by Robert Boren
The apartment complex loomed to his left. He turned into the parking lot and pulled in near the front, then trotted to the lobby. The elevators were to his right. He punched the button and rode to the second floor and found Maria’s unit.
Maria opened the door seconds after he knocked, eyes full of panic.
“Thanks so much for coming,” she said. She gave him a quick friend hug and they went inside. Hendrix looked at her eyes, red from crying. She had on a robe and her hair was a mess.
“I don’t know what to do,” she said, voice trembling.
“Where is she?” he asked.
“She locked herself in the bathroom a while ago. She was crying, but now I can’t hear anything. She won’t answer me.”
“That the door?” he asked, pointing to a door on the left side.
“Yes,” she said. “I don’t have a key.”
Hendrix pounded on the door hard. “Celia, open up. Please.”
Nothing.
“I’m gonna have to break down the door,” he said.
“Do it,” she said, tears streaming down her face.
Hendrix raised his leg and kicked hard on the door, which broke open after the third try. Celia was on the floor, two pill bottles on the counter above her. Hendrix looked at the bottle, then checked Celia’s pulse.
“Is she all right?” Maria asked.
“Call 911,” Hendrix said. “Hurry.”
Maria ran out to the kitchen and got on the phone while Hendrix checked her out. She looked slightly younger than Maria, with a face even prettier, hair in a short black bob. He lifted her and carried her to the couch. Her breath was shallow.
“They’re coming,” Maria said, still hanging onto the phone receiver. “They want me to stay on the line. Is she breathing?”
“Barely,” Hendrix said, concern on her face. “Were those your pills?”
“No, they were hers,” Maria said. “She’s had problems with panic attacks and depression. I’m so worried about her. She has trouble holding down jobs. I was hoping that Austin would perk her up a little bit.”
“Depression can be hard to live with, no matter where you are,” Hendrix said.
“You’ve had problems with that?” she asked. “Oh, sorry, that’s none of my business.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Hendrix said. “My mother had problems. She killed herself when I was fourteen.”
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry,” Maria said, eyes softening as she looked at him. “How did you cope with that?”
“You wouldn’t believe it,” he said.
Maria put the phone tighter to her ear. “Yes, take the elevator. Go right. I’m only two doors down.”
“I’ll go open the door,” Hendrix said, getting to his feet. He opened it, then heard the ding of the elevator bell. The paramedic team rushed down the hallway with a gurney.
“Kip Hendrix,” the first paramedic said. “Nice to meet you, sir. In there?”
“Yes,” Hendrix said, holding the door as they pushed the gurney through. “On the couch.”
They rushed over, two of the men working her vitals right away. Maria stood behind them watching, her brow furrowed with worry. Hendrix rushed into the bathroom, picked up the two empty bottles, and handed them to the lead paramedic.
“Here’s what she took,” Hendrix said.
“Thanks,” he said, turning and speaking into his radio.
“I hope it’s not too late,” Maria said, looking up at Hendrix as he stood next to her.
“Me too,” Hendrix said.
The lead paramedic pulled Maria aside. “This isn’t the most dangerous drug, but we don’t have much time. We’ve got to take her to the hospital now.”
“Do it,” Maria said. “Can I ride along?”
“No, you’ll have to follow. We’re going to Saint David’s.”
“I’ll take you,” Hendrix said. “You’re too worked up to drive.”
“You don’t have to do that,” she said. “You’re a busy man.”
“It’s fine,” Hendrix said. “Don’t worry about it. Please.”
She looked at him for a moment.
“We’ve got to go,” the paramedic said. The men wheeled Celia out the door and down the hall.
“Need to take anything?” Hendrix asked.
“I need to get dressed,” she said, glancing at herself in a mirror hanging near the door. “Geez, look at me! I didn’t even think.”
“I’ll wait out in the hall if you’d like,” Hendrix said.
