Previously on Vision Quest - The brothers nurse hangovers while watching the sunrise over Lake Erie. Marc’s death leads to a decision to shorten the trip and head back to Philly, where they will contemplate ending the Vision Quest.
They are involved in a terrible accident on the way back to the motel. Bradford is in a coma while Trevor prays for his recovery. Trevor calls Roosevelt and tells him what happened. Using the company Lear Jet, he rushes off to Erie.
Brad wakes up in Heaven and meets Jill, discovering that everyone from the limo accident is also there. We learn how Brad and Jill met, and Jill informs Brad he must choose to stay there in Heaven or return to continue the Vision Quest.
To read Part I, please click here.
Trevor tilted his head back and closed his eyes, feeling the hot water wash away the stress of the day. He sighed, and actually spoke out loud, “Ahh, that feels great.”
As he lathered up his face, he reached for his razor. For years he had found the shower the perfect place to shave. Thanks to the hot steam that always softened his stubble. As he shaved, he thought, well, the doctor was right about the shower.
As he stepped out of the shower, the steam rose around him, and he reached for a towel. After drying himself, he wiped the mirror clean of its condensation and inspected his face to be sure he had a clean shave.
As he walked into the room, there was a knock on the door. Roosevelt’s booming voice easily penetrated the closed door, “Trevor, it’s me.”
“Just a minute.”
Reaching into the closet, he grabbed the extra oversized, fluffy white bathrobe that was a staple of the Hilton hotel. He draped it over his shoulders before opening the door.
Roosevelt's blue eyes shone with excitement, “I managed to contact everyone, get dressed and meet me at the bar, I will fill you in on the details then.”
Trevor knew Roosevelt was good at this type of thing but was surprised he could move quickly. “That’s great. I’ll be right down.”
The dark brown walnut bar had a swirly grain that gave it a rustic, earthy feel, while the neatly arranged bottles of booze on the backlit wall added a colorful touch. Trevor took a seat and immediately noticed Roosevelt’s preferred drink of Dimple Pinch scotch, its amber color shining in the light. A bartender wearing a crisp white shirt and black tie appeared and set a coaster on the bar in front of Trevor. Trevor scanned the draft beer taps and ordered a Guinness Stout. The bartender quickly returned with a tall glass of the dark brown brew. Trevor took a long swig of the foamy beer.
Before he met Trevor’s father, Harold, Roosevelt worked as a police officer in Cleveland. In 1962, he became the PI for the law firm Harold started. He was typically all business and no-nonsense, but now he was actually excited, well, excited for Roosevelt.
He sipped his scotch and set the small glass on the bar. “I talked to all of them.” He said, his tone confident.
Even though he’d seen it before, Trevor couldn’t help but feel impressed by how efficiently Roosevelt accomplished things like this. “How did you talk to all of them so quickly?”
“Mr. Strand … please.”
Laughing, “Okay, why do I ever doubt you?” He took a sip of beer. “So what’s the plan?”
“Well, I booked three rooms. The jet is ready to go. Hazel and Cory will be here tonight late.”
He munched on a few pretzels from a bowl in front of him and continued, “The rest of them will be here tomorrow.”
Trevor thought back to all the people they’d helped. “How are they all doing?”
“Everyone is good except for Bill. He is still having a tough time. He was eager to come and see Bradford though, I think it will be good for him.”
“That was bullshit what happened to Marc.”
Roosevelt sighed, “I know, son, I know.”
They ordered dinner at the bar. It was bittersweet as they laughed and cried over stories about Brad. These tales provided Trevor with a sense of comfort and helped him cope with the uncertainties that his brother was confronting. They agreed that Roosevelt would stay at the hotel, organize the group in the morning, and then head to the hospital. Trevor would get up early and check in on Brad to verify that he would be up to visitors.
After paying for dinner, they took the elevator to the 10th floor. Their rooms were next to each other, and they quietly stood there in front of their rooms.
Finally, it was Roosevelt who broke the silence. “Well, Trevor, I am going to hit the sack.”
“Um, yep, okay. See you in the morning.”
Trevor woke early and headed over to the hospital. Upon entering Brad’s room, Dr. Meade was deep in thought as he reviewed the chart. Brad looked more comfortable since the ventilator had been removed. “How’s he doing, Doc?” Bradford asked.
The doctor lifted his gaze from the chart. His voice remained steady and composed. “No change, I’m afraid. This is a waiting game.” He paused. “Trust me. I know how hard this can be.”
Trevor shifted the conversation to the upcoming visitors. “So, Doc, six people are scheduled to visit Brad today. While they’re not family, they all have a close relationship with him.”
“That’s good, Mr. Strand, but keep the number of people visiting at one time to a minimum and the visits short.”
“Sounds good. Roosevelt will arrive soon with all of them.”
“The Chapel can be used as a staging area if needed.” Said the doctor.
“Thanks, Doc, that’ll work.”
Trevor took a seat and opened Red Storm Rising. After about twenty minutes, Roosevelt entered the room. “Any change with Bradford?”
“No change,” he said with a sigh as he looked at his brother.
“Well, everyone is in the Chapel, and they are eager to see you and be briefed on Bradford. Follow me.”
Thanks for reading the second part of Helping Bradford. To read the conclusion of this episode, click here.
For more information about Vision Quest click here.
Let me know what you think of the story so far.
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You better not let this guy die, Scott! I don't think Trevor could cope. I am invested in this story and look forward to the next part.
Ditto what Sharron said!