Peter tried to sound hopeful. “What’s the work situation?”
“A desk job for now.” Again Landon didn’t let on how much this subject hurt. He crossed one leg over his knee and sat back in his chair. “But I’m looking at a few other ideas.” He smiled at Ashley. “We’re praying about it. God has a plan … we know that.”
Luke had been quiet since he brought the subject up, but now he leaned over his knees and laced his hands together, his eyes on Landon, his expression grave. “I’ve done a little research. More than eighty percent of the workers from Ground Zero are experiencing decreased lung function.” He pursed his lips, as if he didn’t want to share this information. Ashley understood. She and her brother had been best friends growing up. She knew Luke. The only reason he would talk about this was because he cared about Landon.
“I’ve read that about Ground Zero.” Landon frowned and shook his head. “It’s terrible. A couple guys have already been diagnosed with polymyositis … at least one has had a lung transplant.”
“So …” Luke looked hesitant, like he wasn’t sure he should bring up everything he knew at this moment. But he continued anyway. The Baxter family had always been close enough to talk about difficult things. Even this. “Are you aware there’s a class action lawsuit filed against New York City over this subject?”
For the first time that night, Landon’s expression darkened slightly. “I hadn’t heard that.”
“There is.” Luke was a lawyer. He would know. “Hundreds of people have joined the suit or filed one of their own. To cover medical expenses and lost wages — that sort of thing.”
Again Landon nodded slowly. For a long moment his eyes glazed over and Ashley wondered if he was thinking about his time at Ground Zero, the months he’d spent on the pile of debris removing one bucket full after another, searching for his fallen friend, Jalen. Whatever he was thinking, after a few seconds he blinked and turned his attention back to Luke. The half smile was back, and Landon’s tone was kind and understanding. “Are you asking … if I’d like to sue the city of New York over what’s happened to my lungs?”
An uncomfortable silence hung in the room for a few beats, and the attention turned to Luke. He hung his head briefly and then looked at Landon again. “I’m sorry … I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about it. I just … you’re entitled to settlement money, Landon. There’s nothing wrong with joining the lawsuit at this point.” His voice held no passion, no hint at whether he had an opinion one way or another about what Landon should do. “I just want you to know your options.”
“Thank you.” Landon looked ready to move on, to change the subject to anything but his lungs and his time at Ground Zero. “That might make sense for some people. But not for me.” His smile held a finality, as if to say the subject would forever more be closed. “I went to Ground Zero by my own will. We couldn’t see through the air, so obviously there were risks.” He seemed to work hard to keep his tone even, so the conversation wouldn’t put a damper on the entire evening. “I guess I’d have to say I took the risks willingly.” He hesitated. “Whatever the risks, whatever the results … I’d do it all again.” He shook his head. “So, no … I couldn’t sue New York City.”
Ashley was so proud she could’ve jumped up and hugged him right there in front of her family. But she didn’t want to drag the moment out. So instead she simply stood and smiled at the others. “More pizza?”
Landon raised his hand. “Pepperoni … if you don’t mind.” He handed his plate to Ashley and they shared a knowing look, a single glance that told her he had maybe found new purpose in the last few minutes. That if he could truly link his lung disease and lost career as a firefighter to his time at Ground Zero, then maybe he could live with the outcome a little easier.
She took orders from Peter and Brooke, and walked to the pizza table to get the pieces. The kids were still working on their dinners, excited about the football game. Little Janessa wore a child-size Clear Creek cheer sweater and Cole had brushed eye black beneath his eyes. The way the Clear Creek High