by E A Chance
One of the men knelt by her feet and grabbed her ankle. The other sat across from Coop and pinned Julia’s shoulders to the dirt. With everything ready, Riley and Coop put on fresh gloves and went to work. Julia let out an ear-piercing scream that echoed through the woods when Riley made the first incision, then she went quiet.
“She’s passed out from the pain,” Coop said to the men holding her. “That’s a blessing for all of us, but don’t let go in case she regains consciousness.”
Riley tried to block out that she was operating on her daughter and let her training take control. She worked quickly, with Coop sponging the blood out of the field so she could check the artery for damage. It only took minutes to see that the bullet had only nicked it, but the femur was shattered. Julia would need extensive surgery to save the bone, but that would have to wait. She sutured the artery and began to work on tissue surrounding the wound.
Without looking up from her work, she said, “Coop, feel for an exit wound. I don’t see the bullet, but we have to be sure.”
He looked at the men. “I need another flashlight.”
“Rawls, use yours,” Brooks said.
The man at Julia’s feet took a flashlight from his back pocket and held it out to Coop.
He shook his head. “You have to hold it for me. Get down here and shine it on the back of her thigh.”
Rawls knelt on the other side of Julia and shined the flashlight while Coop gently slid one hand under Julia’s leg to raise it slightly. He felt for an exit wound with the fingers of his other hand.
“Bingo,” he said, after a minute.
Riley nodded. “Excellent. Where?”
“Roughly ten centimeters above the lateral condyle.” He pressed a stack of gauze squares on the opening. “When you finish, we’ll flip her to examine and close the wound.”
Riley wiped her forehead with the back of her arm. “I’ll be done in five.”
Once the entry wound was sutured, she asked for a tarp or blanket to protect Julia’s face from the dirt when they flipped her. Brooks ran to Julia’s cabin and brought back her sleeping bag. Riley nodded her thanks, confused at why these men who had been brutes minutes earlier were so cooperative now.
She and Coop braced Julia’s leg as best they could and carefully rolled her onto her stomach. Rawls pointed the flashlight where Coop showed him so he could examine the exit wound.
“Clean edges and not much bleeding. This won’t take long,” Coop said.
Riley let him take the lead while she became the assistant. When the wound was closed and dressed, they rolled Julia onto her back and fashioned a splint out of branches and strips of cloth so the jagged edges of the bone wouldn’t move and cause more tissue damage.
Riley covered Julia with the sleeping bag, then put her hands on her hips and glared at Jepson. “If my daughter dies, I’m coming for you if it takes the rest of my life.” Jepson raised his hands in surrender as he backed away. Turning to Brooks, she said, “She needs more surgery. You said you have a camp with a medic? What medical supplies do you have?”
Brooks shoved Jepson out of the way and stepped closer to Riley. “We should have whatever you need for the operation. If not, we’ll get it.”
“How far away is your camp?” Coop asked.
The men glanced at each other, but Rawls said, “Not far. Twenty minutes.”
“Take us there,” Riley ordered and started for her cabin.
“Not until we load all of your supplies,” Brooks said. “You won’t be coming back here.”
Riley started to argue, but Coop motioned for her to back down. “Stay with Julia. I’ll help them.”
“And don’t forget the keys to that fancy truck. That’s going, too,” Jepson said.
Chapter Thirteen
Riley held Julia’s hand as the cargo van bumped over backcountry roads. It was impossible to keep track of where they’d traveled in the darkness. Coop rode with Jepson in the truck. Riley hoped he’d been able to take note of street signs and landmarks so they could find their way back to the highway if they managed to escape.
When they hit a pothole, Julia moaned and Riley cringed. She’d done her best to keep Julia immobilized, fearing the bone fragments would shift, but it was impossible to protect her from every movement. She checked Julia’s vitals with the blood pressure cuff and oximeter Brooks gave her when she climbed into the van. Riley tried not to think about how they’d acquired the instruments and prayed they’d have the equipment she needed to do a proper surgery on Julia. If they didn’t, her odds of survival were slim.
