Page 57

Where in the heck is it?
It takes me two rings to track it down, glowing and vibrating on the floor near the bed. Hurrying, I swipe accept on the unknown number.
“Hello?” My throat is still sore. My voice comes out hoarse.
“Is this Dr. Michelson?” a man with a deep voice clips.
“Speaking, how may I help you?”
“My name is Captain Russo of the Idaho National Guard. We have been mobilizing here in Boise, and I was wondering if I could ask for your help with some of the medical needs that we are experiencing.”
“I’m a veterinarian, not a human doctor.” Standing over Sam, watching his chest rise and fall, I hope like hell my medical skills were enough to save him.
“I understand that, Doc. We have a serious shortage of any trained medical personnel right now. The overwhelming majority were on the front lines when these, um, creatures mutated.”
“Oh, my god.” The thought of the entire city without a doctor is daunting. There are hundreds of thousands of people who live in this area. Even on the best days, it would take so many doctors to care for them all. Not to mention nurses, assistants, supply staff, home health care.
People like Becky. And Jenny.
“What are you wanting me to do? I could lose my license for administering care to humans. Unless something has changed recently, I can only offer cursory help.”
There is no way in hell I would stand by and watch Sam bleed to death. I don’t care if I lose my license over it.
What does that mean? I’d sacrifice my career for him?
Catching a glimpse of Elly, it looks like she has the same question. Her eyebrows shoot up as she glances between Sam lying on the floor and me. A small smile lifts the corner of her lips.
Yes, I would, and did, sacrifice my career for him. I’d go back to my old high school job of working at McDonald’s if I could guarantee he would be fine.
“We need essential services. Treating injuries and wounds. We are working at creating a safe zone at the prison compound. I can get the governor’s office to sign off on your help.”
“The prison is on the other side of the city. I can’t go there right now.”
“We really need the help. People are dying.” His voice is heavy with desperation. “What if we came to you?”
Watching Sam’s IV dripping, this bag is half empty. The last bag will be empty within an hour.
“Okay, bring extra medical supplies, and guards for the property. I’m not leaving.”
Chapter twenty-eight
SAM
Muffledvoicesofmen.I feel myself moving. Why don’t my eyes open? My legs fucking hurt. My thighs feel like they’re on fire.
A cushion absorbs me. I must be in bed. The pain of movement fades.
Dani. I heard her talking. I know she’s safe. Worry flecks her voice, but it reassures me. I’m alive. I am just so tired.
Darkness. I can’t hear her heart, but another beats nearby. Who? I try to turn my head. Where is Dani?
“Sam, you’re okay. It’s me, Elly. Dani’s outside. She’ll be back soon.”
She holds my hand. Her fingers are cold on the back of my arm.
“You’re lucky, Sam. She patched you up well. I’m glad you found a good one.”
It’s quiet for so long. Darkness takes me for a while. Her voice startles me back.