Bystanders

by Phillip Murrell

  The shot returns to the present in the studio.

  “As you can see, ladies and gentlemen, once again ‘no comment’ speaks volumes.”

  Cammy allows this statement to sink in with her audience.

  “An outclassed police chief and negligent mayor don’t change the facts. Crime is at its highest, and The Psycho Knight hasn’t been seen in a week. We don’t know if the two are connected, but it’s hard to think that they aren’t. Perhaps The Psycho Knight is dead or injured, but I think it’s clear that his lieutenants are picking up the pieces.”

  Yuri smiles as he watches Cammy’s report in his mansion.

  Keith and Tina watch together in their living room. Keith is upset, but not to the level of fury from earlier.

  “I hope she’s right,” Tina comments.

  Keith looks at her, confused. “About what?”

  “About Villain being dead. The city doesn’t need him. I say good riddance.”

  Keith gives up. “Why? Why do you have to say things like that?”

  “I thought you were through with this Beatdown thing?”

  “No, I still think he’s being set up. I’m just through defending everything he does.”

  “That community center footage was pretty definitive.”

  “Maybe.”

  “I don’t want to fight about this again,” Tina changes the subject. “Summer is almost over. Do you have any last-minute plans?”

  Keith sighs. “No.”

  “Nothing planned with Kyle?”

  Keith is ashamed. Thankfully his mother doesn’t know why.

  “I haven’t seen him in a while. Did something happen with you two?” Tina asks.

  “No. We’re alright,” Keith lies.

  “Good. When are you guys going to film more skateboarding tricks for me?”

  “I don’t know. I’m feeling a little tired. I’m going to my room.”

  “Alright, Sweetie. Do you need me to get something for you?”

  Keith gets up to leave the room. “No. I’m okay. I think I’m just going to play some video games or read or something.”

  “Alright, Keith. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Keith gives his mother a kiss on the cheek. “Alright, Mom. I love you.”

  “I love you, too, Sweetie.”

  Keith leaves and walks into his bedroom. He lies on his bed and grabs a nearby tablet. He pulls up his blog website.

  “Let’s see,” he mumbles.

  Keith looks at the number of followers. It’s a definitive zero. Keith is upset, but accepting.

  “Et tu, Kyle?”

  Keith throws the tablet onto the corner of his bed. He rolls over to try and fall asleep, but he stares at the ceiling instead.

  The next morning, Yuri walks through the halls of the hospital. Julie trails him. He has flowers in his hand. He notices a police officer sitting at the end of the hall and makes his way toward him.

  The officer notices Yuri and sits up. “Mr. Osaka, good morning.”

  Yuri looks at the officer’s nameplate. “Good morning, Officer Daniels. How are you?”

  “I’m fine. Is this one of yours?” Officer Daniels asks as he gestures to room twenty-one.

  “Yes. Unfortunately, I can’t win with all of them, but I don’t abandon them either. How is he?”

  “He’s pretty messed up. He’s paralyzed, paranoid, and going through withdrawal on top of all of that.”

  Yuri shakes his head and does an excellent job of looking genuinely concerned for Power. “That’s unfortunate. Will I be able to go in and speak with him?”

  Officer Daniels picks up a clipboard and hands it to Yuri. “I just need you to sign in, please.”

  “Of course. Is there a reason why?”

  Officer Daniels hesitates for a second, then he speaks. “Between you and me?”

  “Of course.”

  “The vigilante killed the last witness in this very hospital. We’re keeping track of all those who come and go.”

  Yuri, always the great actor, asks, “What happened to the last guy?”

  “Can you believe it? A sniper shot him in the head from outside. It must have been a hell of a shot. I’m talking professional assassin level. Can you believe it? In our town. I mean, can you believe it?”

  Yuri smiles. “Yes, I can believe it. Things have gotten out of control lately.”

  Yuri signs the sheet on the clipboard and hands it back to Officer Daniels.

  “Thank you, Mr. Osaka. We can go in now.”

