by Chris Pike
A shot rang out.
The force of the bullet ripped through the wolf’s lungs then blasted out its side, leaving a gaping hole. The wolf crumpled inwards in mid-stride. It yelped a shrill and pitiful sound before crashing to the floor. Its legs twitched once then moved no more.
The other wolf cowed, and with its tail tucked, it ran for its life. Another shot rang out and the wolf dropped lifeless to the hard concrete.
The tense life or death struggle had taken moments, and when it was over, Lexi collapsed.
“Lexi!” Joe bolted to her, knelt, and cradled her head in his hands. “Lexi, it’s me, Joe. You’re okay. You’re safe now.”
Oscar, shaking and shedding hair, padded to Lexi. He licked her hand and nudged her arm with his warm nose.
Slowly, Lexi blinked her eyes open.
“I’m here,” Joe said. “You’re safe and the wolves won’t be a problem anymore.”
Lexi nodded.
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m alive.”
“Always a good sign.” Joe paused a moment, thankful Lexi was alright. “We have company. This is Hannah and Ethan.”
Lexi raised her hand and gave them a wave of acknowledgement.
“Ethan is one of the Blue Angel pilots. He’s helping a family here.”
“I’d stay and help, but I need to get back to them,” Ethan said. “I’ve got an injured friend too.”
“Ethan, come back tomorrow and bring the family,” said Joe. “There’s safety in numbers, and we can help each other out.”
“I’ll take you up on your offer. Be back in the morning. Gotta go now. Good luck and see you soon.”
“Can you sit up, Lexi?” Joe asked.
“I think so.” With great effort and with Joe’s help, she was able to sit.
“How are you feeling?”
“Not very well. I can hardly open my mouth to talk, and I’m in a lot of pain.”
“I can help,” Hannah said. “Do you mind if I examine you?”
“Are you a doctor?” Lexi spoke without moving her lips or opening her mouth, like she was a ventriloquist.
“Almost. I was in my last year of dental school, and would have graduated this May. I’m pretty sure it’s been postponed.”
“You never told me that,” Joe said, perplexed.
“You never asked,” Hannah quipped. “Next time, try asking questions instead of making fun of what I was doing when we met.”
“Seriously, you were in dental school?”
“I was. If you don’t mind, help me get Lexi on the counter so I can examine her. I need a flashlight too.”
Joe placed the rubber mat on the wooden bar then folded a jacket for Lexi to rest her head on. Joe and Hannah helped Lexi up to the bar.
“Lie down,” Hannah instructed.
“What are you going to do?” Lexi asked.
“For now, I’ll assess how bad your tooth is.” Hannah then addressed Joe. “Hold the flashlight and shine it on the swollen area.”
Hannah palpated Lexi’s jaw using the pads of her fingers, paying attention to the swollen area. She gently pushed on the area, noting the amount of fluid. “Open your mouth as wide as you can.”
“It hurts.”
“I know. You gotta do it.”
Like a fish out of water gasping for air, Lexi opened her mouth in increments, fighting the pain. Hannah examined her mouth, noting the inflamed area around one of her bottom molars. Her other teeth and gums were in good shape. Using a spoon, she very gently tapped the molar causing the problem.
A lightning bolt of pain shot up from Lexi’s mouth and exploded in the nerves all over her body. Lexi’s arms and legs jerked up, and she stiffened. It took a few seconds for the intense pain to subside, and once it did, Lexi put a hand to her jaw, cradling it. Tears flowed from her closed eyes.
Joe exchanged a worried expression with Hannah.
“I’m sorry it hurt so bad,” Hannah said. “I had to make sure which tooth it was.”
Lexi could only nod. The intense pain prevented her from speaking.
“Hannah, what do you think?” Joe asked.
“If she was getting treatment at a dental office, the dentist would first examine her mouth then take an x-ray of her mouth to confirm the tooth. A small incision would be made into the abscess to allow the pus to drain out, then a warm saline solution or salt water would be used to wash it. Finally, a root canal would be performed under local anesthesia, and she’d be given antibiotics.”
