brought Dane up to speed with the recent events.
Dane gave his father a pained look. “What can I do to help?”
“I don’t know that you can do anything,” Ellen said as a tear rolled down her cheek.
“Let me talk to my friend, Nelson. He’s in charge of a project that could help Nigel. I’ll be right back,” Dane said.
Ellen nodded.
Mr. Henry leaned in closer to Ellen so other customers wouldn’t hear him speak. “Did your lawyer get those charges against Nigel dropped?”
“Julius said that the FBI knew they were in the wrong and to expect some sort of restitution after the start of the New Year,” she quietly replied.
“I hope you got that in writing. That FBI agent should be arrested.”
“I think he felt guilty about what happened. He gave me his car!”
“He did what?” Henry looked at Ellen in disbelief. Henry had never heard of such a thing.
Dane reentered the room.
“Good news, Mrs. Watson. My friend said that the prototype that I have should work for Nigel.”
“Prototype?”
“Oh, I thought I showed it to you. My mistake.”
Dane hurried out of the room.
A few minutes later, Dane returned with something that resembled a choke collar with an oval mesh in its center. It was made of metal that was lined with leather so that the person wearing it would be more comfortable.
“This is an experimental voice modulator that may help Nigel speak without stressing his vocal chords,” Dane explained as he put the collar in a box and then handed it to Ellen.
“I don’t know.” Ellen examined it closely. There were exposed wires in some spots. “How do I show Nigel how to use it?”
“It’s simple. Have him put it on with the oval in front, near his throat.”
Dane took the collar out long enough to demonstrate its use before repacking it.
“I will have Nigel try it. Thank you, Dane.”
“Don’t mention it. But do you mind if I contact you in a week to see how it’s working?”
“Not at all.”
Ellen smiled.
Mr. Henry put the collar and her purchase of the power adapter in a shopping bag and handed it to Ellen.
“There is a storm moving in,” Mr. Henry said. “You should drive home as soon as you can. I’m going to be shutting down the store in a bit.”
“I’m . . . going to try to beat the storm,” Ellen said as she left.
Thirty minutes later
Mr. Henry turned over the open sign to closed.
“Mrs. Watson left her bag!” Dane said.
Mr. Henry looked at the bag. “I would stop by to deliver it, but this storm is going to be a bad one.”
“I will drop it by the house,” Dane said.
“Are you sure? I can probably take it with my all-wheel drive vehicle in the morning.”
“That’s cool, Dad. I was planning on seeing Jenn, anyway. The Watson house is on the way.”
“Are you sure you want to drive to Haven in this weather?”
“I’m good. I want to make sure that Nigel gets this. He’s a good person and has suffered a lot.”
Mr. Henry put a hand on his son’s shoulder. “You’re a good kid.”