Page 35 of Sebastian
“Yes, sir,” they all chimed in.
“She brought food,” said Chief.
“She brought coconut cake,” smirked Alistair.
“Forget all that,” laughed Torro, “she’s going to talk to the chef about making us breakfast!”
“I got dibs on the first plate,” said Major.
“How do you get the first?” frowned Jalen.
“Because I just called dibs. Don’t you know how these things work?” Hex and Chief watched as they streamed out of the townhome. They both shook their heads.
“Maybe they are just overgrown children.”
“Maybe?” laughed Chief.
Sebastian waited at the foot of the steps for Emelia. She came down with a large bag and just smiled at him. They all looked somewhat surprised that she’d actually followed instructions.
“I’m a smart woman. I know not to argue with Mama Irene.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
“I see, I see,” said Claudette. “Yes, ma’am. That’s awful. Alright. Can you give me the name of your pharmacy? We’re going to call and pay for the prescriptions and see how long you’ll be needing them. I’ll tell them to call you when they’re ready.”
The woman was crying on the other end of the line, giving her the name and number of her local pharmacy. When Claudette said goodbye, she lowered her head against her forearms on the table. Jake’s big hands massaged her shoulders, kissing her head.
Baptiste looked at his big sister and frowned.
“You okay, sis?” he asked.
“It’s a lot, Baptiste. That woman is on necessary medications for a heart condition and high blood pressure, but she hit something called a gap. How do we, as a nation, let this happen?”
“I think we don’t,” said her brother. “We’ll get this done, and then maybe we can start working this from a different angle. One where we can make long-term changes with government policies.”
“We’re so lucky, Baptiste. I know that we all know it, but this just proves it even more. We never have to worry about where our next meal is coming from or whether or not we can afford medical treatment or housing. We’ve been so, so fortunate.”
“We have,” said Rose. “Because of your parents. We’ve all been incredibly lucky and blessed. I say a prayer every day for them. For all of you, for saving me.”
“You saved me, baby,” said Baptiste, kissing his wife.
“Claudette, did you take care of that woman?” asked her mother from across the hall. They had all their suite doors open so they could speak to one another and communicate freely. The elevator key to their floor was for their team only.
“I did, Mama. It was medication that she needed. Jake is taking care of calling the pharmacy now.”
“Good, that’s good,” said Irene. “Baptiste, what about the man who needed the new prosthetic arm?”
“I put him in touch with Ryan and the team at G.R.I.P., Mama. They’re going to fly out to see him and get him fitted for a new one. One of the best we make.”
“That’s what I like to hear! We’re makin’ a difference now.” She had a big smile on her face, the twinkle in her mischievous eyes lighting up the room. Matthew loved it when she was like this. She was a force.
They heard the elevator ding, and heads looked down the hallway, ready for whatever might come. Instead of bad guys, the security guard escorted a man and woman down the hallway, both wearing suits and looking very official.
“Sorry, Mr. Robicheaux, Mrs. Robicheaux, but this lady says she has to speak with you about what y’all are doing.”
“No problem, Hank. I appreciate you bringing her up here,” said Matthew. “How can we help you?”
“My name is Stacy Follett, and I’m the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. This is my assistant director, Paul Trivini.”