“You got it boss lady. Be back in a jiffy.”
While she’s gone, I decide to get ahead of the game. I locate the box I need, move the ladder into place and climb up three steps. Taking hold of the box, I give it a tug. It’s heavier than I remember, and wedged tightly between two other boxes. I pull again and it slides off the shelf causing me to lose my balance and the ladder to tumble sending me to the floor as everything goes black.
Chapter 12
Alek
As the last notes fade, the applause begins and I take a bow. Turning to the orchestra behind me, I spread my arms and bow to them, thanking them for their amazing performance as well.
I approach the conductor and offer him my hand, “Thank you maestro, it was an honor to perform with you.”
He grips my hand with both of his, “The honor was mine.”
With a last wave to the audience, I walk off stage to find Vince waiting with my violin case in hand. “Another spectacular performance.”
Taking the case from him, I place my violin inside. “Thank you Vince.”
“Want to grab some dinner before going back to the hotel.”
“If you don’t mind, I think I’ll just order room service and check in with Rose.”
Vince grins and shakes his head, “No, I don’t mind. I need to check in with my wife too.”
“Thanks, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I walk out of the venue to where my car is parked and drive back to the hotel.
Entering my hotel room, I place my violin case on the dresser and flip through the room service menu. I pick up the phone and call in my order, a turkey club on wheat with fries and a soda. I settle into one of the chairs, pull my phone from my pocket and call Rose.
The phone rings three times before it’s answered, when a frazzled voice comes on the line.
“Alek?”
“Rose?”
“No, it’s Janet. Thank God you called.”
“Janet? What’s wrong? Where’s Rose?” I go on high alert, a feeling of dread consuming me at what she’s about to say.
“There was an accident.”
Those four words stop my world from spinning and everything else she says goes unheard. Once I collect myself, I ask her to repeat the last part she said.
“Rose fell off a ladder. She has a broken arm, fractured shoulder and a concussion. She’s being prepped for surgery now. I would have let you know sooner but her phone was locked, so I’m glad you called.”
“Thanks Janet. I’m going to make a few calls and I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“Okay, safe travels,” she says before ending the call.
As soon as Janet hangs up, I call Vince.
He answers, foregoing the usual greeting, “Hey man, change your mind about dinner?”
“No, that’s not why I called. I need you to cancel tomorrow’s performance, and everything scheduled for next week as well.”
“What? Why?”
I throw my suitcase on the bed and I begin throwing things into it as I talk. “It’s Rose, there was an accident and she’s being taken into surgery. I have to get back to Charleston.”
“Jesus, Alek. Is she okay?”
“From what her employee told me, she has a broken arm, shoulder and a concussion. She has no one else Vince, I need to be there for her.”
“Of course. What can I do?”
“Can you book me on the first flight out, while I finish packing?”
“You got it. I’ll send you the details.”
“Thanks Vince.”
Ending the call, I plug my phone in to charge, as a knock sounds on the door. I open the door and allow the hotel employee inside with my dinner order. I reach into my pocket and offer him a tip as I thank him and usher him toward the door.
Taking a few minutes I sit at the small table and eat my sandwich, when another knock sounds followed by the door opening, as Vince steps inside.
“Hey, I just sent you your flight info, but thought I’d come down and see if there was anything else I could do.”
I take a drink of my soda and shake my head, “Thanks. I’m almost finished packing. Then I’ll head to the airport.” I take another bite of my sandwich before I continue. “I feel bad about cancelling the performances, so feel free to offer to reschedule. Make sure they know it was a family emergency, and go ahead and make the donation to the hospital’s art program.”
Vince nods, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything here. You just focus on your girl.”
I finish my dinner and rise from my seat, and clap him on the shoulder, “Thanks Vince, I really appreciate all you do for me.”
“Glad I can help.” He hitches his thumb over his shoulder toward the door, “I’m going to get out of your way and let you finish packing. Let me know when you get there and keep me posted on how Rose is doing.”
“Will do.”
Once Vince is gone, I finish packing and do a once over of the room to make sure I didn’t forget anything. Satisfied that I have everything, I zip up my suitcase, grab my violin case and head out the door. I enter the elevator and press the button for the lobby. When the doors open, I stride across the tile floor bypassing the checkout desk and out the automatic doors to my rental. Placing my bags in the trunk, I climb behind the wheel and make my way to the airport.
When I arrive at the airport, I return my rental before heading towards my designated gate. Even with the late booking, I arrive thirty minutes before boarding. I take a minute to call Janet and let her know I’m on my way.
The call rings twice before she answers, “Hey Alek, hold on just a second.” I can hear someone talking to her in the background so I wait. When she returns her attention to me, she sounds a bit
