by N. C. Reed
“No!” the woman shrieked again, jerking her leg away from the nurse. The nurse stepped back, obviously having had enough.
“I don't get paid enough for this,” she said simply and walked away. Connie waved for the woman in the reception window and then pointed toward the door. I could see the woman nod in reply but had no idea what was going on. I wasn't up on ER sign language.
About ten seconds later a policeman came through the door, explaining what the signs had been about.
“What's the problem?” he asked tiredly. He looked like he'd been working far too long and with way too little sleep.
“The lady is refusing treatment and both are demanding access to medicines we don't have,” Connie said simply. “We need them removed so we can treat people who want to be treated. We've made every accommodation we can and it's not enough. The staff are afraid and threatening to leave. They have to go.”
“Let's move, folks,” the officer said to the couple. “Outside to the waiting room. Maybe if you calm down the doctor will see you later on. Give you another chance.” He looked at Connie for confirmation but she just shook her head.
“I'll have to see,” she finally replied.
“We're not leaving,” the man was seething, “until she,” he pointed to what I was assuming was his wife, “gets the vaccine.” With that he reached behind him. The cop had obviously been expecting that because about two seconds later the man was on the floor with the cop's gun to his head. I have to admit, I was impressed. For a tired guy that was short on sleep he was fast.
“That was a stupid thing to do, sir,” the cop almost snarled. He had wrenched the gun from the guy's hand and I could have sworn I heard bones breaking. Served the guy right. And you know, I don't mean to be unfair about that. I know the guy was worried about his wife, or girlfriend, or whatever. But come on, man. You can't just storm into a place with an attitude when you need help like that. And let's face it; the internet? Now there is a fountain of truth in a sea of lies, right? Remember that stupid commercial? The one with the blonde who was saying how you couldn't put anything on the internet that wasn't true? Yeah, that's not a real thing, you know.
This guy apparently hadn't gotten that memo.
The woman suddenly came alive and attacked the cop, leaping from her seat and wrapping her arms around his neck, trying to take the officer down the floor. I moved to help him but by the time I had taken two steps Connie had stepped in and landed a hay-maker on the woman's jaw, sending her careening into the wall behind the door to the ER.
That move put her leg where Vaccine Guy could grab her though, and he did, trying to wiggle free of the officer at the same time. Connie tried to kick loose but the guy managed to get his other arm free of the cop's grasp and locked both hands around her ankle, trying to pull her down.
Now I just couldn't have that.
I covered the distance in about three steps. Rather than try and pry the dude's hands loose I just kicked him in the left elbow, the one nearest me. Really hard.
I heard the bone and joint when it gave way but. . .okay, I admit it. Seeing him grab my woman (me Tarzan, right?) kind of aggravated me. . .oh, hell, I was so mad I could have bit a ten-penny nail in two. So I might have kicked his now wrecked elbow again.
Two or three times. Hey, it's easy to lose count when you're upset. Anyway, regardless of how many times I kicked him, he screamed a lot and let go of Connie. I immediately pulled her away from Vaccine Guy's stupid ass and then, just for good measure, kicked him again in the jaw. Wasn't really aiming for his jaw, just, you know, his head in general, but I did hear another satisfying crunch when the toe of my boot hit his jaw. I should be ashamed of doing that, shouldn't I?
Yeah, well I 'm not. Sue me. He grabbed my woman. Tried to hurt her. He started it.
“Are you okay?” I asked her, seeing the look on Connie's face.
“I'm fine,” she nodded but a but shakily.
“Get someone to look at your leg while I help this guy,” I told her. She looked like she was about to argue but for some reason thought better of it I guess and nodded. I helped her into a chair and grabbed a nurse.
“Make sure she's not injured,” I ordered. The guy nurse looked at me, bobbing his head up and down like one of those bobble head dolls. I turned back to the scene on the floor.
And trouble.
The woman was coming around and I could tell things were going from bad to worse. Her eyes were glazing over and there was a blood stain on the wall behind her where her head had hit the wall. Not good.
