FOURTEENTH CHAPTER:

---Ericson’s POV---

“So Mr. Solace…” Maeva started but stopped when I waved her to stop.

“Maeva please call me Eric. I think we can agree that we want the something. And that is what is best for Merida right?” I say as we round the corner from Merida’s room, and I see someone coming toward us. “Theresa are you free?” I ask as we stop her before she steps into a room.

“Oh Mr. Solace is Merida in need of something?” she asks stepping up to us.

“Well not her, but Crispin is in desperate need of clothes. Anything will do for the moment.” Maeva explains as she gestures for her to lean in close. I don’t move, so as a show that I’ll give them privacy but in truth I can still hear them. “His clothes got damaged in the scuffle with Mr. Cogswell.”

“Wait that bastard actually showed up here?” She gasps as she looks around.

“I had the security escort him out and I told Dr. Young to move her to another section of the hospital and not let him back in, at all.” I explained stepping close to them.

“Thank God. Then I better go see if I can find something to fit that young man and I will also light a fire under Dr. Young ass to get her in a new room.” She turns to walk around only to turn back and ask, “Plus, I will put her under an alias. Do you have one in mind, my chance?”.

I used to hate how everyone treated me after realizing who I am. Yes, I started this computer company as a hobby and a means to help find our girl, but I never thought how it would affect my life. Everyone bends over backwards to help me or to get my attention. It has caused issues in the past and been an annoyance, but I thought it was the price to get the connections we needed.

Though right now I just couldn't be happier. Everyone was jumping through hoops to help us, no one even questioned why I am so focused on helping Merida. Except, these two females who were actually invested in Merida’s welfare and her safety.

“Can you register her as Pomona Solace.” I say as the name pops in my head. I’ll have to apologize for it later, but it just feels right. To have her as my little girl once again, even if it’s in name only this time.

“That’s a beautifully name and I’ll make it happen.” Theresa says as she says the name again and nods at me. Then as she whirls away, she turns back and whips her phone out, “Here’s my number. So just call me when you are on your way back.” She says as she rattles off her number. I see Maeva quickly adding it to her contacts as well. We said goodbye to her as she once again turned around and rushed away. We just smiled at each other and then walk to the elevator that’s at the other end of the hall.

“That really is a beautiful name, how did you come up with it?” Maeva asks as we wait for the elevator.

“There’s a story of one of my ancestors that had everything going for him and was enjoying life. His wife and children were happy, and his business was doing great. Only the plaque happened.” I paused as the doors opened and waited till, we entered the elevator. I needed this moment as I thought of that time and how happy we all were. “Well, his wife and children caught the plaque. Though his wife and son survived, the daughter didn’t.”

“That sounds really sad!” Maeva vocalized as I took a breath.

“The thing is my ancestor was caught up in trying to help everyone and almost missed helping his own family. That’s the point of the story is to remember what is important and never stray, like he did.” It barely explains how much hurt I felt during that time or how I really failed. She had just turned 15, the same age she well be turning soon. Karma really is cruel but also a blessing for this time I won’t fail. If I have breath in my lungs then she will survive, no matter what.

“The daughter’s name was Pomona; it means fruit. Though most saw it as an apple in Latin, but it truly stands for fruitful, abundance, plenty, and or orchard trees.” Just at that time the doors of the elevator opened, and we headed to the parking garage on the other side of the reception’s desk. I waved at the new receptionist, who waved back and wished us a good day. “I believe in these circumstances it’s a fitting name. Especially given how Merida is an apple of all our eyes, except for her own parents. Which brings us to way I ask to speak to you?”

“Well, I am listening. Ask me anything, Eric?” Maeva says as she points to her car. She looked ready to assist me in any way. I really am happy this woman is on our side. She will be an asset in getting Merida away from her foster parents.

            “Well, I heard how she is to testify in an upcoming case of yours, correct?” I asked as we stopped be her car.

“I can’t talk about that…”

Raising my hand to stop her, I explain myself, “I just wanted to confirm, for my interest is the custody part. It was mentioned to me yesterday after you left.” Maeve stared hard at me before waving for me to continue. “I didn’t hear the entire conversation as I had just returned to the waiting room, but Crispin was wondering why there were questions about it! Like why you had to wait so long to transfer her guardianship, given their involvement so far! Plus, what Miguel said about them.” I really pushed my aura to help soothe her nerves, as her cop sense was on high alert.

“I am not at liberty,” I go to interrupt her, only for her to tilt her head at me and stare at me like shut up, so I shut my mouth and fold my arms behand my bank as I wait for her to continue. “But I can tell you that Meri is not safe going back to that house, especially after what happened today.”

She paused as her phone pinged, I waited as she read the message she received and then added. “In fact I have to talk to my boss and the Tribal Chief attorney about our next move.” She pauses once again as her phone pings. She rolls her eyes as types back a response, then stops as she looks to me, then back to her phone as she dials a number, “Do you think you can pay for a week of Meri staying at the hospital?"

“Yes, that is no problem, but why do you ask?” I asked as I leaned on the trunk of her car.

“Because I think we can move up her custody issue but only if we can show how irresponsible the Cogswell are when it comes to Meri.”

“Hello Maeve, where are you?”

“Hey Chief, you are on speaker with me and Mr. Solace. I think he can help solve our issue.” Maeva says as she smiles at me.