by J.R. Bowles
CHAPTER 40
As the elevator opened to their floor Billy ushered everyone forward.
“Straight ahead room 230.” He said as they exited. No one had said anything since the incident in Battery Park. He wasn't quite sure what he was doing but he knew he had to get John back to his room. John needed to rest.
As they left the elevator a room service boy was headed toward the employee elevator on the other end of the passage. Billy sighed, a relief of thanks that the group was quit. He noted that a door not far from the elevator closed as they were entering the hallway. He looked at Jackie and could see the fatigue in her eyes but she managed to force a smile for him. He returned her knowing smile.
She now knew what was happening and was working with him to ensure there would be no problems.
They were mentally connected now as he had become connected to Morgan. Now Jamal was also linked to them. Although all of the mental connections were weak and sometimes spasmodic but when they focused their thoughts they were able to relay, if not the words, then the very idea of what they needed to pass.
Jamal and the Indian girl walked in front of them and Jackie held John's arm. The other black man just followed Jamal like a full grown dog follows its master as if he obeyed silent commands Jamal may give him.
He wasn't sure about Jamal yet, he had felt the hate which had festered in the black man and he wondered how this would affect his behavior toward John.
The pretty Indian woman was as silent as the rest but her eyes seemed to be more alive than the others as if she were in turmoil of thought, yet her face remained passive.
Then there was the clerk who was following John's friend Michael like a love sick puppy. Billy smiled to himself as he realized that twice he had compared them to dogs. After all wasn't dog backward god.
Billy opened the door to his room with his card key and directed everyone in.
“I'm going to put John to bed if you have any questions I will be back in a few minutes.” Billy opened the door between his and John's room, and John silently followed Billy's directions without comment. He seemed as if he were in a mild state of shock.
“Jackie, would you help me?” Billy asked silently to Jackie and she responded without answer.
Billy and Jackie undressed John and tucked him into bed.