59. Keep Your Enemies Close

Sofia just stood there, speechless and motionless. As for James, something flashed across his face. But it was Rico who spoke up first.

“Hold on, what do you mean in a couple of days Ryan would no longer be with us?” He asked, stepping forward. Are you flying him abroad for treatment?”

“Sadly, no. Like I said, his condition is terminal. I’m sorry that I have to be the one telling you this, but, Mr. Barnes is going to die.”

“Ok, ok, let’s not get tensed up guys,” he said, pacing. He finally came to a stop in front of the doctor.

“Ok, give me a number,” he said, clasping his fingers together and bringing them to his lips.

“I mean, even a year is just a couple of days-”

“-Ten,” she cut in.

“Ten days.”

“I’m sorry what?!” Sofia asked, moving for the first time since the doctor’s sudden announcement.

“Try to calm down, miss.”

Sofia sighed and covered her face with both hands. Then she swept her hands through her hair and nodded, sniffing.

There were tears in her eyes.

“A- and- do