“Thank you, General Carmichael. My men are searching the other thief. I’ll handle the situation from here.” Sheriff said, and they shook their hands.
“Please, Mr. Carmichael would be fine.” Grandpa Carmichael suggested and smiled. Being a retired Army General, everyone in the town knows him. However, they saw Tony running towards the direction of the young thief and their farm guy.
“Tony!!” Grandpa Carmichael shouted, but it was too late because Tony is a fast runner.
“Come here, Bob. Let the police handle their stuff.”
Tony saw people gathering around. He looked the are and saw the young thief, another gangster adult, and their farm guy. All of them were standing on their ground, ready to fight anytime. Tony tried to enter the scene and help their farm guy.
“What’s the matter? Why are you chasing my son?” The gangster said with his chewing gum.
“He stole a wallet,” Tony said.
“Do you have a proof?” The gangster said.
“You stupid son of a bitch!” Tony shouted as he lost his temper.
“Go! Run!” The gangster shouted to his son.
Tony ran towards the gangster and struck him hard in the face. He threw another right hook, but the gangster blocked it. The gangster then punched Tony in the stomach, then another one on his face. It caused him to dive into the cart of oranges. The farm guy tried his luck. He threw a left hook, but the gangster was able to dodge it. However, he saw an uppercut coming into his face, and it was too late for him. He took the shot, and the farm guy was quick to follow it up with a kick to the gangster groin. The gangster fell hard on the ground.
He was about to get his knife, but the police came into the scene. They caught the young thief and the gangster. Grandpa Carmichael also arrived with Bobby. Tony stood up and was a little bit hurt.
“Sorry about the trouble my guys caused, Sheriff.” Grandpa Carmichael asked for forgiveness.
“We understand they wanted to help, but we have to bring the bought of them to the office. We need their statements.” The sheriff said.
“I understand.”
“Don’t worry it won’t take long. Come on men!”
The guys continued their list after the police got their statements. Grandpa Carmichael was so furious that they ended up in a precinct. If he didn’t have connections, they might have been in jail already. When they finished shopping, they hurried back to the farm. Tony felt heroic with stopping a kid from punching Bobby, and for throwing a punch at the gangster. Grandma Carmichael and Rashida were laughing at him, while Ross pretended to be impressed.
“C’mon, Tony. Just finish your meal. It was a kid for God’s sake.” Grandpa Carmichael teased Tony.
Maxine was still absent-minded. She’s worried that Joseph hasn’t called, yet. What if some rioters are now in the area? Are they safe? Do they have supplies? Maxine tried to be strong, especially now that her sons just started being normal again.
CHAPTER EIGHT
On the same morning at the hospital, Joseph and other medical staffs including Walter and Nurse Janette were busy attending the needs of their patients, and new victims are coming in the Emergency Room. Joseph did his rounds after helping another victim at the ER. The hospital still has no power, and their generator is slowly running out of energy.
Joseph decided to go to his clinic to eat his lunch. He requested Mrs. Daniels to deliver it to his clinic as he’s having a very hectic day since Dr. Ames is now on leave. Joseph remembered Maxine and Steve. He wanted to give them a call, but he turned off his phone just in case he needs it for an emergency. They have limited power right now, so he had to save his phone’s battery. Joseph was unpacking his lunch when someone knocked on his door.
“Come in.” He shouted as he took his first bite.
“Hi, Dr. Brave. I think we have an emergency.” Mrs. Daniels said.
“What is it?” Joseph said calmly.
“I went to Dr. Ames’ clinic to return his cup, but all his stuff are gone.” Mrs. Daniels said in surprise.
“He’s on leave for a week,” Joseph responded.
“But I saw this on his desk.” Mrs. Daniels handed out a letter to Joseph with his name on it.
“Thank you, Mrs. Daniels.” Joseph was curious about the letter, but he tried to remain calm. He opened the note as soon as he finished his lunch.
“Dear Dr. Brave,
I know I told you that I would stay, but circumstances with my wife have been out of hand. As much as I wanted to stay, I’m afraid that she can’t fight her depression in this town. We had to move and give my wife the chance to live peacefully.
Sorry to disappoint you and others, but I hope to see you again, Doctor Brave. Please take care of yourself, and think about your safety.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tommy Ames”
First, it was Dr. Carlton, then Dr. Ames, and now he can’t reach Dr. Steve. Joseph didn’t know what to feel. He decided to deliver the message to Mr. Jobs, but there was another knock on his door.
“Joseph! Joseph!” Someone behind the door was shouting. It was a familiar voice, so Joseph hurried to open the door.
“Steve!” Joseph said in surprise.
“My goodness! Where have you been? You scared the hell out of me!” Joseph continued.
“Very long story, Joseph. I’ve been through all kinds of hell. Haven’t eaten in days, do you have extra food and water?” Steve said in a weak voice.
“Come inside.”
Steve drank lots of water and opened Joseph’s extra meal.
“We can ask Mrs. Daniels if you need more.” Joseph offered Steve who looked so famished.
“Thank you, but these are fine,” Steve said.
“Joseph, some bad men almost kidnapped me.” Steve continued eating while talking.
“What?!” Joseph almost shouted.
“It was around three in the morning. I decided to take a break and breathe in some fresh air. I walked out of the hospital near the parking area. Then all of a sudden, a man pointed a knife at my throat.” Steve stopped as he remembered the pain.
“He took my phone and threatened me to cut my neck if I shout. I remained calm as much as possible.” He continued.
“He dragged me to a van with a pregnant lady, a young kid and another man on his mid-twenties. There were two more of his accomplice waiting outside the van.”
“They are a group that kidnaps people and uses them as their sex slaves, hostages. And if they lack in supplies, they will kill their victims, and eat them. Must be one of those Islamic-inspired groups.” Steve said while Joseph can’t believe that people can now eat other people. Then Steve continued telling his story to Joseph.
The intruders started the car, and Steve knew that he has to do something. Steve observed the three men and looked at the other victim man. The intruder who pointed a knife at his throat was in the first row of the van. The second intruder was driving, while the third one was sleeping. After an hour and a half of driving, Steve looked at the other victim man and raised his eyebrow as a sign to begin their plan.
Steve pulled the handgun of the first intruder quickly as he could and pointed it at the head of the first intruder. Steve took the other rifle and gave it to the other man victim.
“Stop the car, or I’ll blow his head!” Steve shouted. The other two were looking at the rear mirror. Steve fired a shot on the intruder’s right foot.
“Aaaaaaaa! Stop the car!” The first intruder shouted. Steve opened the door and used the intruder as a bait.
All of the victims went down the van quickly when the other two intruders took shots. The victims hide behind the car, while the other two intruders were at the front.