“Don’t be silly. Have a seat on the couch. I’ll be out in a minute.” She turned and rushed into her bedroom, shutting the door behind her.
Hendrix sat and pulled his phone out of his pocket to check his emails. Nothing interesting. He was just about to look at the web browser when the bedroom door opened. Maria came out in pants and a pull-over blouse, much more form fitting than he was used to seeing her in at work. It was a struggle for him to keep his eyes on her face.
“You ready?” she asked.
“Yes,” he said, getting up. He walked her to the elevator, riding it down to the lobby.
“Wow, those guys are fast,” Maria said. “The ambulance is already gone.”
“They’re professionals,” Hendrix said. “There’s my car.” He clicked the fob and it beeped and unlocked. He pushed another button and the engine started.
“Nice car,” she said as they walked up. He opened the passenger door for her, then raced around and got behind the wheel.
“I think we ought to take I-35 to 71,” Hendrix said. “Be there in a few minutes.”
“That’s how I would go,” Maria said, watching him. “You really are a nice man, aren’t you? Thanks for this.”
“I have my moments,” Hendrix said as he got onto I-35. They got to the Hospital in no time. He parked in one of the reserved parking places and pulled out a government placard, hanging it on the rear-view mirror.
“What’s that?” she asked.
“One of the perks of the job. Most of them are gone now, but we still have this one.”
She giggled. “Good.”
Hendrix helped her out of the car and they rushed up to the emergency room desk. Maria gave the gray-haired woman her information.
“Here she is,” the woman said, looking at the screen of her PC. “They’re still working on her. Go have a seat in the waiting area and we’ll call you.”
“Thank you so much,” Maria said. They walked over to an open section of the bench seats against the window.
“Well, we know she got here safe and sound,” Hendrix said.
“Yes,” Maria said. “You don’t have to stick around. I can find a way home.”
“I’ll wait with you for a while,” he said. “Just in case.”
“Just in case of what?” Maria asked.
“Just in case there’s any insurance or money issues,” he said.
“You don’t have to…”
“Stop. I’m glad to help. I don’t have much in the way of family, and no kids. I’d be happy to help your sister out.”
She shot him a wary glance, but then relaxed after a moment. “You’re too nice to me,” she said softly.
Hendrix just looked at her and smiled. “Want some coffee? You look tired.”
“I hardly slept after I got home yesterday,” she said.
“You’re kidding,” Hendrix said. “After we were up all night?”
“Yeah,” she said. “Maybe I’ll nod off here.”
“Go right ahead,” Hendrix said. “I’ll wake you when they call.”
She nodded, fighting it at first, but her eyelids got heavier and heavier. Then she was out, her soft form leaning against Hendrix, snoring softly. He was in bliss.
Two hours later the attendant called Maria’s name. Hendrix shook her gently. “Maria, they’re calling you.”
She woke with a start, sitting up quickly. “I’m so sorry. I hope I didn’t drool on you or anything.”
“You didn’t,” he
said, smiling at her. “Let’s go up there.”
The couple went to the desk. “Is she okay?” Maria asked.
“You and your husband can go on back and talk to the doctor,” the attendant said. “Right through the door, bed number six.”
Maria started to say something, but Hendrix touched her arm and shook his head no. They went through the door.
“Why didn’t you want me to say anything?” Maria asked.
“So they wouldn’t make me wait outside. You might need me in there. I’ll give you privacy if you need it.”
“Wonder why she said that? We didn’t have rings or anything, and the age difference…”
“I don’t know,” Hendrix said. “Body language, maybe. You were relaxed with me. You were sleeping against me too, remember? She probably saw that and assumed.”
Maria shot him an embarrassed look that turned to a soft smile. It sent a shiver down his spine.
An Asian doctor was standing by the end of the bed talking to a nurse when he saw them walk up. “Are you Maria?” he asked. “I’m Doctor Lee.”
“Yes,” Maria said.
“And this is?” the Doctor asked.