“What about the big elephant in the room?”
“Meaning?” Hannah asked.
“There’s no dentist’s office, only this rubber mat on the bar.”
“I know.”
“What’s the plan?”
“Lexi,” Hannah said, putting a hand on her arm, “you have an infected abscessed tooth. The antibiotics we have will work, but the tooth has to be extracted, otherwise you could get a serious infection, and without proper medical care you could die.”
Lexi opened her eyes. “What are you trying to tell me? Just give it to me straight.”
“I need to pull the tooth. Now.”
Lexi gulped. “Without any anesthesia?”
“I’m afraid so,” Hannah replied.
“Oh, God. If my schedule hadn’t been so busy, I would have gone to the damn dentist.” Lexi glanced at Hannah. “No offense. I didn’t mean it the way it came out.”
“None taken.”
“There’s no other choice?”
“No.”
“How bad will it hurt?”
“It’ll hurt pretty bad for a few seconds. With any luck, you’ll pass out from the pain,” Hannah offered.
“Great,” Lexi mumbled.
“Will you be able to handle it?”
“Do I have a choice?”
Hannah shook her head.
“What are you going to use to pull it?” Lexi asked.
“In dental school we learned about using surgical clamps in dire circumstances, and this qualifies as dire. Big time.” Hannah did not mention that ordinary pliers sterilized with liquor would be her probable surgical kit.
The expression on Lexi’s face was a mixture of horror and disbelief that she’d be subjected to a procedure probably used on terrorists.
“I’ll use the clamp to grip the tooth. Then I’ll turn it like a key, and with any luck, it’ll pop right out.”
“It sounds easy,” Lexi said, knowing it would be anything but.
Hannah explained further she’d prepare a saltwater solution so Lexi could rinse her mouth. Once the extraction had been performed, she’d pack the area with gauze to staunch the bleeding. She instructed Lexi to change the gauze several times a day until the bleeding stopped. Stepping aside, Joe offered his knife for the initial incision, and said Ethan mentioned that he had found a set of pliers.
As Joe was leaving to get the pliers, Hannah took hold of his shoulder. “Do you have any more whiskey? This bottle is getting a bit low.”
“I’ll find some. What do you need it for?”
“To disinfect the instruments and for Lexi to drink.”
“She needs to be drunk for this?” Joe asked.
“Not required, but she’ll need several shots to help with the pain.”
~ ~ ~
Ten minutes later Joe returned with the pliers and a bottle of whiskey.
Racing to where Hannah and Lexi were, Joe handed the bounty to Hannah. Breathless, he said, “I hurried as fast as I could.”
“You did good. Thank you.” Hannah smiled.
“If you need anything else, let me know. I’ll be right over there,” Joe pointed to a chair, “so I won’t be in the way.”
“Actually, I need you here.” Hannah put the instrument and gauzes she needed for the procedure on a clean paper towel.
“Why?”
“I want to know why too.” Lexi had rinsed her mouth with the saltwater mix and handed the empty cup to Joe.
“I need y
ou to straddle Lexi and to put your weight on her legs. I also need you to hold down her arms.”
“You’re such a tease.” Joe used his best sexy voice then winked at Hannah.
“Really?” Hannah placed her hands on her hips. “I’m about to do a tooth extraction and you’re trying to flirt with me!”
“What?” Joe’s face contorted into disbelief. “No, I’m not.”
“Sounded like it to me.”
“I was trying to use some humor to lighten things up. You should try it sometime,” Joe said.
“You’re saying I can’t crack a joke?”
“I’m not saying that at all. I’m saying I wouldn’t flirt with you.”
“Why? You don’t think I’m pretty enough?”
While Joe and Hannah were slinging insults at each other, they didn’t notice Lexi slide off the bar and hobble over to where Joe had placed the whiskey. She struggled with the twist off cap and once she had removed it, she took several gulps of whiskey, drinking it like it was water. She shuddered, wondering why anyone would drink straight whiskey. Taking a breath, she coughed from the burn in her throat.
