“Slate would pick you up Sunday morning and fly with you down to Mexico. He would stay with you until you finish and then fly you back.”
“But he’ll be going to Seattle on Monday,” said Jackson. “We’d have to cancel that and I’m not sure his brothers would understand since it’s all they’ve been talking about.”
“Let’s set that aside for the moment,” said Steel. “I think we need to focus on whether Colton wants to go to Mexico first and then, if so, is it safe for him.” He turned to Colton.
“Yes, I want to go. It would fulfill a dream of mine to be on the frontline of where medicine is needed the most. And since my ultimate goal is to work for Frontline Doctors, the experience would help me in my chosen field of work.”
“Okay, so we have the answer to the first part. What about his safety, Jackson? Your concerns?”
“You know my issues. Even though Silver Point has rescinded the kill-on-sight order, I don’t trust my uncle.”
“You were willing to let me go to Seattle. Mexico is further away, so I should be safer,” said Colton.
“Slate promised me he would guard Colton with his life while he was there,” said Steel, “sort of like his personal bodyguard. And Slate will be able to help Colton so it won’t take that long.”
Turning to Oracle, Jackson said, “I imagine the reason you’re in this meeting is to tell me if you’ve been told of any harm happening to Colton if he went?”
“Yes. I can only tell you Colton will return home.”
Jackson thought about what Oracle said but more troubling was what she didn’t say. There was a lot missing in her declaration about what would happen to his brother down there. How could he object? He knew the experience would mean a lot to Colton and give him hope about his future.Isn’t that why I agreed to the Seattle trip? So, his brothers would feel their lives were moving forward?Sighing, he said, “Okay, I won’t stop you from going Colton, but what do we do about the Seattle trip? Do we postpone it?”
“I don’t think that’s fair to my brothers. Why don’t they go ahead to Seattle while I go to Mexico? When I get back, maybe we can plan another trip to Seattle if the first one goes well.”
Jackson and Steel looked at each other, using their mind link to come to an agreement. Finally, Steel spoke, “Okay. Why don’t you go ahead and pack while I call Slate. I’ll let you know what time he’ll be here on Sunday.”
“Gosh, thanks guys.” Jumping up with ill-concealed excitement, Colton said, “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go figure out what I need to take.”
Oracle spoke up, “Jackson, dear, in all the excitement, I forgot to tell you that Ian will be here this Monday instead of the following one. It seems his replacement arrived earlier than planned.”
“Oh, that’s good,” Jackson said, turning to Steel. “How long do you think Colton will be in Mexico?”
“I don’t know, but I’ll ask my brother. Now if there’s nothing else mom, Jackson and I will call Slate to set it up.”
“No dear, that’s fine. Glad I could be of help.”
After they left, Maximus looked at his wife, noticing the glint in her eye as she picked up a petit four. He knew that look. His wife was quite pleased with herself at how this was turning out.
“Would you mind telling me how Colton can claim Ian if he’s not even here when the good doctor arrives?” asked Maximus.
“Patience, my darling. It will happen, you’ll see. Isn’t Dakota a genius when it comes to baking? I swear, these are the best petit fours I have ever eaten.”
~/~/~/~/~
Slate answered his phone, hoping it was good news from his brother. “Hi, bro. Any news?”
“Yeah, Colton will do it. I need the when and how. And Slate, I’m relying on you to keep him safe.”
“Let me firm up the trip info and I’ll send it to you by email. Did you ask Mom about it?”
“Yes, I did. She gave Jackson the assurance he needed but she left a lot unanswered. So once again…I want your vow you’ll keep him safe and return him to my mate alive and well.”
“You have my word, Steel. I will be at his side the entire time we are down there.”
“All right. I guess that’s all I can ask for. See you soon.”
“You too.”
Steel hung up, gazing at his mate and hoping his brother’s promise was enough. “Well babe, how about we officially start our weekend of fun by seeing what Logan has done so far in the nursery.”