“Kip,” Hendrix said, shaking hands. “How is she?”
“Celia is a very lucky woman,” Doctor Lee said. “A couple more hours and she wouldn’t have survived.”
“Oh my God,” Maria said, covering her face, shaking as she began to sob. Hendrix put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.
“So what happens now?” Hendrix asked.
“We don’t have much choice in the matter at the moment,” Doctor Lee said. “She’ll be taken to a facility for observation as soon as she’s stable enough.”
“To make sure she doesn’t try it again?” Maria asked.
“Yes,” Doctor Lee said.
“For how long?” Maria asked.
“I don’t know,” he said. “Depends on how the observation goes. Minimally, seventy-two hours, but as a family member, you can work with the facility for more time, which I think she needs.”
“Can we talk to her?” Maria asked.
“You’re welcome to go behind the curtain, but she’ll be unconscious for the better part of a day,” Doctor Lee said. “She won’t wake up before she’s transferred. I’ll have the front desk give you a package with the location and contacts for the facility, and some frequently asked questions. Are you her only relative in the area?”
“I’m the only one who’s talking to her,” Maria said. “Our mother kicked her out because she wouldn’t stay med-compliant.”
“Okay.” Doctor Lee pulled the curtain open. “Go ahead and be with her for a few minutes. Then we’ve got to get her ready to go.”
“Thank you, Doctor Lee,” Maria said. Hendrix nodded at him, and he walked to another bed.
“She just looks asleep,” Maria said. “I hope she’s going to be all right.”
“Me too,” Hendrix said, looking at Celia’s angelic face.
They stayed for a few minutes, and then Doctor Lee came back and walked them to the front desk. The attendant handed her a package with Celia’s name on it. Maria smiled and took it. “Thank you.”
They walked outside and headed for the Mercedes.
“Thanks so much for taking care of us,” Maria said.
“Don’t mention it,” Hendrix said as he helped her into the passenger seat. “Let’s get you home so you can catch up on your sleep.”
“I don’t know if I can sleep,” she said. “I guess I better try. The nap in the waiting room helped.”
“Are you hungry? It’s almost lunchtime.” He looked over at her as he waited for the traffic light to let him drive from the parking lot to the street. She thought about it. The wheels were turning in her brain. He could see that as her brow furrowed.
“Don’t you have to get back to work?” she asked.
“The Legislature isn’t in session, and I didn’t have any meetings today. They know I’m out of the office, and that I’m available by cellphone. It’s fine.”
She looked at him, locking eyes, searching. Then she sighed. “Okay, that would be nice.”
“Great,” Hendrix said. “I know just the place.” He turned onto the street.
Chapter 10 – Gun Mount
Kelly was sitting at the dinette in his trailer. It was early morning. His percolator gurgled, filling the coach with the smell of fresh coffee. Brenda walked out of the bedroom.
“Up already?” she asked.
“Couldn’t sleep anymore,” he said.
“Worried?”
“Yeah,” he said. He got up and took two coffee cups out of the cupboard. “Ready?”
“Sure. It’s smells heavenly.”
“That it does,” Kelly said, pouring them each a cup.
“Rachel just climbed out of Junior’s rig,” Brenda said, looking out the window. “You don’t think…”
“Who knows?” Kelly said. “He’s always been full of surprises, and we don’t know her very well. She might want somebody strong to lean on.”
Brenda smiled. “Yes, being with a strong man is a plus in these times. What are you so worried about?”
“Simon Orr,” Kelly said.
“Crap, I almost forgot about him,” Brenda said. “Heard from that group lately?”
“No,” Kelly said. “They ought to be here any time now. I hope nothing went wrong.”
“Do they know which park we’re in?”
“Yeah,” Kelly said. “Jasper was the one who originally told us about this place. He knows Moe pretty well.”
“You gonna send them another email?” Brenda asked.