  “Do you really have to accompany me? I find that many of my youths and former youths don’t talk as much with the police around. No offense.”

  “None taken, but I can’t let you in there alone.”

  “I understand. Are you sure there isn’t any arrangement we can make? Feel free to search me. You can come in after ten minutes. I’d just like to speak with him privately for a moment.”

  Officer Daniels thinks about it for a moment, then relents. “Sure. If you can’t trust Yuri Osaka, then who can you trust? If you don’t mind.”

  Yuri holds up his arms and lets Officer Daniels frisk him.

  Officer Daniels apparently doesn’t find anything suspicious.

  “Alright, Mr. Osaka, you’re free to go inside.”

  “Thank you.”

  Yuri opens Power’s door and enters room twenty-one. Power lies in his bed watching television. He’s barely able to move and still hooked up to several machines. Yuri sets the flowers down on an end table. Yuri is conscious that he may be observed. He’s careful with his actions and words.

  “Dominic, I’m so sorry to see you like this.”

  Power looks at Yuri and starts to breathe heavier. Not a full panic, but he’s obviously nervous.

  Yuri continues with his concerned surrogate father act. “Calm down, Dominic. I’m sure you’re punishing yourself more than I could. I’m just so disappointed in your recent actions. Can you speak?”

  Power weakly responds. His voice is raspy and strained. “Yeah. What do you want?”

  Yuri continues with the charade. “Just to make sure that you’re alright. I know it’s been many years since you’ve come to one of my youth centers, but I still consider you part of my family. I take care of my family and don’t like to see them on hard times.”

  Yuri puts a bit of venom in the word “care” to make sure Power notices.

  “I’m sorry, Mr. Osaka. I did what you asked.”

  Yuri holds up a hand and gives Power a stare. “I wish that was true, Dominic, but you didn’t. I told you to turn your life around. I told you to get an education and start a career. I told you to raise a family. I definitely didn’t tell you to have a drug bender party and shoot up a building.”

  “But, I didn’t,” Power protests.

  “Dominic, you were found in a burning building under a pile of bodies. It’s a little hard to convince me that you weren’t present at that despicable party.”

  “So, what now?” Power nervously asks.

  “Now we set you on the road to recovery, both physically and mentally.”

  “Meaning what?”

  “Meaning that you need to cooperate with the police.”

  Power seems confused by this order. “What?”

  “Dominic, haven’t I always taught you that a good citizen does his civic duty and reports problems to the authorities? The anti-snitch culture must go. The only way that evil can exist is for good men to do nothing. You’re a good man, aren’t you, Dominic?”

  “I want to be.”

  “Good. Then tell the police your story. You’ll be taken care of. I’ll pay your bills and get you the best care team. The first year is already covered.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, Dominic, I feel that I’ve failed you.”

  Power hesitates. Yuri knows he’s trying to see the angle.

  “What should I say?” Power asks.

  “I wasn’t there, Dominic, but I would tell them what you saw. How the vigilant
e attacked the location. How people showed up with guns. Whatever happened. I’m sure you don’t know how those guns got there or who sent the men with them, but I know you can tell the police of the barbarism this vigilante displayed.”

  Yuri watches Power’s eyes reflect a mutual understanding.

  “I understand.”

  “I know you’ll do the right thing, Dominic. Do you believe in karma?”

  Power looks at Yuri. “Not really.”

  “That’s a shame. I do. I definitely believe in karma. You got a bad hand dealt to you, Dominic, but there are always worse hands. You need to fly straight and do what’s expected of you. If you don’t, karma will show you that things can always get worse.”

  Yuri ensures the threat is heard loud and clear.

  “I get you,” Power answers.

  “You don’t have to get me,” Yuri continues. “I’m just an old friend trying to pass on some wisdom. You need to get right with God. You need to get right with the community. Then you won’t be targeted by murderous criminals.”

  “You seem to have a way with him.”

  Yuri is startled by an unexpected female voice. He turns around and faces Power’s doctor. He finds her attractive and is instantly smitten.

