Page 82 of The Wish

‘And we’ve been helping him,’ Luke jumps in.

‘Yeah, we’ve been helping him. Anyway, we know he’s been having some problems with it, something about his boss giving him a hard time, and not being able to do what he wants with your technology . . .’

‘And don’t forget the problems he’s having with Jesse’s dad,’ Luke again chimes in.

‘He’s having trouble with the girl’s father?’ Frank asks, concerned.

Sandy decides it’s time for her to say something.

‘It’s difficult for parents when their children are as sick as Jesse and yes, her father has not been helpful, but I believe they’ve sorted that out. I had a call from Jesse’s father only this morning, and he was full of praise for Alex.’

‘Well, that’s good. So how can I help?’ Frank asks.

‘Is that right, has Jesse’s dad decided he’s OK with her wish now?’ Ryan asks Sandy.

‘I believe so, yes, they’re sorting it out. You better tell Mr Wallace, Frank, what you want him for, I’m sure he’s a busy man,’ Sandy tells the boys.

‘We want you to talk to Alex and tell him he has to keep going and finish the wish, he’s so close. And you have to tell him that you will let him have whatever he needs from your company to make it happen, we – well, Jesse – don’t have much time,’ Ryan blurts out.

Frank leans back in his chair and studies Ryan and Luke. ‘You really care for Jesse, I can tell.’

‘She’s the best, Frank, the absolute best,’ Ryan says, looking Frank squarely in the eyes.

‘We love her,’ Luke adds.

‘Well, I guess I’d better go and have a chat with Alex then.’

‘You mean you will let him finish Jesse’s wish?’ Ryan asks. He needs to be sure that’s what Frank is saying.

‘I’ll tell him he has my blessing, and that he can use TriOptic Studios, the staff and facilities – whatever he needs to make it happen. How does that sound?’

The boys impulsively stand, staring at Frank. ‘You really mean it?’ Luke says.

Frank stands and extends his hand to Ryan and Luke They both shake it vigorously.

‘Thank you, thank you,’ is all Ryan can mutter.

‘No, thank you for getting me here and telling me about your friend Jesse. I’ll go and see Alex now, I think he’s at home, I didn’t see him in the office this morning.’

‘This is so kind of you, Frank. I’ll see you out,’ Sandy says.

‘Bye, boys, I hope to see you again.’

As the door shuts behind Frank and Sandy, Ryan and Luke slump back in their chairs. They can only look at each other and grin.

Max’s barking alerts Alex to a visitor. He opens the door as Frank is raising his hand to knock. Frank is the type of guy who always looks dishevelled, his stubble unkempt, his hair in needof a comb. He’s always given Alex the impression that he’s too busy to look after the little stuff, like himself. He’s got bigger things on his plate.

‘Frank, what are you doing here?’ he says utterly surprised.

He hasn’t seen him for weeks.

‘Can I come in?’

‘Yeah, sure, come in. It’s OK, Max, he’s a friend.’

Max leads the way into the kitchen, having decided that’s where the two men should be, in case they’d like to offer him a treat.

‘Can I get you something, coffee? Oh, I don’t have any milk, it will have to be black.’