On the way to the hospital
Calvin tried calling another group of his guys, but nobody was picking up.
His face set in a grim line, he mulled over, "The fellas I sent to surround the estate— not a single one’s answering. Odds are, Bard’s got them all cooped up there."
"Calvin, look at it this way, it might actually be a good thing," he reasoned. "I sent at least a couple of hundred guys. Bard’s gotta spare a fair number of his own to keep an eye on them. This means he’s short on manpower.
Tonight’s our best shot!"
A flash of hatred crossed Calvin’s eyes. "No matter what, we can’t afford to screw this up!"
Inside the hospital
Eunice sat on a bench in the corridor, her expression heavy with worry.
The elevator dinged open, and out stepped Calvin with Arlen in tow.
"Eunice, why are you all by your lonesome? Where’s Bard?" Arlen asked with feigned concern.
Eunice lifted her sorrowful eyes. "Arlen, what brings you here? Calvin, did you know Arlen’s come too?"
"Your dad’s in there, and to tell you the truth, we share some of the blame." Calvin pretended to be remorseful. "Couldn’t sleep a wink, so we came to check on him."
"Well, isn’t that a surprise. I thought Calvin has no conscience, but seeing him now, I guess he’s not totally heartless."
Calvin’s face darkened, but he lowered his voice and said, "I know you’re mad, and tonight, I was out of line. I scared you, left a bad impression. I’m here to apologize. I agree to those terms you and Arlen set. We’ll go home and discuss it with our better halves."
Calvin and Arlen quickly chimed in, "Right, absolutely. We’ll get back to you with an answer that’ll satisfy you."
Out of the blue, Eunice said, "You guys agree so quickly, it almost seems fishy."
"Now, now, kiddo, we’re your elders, after all. We wouldn’t trick you, one of the younger generation," Arlen hurriedly said. "Besides, you have Bard by your side. Who would dare to deceive you?"
"When can I expect a decision?" Eunice seemed somewhat convinced.
"By sunrise tomorrow, I swear to you, we’ll persuade Teresa and Bess to transfer all their shares into your name!"
"Is it a deal?"
"It’s a deal!"
Just then, a voice carried over: "What’s this about making a deal?"
"Bard." All the elders turned, and upon seeing this young upstart, couldn’t help but feel a bit intimidated.
Arlen was the first to express concern, "Bard, how’s your dad doing?"
"You seemed to forget that my dad is in there because of every single person here. What are you all doing here? Think he’s not sick enough? Want to give him another scare?"
"Bard, tonight was a misunderstanding, ask Eunice. Your dad and I are brothers. Seeing him in there, it hurts me too," Arlen said somberly.

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