“I’m ready,” Lexi sputtered. “Let’s get this over with.”
Hannah and Joe didn’t hear Lexi. They were too busy trying to one up each other with clever comebacks.
“I said I’m ready!” Lexi yelled. “Let’s get this over with!”
Hannah and Joe looked at Lexi.
“You sound like an old married couple,” Lexi said.
“I’ve been told,” Joe said. His eyes dropped to the whiskey bottle, specifically to the amount missing. “Did you drink all that?”
“I did.”
“On an empty stomach?”
“Yup, and I’m starting to feel quite good.”
“I bet you are,” Joe said.
Hannah took charge. “Lexi, lie down. Joe, you straddle Lexi like I said earlier. I’ll work as fast as I can.”
Hannah worked quickly to disinfect her hands, the pliers, and Joe’s knife. She placed several gauzes and towels within reach.
Joe straddled Lexi, holding down her arms and legs.
By now, Lexi was feeling the entire mind-numbing effect of the whiskey, especially since she was a light drinker, only imbibing during social events. She limited herself to one glass of wine which she never finished, and one she watched the bartender pour. She had heard horror stories of singers getting drugged at events, and she vowed never to let that happen to her.
The world became blurry and she tried to focus on Joe’s face. “Hey, big boy.” She giggled. “Whatcha doin’?”
“I’m doin’ what Hannah told me,” Joe said without smiling.
“You’re holding me down because I’m strong,” Lexi purred. “Do you like a strong woman?”
“I like all women.”
“Your lips are nice and kissable. You have strong hands. I kinda like this.”
“You like getting your tooth pulled?” No way was Joe going to respond to Lexi’s drunkenness.
“Of course not, silly,” Lexi slurred. “I kinda like you holding me down.”
“That’s the whiskey talking, not you.”
“The whiskey in the bottle is talking? Like in Beauty and the Beast? That’s one of my favorite movies!” Lexi broke out singing the theme song for the movie, reaching the high notes and the low ones.
“Good God.” Joe huffed. “Hannah, are you ready?”
“I am. Hold her down. Tight.”
“Got her.”
“Lexi, open your mouth. This might hurt a little,” Hannah said.
“Yes ma’am.” Giggling, Lexi opened her mouth like a baby bird wanting to be fed.
Hannah reached into Lexi’s mouth and clamped the pliers onto the infected molar. Lexi scrunched her face and uttered a mumbled version of ‘ouch.’ Hannah leaned in, and with a quick jerk, twisted the pliers.
The sucking sound of the tooth popping out of its socket was no comparison to the visceral scream leaving Lexi’s body that escaped the concourse, the ramp leading to the stands, to the field and the level above.
Joe struggled to hold Lexi down as her body arched and her legs and arms flailed. She let out a long breath, her eyes rolled into her head, and she went limp.
During her internships assisting dentists, Hannah had never seen a patient faint or die. She hadn’t signed on to have someone’s life in her hands.
She prayed she hadn’t killed her first patient.
Chapter 25
“Did you hear that?” Becca asked. “What in the world was it?”
“Probably Lexi getting her tooth pulled without any anesthesia,” Ethan replied.
Ethan had returned to Becca and her two teens, who had camped out on the concourse above where Lexi and Joe were. He had explained saving Joe and Hannah from an ambush and how they shared the antibiotics they found at the zoo. He also explained how they killed two wolves about to attack Lexi and the dog with her.
“Why wouldn’t the wolves feed off the corpses?” Becca asked.
“They were juvenile wolves and were probably practicing their killing skills on Lexi. Without any big male wolves to keep the juvenile ones in line, the younger ones do whatever they want to. Just like with teens.” Ethan flicked a quick glance to Kinsey and Tyler. The teens had their eyes planted on the floor.
“I know exactly what you’re talking about.” Becca stared at her children as only a mother could do.
“We don’t mean to be trouble,” Kinsey said.
