Scene 36

Chapel, Great Hall of X Marks the Scot

The Moderators had arranged a memorial service for the two fallen members, Michael Newface and Peter Recruit. As part of the service, their names were added to the list of names displayed on the wall of the chapel of those who had given their lives in service to our organization.

When the service concluded, I sought out Julie.

“Julie,” I said, “there’s someone you should talk to.”

I had previously spoken to Livingston about her, and I led her over to him.

“This is her,” I told him.

He looked up at her from the wheelchair he was using until his leg healed. “Julie,” he said, taking her hand. “I just wanted to thank you. I owe you my life.”

I walked away from them as they were talking. Jaime spotted me and waved me over.

“About Newface and Recruit,” he started when I neared.

“I’ve already contacted the Foundation,” I interrupted him. “Their families will be receiving assistance.”

He nodded. “I suspected as much. The other Moderators and I have talked it over and we want to contribute to that assistance.”

“Certainly, it’s relatively easy to make a contribution to the Foundation. When you do, just specify the recipients.”

“Good. There’s something else I need to discuss with you. Will you come see me in my office later this evening?”

“Of course, when would you like me to come?”

“Make it about an hour before the banquet.”

I spotted Mikey and made my way over to him.

“When are you all planning to leave?” I asked.

“Grant has decided that we will stay through the banquet and leave immediately afterwards. I suspect he just wants to get your Moderators to pay for his meal. Of course, he will complain about it the whole time.”

I considered Mikey’s comments for a few moments. “Why do you do it Mikey? Why do you stay with him?”

He thought about that for a while before answering. “He wasn’t always like he is now. He was a good man and I believe he could be again. I swore my loyalty to him a long time ago and it wouldn’t be right to leave him now, just when he needs me the most.”

“You’re a good man, Mikey, and it was good working with you for a change. It’s a shame we have to be on the opposite side of things so often.”

“Yeah, but can you imagine how bad Grant would be if I weren’t there to temper his outbursts?”