  The doctor steps forward and looks at Power’s chart. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt what sounded like a therapeutic conversation. I’ll just check his charts and be out of your hair.”

  “You aren’t a problem,” Yuri says.

  She holds out her hand and introduces herself. “Dr. Tina Sanders. I’m the spinal surgeon here. I’m just checking up on my handy work.”

  Yuri shakes Tina’s hand. “Pleased to meet you, Dr. Sanders. I’m Yuri Osaka.”

  “Pleased to meet you. Do I know that name?”

  “Probably. I’m in the papers and on television a lot for my philanthropy. I also manage a hedge fund, so if you play the stock market, you may have read one of my books.”

  Tina looks impressed, but that doesn’t appear to be why she knows his name. Yuri watches her think about it for a moment, then her eyes light up with realization.

  “That’s not it. Well, not exactly. I’ve seen you on the news, but not because of a children’s hospital. You were denouncing the vigilante.”

  “Yes, well, I feel that law and order have their place in society, and this vigilante upsets that balance. He acts less like a hero and more like a villain.”

  Tina smiles. “That’s what I call him; Villain.”

  Yuri laughs. “You’re a splendid woman. Simply remarkable.”

  Tina seems to appreciate the flattering attention.

  Power shifts his upper body, clearly uncomfortable. “I’m still here, remember? I’m the one who can’t exactly walk away from this room.”

  Tina quickly puts the chart back.

  “I should excuse myself,” Yuri says.

  Yuri thinks he senses disappointment from Tina. This excites him.

  “Goodbye. It was nice meeting you.”

  “The pleasure was definitely all mine,” Yuri says before leaving the room.

  “Your friend is quite charming,” Tina mentions to Power.

  “A lot of people think so,” he answers.

  “Did you two have a good talk?”

  “You could say that. We have an understanding.”

  “Well, you seem to be in a better mood today than yesterday. I think Mr. Osaka did you some good.”

  Power doesn’t reply.

  “Any pain today?” Tina asks.

  Power scoffs. “Is that a joke?”

  Tina explains. “You have a lot of swelling. Your spinal cord wasn’t severed, just badly damaged, so pain is a good thing. It means that you could walk again. You’re already doing better today than yesterday.”

  “If you say so.”

  “Okay. I’ll check on you again before I leave today. Let me know if you need anything.”

  “I could stand for some of the premium channels. I’ve got the app on my tablet.”

  “I’ll ask the officer outside if you can have the Wi-Fi password here.”

  “Thanks.”

  “No problem.”

  Tina turns to leave.

  “You’re still smiling, Doc.”

  “Am I?”

  “I’d be careful about Mr. Osaka.”

  “Okay,” Tina says.

  Tina shuts the door behind her and is startled to see that Yuri is still standing there. Julie and Officer Daniels are also close by.

  “Whoops! Excuse me. Whoa, I’m sorry.” Tina stumbles over her words as she attempts to regain composure. She chuckles nervously.

  “I’m sorry that I startled you,” Yuri apologizes.

  Tina reassures him. “It’s fine. I just wasn’t expecting to see you again so soon.”

  “I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if I left today without asking you out first.”

  Tina acts embarrassed. She looks at Julie and Officer Daniels. They both seem to do their best to appear uninterested in the conversation.

  Yuri understands. “Would you care to take a walk with me?”

  “Sure, I can spare a few moments.”

  “Splendid.” Yuri offers Tina the crook of his arm, and they walk down the hall.

  “You definitely left an impression on my patient.”

  “I’ve known Dominic for many years. He used to be one of the underprivileged youths who attended my centers. I have fourteen spread throughout Colberton and Yama.”

  “You must really love children. Do you have any of your own?”

  Yuri looks somberly at the floor. “Unfortunately, no. I don’t. I wish I did, but I guess that wasn’t meant to be for me. How about you?”

  “I have one son. His name is Keith. Unfortunately, I don’t get to see him as much because my job has put a lot more demand on me since Villain showed up.”

