31

Two paramedics came in with a stretcher and Nolan sighed as the fumbling began. They flipped Ellie's body onto it and her dead weight legs banged against the side of the bed.

Nolan followed with Ellie's hospital bags and driver helmet. Michael stayed outside the helicopter shouting directions at the helicopter pilot who was glancing down at his additional passenger with a look of incredulity.

He took of his headphones and shouted at the paramedics standing by, "Are we cleared to take her? I would hate for Mr. Wong to get sued or worse for him to sue me over this."

Nolan gave a thumbs up and Ellie was held almost vertically as they positioned the gurney on the helicopter. The chopper wasn't designed to transfer patients so they placed her between two seats.

The two paramedics exchanged glances as they wondered what to do next. "Is this stable? Can you still fly sir?"

The pilot left his seat and went to the back of the vehicle to retrieve the bungee cords he had stored there for cargo. He brushed the sweat off of his face with his arm before strapping Ellie into place.

Nolan watched this warily as his sister began to stretch in discomfort.

Ellie opened his eyes and stared at him blearily. Her waif thin body looking like a skeleton rather than a person. Her invalid state had never been more apparent to him. Once his sister had modeled for magazines and been praised for having a figure, now he would have given anything for some weight on her protruding bones.

Michael's wife scooted closer to the window when Nolan got in. Her handbag held in the opposite direction. Michael himself go in afterward and said something soothing to her. She relaxed her tense posture and looked at Nolan with what he assumed was pity as her handbag swung back around in his direction.

While Michael and his wife were on one side where their feet where not impeded by Ellie's stretcher, it was still a tight fit. As the helicopter took off, Nolan could feel Ellie's discomfort grow as the turbulence from the air around them shook her around even though she was strapped on. Her red rimmed eyes would catch Nolan at intervals where he knew she was wondering when it would be over.

Nolan looked out the window and saw they were nearing the skyscrapers. His mouth opened in shock when he saw they were nearing what looked like a gigantic Victorian mansion complete with moss and a Grecian garden.

In front of him Michael let out a good nature chuckle, "The master prefers not to live in the family house just yet. We only occupy the left wing and maintain the gardens. Most of it is being renovated you see."

Nolan nodded slowly as the helicopter began to vibrate as they hovered over the landing pad before softly landing. The pilot gave them a thumbs up as two gentlemen in suits opened the door to the chopper and glanced at Michael in alarm.

Michael held out a shaking hand. "It's all right. It's all right."

One of them bowed and while the other quickly bounded off.

Michael looked annoyed as he spoke to the bowing man who looked incredibly nervous, "What did you do that for? I told you not to make a fuss over the phone."

The man was sweating profusely, "We're informing Mr. Wong before we make any moves as instructed."

Nolan rolled his eyes and stepped out of the chopper with renewed purpose, "My sister can wait here until I've spoken with Mr. Wong and explained to him that his wife is home. I'm Nolan Chen, Mr. Wong's newly acquired brother in law. He will be relieved to know I've made arrangements for his lawfully wedded wife. I'm sure he's prepared." These statements made Nolan's toes curl in nervousness although his voice didn't falter.

The underling straightened with a look of shock as he digested what Nolan was saying. "Wife?"

He exchanged glances with Michael who nodded. "I can reaffirm that what Mr. Chen is saying is true. This is the mistress of the house."

The gentlemen straightened his suit and like the model of serving hospitality said in steady voice, "Mr Wong is in the blue room with his hibiscus tea reading the paper. If you will be so kind as to allow me to take you there--"

Michael's voice broke, "Oh for goodness sake. Take the boy to where he wants to go and be done with it. Henry will be up here quicker than concrete if you don't tell your friend to cease his running."

The servant quickly radioed his friend on a walkie-talkie and told him the alteration in orders. The friend was noticeable shocked as well, but did as he was told. Then, with a wave of his hand, bade Nolan to follow.