Chapter 17 #3
The pharmacist had already brought out the vial for the medication, and it was sitting on the counter.
All John had to do was snatch it and then wave his gun at anyone who dared challenge him.
But if he wanted people to obey the laws, then he couldn’t put himself above it.
It would have to be this man’s choice of whether he wanted to give up his medicine.
The man reached for the package on the counter, and he stared at it for a moment, but then he handed it to John.
“Take it,” he said. “I have more time than she does.”
“Thank you,” John said. “You just saved a life.”
John rushed back to the truck with the medicine in hand and tossed it to Agent Parker. He reversed out of the pharmacy parking lot and sped down the road to the neighborhood.
When John returned to his residential street, he saw a group of people gathering around Margaret’s house. John honked his horn and forced them to clear a path as he pulled into the driveway. He never turned off the truck as he rushed inside with the medicine, meeting Margaret at the door.
“And you’re sure it hasn’t been compromised?” Morgan asked. “I know this has to be refrigerated.”
“It’s good,” John answered.
John followed Margaret into her daughter’s room, where she lay on a bed, sweating and unconscious. Margaret quickly prepared the medicine and then injected it into the back of her daughter’s arm.
Margaret breathed a sigh of relief, but she still looked worried. “We’ve done what we can. This should buy us some time.” She walked over to John and hugged him. “There’s nothing I can do or say to thank you for what you did. You saved her life.”
John didn’t know what else to say, so he simply said he was happy to help, and then when he stepped out of the house, everyone applauded.
John had never been somebody who reveled in the spotlight. He enjoyed staying in the background, keeping his head down and focused on his work. But even he had to admit, that felt good.
Once all the people dispersed, John returned to the truck where Parker was still waiting for him.
“You seem to be a man of the people,” Parker said.
“I’m just trying to do the right thing,” John replied, and he backed out of the driveway and drove over to his house.
Parker was quiet for a moment, but then he turned in his seat so he could face John directly.
“What we’re about to walk into when we go and intercept Dillon will be unlike anything you’ve faced before.
I understand you want to be a part of your wife’s rescue, but you’re not a fighter.
” He held up his hands before John could argue with him.
“I know you can fight. But there is a difference between knowing how to fight and being a fighter.”
“It doesn’t matter what I am,” John said. “You show up for your family, no matter how bad the situation is.”
Parker nodded. It was clear to him now that John wasn’t going to back down. “Okay. Then we should go.”
“There’s one more thing I have to do first,” John said, and then he stepped out of the vehicle.
John walked back into the house, where he found Blake standing guard over Jake on the couch. He had brought Jake water and made sure he took the medicine the doctor had given them when they were at the hospital.
“Blake,” John said, getting his son’s attention, “there’s something you need to do for me and for Jake.”
“What is it, Dad?” Blake asked.
“You need to take Jake to the bugout shelter,” John answered.
Blake frowned. “But I thought we were staying to help people.”
“I am not going to risk your life for anyone,” John said. “You remember how I taught you how to drive Mom’s car?”
Blake nodded.
“After the neighborhood settles down, I want you and Jake to get into the car and then drive toward our cabin,” John said. “Once I have your mother and sister, I will meet you there.”
It was strange how, just earlier this morning, Blake seemed so much younger, but now he looked far older than he should have. But the world had forced his hand to grow up, and all John wanted was to ensure Blake survived.
“Okay,” Blake said.
“And I’ll make sure we get there,” Jake replied.
“You don’t think I can drive?” Blake asked.
“Are you sure you can see over the dash?” Jake answered playfully.
John was glad his friend had his sense of humor back, but he wanted them to remain focused.
“Don’t stop for anybody,” John said. “No matter what happens, keep going. Repeat that back to me.”
“I won’t stop for anything, no matter what,” Blake said.
John nodded, glad that his son understood the assignment. “I love you very much,” John said.
“I love you, too, Dad,” Blake said.
John held his son one more time before he walked out of the house.
He didn’t want to leave Blake and Jake behind, but he knew they would be safer at the cabin.
But while John was afraid, he was also determined to rescue his wife and daughter.
He was going to save them regardless of what happened to him.
He would give his life for his family, and it was time to put his money where his mouth was.