Page 16 of Kaine

“Well, I physically paid for it, yes. But I’m not that generous,” he says. “My boss, K, is the one who paid.”

“Who is he?” I blurt out. Not caring for the small talk.

“Ms Sincl-, er Jade. I think you know the answer to that.”

“I’m sorry?”

“The answer is that, you’re never going to know. You must understand by now that my boss is not the sort of man who wants you to know who he is and has done a lot to ensure that that doesn’t happen. So, I’m just calling to ask that you respect his wish to remain anonymous. And that you stop trying to find him.”

Harriet looks at me, watching my expression. But I am prepared for this.

“Mr., um, Xavier. Please listen to me very carefully and convey my exact message to your boss. I am not a complete dunce. I noticed how he disappeared as soon as I regained consciousness but not before making sure he’d paid my hospital bill, in cash as to not leave a paper trail. So, yes, I understand that he is doing everything he can to stay hidden. But he saved my life. Have you ever had your life threatened, and in your absolute scariest moment, have someone come as if out of nowhere and save you?

“Well, actually, K...”

“Well, I have,” I cut him off so I can continue, before I lose my nerve. “And it was your boss who did it. So, no. I will not stop trying to find him. I will find him and I will look him in the eye, give him a hug, and tell him, from the absolute bottom of my heart and soul, that I appreciate what he did, and forever in my mind he will be a hero. That every moment of joy, laugher, love and life that I am blessed to experience from here on out is due to his bravery. And then I will walk away and leave him alone. I will not share his identity with anyone else, and I will not call any more attention to him. So. The faster he comes to talk to me, the sooner all this will be over for him. But I will not give up. Until I find him. So I can say two words, ‘thank you’”

I stop and let my words sink in.

Harriet smiles softly, hugs my shoulders and kisses me on the forehead as we wait for his response.

I hear him mutter something like ‘she’s just like him,’ and sigh.

“I will convey the message. And Jade? God bless you.”