“No,” Kelly said. “If they’re captured or killed and the enemy has their laptops, I’d be giving them the IP address of this park. Not a good idea.”
“Oh,” Brenda said. “So we wait.”
“And worry,” Kelly said.
“Here comes Junior,” Brenda said, looking out the window. “He probably smells the coffee.”
Kelly smiled and got up to open the door. “Hey, lover boy.”
Junior climbed into the coach. “Mind?” He grabbed a coffee cup.
“Help yourself,” Kelly said.
“So Rachel’s staying at your place, eh?” Brenda asked.
“Of course,” Junior said. “Every woman wants a stud.”
Kelly laughed. “You haven’t laid a hand on her.”
“Okay, you found me out,” Junior said. “She’s more like a kid sister to me, guys. There’s no romance going on. She feels safe with me for now, and I enjoy her company. One of the un-attached men in our group will make a play for her soon enough, I suspect. She’s a sweetheart.”
“You like her, though,” Brenda said. “I’ve seen the way you look at her.”
“I love women,” Junior said. “Hell, I’ve looked at you that way before. You’re fine, but I never seriously considered trying for you.”
“Thank God for small favors,” Brenda quipped.
Kelly laughed. “I’m still shocked that I was able to get you.”
Brenda laughed. “It was all part of my plan. You men are so clueless.”
Kelly and Junior looked at each other and chuckled.
“So what’s up today?” Junior asked. He took a sip of his coffee.
“Tank training, apparently,” Kelly said. “Ought to be fun.”
“They’re really going to let us keep those?” Brenda asked.
“For now, according to Jason,” Kelly said. “I was talking to him last night. There’s some dirty folks at Fort Bliss. The Texas Army National Guard just took over the base and threw a bunch of men in the brig. The Army isn’t trustworthy enough to give these tanks back to yet, so they’re ours for now.”
“Really?” Junior asked. “When did he tell you that?”
“After you hit the sack,” Kelly said.
A grinder started up outside.
“What the hell is that?” Brenda asked.
Junior and Kelly
rushed to the door and opened it, looking outside. Junior laughed. “Frigging Curt. He’s helping Kyle do something to his truck.”
“Well, you boys can run along and play with them,” Brenda said. “I’m gonna walk over to the showers.”
“Just a sec, Junior, I need a warm-up.” Kelly poured his cup full. “You need one?”
“Sure,” Junior said.
“See you guys later,” Brenda said, going into the bedroom as they both left the trailer.
“What the hell are you guys doing?” Junior asked, walking up to Kyle and Curt. Kate sat in a chair, watching.
“They think this is a Mad Max movie,” she quipped.
“Damn straight, baby.” Kyle grinned in her direction.
“Won’t the DPS pull us over if they see a gun mounted on the truck?” she asked.
“We’ve got connections, remember?” Kyle said.
“The roll bar looks pretty good on here,” Curt said, standing back to look. “Looks like a bad-ass off-road truck now.”
“It does,” Junior said. “I assume you’re going to put one of those grenade launchers up there.”
“You assume wrong,” Curt said. “We’re going to put the remote-control .50 cal from that broken tank on there.”
“Holy shit,” Kelly said.
“Yeah, that’s what the enemy is gonna say when we part their hair with this thing,” Kyle said.
“You get that roll bar in town?” Kelly asked.
“Yeah,” Curt said. “You ought to get one for your pickup.”
“I’m thinking about it,” he said. “You got any more .50 cals?”
“No, but there are several more Mark 19 Grenade launchers at my place in San Antonio.”
“Oh, yeah!” Junior said.
“We have to go get those,” Kelly said. “That’ll be a dangerous trip.”
“It will,” Curt said.
“If we have to leave this place, think we’ll be taking the tanks?” Junior asked.
“That’ll be rough,” Curt said. “They fuel like crazy, and they don’t use regular gas. If we do want to move them, we’d be better off fixing those flatbeds.”
“How much damage is there to them?” Junior asked.