“Get outta there, man!” I shouted at the cop. Looking past him I saw the receptionist standing there with the door open.
“Get inside and close the door!” I shouted. I don't know if she realized what was happening or was just scared of me but she did it, slamming the door and locking it. The cop was still working on cuffing Vaccine Guy.
“Forget him for a minute and get the hell outta there!” I shouted. “Behind you! Move!” Give the guy his due, he didn't look, he just moved, leaving one cuff on Vaccine Guy's good arm and stumbling toward me. I caught him and helped him straighten up.
“Look,” I said softly, pointing to the chick. She was moving now and the look on her face was eerily reminiscent of the three people we had seen on television that morning.
“Dude, she's got the thing!” I hissed to the cop, trying to keep my voice down. “We can't let her bite anyone!”
“What?” the cop looked dazed for a second but then focused. “Shit, you're right!” He drew his Taser and gave her both barrels. He nailed her with both darts, hit the trigger and held it, lighting her ass up good.
Might as well just waved at her. I knew as soon as the Taser didn't work she was gone. The towel was coming off her leg as she crawled toward Vaccine Guy and I could see the ugly bite on her right calf.
“She's bit!” I told the cop. “That's not gonna work.” I drew my gun out of pure instinct and fear and the cop looked a bit panicked at the action.
“Hey, man, I'm not trying to do your job, just looking after me and mine,” I told him, backing up a bit. “But you're gonna have to put her down before she-”
Even as I said it Towel Girl drew her head back and tore a chunk out of Vaccine Guy's shoulder. He was screaming already from where somebody had sort of ruined his elbow. I don't know how he was managing to babble at his old lady after somebody had broke his jaw but he was trying to talk to her when she nailed him.
“'a'y, 'ease, oo no 'e! Lo!” Which I interpreted to mean 'Baby please, you know me. No.' Not sure of that, of course. Could have been something else. Hard to tell, you know? And whatever it was, it didn't stop her from biting his ass over and over again.
“Man, you gotta shoot her!” I told him, backing up another step. The cop looked lost, but I could tell he'd been briefed on what to do. He drew his gun but hesitated. I started hoping at that point that he'd wait until she killed Vaccine Guy so we could get rid of him, too. I know, I know, that's a horrible thing to think or say, but. . .he was bit, man. Gone. If she didn't kill him then they'd want him to be treated, which meant he'd turn or. . .whatever, right there in the hospital in front of God and everybody, which would just be bad all the way around, you know?
The shot caught me off guard. I wasn't paying attention to the officer and suddenly Towel Girl's head snaps back with a spray of blood and brains all over the wall and she collapses on top of Vaccine Guy. I looked at the cop who was looking at them, a stunned expression on his face. I could tell by looking at him that he'd just experienced a moment of clarity, so to speak. I holstered my own weapon and turned to check on Connie. Nurse guy was looking at her leg.
“There's no broken skin but she'll probably have some bruises,” the guy told me. His name tag said 'Mark'. Mark seemed like an okay guy. He was still on the job despite everything. Including a shooting not twenty feet from him.
“Thanks, Mark,” I nodded. Connie was starting to shake a bit and I figured it was shock, maybe.
“I need to get her a blanket, and maybe get her out of the hallway,” Mark told me. “I'll take her to room Five, okay?” he pointed to the room just down the hall from where we were. I nodded and he helped her up and led her toward the room. She looked back at me and I smiled, lifting a hand to wave.
“It's okay, Connie,” I told her. “I'll be right there, okay?” She nodded at me and went into the room. I turned back to where the cop was using his cell phone. I started toward Vaccine Guy, I guess thinking I'd check to see if he was dead. Or undead. Or well, whatever, but the cop stopped me.
“Don't,” he ordered, his voice calm once again. “Orders are not to touch anyone who might be infected and don't get blood on you.” He looked down at himself, checking. I looked at his back, but couldn't see anything. Since blood might not show up on Navy blue I looked for dark or wet spots but didn't see anything.
“I think you're good, man,” I told him. “Why don't you grab a chem shower,” I pointed to the room next to us, “and get them to bring you some scrubs. Get out of that uniform just in case.”