The van approached a compound surrounded by metal fencing topped with barbed wire. Two men behind a gate unlocked it and waved for the driver to enter. They rode for five minutes before he slowed in front of a thirty-foot long tent. Riley had expected the camp to be small with a few Army tents scattered around the grounds, but it appeared to be as large as the campground.
When the van stopped, Riley climbed out and walked up to Brooks. “Where’s the medical tent? I need to inspect your equipment and supplies so I can perform Julia’s surgery, or she won’t last the night.”
Brooks stepped closer to her and crossed his arms. “We’ll get to that in a minute. All new arrivals have to check in with the Director first.”
“Screw your Director, whoever that is. My daughter is dying.”
“The Director is the elected leader of this community. Nothing happens without his approval. He won’t be happy about being woken up, so you’d better hold your lip, or your precious Julia won’t be getting surgery tonight.”
Riley reluctantly backed down. She’d do whatever it took to save her daughter. “Fine, but we need to hurry.”
She was reluctant to leave Julia, but Brooks assured her she’d be safe. She had no choice but to believe him. They walked to a smaller tent adjacent to the one where the driver had parked. An armed man and woman stood guard in front of the entrance. Julia getting shot proved what these people were capable of, so Riley reminded herself to be on her best behavior. Coop came up behind her and put his arm around her waist. She felt his strength flow into her, and her anxiety abated slightly.
Brooks motioned for them to wait at the tent entrance while he went inside.
Coop leaned close and whispered, “How’s Julia?”
“Her pressure’s low and pulse is elevated, likely from the blood loss. She roused a few times, but she was out when I left her. They better have what we need to operate and be willing to let us use it.”
“We’ll make sure they do. What’s the deal with this Director?”
She shrugged as Brooks opened the tent flap and stepped out. “I’ve explained the situation. The Director will see you.”
He moved aside to let Riley and Coop pass. She ducked in first and found a man in pajamas and a terrycloth robe sitting in a camp chair with his legs crossed. He had an average build, glasses, and dull brown hair. He could have been any guy on the street and reminded her of the owner of the farming supply store her father used. He didn’t look too frightening, and Riley wondered how he’d risen to power and why he evoked so much fear in his men.
“Welcome to camp, Dr. Poole, Dr. Cooper. I’m Director Branson. Since there isn’t time now for your camp orientation, I’ll just inform you that while you aren’t free to leave, if you cooperate willingly, you can go about your activities in the compound without interference.”
Her eyes narrowed as she stepped closer to him. “Do your goons know that? They shot my daughter for no reason. She’s clinging to life. I need to operate, now.”
“I apologize for the incident with your daughter. Some of my men are undisciplined hotheads. It’s difficult to keep them in line at times, but I assure you appropriate action will be taken with those responsible.”
Riley shivered at the tone of his words. He appeared calm and accommodating, but his eyes were cold and sterile.
“In the meantime,” he continued, “you’re welcome to anything you need to treat your daug
hter. All I ask in exchange is that you consent to act as head of our medical team. That means overseeing the needs of all members of our community. We’ll make every effort to stock you with whatever supplies and medications you require.”
“Agreed,” Riley said. “Where do I sign?”
He stood and said, “A handshake will serve for the time being.”
She shook his outstretched hand. It was as cold as his eyes despite the kerosene heater blasting in the corner. He locked his eyes on hers. She read the warning there.
“We’ll prepare the required documents in the morning. Dr. Cooper, you also agree to our terms?”
Coop shook the Director’s hand. “Yes, sir.”
“Excellent. Brooks will show you to the infirmary. Come to my office as soon as possible tomorrow.”
Riley was surprised to hear he had an office in addition to his personal tent. Even though they were captives, staying in the compound while Julia recovered might not be the worst thing. At least they’d be warm.
Brooks magically appeared to take them to the medical tent, but Riley stopped him. “We need to get Julia and take her with us. Do you have gurneys?”
Brooks turned and walked the opposite direction from the van. “She’s already there waiting for you.”
