EMP [Collateral Darkness] | Book 4

by Tony Mastrolacasa

  Obviously, the doctors had very little medical equipment available to them, so the ability to see inside of Olivia’s head was entirely out of reach. Terrell also knew full well that he was dreadfully ill equipped to perform an emergency craniotomy and aneurysm clipping. He would go in blind if he had to, but he desperately hoped it wouldn’t come to that. Given the conditions, even a neurosurgeon would give such a procedure a 1 in 10 chance of success. For a general surgeon like Terrell the odds fell to 1 in 100.

  Other than her inability to form proper words, however, Olivia had only been exhibiting symptoms of moderate hypothermia, a condition highly unlikely to cause such a complication. Knowing this, the two doctors had discounted the possibility of an aneurysm. Instead, they treated Olivia’s other symptoms and hoped for the best. Given enough time, they assumed that her speech issue would slowly begin to resolve itself. Later, if the problem persisted, perhaps speech therapy could be utilized.

  The reason why Doctors Terrell and Nichelle were getting dressing like their house was on fire, was due to another aspect of brain aneurysms of which they were both fully aware. When they hemorrhaged, the pressure against the affected lobe would be instantly relieved. In Olivia’s case, that meant that she would immediately regain the ability to speak. This was good only because she would then be able to tell anyone within shouting distance that she was suddenly experiencing the worst headache of her entire life… the second common symptom of a ruptured brain aneurism.

  ◆◆◆

  “Any word yet?” Brian asked as he stepped out of his camper and walked over to Stu, Sydney and Corey.

  “No, the docs are still with her.” Stu replied. “George is in the cabin with them, but he kicked everybody else out except for Leo and Gwen.”

  “I see.” Brian said, looking towards the cabin. “That explains why your dog it lying outside on the deck.”

  “Jersey’s probably freezing by now.” Sydney said, remembering her now as well. “Come here, girl.”

  Jersey’s ears twitched and her eyes moved, but not her head and certainly not her body. She wasn’t going anywhere without Leo… or so she thought.

  “I’ll deal with her in a minute, Syd.” Stu said.

  “Man, I hope they don’t have to operate on that little girl.” Corey said. “That can’t be the best environment for that sort of thing.”

  “No, I can’t imagine that it is.” Brian said. “Better than just letting her die though.”

  “Does Terrell figure they have everything they need at least?” Corey asked.

  “Hell, no.” Stu replied. “George is in there boiling up hacksaw blades, for crying out loud.”

  “Fuck me.” Corey said.

  “We’re gunna need to raid a hospital at some point.” Brian said. “That could be any one of our kids in there right now.”

  “I’m up for it.” Corey said.

  “One thing at a time, Corey.” Stu said. “First we need to deal with this situation and figure out what’s going on at Hal’s place. We might have another fairly serious op to plan.”

  “This one could be really bad too.” Brian said. “If Xander and Tom came back with their friends… we might have our work cut out for us this time.”

  “We handled that biker gang well enough.” Sydney said. “I mean… you guys did anyway. I slept through most of it.”

  “You did great too, Syd.” Corey said. “None of us were expecting to have to deal with a damn ninja that day. He kicked the crap out of Stacey and me too, in case you forgot.”

  “We had sound defensive positions and the element of surprise, Syd.” Stu said. “That gang needed to overcome a team of heavily armed guards that were dug in and ready for them. This time it will be us attacking their defenses.”

  “Yeah, defenses that we helped set up for them.” Corey added.

  “What about our assault on the McKellar farm then?” Brian asked. “That was us attacking them. I know we had Carl with us that day, but it was your plan, Stu.”

  “That’s true.” Stu said.

  “Plus, we’ll have the weirdo with us this time.” Brian added, nodding towards Corey.

  “Also true, we do have the weirdo.” Stu said, deep in thought now.

  “Guys, I’ve already told you… feelings.” Corey said.

  “Tell us what’s on your mind, Stu.” Sydney said.

