Heart At Risk

Later Kurt sat down to have dinner with the Bennetts. He couldn’t remember sitting down as a family with anyone since he was young. Sure he and the squad had eaten countless meals together, but this was the first time it was a regular family meal with women and a child. Mike and Dave had only gotten married within the last year, and the rest of the guys were single.

He had to say he enjoyed it. Homemade fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh Wisconsin corn on the cob. It all tasted different than in a restaurant. Either these two women were the best cooks in the world, or it just felt good to be a normal guy sitting around at a dinner table.

Besides, the company was great. Aunt Beth was a charming conversationalist, Maddie was quiet but good to look at, and the kid was a joy. It made Kurt begin to think about what he’d been missing all these years.

“Mom,” Scotty suddenly asked, “if I would have died this morning, would you have donated my organs to kids who need them?”

The startling question clearly caught her off guard, and Maddie’s fork clunked against the plate as it slipped through her fingers. “What?”

“I’ve decided that when I die I want my organs donated to help other kids who need them.”

Still startled, Maddie asked, “Scotty, where did you get such an idea?”

“Kurt and I were watching the television and they were talking about it.”

Oh, oh, Kurt thought, hang on to your head, Bolen, I think the ax is about to fall.

“Scotty, I’ve told you it’s disrespectful for a child to address an adult by a first name.”

Kurt came to the boy’s defense. “It’s my fault, Maddie, I told him he could.”

She turned a disapproving gaze on him. “That may be so, Mr. Bolen, but my son knows my wishes on the subject.”

“I personally have no objection to it.”

“And I’m also very selective about Scotty’s television viewing, Mr. Bolen.”

For God’s sake! The woman was chastising him as if he were a two-year-old. “It was a news channel, Maddie.”

“Good gracious, Maddie, I’m sure no harm was done,” Beth said. “And I think Scotty’s consideration for those less fortunate is very admirable.”

“That’s not the point, Aunt Beth. It’s a very unpleasant subject and I doubt Scotty understands it.”

“I do, too,” Scotty said. “Kurt explained it to me. Mom, do you know that in some countries there are bad guys who steal the organs from innocent people? And in China they remove organs from executed bad guys and then sell them.”

Maddie paled, but forced a smile. “I think we should change the subject. And in the future, Scotty, if you have any questions about organs and such bring them to me and don’t bother our guests with them.”

“Yes, Mom,” Scotty said, hanging his head.

Kurt was pissed. If Maddie was so hung up on what was proper and improper, why lecture the poor kid in front of a stranger, instead of waiting until she and Scotty were alone? But he bit his tongue to keep from saying what was on his mind. There was no sense in expressing his opinion to this uptight female. She only made him aware that he didn’t really belong.

Which was true. So what in hell was he doing here anyway?

Kurt stood up. “Ladies, thank you for dinner. It was delicious, and I can’t remember the last time I had a home-cooked meal. But I think it’ll be best if I leave now.”

“Oh, Kurt, I wish you would spend the night,” Beth said. “You should rest that leg, and it’s a long drive back to Milwaukee.”

“I’ve imposed on your hospitality enough. Thank you for everything.”

Scotty pushed back his chair and ran sobbing up the stairs.

Hell, now he would have to face the kid to get his pack out of the bedroom. What a mess!

“Would you care for coffee and dessert before you leave?” Beth asked.

“No, thank you. I think I should get going before it gets too late.”

Beth got up and began to carry dishes into the kitchen.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Bolen,” Maddie said.

“Feel free to call me Kurt. I think you’re old enough.”

“I guess I deserve that. Do you mind stepping outside? I’d like to talk to you for a few minutes.”

They moved outside and sat down on a swing on the front porch. “I know you think I’m very rude, and I apologize,” she said. “When I heard about Scotty’s accident I fell apart, and however I may appear to you, I want you to know I’m deeply grateful. I shall always be.”

This was worse than an award ceremony with some stuffy navy commander pinning a purple heart or silver star on him.

“Look, Maddie, it’s over. Let it go. I did what any guy would have done.”

“I don’t want you to leave with the impression I’m ungrateful.”

“Fine. I believe you. So I’ll be going—”

“You think I’m wrong, don’t you?” she suddenly blurted out.

“Chill out, lady. I’m leaving.” His unexpected response caught her off guard and once again those green eyes widened with surprise.

“You don’t understand,” she said.

“You’ve got that right. You always this uptight?”

She drew a deep quivering breath as if it were her last one. “It’s just that all this has been very upsetting to me.”

“Well, like I said, it’s over. Scotty’s fine. So let it go. There’ll be other things you’ll have to deal with while he’s growing up. You can’t protect him from everything in life. There’s no way you can keep him from stumbling and falling sometimes. Just hope it’s not into another quarry,” he said, in an attempt to lighten the conversation.

“So you don’t agree with the way I’m raising Scotty.”

“Doesn’t matter what I think.”

“Would you believe me if I told you it does.”

“Frankly no, Maddie. So don’t try to tell me you give a good goddamn what someone like me thinks.”

She looked him straight in the eye. “You’re wrong. You have no idea how wrong you are.”

Kurt stood up to leave. “I’m not into this kind of scene, so I’ll get my pack and get out of here.”