“I don’t either,” Tyler piped in.
“Let’s all just get along. Okay?” Becca asked.
“We will.” Kinsey elbowed her brother. “Right?”
“I agree.”
Ethan reached into his pocket and withdrew several bottles of antibiotics. “You need to start taking these immediately.”
Becca washed down one of the tablets with a gulp of water.
“I also found hydrogen peroxide and bandages in a looted pharmacy. We’ll use it to keep the wound clean.”
“What’s the plan now?” Tyler asked, munching on an energy bar.
“Tomorrow morning we’ll meet up with Joe and his group. We found out we’re both traveling to the in the same direction. Since there is safety in numbers, we’ll travel together.”
“They live in Katy?” Becca was excited at the prospect she could be neighbors.
“Not exactly. They are heading a few miles further west, although we will be traveling on the same main road,” Ethan explained.
“How will we get home?” Kinsey asked.
“By walking.”
“It must be forty miles to our house. My mom can’t walk that far,” Kinsey protested.
“Oh yes I can,” Becca piped in. “Sore leg or not, I’m getting out of here. This place isn’t safe anymore. And it’s starting to smell. Who knows what else is lurking out there besides wolves?”
“One thing’s for sure. We will all need to be on our game,” Ethan said. “By now, grocery stores will have been looted, water is running low, and people will get more desperate by the day. We’ll lay low tonight because we need to rest. We have a long walk in front of us tomorrow.”
The four took their respective places to sleep. Becca and her two teens slept elbow to elbow, while Ethan slept a few feet away. He needed to give the family space, but on the flip side he couldn’t be too far away in case something went wrong in the night.
He worried about Becca being able to walk forty miles and slowing them down. The teens were better suited for the long walk, considering their youth and physical fitness. They’d complain about it, but in the end, walking was the only option. There had been no sign of FEMA buses or any type of government or military vehicle coming to their rescue.
The citizens were on their own.
Ethan had witnessed the results of government failure during his military career. Warlords ruled the land with an iron hand, killing indiscriminately for pleasure, and killing anyone who challenged or
threatened their power.
The polite society of rules and manners, laws and consequences would become a footnote in a textbook at some point in the distant future.
The ones who lived would be the ones who relied on their wits and their prior planning to survive upcoming catastrophes. Commerce as everyone knew it in the modern world would no longer exist. Eighteen wheelers full of produce, meat, bread, canned goods, toiletries, medicine, and a plethora of other goods would have stalled on country highways and urban freeways. The drivers would have abandoned the trucks, leaving the contents for looters to sell or for desperate folks foraging supplies. Ethan didn’t blame any of them, rather, considering the action as a necessary means of survival. Those too timid or shy or those who weren’t capable of standing up for themselves or defending their property would be left behind. Others who were ruthless would drive out the timid survivors or kill them and leave their bodies to rot.
The spoils of war, Ethan mused.
Those who could adapt and improvise wouldn’t have to digress to unthinkable actions to live.
Ethan planned to adapt and improvise.
The meek might inherit the Earth, but it was the strong who survived, and Ethan planned on surviving.
The night wore on, the constellations dimmed and brightened with the ebb and flow of the clouds.
Life went on. It always does.
Chapter 26
In the morning Becca felt well enough to walk after two doses of antibiotics. Kinsey and Tyler were ready to go, so they hoisted their meager belongings over their shoulders and followed Ethan, who took the lead to meet up with Joe’s group.
They navigated the hallway littered with the debris of a once bustling and successful venue. The stadium was part of a cluster of venues known as NRG Park, including the stadium, the center, arena, the Astrodome, and other outdoor spaces. The venues hosted a variety of events including the annual and much-anticipated rodeo, college graduations, oil and gas conferences, a trucking show, Home and Garden show, concerts, and a plethora of other events. Nearly every week was booked.
The past success was a memory now, a fleeting summer breeze swallowed up and destroyed by a massive hurricane, hitting it with an obliterating force.