  “Well, I know for a fact that Xander’s boys will be a lot more organized than the six idiots we were dealing with at the McKellar place.” Stu said. “Those fools had only been outlaws for a few days. Xander’s men have probably been at it for years. Like Bri said… we might have our work cut out for us this time.”

  “You thinking this is one we should take a pass on?” Corey asked.

  “I don’t know yet… maybe.” Stu replied. “Bri, just before that whole McKellar thing, you remember what I said about going outside of the wire?”

  “I do. You told us we can’t police the whole county.” Brian replied. “We got the job done anyway though.”

  “Hell yes, we did.” Stu said.

  “Alright, we don’t know anything yet.” Sydney said. “Just put the testosterone on ice until Liv can tell us exactly what’s going on over there. There’s a nice pile of snow over there that you guys can plant yourselves in. Cool the boys down a little.”

  “That’s a good idea.” Corey said. “Not the frozen balls thing, the waiting thing.”

  “Ha. Alright, we wait then.” Brian said.

  “At some point, we’re also gunna have to go find out where Stacey ran off to.” Stu added, giving Brian a little wink.

  “What are you talking about…? She’s out on guard duty with Grace, Cole and Brody.” Corey said, looking towards the trail opening.

  “Today, yeah.” Brian said, knowing exactly what Stu was getting at. “Stu’s talking about your wedding day.”

  “Ha! Yeah, I can see that.” Corey said with a laugh. He didn’t need to be reminded of how lucky he was to have a fiancée like Stacey. He reminded himself of that everyday.

  “Don’t listen to them, Corey.” Sydney said. Then she smiled and added, “When the day comes… I’m sure they’ll find her and drag her back.”

  “Oh, thanks a lot!”

  They saw George step out of the cabin and start making his way over to the group. Noticing Jersey still lying by the door, George made an attempt to get her to follow him, but she wouldn’t have it.

  “Damn dog…” Stu mumbled to himself. “Jersey… come!”

  Jersey raised her head, realized that ‘the man’ was calling her and immediately got up and started hurrying over. If there was one person Jersey didn’t dare ignore, it was the man. Stu had never been mean or harsh with Jersey’s training, but he had been very strict and stubbornly persistent. He had also left no question in her mind about who her alpha was.

  “I’ll put her in the camper with Joey.” Sydney said. “Then I’m heading over to the cabin to be with Leo. I don’t care what George has got to say about it either.”

  Jersey trotted over as quickly as she could manage while Sydney walked over to the camper door and held it open for her. Knowing that she wouldn’t be able to climb the steel steps on her own, Sydney bent down and gave her a little boost. Jersey hadn’t been in this camper for a while and she was more than happy to see the youngest boy again.

  “You’re quite the dog whisperer, Stu.” George said as he approached his friends.

  “Ha! Yeah, ‘Jersey come’ was a real stroke of genius.” Stu replied.

  “I’m taking your spot in the cabin, George.” Sydney said as she hurried past.

  “Alright.” George said. “The docs wanted everyone to stay out of the med room.”

  “Got it.” Sydney said, holding up her hand without looking back.

  “Anything new to report?” Stu asked.

  “No, nothing yet.” George replied. “You tell these guys about the backpack that Grace and Cole found?”

  “No, I wanted to leave Syd out
of it until we know more.” Stu said. “I’ll tell them about it in a minute. I doubled the guards though.”

  “Okay, that’s good.” George said.

  “I wonder if they’ve started the surgery yet.” Corey said.

  “Terrell hasn’t asked for the saw yet… if that tells you anything.” George said.

  “I’d say that tells us plenty.” Stu said.

  “I wanted to bring you over that map Terrell promised you, Brian.” George said. “He happened to find it in the shirt he has on.”

  “Oh, that’s great, George, thank you.” Brian replied, accepting the small plastic bag.

  Opening it up and unfolding the sheet of paper, Brian had a good look at the map before passing it to Stu. In turn, Stu took a quick look and passed it over to Corey.

  “That’s one of Hal’s map alright.” Stu said. “I recognize the way he draws trees.”

  “They’re pretty good.” Corey said. “The rest of it is incredibly detailed too. Terrell’s right about the trail starting in the middle of the forest. Look, Weyr Resort is marked way over here, but the trail starts across the road back in the woods here.”