  “You aren’t the only person who has been negatively affected by that man. I hope he’s gone for good this time.”

  “I agree. I’ve finally been able to start getting a healthy five hours of sleep each night.”

  “Lucky you. I try for four hours.”

  “You aren’t one of those guys who has to one up everything, are you?”

  “I hope not. I’m just a guy who likes to share stories.”

  “Good. My ex-husband was one of those guys. Hence I emphasize ‘ex’ strongly.”

  Yuri smiles. “I’m glad you put so much emphasis on it. It gives me hope that you aren’t just being polite by walking an old man down this hallway.”

  “You can’t be that much older than me, and I still feel plenty young.”

  “So, if you’re not stalling, would you answer my question?”

  “That question being?”

  “May I take you out some night?”

  Tina smiles. “Sure. What do you have in mind?”

  Yuri lets out a breath. He’s genuinely excited about going out with Tina and relieved she accepted.

  “It’s funny you should ask. I’m speaking at a dinner tonight. A lot of important people will be there. I’d like you to be one of them.”

  “Really? I don’t know. How about dinner and a movie instead?”

  “That will definitely be in our future. We can even go to a movie afterwards. I just can’t cancel on this obligation, and I know I can’t wait an additional twenty-four hours to woo you.”

  Tina blushes. “If I agree to tonight, what will we be eating?”

  “The meal will be splendid. For ten thousand dollars a plate, it better be.”

  Tina gasps. “Not to sound selfish, but I’m too curious to pass. I have to find out if ten-thousand-dollar fish is better than twenty-dollar fish.”

  “I fear you might be disappointed then.”

  “You aren’t selling this very well,” Tina says with a chuckle.

  “Forgive me, it’s been a while.”

  “Me, too. I’d love to go to dinner tonight, but you better take me some place normal afterw
ards.”

  “It would be an honor.”

  Tina glances at her watch. “I’m sorry, but I have to get back to work.”

  “I understand. You’re saving lives. I feel selfish taking the little bit of time that I’ve already claimed.”

  Tina smiles at the compliment.

  “I’d do it again, too,” Yuri adds.

  Tina laughs. “Thanks for that. Here’s my card. It has my cell on it.”

  Yuri takes the card. “I’ve already memorized it.”

  Tina backs up for a few steps, then turns away. She has a big grin on her face as she goes back to work.

  Yuri turns and heads back down the hall toward Julie.

  She hands him a tablet. “Her name is Tina Sanders, and she’s been a spinal surgeon here for twenty years. She has one child, who’s starting his freshman year at Colberton High School this August.”

  Yuri reviews the profile that Julie quickly put together on Tina.

  “Thank you, Miss Tress. Excellent job, as always. Make sure she has a suitable dress delivered to her residence this afternoon. You have her measurements, I assume?”

  “Of course.”

  “Good.”

  Yuri hands the tablet back to Julie and walks toward the exit.

  Claire stands in a crowded park with several wicker baskets and elderly gawkers surrounding her.

  “This is humiliating,” she mumbles to herself.

  Her cameraman must have overheard her. “You’ll get through it. You always do. Are you ready?”

  “I guess,” she hopes.

  The cameraman gives Claire a silent count and she begins.

  “Hello, this is Claire Kennedy, and I’m at the 29th Annual Wicker Basket Festival at Colberton Park.”

  Her cameraman widens the shot to incorporate the elderly basket enthusiasts walking by and waving at the camera.

  Claire continues. “Every summer, many local residents and out-of-towners flock to Colberton Park to take part in this celebration. They come to see the latest editions of all your favorite types of baskets, including, angling baskets, back and pony creels, bee skeps, calf muzzles, ciosan, coracles, egg baskets, hampers, and my personal favorite, curling baskets. All are expertly created by true craftsmen, like the brother and sister team of Earl and Pearl Sadler.”

  Two elderly people stand near Claire, dressed in overalls and t-shirts.

  “Hello, ma’am,” Earl says.