Natasha followed Nigel into Ellen’s room. He was back on his computer. Natasha didn’t want to keep the news about Ellen from him any longer than necessary. She decided it was best to get it all out at once. She hated keeping things from people she liked.

“We need to talk,” Natasha said.

Nigel looked up from his computer. He looked fatigued.

“I heard what the doctor said,” Nigel said.

Nigel’s robotic voice sounded different—almost apathetic. Natasha didn’t like what she was seeing. This was not the Nigel she knew.

“The doctor wants to run some additional tests, that’s all.”

“Is my mother brain-dead?” Nigel asked.

Natasha’s heart sank. She wasn’t expecting such a direct and frank question.

“No, there was brain wave activity from the test.”

Nigel didn’t look convinced. Natasha gave Nigel a hug, which he returned. The moment was broken when a loud rapping sound came from the door. Ralphie shot up, rubbed his eyes, and looked in the sound’s direction. They all did.

“Dad?” Ralphie said.

“I’m here to take you home.” It was Rick.

Natasha got up and walked over to Rick. During her background checks, she’d come across his file. He was a real piece of work. Leaving Ellen with two children, and behind on child support and alimony payments.

“What do you mean, ‘take them home?’” Natasha said.

“Ellen is in a coma. I’m the only blood relative these boys have,” Rick said.

“I’m not going anywhere with you,” Nigel said.

Ralphie looked frightened, and his lower lip quivered. He looked like he was about to cry.

“You’re not taking these boys anywhere,” Natasha said.

“Or what? Shall I bring that nurse or Dr. Rogers into this conversation? Or what about the police?”

Natasha said nothing.

“Ellen and I were married for almost thirteen years, and she never even mentioned having a sister. Must have missed you at the wedding,” Rick said in a venomous tone.

Natasha’s eyes widened, and she tensed for a moment, took a deep breath, stepped closer to Rick, and then whispered. “You’d better play along if you don’t want your brain matter splattered on this hospital wall. Who knows? It might cheer everyone up. I know I will be happier with one less scumbag to deal with!”

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

Rick shoved Natasha. She stumbled and tried regaining her balance.

“I know who you are!” Rick said.

Natasha felt the muscles in her neck tighten. She was ready. She wanted to take him out, but forced herself to take a long, deep breath.

“The boys could use some sleep, food, and rest. Take them home, and then I will check on them this afternoon,” Natasha said.

“You don’t understand. I’m taking them to my home in Florida.”

“How are you going to do that? Major highways are still closed, the airport has shut down, and the boys are a part of an active FBI investigation.”

Rick looked confused.

“Nigel reported a major hacking incident to the authorities—Agent Appleton from the FBI is investigating,” Natasha said.

As if on cue, Agent Appleton walked in with a bag of food and two coffees.

“Isn’t that right, Agent Appleton?” Natasha asked.

“Yes—Nigel is helping with an active investigation involving known hacker groups that we believe are attacking major infrastructure,” John said.

Rick looked unconvinced.

“Why do you want to take them away from their mother when she is fighting for her life?” John said.

“Wait, she’s—”

“In a coma.” Natasha interrupted Rick’s lame protest.

“I will let you take them home, but I expect you to stay in town—at least until the investigation is over. Also, you should see what your wife’s prognosis is, don’t you think?” John said.

“You say that you’re from the FBI, but have shown no proof. I demand to see some identification,” Rick demanded.

Oh shit! I hope John has something up his sleeve, Natasha thought.

John didn’t seem fazed by Rick’s challenge. He rummaged through his coat pocket, and then opened a leather folding wallet that contained official identification of the FBI. Natasha noticed that John had a well-placed finger on the expiration date.

Clever!

“Satisfied?” John said.

“Get your things. We’re getting out of here,” Rick said to the boys.

Ralphie started putting items in his backpack.

“I’m not going anywhere with you, Rick!” Nigel said in a hostile tone.

“Now, you’d better get your damn things. You’re coming with me!” Rick said.

“No, I’m not!” Nigel said, his voice modulator seeming to change. It sounded more like a robot than Nigel.

Rick walked over and grabbed Nigel by the collar. Nigel slapped his hand out of the way and raised his fist.

“All right, boy, you can stay here with these . . . agents,” Rick spat.

“I’m not going without Nige,” Ralphie said.

“Fine!” Rick said as he left.

A few minutes later, he came back with Dr. Rogers.

“These people are intruders, and my wife doesn’t have a sister,” Rick demanded.

Natasha had to think fast.

“You are a disgrace to my family. No wonder mother doesn’t acknowledge you,” Natasha said.

Dr. Rogers looked like he wanted to be anywhere but in the room. “You people have some family issues to deal with—”

“We will come to a resolution on our own, doctor. Sorry to have wasted your time. My brother-in-law only wants the best for his wife,” Natasha said as she winked to Rick.

That seemed to satisfy Dr. Rogers. He left without saying another word.

“What if we come to a compromise, Rick?” Natasha said.

“I’m listening!” Rick hissed back.

“Take Ralphie, and Nigel will stay with us for the time being. He doesn’t want to go with you, anyway.

Rick was silent for a long time.

“I don’t want to leave Nige,” Ralphie pleaded.

Nigel sat down and put an arm around his little brother.

“I want to go with Dad, but I’m worried, Nige . . .”

“What are you worried about?” Nigel asked.

“That I won’t see you again.”

Natasha put an arm around Ralphie.

“I will not let anything happen to your brother,” Natasha said.

“You promise?”

“Promise and hope to die!” Natasha said as she gave Ralphie a smile.

Rick led Ralphie out of the room.