Begin Again novel Chapter 11

There were several guards stationed throughout the floor and two outside Clarke's private ward. Their only job was to keep the media out. The last thing they wanted was stories of his father, true or otherwise, making the rounds. A CEO on his deathbed wasn't good for business and share prices.

Lois flew to him when they walked in. He hugged her, and she wept harder as he gently patted her head. It all made sense now, Liam thought, her lack of inspiration, the listlessness, the faraway look in her eyes. It wasn't that she couldn't paint. His Mom didn't want to. How could she when her best friend and soulmate was staring death in the face?

"Oh Mom," Liam whispered in her hair as he squeezed her. "You should have told me."

"You are here now," Lois gave him a shaky smile as she sat down again and took his father's hand.

Liam reluctantly approached the bed, a visceral feeling of terror bubbling at the pit of his stomach. He couldn't understand how Clarke had shrunk and aged so much in a space of a few hours. But, his father looked so serene as he slept. Liam knew, though, there was nothing peaceful about what he was going through, not with all the constant beeping and wheezing of the machines working overtime to keep him comfortable and the tons of tubes attached to him.

He leaned over and kissed his forehead.

Clarke opened his eyes. "There he is-" He said in a weak voice and tried to point a frail finger at him.

At that moment Liam would have given anything to hear his strong, roaring voice, the same one he'd used earlier to back him into a corner.

"You are such an old fool," Liam whispered.

"I guess you take after me then," Clarke shot back, and they both laughed tearfully.

"We are going to fix you," Liam said with conviction. "We'll beat this, and you'll come back stronger. I need you to come back and kick my butt and question all the decisions I make for Anderson Logistics."

"Don't complain when I do." His father's chuckle turned into a long fit of convulsive coughs that didn't seem to stop, even after making him take small sips of water.