Brooks escorted Riley and Coop to a tent that reminded her of the set from M*A*S*H, right down to the bank of deep scrubbing sinks. Fortunately, the technology was modern. She was stunned to see a portable x-ray machine and a respirator, the exact equipment she needed to save Julia.
"Do you have the juice to run these machines?" she asked Brooks.
"Yes, we have several hardened generators and the fuel to run them. Plenty of power for whatever you need."
She nodded and moved into the adjoining room with Coop on her heels. Julia was on a gurney with what looked like clean bedding. Her eyes were open, and she turned at the sounds of Riley's footsteps. She reached out her hand and Riley cradled it between her own.
"Where am I, Mom? What happened?"
Riley brushed a lock of hair from Julia's forehead. "You were shot in the leg at the campground. Do you remember?"
Julia pressed her eyelids together, then gave a slight shake of her head.
"That's fine. The men who invaded our camp brought us here so I can operate on you. They have electricity and surgical supplies."
Julia's eyes widened, and her already pale face grew whiter. "It hurts. Am I going to die like Hannah?"
"No, sweetheart. It will take time to heal, but you're going to be fine. Coop and I are going to fix your leg. You won’t feel a thing. I'm going to scrub up while Coop gives you happy juice to make you sleep. You'll feel much better when you wake up."
Coop stepped closer and leaned over Julia. "Hey, I came up with a nickname for you; WP, short for Warrior Princess. You're one tough lady. Ready for the happy juice?"
Julia nodded. "Hurry. I might be tough, but this is pretty painful."
He squeezed Riley's shoulder as he passed on his way to the supply room.
She kissed Julia's cheek and whispered, “I love you,” then hurried to the small scrub room. Coop came in, and she held out her trembling hands. "I can't do this. Doctors aren't supposed to operate on family members."
Coop pulled her into his arms. She laid her ear against his chest and fought her tears.
"I'll take the lead if you want, but you're the ortho. It’ll be a complicated surgery, and Julia needs the expert. She couldn't be in better hands than yours." As he gently stroked her hair, he whispered, "Take slow, even breaths. Forget the patient is Julia. She's just a teenage girl who needs you to save her leg and her life. You’re a skilled surgeon, and I'll be at your side the entire time.”
Riley pulled away and squared her shoulders. "Thank you. Let's get to work. I've wasted enough time. "
Riley curled up on a gurney next to Julia and watched the steady rise and fall of her angel’s breathing. She would have cried if she’d had the strength. At least she’s alive. All three of us are for now, she thought and covered her face with her hands.
The surgery had been grueling but successful. The bullet hadn't severed the femur completely, and there were fewer bone fragments than she and Coop anticipated. They wired her femur together like a puzzle and repaired the damaged tissue. In pre-CME days, she would have had access to better hardware for the reconstruction, but given what they'd had to work with, Riley was hopeful Julia would survive and have full use of her leg in time.
Coop tried to coax Riley to go to her tent after the surgery but she insisted on staying with Julia. She didn't trust anyone else with her post-op care. She'd managed to steal a few moments of rest but needed hours of uninterrupted sleep.
She was too exhausted and traumatized to consider any option but to surrender to their fate. Events had unfolded in rapid-fire succession since leaving the hotel two weeks earlier, and they’d been carried along on the swift current of momentum. Julia was clinging to life and wouldn’t be able to walk unaided by wheelchairs and crutches for months. They were captives to thugs waving guns in their faces. She couldn’t envision a route of escape.
She climbed off the gurney and stretched before venturing to look for Coop. As she passed a small office at the infirmary entrance, a young woman came out and asked to have a word with Riley. She flashed a brilliant smile as she shook her hand. She wasn't sure what anyone had to smile about in their insane world, but Riley was grateful. It was impossible not to cheer up in the sheer radiance of it.
Her dark eyes were rimmed by thick lashes and her brown skin was as smooth as caramel. Someone had woven her hair into a beautiful system of braids, looking like she’d just stepped out of a salon. Riley wondered who’d done that for her and how they’d had the time. Life at the compound was clearly different than what she, Coop and Julia had lived.
