“Buddy, just remember two things,” Cap said, lifting the hand with the thin IV tube attached so he could hold up fingers for emphasis. “First, you promised never to lie to me.”

Cap maintained his hard stare, boring through the layers of Lou’s uncertainty and fear.

“What’s the second thing?” Lou managed, feeling his conviction dropping as if a sinkhole were opening up beneath him.

“The second thing,” Cap said, this time flashing him a forgiving grin, “is to remember that despite my performance on that trail in the mountains, I’m not stupid.”

Chapter 25

CHAPTER 25

The Director shall oversee the Hundred, but shall not supersede any one of them.

—LANCASTER R. HILL, 100 Neighbors, SAWYER RIVER BOOKS, 1930, P. 102

By the time Cap’s nurse, a full-figured woman named Elisha bustled into the room and shooed Lou out, he was already five minutes late for his meeting with Humphrey. Cap dozed through some of their hour together, but in general, he forced himself to stay awake, asking about the kids he had been training at the gym, including Emily, his prize pupil, and also about some of their other mutual friends.

For the moment, Stick and Move was being covered gratis, but no one connected with the gritty inner-city joint had any money to spare. Thanks to Walter Filstrup, Lou’s calendar had lightened some, but he was determined to spend his newfound free time right there at Arbor General.

Mostly, though, the two of them skirted the money issues, both surrounding the business and also Cap’s mounting hospital bills. The overriding problem—the elephant in the tub—was Cap’s leg infection. Once that behemoth was sent back to the jungle, they could focus on redecorating the bathroom.

“He needs his rest,” Elisha said.

Given the sheen of perspiration coating Cap’s forehead and the clammy feel of his hand, Lou was not about to disagree.

“I’ll be back, pal,” he said.

The nurse placed a firm hand on his shoulder and turned him toward the door.

“He’ll be fine,” she insisted as if addressing a grade-schooler.

Lou wished he felt buoyed by her reassurance.

It took him a bit of time to discard his paper clothing, ride downstairs, and wend his way through the bustling corridors of the hospital. Humphrey was waiting to one side of the modestly busy lobby, but from what Lou could discern, he looked less cheerful than usual.

“I’m sorry for being late,” Lou said. “Cap isn’t in good shape.”

“That’s want discuss with you,” Humphrey replied, wheeling past the bank of elevators and the massive information desk to an unoccupied nook. As usual, Lou saw people stare at the man as they passed, then uncomfortably turn away.

“I’m not sure I understand what you mean,” Lou said. “What is there to discuss?”