Page 28 of Believe
“What about the others under the bridge?” he asked.
“We got ‘em all,” said Akin. “They’re in temporary housing for now, but we’re going to help them all. It was bitterly cold under that damn bridge.”
“I’m sure it was,” nodded Skull.
They waved at Molly and Asia, as the women guided the kids that were permanent residents to the upstairs dormitory. On the way out, the men secured the door and headed back to Belle Fleur.
“It was a good day,” smiled Rory. Skull laughed.
“Yeah. It was a very good day.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
“How many more were there?” asked Matthew staring at the men.
“We got them all Matthew,” said Akin.
“You got them all under that bridge. But what about the other bridges?” The men stared at him and they wondered if he was serious. “I’m serious. How many more bridges and people are out there cold, wondering how they can possibly celebrate Christmas in a tent under a bridge?”
“I’m not sure,” said Whiskey. “Is that something you want us to do? Check all the bridges?”
Matthew just stared at Whiskey, not wanting to point out that it was a silly question. Of course he wanted him to do that. He really wanted to check every bridge in the country but just couldn’t. He didn’t have the time or the manpower.
“Got it,” smirked Akin. “We’ll head out first thing in the morning, Matthew. We’ll check them all. At least all that are in our parish and in and around New Orleans.”
“I appreciate that,” smiled Matthew. “It will make me feel better.”
“Where do we take them, Pops?” asked Luc. “We don’t have space for them here and most of the shelters are full this time of year.”
“I’ve taken care of that,” he smiled.
“Of course you have,” smirked Gaspar. “What did you do?”
“I actually did it several months ago. I knew this was going to create an issue.” Grant was coming toward him and raised a hand, smiling at him. “All good, Grant.”
“Yes, sir. All good. One-hundred and ten apartments ready to go. My boys are awful tired Matthew.”
“I know they are son, but if you’d get them to work just a little longer, we’ll be done by Christmas Eve.”
“Oh, they don’t want a break. They’re just tired.” Grant laughed, shaking his head at the tenacity of his team.
“Grant, what did you build?” asked Nine.
“I didn’t build it. We bought it. It was the old Cypress Pointe Hotel off I-10. It was scheduled to be torn down but it had good bones. It just needed a lot of love. We gutted it, cleaned everything top to bottom, new paint, new carpet, new hardwood floors, all of it.”
“But that place had to have had three-hundred rooms or more. You said you had a little over a hundred,” said Ghost.
“Yep. We expanded the rooms, combining two rooms together to create studio suites. Every room has at least one bed, small kitchen space with stove, refrigerator, oven, and microwave. Linens and dishes are included and we’ve got some folks helping out from the church to get folks checked in.”
“Is that where Shaquille went?” asked Skull.
“No,” said Matthew. “We put them in a little cottage closer to his school. He’s all settled in. This would be more ideal for those without children, but Lord knows we won’t turn them away.”
“And what’s this place called?” asked Gaspar.
“Irene’s Place,” smiled Matthew. “It seemed appropriate.”
“Matthew, you never cease to amaze me,” said Ian. “I’m not sure how all of this is possible and I’m not sure I want to know.”