  Taking a look for himself, George asked, “What was the name of that old hermit, Stu? Hal’s friend that he rarely saw.”

  “Donny… I think.” Stu replied. “He said he… Oh, shit, you think that’s where his place is?”

  “Could be.” George replied. “He did say that he lived across the road back in the woods, right?”

  “He’s a smart guy, that Hal.” Corey said, shaking his head. “He must have set up some kind of deal with the guy… parked the sleds at his place in case they were overrun.”

  “If they live far enough apart nobody would hear the sleds ride off for help.” Stu added. “That is smart.”

  “Look at this here.” George said. “This whole area behind Donny’s place was logged years ago. See how Hal’s track zigzags back and forth? Liv was following the old logging roads out of the area. She was probably 10 kilometres away before she needed to get on the asphalt road. Nobody at the resort would have any idea where she went… unless that’s just the way they wanted it to look.”

  Before Brian could ask George to elaborate on his strange final comment, Corey suddenly asked, “What’s that on the back?”

  The morning light had momentarily made the sheet of paper transparent enough for Corey to catch a glimpse of some words written on the back.

  ‘LAST LINE - FAVOURITE MOVIE’

  “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” George asked.

  Brian grimaced and said, “It’s probably just something left over from…”

  “…I know exactly what that means.” Stu said, frowning himself now. “I don’t think Hal wants us to come.”

  “Now how the hell do you get that from that?” George asked pointing at the four words.

  “Believe it or not, Hal told me his favourite movie was an old western called Saddleman.” Stu said. “It’s just some old independent that maybe a dozen people saw.”

  “Oh yeah…” Corey said. “I remember you guys talking about movies.”

  “I’ve never even heard of it.” George said.

  “Don’t feel bad, George, nobody has.” Stu said. “Anyways, Hal was adamant that it was great and to make his point the guy started firing off lines from the movie.”

  “And…? What was the last line, Stu?” Brian asked.

  “If you come after me… you’ll regret it.”

  ◆◆◆

  “Are you freakin’ kidding me?” Leo asked. “You scared the living shit out of us!”

  “Leo!” Sydney said. “Watch your language, young man.”

  “Sorry, Mom, but come on…”

  “I’m sorry, guys. This is why we didn’t say anything to you earlier.” Terrell said. “I’m as relieved as you are, Leo, believe me. You think I was looking forward to removing the top of that girl’s skull in a cabin in the middle of the damn woods?”

  “And you’re sure now that her brain’s okay?” Sydney asked.

  “I’m certain of it.” Terrell replied. “Other than the headache, Liv hasn’t exhibited any of the other typical symptoms. She’s doesn’t seem confused at all, her pupils are responding well, she’s not complaining of any numbness… Nichelle and I felt confident enough to give her a dose of the good stuff. If she was hemorrhaging the pills wouldn’t have helped her headache at all, but she’s already feeling better.”

  “Well, that’s good news.” Gwen said.

  “Yeah, what can I say? Sometimes a headache is just a headache.” Terrell said with a shrug.

  “Thank you, doctor.” Sydney said. “Despite my son’s reaction, I’m sure he’s relieved as well.”

  “I am.” Leo said. “Sorry, doc. You’re the best, man.”

  Leo came in and gave Terrell a huge hug to show his appreciation.

  “Ha! Okay, big fella.” Terrell said, happily returning the gesture. “Save some for the lovely young lady in there, homie. She’s asking for you.”

  “Awesome!” Leo said as he turned to head into the med room.

  “Hang on, Romeo.” Sydney said, grabbing him by the elbow. “Don’t bombard her with a bunch of questions, okay? Just pay her a quick visit and let her get some rest.”

  “Okay, Mom, I know.” Leo said.

  “You promised your father you’d go out on guard duty this afternoon, remember?” Sydney added. “I’m sure Brody and the others are more than ready to be relieved.”

  “Seriously?” Leo asked. “Even with my ankle and all this going on?”