"My name is Dashay Robinson. I'm one of the five nurses in camp. Mendez filled me in on Julia's surgery. I'd be happy to take over her post-op care so you can rest."
Riley rubbed her eyes. "Mendez?"
"The camp medic. I thought he said you met."
"Right. I'm still groggy. I appreciate the offer, Dashay, but I was going to find Dr. Cooper."
"He's sleeping and asked me to tell you not to disturb him." When Riley frowned, Dashay flashed another smile. "I'm just the messenger."
Coop was as desperate for sleep as she was, and it wouldn't be fair to wake him. She didn't like leaving Julia in the care of strangers, but standing vigil around the clock wasn’t viable. Riley saw no choice but to turn the reins over to Dashay. Her gut told her she could trust her. After updating her on Julia’s care, she asked Dashay about her background and experience.
"I'm an RN with a bachelor's from Johns Hopkins. I worked for an oncological surgeon for six years. I'd been visiting my family in Charlottesville with my boyfriend for the holidays. We were on our way back to Baltimore when the CME hit. We got in an accident. He didn't survive. I walked away without a scratch."
Another life tragically impacted. "I'm deeply sorry. I'd love for you to tell me about him sometime. How did you end up here? Were you taken hostage, too?"
"No, I'm one of the few who came here by choice. After the accident, I started walking with no idea where I was headed. Some of Director Branson's people stopped and offered me a ride to their camp. I had nowhere else to go, so I joined them. Glad I did. It's good to be needed and it distracts me from thinking about Darian, but most of the other camp residents would rather be anywhere else."
"I appreciate you telling me and for your offer to tend to Julia. If I don't get sleep soon, I'm going to fall down where I stand. I leave my daughter in your capable hands."
Dashay promised to stay by her side until Riley or Coop came to relieve her. Riley thanked her and stepped into the bright sunshine to go in search of her tent.
The infirmary was in a central square of the compound adjoining the big tent Riley had seen the night before. The was another long tent on the oppos
ite edge of the courtyard she didn’t recognize. The area was clean and well maintained. Riley was baffled at how they'd been able to construct the compound is such short order. Her only conclusion was that Director Branson had sinister methods to wring obedience out of his minions.
As she wandered the paths between tents, people stopped and stared. At first, she thought it was because she was a newcomer, but after the sixth or seventh person, she glanced down at her clothes. Stains of Julia's blood covered the fabric. She quickened her pace and was relieved to see Brooks walking toward her.
"I was just coming to show you to your quarters." He studied her for a moment gave a small grin. "Looking a bit grizzly. You might want a shower and change of clothes. Your belongings are in your tent."
"The shower can wait until I've had some sleep, but I'll be glad to change. Is there somewhere to get something to eat?"
"I put in an order to have a tray delivered to your tent. Should hold you until dinner." He pointed to the large tent next to Director Branson's personal quarters she'd seen the night before. "That's the dining facility. The showers are thirty feet to the right. My quarters are directly behind The Director's." He stopped in front of an average-sized tent. This is you. Dr. Cooper is next door. You know where to find me."
He gave a slight bow and strode off without another word. It reminded Riley of when she first met Coop, but she wasn't sorry to see Brooks go. He'd been kind to her since Jepson shot Julia, but she had a feeling he would not become a friend.
She ducked into her tent and was happy to see her backpack and other belongings. She'd only owned them for a week, but they felt like old friends. She changed into a clean pair of sweatpants and a long-sleeve thermal shirt, then surrendered to the sleep that overpowered her the instant her head hit the pillow.
It was dark by the time Riley woke six hours later. She grabbed her backpack and headed for the showers before going to check on Julia. It was pitch black inside the showers, so she clicked on her flashlight to look for a light source. She found what looked like a searchlight mounted to the wooden frame. She pulled the dangling chain and was nearly blinded when the bulb lit up.