“Yeah, good idea,” he nodded. “I gotta call this in, first.”
“Who to?” I asked, curious.
“Guard has a medical unit on standby for this shit. Just a couple guys, but. . .this wasn't supposed to happen here. We were supposed to be clean.”
“I'd wager they were in the city last night,” I reminded him of what had happened that morning. “She might have been bitten there and they couldn't get her in to see a doctor. Course he was pretty adamant about that vaccine thing, too,” I added.
“Is there a vaccine?” he asked quietly, fear registering in his eyes.
“Not that I've heard,” I admitted. “But it was on the 'net according to him,” I nodded at Vaccine Guy.
“Oh, well that makes it true then, don't it?” the cop muttered. He seemed like he had a clue, this guy. His name tag said 'Jacobs'.
“That's what I thought Officer Jacobs,” I nodded.
“Ham,” he told me. “Hamilton Jacobs, but everyone calls me Ham.”
“Shelton Drake, but everyone just calls me Drake,” I introduced myself.
“The guy from the pizza shooting?” his eyebrows rose.
“Uh, maybe,” I replied warily.
“Good shoot,” he nodded then turned away as someone finally answered his call.
“This is Jacobs, ER,” he said tersely. “We've got one positive and one possible, a victim that was with the positive. He's been bitten by the positive.” Pause. “No, the positive is dead. Head shot. We haven't been near the possible since he was bitten.” Pause. “What about the patients?” Pause. “That should work. I'll get on it.” He shut his phone, then opened it again and dialed another number.
“I need you to bring my ready bag to the ER,” he said into the phone. Pause. “Because I need it numb nuts,” he growled. Pause. “Look, will you go and get my damn bag and bring it to me? I've. . .I've had an incident. I need fresh clothes.” Pause. “Thanks, man.” He closed the phone again and put it away.
“We'll have to leave that door shut off,” he told me. “I'll have to find another way for people to get in here for treatment.”
“I, ah, I don't really know anything about that,” I admitted. “I'm just here to keep an eye on the doctor.”
“An eye on her?” he asked.
“Making sure nothing happens to her,” I added. He nodded in understanding then and grinned.
“Lucky bastard,” he told me, without rancor. “Look, can you get someone to open another route in here? I'd really like to get that shower and ditch this outfit. Guard unit is on the way.”
“I find someone,” I promised. “Go ahead.” I turned away and headed for the nurse's station but halted at his call.
“Drake?” I turned look back at him.
“Thanks, man,” Jacobs said. “I appreciate it.”
“No problem, man,” I nodded. I got to the nurse's station to find them in a mild state of pandemonium.
“Excuse me, folks,” I interrupted the gaggle. “Officer Jacobs says we'll need to route patients through another door until the. . .scene is cleaned. Is there another way in here that we can use from the waiting area?” They all looked at me dumbly for a few seconds.
“Seriously, folks,” I urged and one of the older women seemed to shake loose.
“We can bring them around the reception and through the rear hallway,” she told me, pointing.
“Can you inform the receptionist of that by phone?” I asked. “She really needs to stay put for the moment unless there's another way out of that office.”
“There is, but I'll call her,” the woman nodded. “Is Connie okay?” she asked.
“Seems like it,” I nodded. “I'm going now to see. Officer Jacobs is in the chem shower but he needs a set of scrubs to wear. He's got new clothes on the way but it may be a few minutes.”
“I'll get them,” a younger woman rose, finally galvanized into action. “We've got to get things back under control around here,” she said to herself more than us.
“Look, I think this was an isolated thing,” I said, hoping I was right. “I think those two were in the city last night and that's how she got bit. Still, keep sharp and be looking.”
“Are you going to be here?” the older woman asked as she picked up the phone.
“As long as Doctor Kane is, yes,” I left it at that and moved to room Five, looking down the hallway at Vaccine Guy's body to make sure he was still dead. Or at least down.
He was.
Connie was lying on the bed, Mark taking her blood pressure.