  “Well, I can’t do it for you, Leo.” Sydney said. “I’m heading out there on the night shift with your father and Brody tonight. You wanna take my place out there all night?”

  “Dion and I will head out there with you, Leo.” Terrell said. “We’ll bring a few chairs out there with us, stay off our feet. I don’t know how my son feels about it, but I’m thrilled with the idea of doing nothing tonight.”

  ◆◆◆

  “Hey, look who’s up.” Brian said as he, Fran and their kids stepped into the cabin for dinner.

  “Hi, Brian” Olivia said with a smile.

  “This is my wife, Fran and our kids, Barry and Cindy.”

  “Hey, everyone.” Olivia said with a little wave to the kids.

  “Do you remember speaking to me yesterday?” Brian asked.

  “Ah… not really.” Olivia replied. “I was talking yesterday?”

  “Sort of, but it’s not important.” Brian said as he began removing his coat. “We can talk again after dinner, once you’ve had a chance to meet everyone.”

  “Okay, I do have a lot to tell you guys, but Doctor Nichelle wants me to take it easy for a while.” Olivia said.

  “Just until you’ve had something to eat and have had a nice soak in the tub.” Nichelle said from the seat beside her. “You need to build up a little more strength.”

  The back door opened again and Stacey walked in carrying Emma. She offered Olivia a smile and a friendly wave as she stepped aside to allow the others behind to enter as well. While Corey continued holding the door open, Jenny stepped in next. Olivia’s eyes immediately locked onto Jenny as they tracked her every movement. The 12 year old’s unexpected reappearance confused Olivia tremendously. Seeing her now in this cabin both delighted and terrified her at the same time.

  Oh no… am I dreaming all of this?

  Leaving her coat and boots behind for her father to deal with, Jenny walked over to Olivia to say hello.

  “Hi, Liv!” Jenny said. Then noticing the strange look on her face, she asked, “Are you alright?”

  “I… I think I had a dream about you.” Olivia said. “Is your name… Jenny?”

  “Yes, that’s right.” Jenny said with a smile. “We met yesterday when you were still sick.”

  “In my dream, you were the only person that spoke the same language as me.” Olivia added.

  “That kind of happened in real life, Liv.”
Jenny said. “You couldn’t talk all that well and I was the only person that could understand what you were saying. I was like your translator.”

  Olivia smiled and opened her arms, so the two could hug. She barely knew this young girl, but Olivia could already tell that Jenny was her new best friend. Jenny didn’t presume the same, but she hoped.

  “Okay, guys, that’s enough for now.” Nichelle said. “You guys can talk more after dinner.”

  “We spoke to Terrell, Leo and Dion when they showed up, Stu.” Stacey said. “You’ll find the Bronco about half way down the trail. They wanted you guys to come down in the pick up when you go out to relieve them tonight.”

  “Sounds good, Stace, thanks.” Stu said.

  “Anybody having a shower tonight?” Corey asked.

  “No, I’m shutting the generator down in a few minutes, Corey.” George said. “We’ve got the tub full of piping hot water for our guest of honour.”

  “And dinner’s pretty much ready anyway.” Gwen added.

  “No problem.” Corey said. “Dibs tomorrow?”

  “Nice try, loser.” Stu said. “Back to the regular schedule tomorrow. That’s means I got dibs.”

  “I get zero respect around here.” Corey said, offering Olivia a little wink.

  Keeping in mind Olivia’s delicate dietary requirements, everybody had a nice big bowl of chicken vegetable soup placed in front of them. Instead of breaking into the instant packets that they still had in spades, Nichelle had asked if they could sacrifice one of the hens. When told of how important it was that Olivia get some real proteins, minerals and vitamins into her, George hadn’t hesitated to head outside with his hatchet. The bowl sitting in front of each of them was truly a homemade masterpiece, jammed full of vegetables, spices and chunks of fresh chicken.

  Everybody was ecstatic with Gwen and Grace’s creation, saying as much on multiple occasions throughout the meal. The kitchen department at George’s cabin had always been one of the groups finest assets, but tonight they had really outdone themselves.