Of Hearts And Stars (Classic Editon) (The Cadet Starship Chronicles) by Edward West Read Free Book Online Page B

replied the man who in his early thirties, still had a bright and youthful way about him that suggested he was far younger “My name is Zachery Method. I am here to pick up my nephew Leoric Swift.”
    “ That boy has no family.” The receptionist, a young female, replied curtly.
    “ Ah! So sorry for the confusion. I didn't ask you whether or not he has any family. I mean, how would you know? No, no, that would be rude of me to ask. I actually told you that I am here to pick up my nephew Leo.”
    “ Now you listen here-”
    “ Oops! Almost forgot.”
    Zachery retrieved an envelope from the inner breast pocket of his coat and laid the contents out for the receptionist to see.
    “ This right here is the last will and testament of Ryan and Marceline Swift. As you can see, ipso facto, here, here, and also there that I have been granted full custody of Leoric Swift.”
    Sure enough it was signed and dated by both Ryan and Marceline, their attorney, and notarized as well. The section regarding custody of Leoric Swift roughly stated that in the event that no blood relative came forward, or in case of emergency, Zachery was to be granted full custody of Leoric Swift. He had also laid his photo identification card alongside the will to prevent any misunderstandings about his identity.
    “ Fine. Do you have an appointment?” she asked.
    He smiled warmly and said “Yes I do Miss.”
    The receptionist began tapping and clacking noisily on her computer's touch pad. Zach assumed that she was looking up his appointment, but figured she might be faking it.
    “ You're not in our database.” she said followed by more tapping.
    Zach was beginning to wonder if it was really necessary to type like that when she said “Leoric Swift isn't scheduled for pick up either.”
    Zach arched his eyebrows “I spoke directly to a Miss Miranda Sweetwater via video conference about this matter. Could you please double check?”
    “ I triple checked. No appointments found.”
    “ Triple?” he asked incredulously.
    “ That's three times sir.” she answered sarcastically.
    “ You know what? I'm just going to go check Leo out myself. You don't even have to get up.” Zach said while turning to head once again to the A wing Boy's Ward.
    As he made his way towards the hallway to the Boy's Ward a heavyset young man moved to block him. Zach looked at his name tag. Written at the spot below the word Caregiver was the name Greg.
    “ Boy” Zachery spoke in a voice as cold as a chilling winter wind “I will snap your arm off and beat you with it.”
    “ You're done for today pal.” Greg said unflinchingly “You should leave before it gets ugly.”
    “ I should leave before it gets ugly!” Zach cried, throwing his hands up in mock dismay “Well you're already here, so you actually mean 'stays' ugly. Why don't you leave so it gets pretty?”
    The receptionist stifled a laugh and Zach winked at her. This agitated Greg even more.
    “ I love beating up wimps like you.” he threatened while flexing his arms.
    Zach made no effort to hide his amusement and laughed right in Greg the Caregiver's face.
    “ He loves beating up wimps! Wimps!” Zack said, and put his hands over his face to finish laughing “I wouldn't want you to crush me with your hidden muscles!” he exclaimed, pointing to the Greg's considerably large belly “I mean they're not here yet, but when they do get here I might have to run!”
    Just as things looked like a fight might break out in the lobby the receptionist spoke up.
    “ I could call Miss Sweetwater for you.” she offered.
    Zach turned to her “Would that help?”
    She nodded and said “If you spoke with her via video conference then she's bound to remember it. She probably just forgot to log your appointment into the database.”
    Zach noted the change in her attitude and figured Greg probably got on her nerves too.
    “ I think he's lying Alice.” Greg said as he sneered at Zach, who stuck out his tongue.
    “ Shut