“I believe I’ll stay for a while,” he smiled. “I think I like living on Ghost Island.”
“Technically, it’s island of the dead,” smirked Cam. “But Ghost Island works as well.”
“Then it’s settled,” smiled Irene. “You’ll stay right here with our other children and you’ll be happy you did.”
“Irene,” laughed Hezekiah, “I could hardly be one of your children. Technically I am more than one-hundred years your senior.” Irene smiled at him, nodding as she and Ruby walked away arm and arm.
“As far as you know, Hezekiah. As far as you know.”
“What did she mean by that?” he frowned staring at the others.
“Brother, you never know with my grandmother. Welcome to the family Hezekiah. We’re happy you’re here.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
“So, it’s safe for me to return home?” asked Harmon.
“Yes, sir,” smiled Jeremy. “The toxins from your soil are gone and the ground is safe. Robbie and Remy will be coming out to talk to you about drilling on the property for you. Robicheaux Oil will provide a partnership agreement that we’re sure will meet your needs.”
“Y’all have sure been kind to me,” said Harmon. “I can’t believe I was making all these people sick. What about the folks that died? Do I hold responsibility in that?”
“Not all,” said Georgie smiling at the man. “I’m with our legal team and I’ll be helping you understand the contract for drilling rights. But you have no responsibility in the virus whatsoever. You had no idea what was in the soil. As far as anyone knows, it was just a strange bacteria.”
“Can I go back to work?” he asked.
“Harmon, you won’t need to go back to work,” smiled Georgie. “You’re going to be a very, very rich man. You can retire to your cabin now, expand it, or you can build an entirely new one.”
“I like my cabin,” he said smiling. “I had a friendly ghost there now and then. I know y’all think I’m crazy. It was a woman about my age. She’d come around now and then and just smile at me.”
“Is that so?” said Jeremy smiling at the others.
“Yes. Do you think I’m crazy?” he asked.
“Not at all,” said Georgie. “Strange things happen in the bayou and if you think you saw a nice woman, then you did. Did she ever speak to you?”
“No. She just smiled. Honestly, after my wife died it gave me some peace. She was like company but without all the conversation.” He laughed, shaking his head at his own comments. “It does sound crazy but I hope she’s there when I return.”
“You never know, Harmon. You never know,” smiled Georgie.
It was another three days before all the patients were released from the hospital. The chaos caused by Cressida and her mother left dozens dead and others wondering if they would ever be the same.
But the medical team was finding their new normal. With the seniors trying to fully step away from the clinic, their new team was learning to work well with one another.
Kennedy and Virginia took on senior roles, along with Layla, while Vivienne, Ambry, Ajei, and Kelsey were the head nurses. Their new doctors were finding their place among the team. Felicity, Amelia, and Darcie all had cottages on the property and were loving their new roles.
Quentin and Jeremy were certainly enjoying being on the property as well. Like many of the former service members, finding a place where they understood them and their history was pretty damn special.
They were interviewing every day for new doctors and nurses, hoping to not only expand the staff, but expand the specialties offered in the clinic.
Luke, Cam, Eric, and Hex went out to the animal sanctuary to ensure the animals that all was well. It was no surprise when they found Gaspar and Trak speaking to them in a little animal circle.
“Did you ever think you’d see something like this?” frowned Cam.
“Listen, brother, that man is my father-in-law and if you think for one minute I’m stupid enough to piss him off, you’re wrong. He’s capable of doing whatever the fuck he wants. If he wants to have an alligator as his best friend, so be it.”
Cam could only laugh as they got closer to the scene. Benglash, the tigress that had been there a few days ago was circling Gaspar as if she were looking at her next meal. Cam touched the weapon at his hip and the animals stilled.
“What the hell are you doing?” asked Gaspar.
