Sitting two blocks away from the hospital, Cooper hung his arm out the open window, drumming his fingers on the outside of the door. His phone rang. It was the call he’d been waiting for. He stepped out of the car quickly, flicking the green button on his cell. ‘Hey, Rosedale, what’s happening?’
The line was bad and he found he had to put his finger in his ear to hear what was being said.
‘Thomas, listen, I’ve found the plane.’
‘That’s great! I can’t hear you real well, so save telling me everything until I see you. Look, if all goes well with Jackson I can get a flight out real soon. He managed to breathe on his own and now they’re going to bring him round properly today. They weren’t sure at first but all indications show it just might be alright.’
There was a pause. ‘That’s great Thomas, but what about you, are you okay?’
‘The truth? I dunno.’
‘I guess from you, Thomas, that’s the best we can hope for… I spoke to Maddie, by the way, she said you’d been round.’
Shame swept over him. ‘Yeah, though I think I’ve got a lot more work to do before I even come close to making it alright.’
‘Just be careful with her Thomas. Understand?’
Too tired. Too high and with too many miles between them to bother getting into a fight, Cooper ignored the comment. ‘I hear you.’
‘Okay. And Thomas, keep me posted when you’re going to arrive… I’ve been fielding Granger’s calls by the way.’
‘Me too. I checked in with Levi quickly, all’s okay back at the office but apparently he’s steaming. Haven’t even bothered listening to the voicemails he left this afternoon. I’m surprised my cell isn’t in meltdown by now.’
‘I think he enjoys the drama of it all,’ said Rosedale. ‘Anyway, you’re breaking up. Have a good flight, and I’ll see you on the other side.’
*
After Cooper had put down the phone to Rosedale, he decided to dial the office of Bradadt Mining Inspection Company based in Woodstown, a borough in Salem County, New Jersey. He wanted to speak to the person who audited Condor Atlantic Mines and certified them conflict free.
It took over twenty rings for the curt operator to answer the phone.
‘Bradadt Mining, can I help you?’
‘Hi, I was hoping you could put me through to Dr. Foster, or even to Dr. Foster’s office if he’s not about.’
The curt operator said, ‘I’m sorry, sir, that won’t be possible.’
‘Has he left the company?’
There was a second’s delay before she answered the question. ‘I’m sorry sir, Dr. Foster died last month.’