“That's not necessary,” she told him. “I'm not sick, I scared.”
“All the more reason to check your vitals,” Mark smiled. “Besides, it gives me something to do.”
“How you doing?” I asked, taking her other hand in mine. She squeezed my hand and smiled at me. It was a little weak, but that was understandable as far as I was concerned.
“Thank you,” she almost whispered.
“My job,” I winked at her and she blushed ever so slightly.
“Looks okay,” Mark said, unhooking the cuff. “You should wait in here until you've got your equilibrium back,” he told her. “Looks like we'll be out of business for a few minutes, anyway.”
“A few,” I agreed. “Clean up is on the way. Make sure no one goes near those two, and if he moves you call me. Jacobs, Officer Jacobs,” I corrected, “is cleaning up and then he'll be back.”
“Will do,” Mark nodded and left, pulling the curtain over the door as he did so. I used my free hand to move Connie's hair from her face and she looked up at me.
“I. . .I was afraid,” she told me.
“Hell, so was I,” I said truthfully. “That was a hell of a hay-maker you laid out lady,” I told her, smiling. “Nice punch.”
“I didn't even think about it,” she admitted. “I should have.”
“You probably saved Jacobs,” I told her. “Quick thinking, baby. I don't think I'd have gotten there in time.”
“Baby?” she asked, eyebrow rising.
“I didn't think you'd approve of Doctor Hottie here in the ER,” I whispered as I bent lower and kissed her lightly. She smothered a laugh.
“I'd rather you didn't,” she admitted. “I'm okay, really, just shaken up.” She went to raise up and I helped her.
“I need to get up,” she told me. “I can't lay here or I'll fall apart. I have to get back on my feet.”
“Okay,” I nodded. “Tell me what I can do.”
“You can hold me, just for a minute,” she admitted and I enveloped her in a hug. She felt fragile for once and I hated that. I was afraid this was going to hurt her confidence in herself and that was the last thing I wanted to see.
“Thank you,” she said again, her voice muffled against my chest. “I'm saying that a lot to you today,” she looked up at me.
“You never have to say it,” I told her simply.
“That just makes it more important that I do,” she smiled a little. “Now,” she straightened. “I need to get back to work.” She rose to her feet and was once more Doctor Hottie. Calm, cool, composed.
“I'll just be out of the way,” I nodded. She touched my cheek gently for a second.
“You're never in the way.”
Aw, heck.
*****
The two-man Guard team arrived about ten minutes later wearing some kind of modified MOPP gear. They entered through the original entrance even as patients were being brought through the rear hallway. Jacobs was in scrubs, his uniform placed in a bio-hazard bag for disposal. As we watched the Guard guys removed the two bodies, another cop came in through the ambulance entrance with a duffel bag.
“Ham!” he called out, and Jacobs turned just in time to catch the tossed bag.
“Gotta go, man!” the guy called over his shoulder as he was already heading back out. “Shooting at Wal-Mart. Be sharp!” Jacobs lowered the bag, shaking his head.
“I don't know him much further we can go,” he muttered. “You watch things while I change, Drake?” he asked me.
“Sure thing, dude,” I nodded. “It's just letting the Guard guys do their thing right now anyway.”
“I'll be back in five,” he said as he moved away to find a place to gear up again. I noticed Connie talking to Mark and another nurse before ducking into another exam room. Mark headed by me and I stopped him with a hand to his arm.
“She okay?” I asked softly.
“She's good,” he promised. “That's a tough woman, man. I've seen soldiers not deal that well.”
“Your service?” I asked.
“Once upon,” he smiled and nodded. “Where I got my degree. Almost wish I was still there and yet glad I'm not. Know what I mean?”
“I get you,” I said. “Thanks, man.”
“What I do,” Mark assured me and moved on about his business. That explained his calmness, I figured. Dude was a combat vet. All in a day's work for him.
Me, not so much. This had been a hell of a week for me so far. Wasn't anything I could do about it though.
The Guard duo came back and got Vaccine Guy, loading him onto another stretcher. One of them checked him.
