"No one speaks to me like that."
"I am and will continue to. I have evidence of murder, extortion, battery, sexual assault, child sex abuse, importation of contraband and drug smuggling from the streets of Silverton through its police department to the jail. The trail leads to private citizens, hospital employees, and government officials on the local, state, and federal levels. I am also here to tell you Martin Bailey disappeared from the jail a few hours ago."
"I was told he murdered an undersecretary of Homeland Security and almost killed a corrections officer."
"And why would he do that? He knew he'd be released. You saw the video." Kieran's anger intensified.
"Drink? By the look on your face, there’s more." He took a sip of the bitter liquid.
"I'm just warming up. This morning, my people found a kid living in the apartments across the street from the police garage who likes to film the comings and goings. At the time of the Horizon garage explosion, someone dressed in Silverton PD tactical gear walked out carrying a long gun and got into a Silverton PD van. Security film shows that same van pulling into a building where we found a sniper's perch north of the garage." Kieran tossed a file into his lap.
Mike ticked off the rest of their findings—from Lissa to Trudy Saperstein. Elizabeth's prescriptions to Dufour's rape of his daughter and all the matters in between.
"Call the judge and the media, first and fast. If Martin is out there, until you do, he will be the target of every law enforcement officer in the state unless you tell them he is not guilty. My brother and I have multiple agencies en route. There is no wiggle room. Do what's right, or this will end badly for you. You have five minutes."
Ragan emptied his glass, then looked at the detailed list in the file. Horrified, astonished, and aware that his career was evaporating, Ragan called the judge.
Tim Lampton arrived in the Horizon emergency room, drifting in and out of consciousness, accompanied by TJ Poole and Keene Jensen. Louella Miranda met them at the door. The EMT read off his report. "Tim, my name is Lou. What happened today?"
"He hit me with a chair." He fought to stay awake.
"Stay with us, Tim, who hit you?" Nurses and residents began to cut away his uniform, attaching monitors, drawing blood, and starting an IV. She started her examination.
As the nurse cut away his underwear, Tim began to fight. "Tim, you're in the hospital." Keene's attempts to calm his friend failed.
"Keep him away from me!"
"Who?" TJ asked.
The air left the room. Keene Jensen turned white. Instead of saying it was Martin Bailey, Tim said, "Jenner, Clay Jenner. He's crazy." Tim's color turned gray.
Louella frowned. "Roll him." Tim vomited hard and lost consciousness. "Page neurosurgery STAT. Tell CT we’re coming."
Kieran and Zach met with Dennis Bailey. After they told him about Martin, Kieran asked for his help. "I need a safe place to protect Austin, Lola, and a little girl named Lissa. I would also like to bring my personnel to your farm."
"Anything, Kieran,” Mr. Bailey assured them.
Zach and Kieran outlined a plan to bring containerized housing to the land near the pond. "Kieran, I'll ask Livvy to order food, and my son-in-law will grade the land. We’ll be ready. What else do you need?"
"Two of my men are waiting for you and will help with anything you need." Kieran went through the logistics of getting everything set by six p.m.
"Well then, we better do our part. We have a crew to house and feed. Now, you find my son."
Troy's fever wasn't responding to the antibiotics. He thrashed and shivered. In addition to the cooling blankets, Kenny placed ice bags in his voids. Never waking up after the first seizures, he seized again. "Code Blue,” Kenny yelled, pressing the red button on the wall over his head.
When Alden McAllister walked into the room, the smirk on his face incensed Kenny, but his priority was Troy. The resuscitation team and Steven Keys ran in to assist.
Miles Gerba called out orders. It took three anti-seizure medications to stop them. As the immediate emergency was over, the residents cleared the room. "Steve, what the hell caused this?"
Elizabeth, Julian, and with Julian’s permission, Tucker ran from Lola’s room. “What happened?” Elizabeth’s gentle hand rested on Troy’s scorching forehead. During Miles’ explanation, Tucker performed another assessment. With Kenny’s help, he rolled Troy to his side.
Blood covered his lower back and bottom. A muffled groan came from behind her. "Beth, he's bleeding again," Tucker said.
"I need a STAT blood count. What's his temp?" Elizabeth began sorting through his symptoms.
"106.4," a nurse called out.
"Pack him in ice," Miles ordered.
