The Last Option
Chapter Twenty-Two: Count on Us

The next day Bernard received a visit from Thomas and Laura Peterson; they were accompanied by Camila Valverde, who gave them the news of what happened, and who in turn found out everything through Phil Wilcox and the unexpected visit of the police to the company to investigate. The three were speechless and surprised for a few seconds to replace a baby in his room.

"I hadn't told you about him," Bernard said, seeing their reaction to the baby. "When my wife found out what happened, she was so affected that she went into labor early."

"You had it very well kept, you rascals!" Laura said in a tone of friendly reproach as she approached the crib. "Can I hold the baby?"

"Of course, Laura. You can."

"And how is Margaret?" Thomas asked as his wife pulled the baby out and held him. "Why do you have the baby here? Is she still delicate?"

Bernard lowered his gaze; everyone immediately realized what had happened. Camila put a hand to her mouth in surprise.

"We're very sorry, Bernard," she said after a few seconds. "We are really sorry. What a tragedy!"

Laura and Thomas looked sad. The old woman could not help tears from filling her eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Bernard!" said the old woman, this time looking at the sleeping baby in her arms. "And also for you, my little baby."

The last thing she said in a whisper, snuggling the baby closer to her. A tear rolled down her cheek and fell onto the blanket. Thomas walked over to Bernard and hesitated for a moment, but finally wrapped his arms around his neck. Bernard couldn't help crying again. He clutched the old man against him, burying his face into his shoulder, unleashing crying. Camila was also touched. She walked over to Laura to see the baby too.

"It's very beautiful," she said.

"Adorable," Laura said.

Minutes later, and having already regained some composure, they talked about the Hicks case.

"I didn't believe it when they told me," Camila said. "How could something like this happen to such good people?"

"I once advised Mr. Hicks to hire security personnel," Thomas said, "but he told me he didn't need it as he didn't have as much money as many believed."

"Do you know when the funeral will be?" Bernard asked, although the question was directed to Camila.

"Mr. Randall is taking care of everything," she said, "and he hasn't said when."

"He hardly came to see the bodies yesterday," Bernard said. "Three days later! It seems he doesn't give importance to the matter."

"And being Mr. Hicks's cousin, he's not much affected either," Camila said.

"I didn't like that guy from the first day I saw him," Thomas said.

"I don't like him either," Camila supported, "although I have always treated him well by order of my boss, so as not to give a bad image of his office. He appears to be someone good, but my feminine sixth sense tells me that he is not." "Have the police come to see you?" Laura asked Bernard.

"Yes, and they showed me several photographs of suspects. They say they have a video from a security camera showing how everything happened, but the face of the murderer is not seen."

"They visited us yesterday and curiously all the questions were about you, Bernard," said Thomas. "They found out that I was the one who recommended you for the position of driver and they wanted to know more about you and where you came from."

"In cases like this we are all suspects," Bernard said, after thinking that sooner or later some suspicion would point to him, "and even more so if we were very close to the victims."

Now that the police considered him a suspect, Bernard was more determined than ever to replace the killer, Duncan Smith, and force him to tell him who gave the order to kill the Hicks. He knew it was risky in every way, but he needed to know who is behind those deaths. Perhaps at that moment the murderer is out of the country, perhaps not; if he had revealed his identity to the police, they might at some point be able to capture him, but then he would request a lawyer and stick to his version of events and would never reveal who ordered those deaths, if they manage to link him to them. Everything would depend on the country's justice system. Perhaps a corrupt system and where the higher spheres of power have tentacles.

No, he could not risk the killer going free, should he be caught. He would have to replace it himself. He would trust his military knowledge if he were to be in danger, and as he had already thought, he would need money to launch his crusade. And maybe one or two loyal Hicks friends. In Phil Wilcox he could have one. He needs another. Dr. Holloway? Maybe. He would put him to the test too. He would see.

This time it was Camila who was holding the baby.

"Is he always this sleepyhead?" Laura asked.

"Always," Bernard said, "and he hardly cries. The nurses know when it's time to feed him, and if for some reason they are a little late, he will only make small moans; only when he's very hungry does he cry. Likewise, when he has a dirty diaper, he only complains. Sometimes he cries when the discomfort is very great."

"He's so cute!" Camila said.

At that moment Laura realized something.

"How will you do when you are at home?" she asked. "Do you have someone to help you?"

"I'll hire someone," Bernard answered, shrugging; he hadn't thought about it.

"Don't be fool!" the old woman said. "I'll help you with the baby, plus you're still convalescing and you won't be able to take care of yourself."

Hearing that last word, Bernard looked down again. Everyone realized Bernard will be alone with the baby and it will be difficult for him to raise him.

"Count on us!" Thomas said. "We'll see how we manage, but you shouldn't hire anyone, having us."

"Besides, I would feel useful," Laura said. "Our grandchildren have grown up and made their lives, leaving me wanting to spoil them more. This little one will be another grandson for me."

"You can count on me too," Camila offered. "I'll help you with the housework."

"Friends, you don't have to do this," Bernard said, between moved and saddened. "I'll manage, really."

"Don't talk more!" Laura said with a firm voice. "Even if you don't want it, we'll be there for you and the little-"

At that precise moment they all realized Bernard hadn't told them the baby's name.

"Nathan," he said before being asked his name. "His name is Nathan, I gave him that name, you know."

"I like it," Laura said. "We'll be there for you and little Nathan."

Minutes later the doctor on duty entered the room.

"Let's go check you," he said, flipping through a folder, after a few seconds he proceeded to examine him. He checked the wound on Bernard's abdomen, and nodded.

"I see that you hardly feel any pain anymore, right?"

Bernard nodded.

"The wound has healed very well. Internally, there seem to be no problems either. I think the danger is over. We'll keep you under observation for a couple more days and then you can go home. Ah! And little Nathan too. He is a champion in every way. Congratulations."

"Thank you Doctor. These are good news."

"And I love to give them."

The doctor came out and everyone celebrated with Bernard his improvement.