Page 71 of Guarding Glenda

“Alright bud, we’re going for a ride.” I ran outside, peeked around, and didn’t see anyone wandering. Most of the lights were out, too. The house across the street and two down had a front light on inside, but the shades were closed. I opened the back door of the truck and went back in.

Leaving the side door open, I ran to the room and leaned down, then grabbed him under his back and knees. I couldn’t toss him over my shoulder. Sam yelled at me for that before. I just hoped his neck was okay. I had to get him out.

My phone was buzzing in my pocket, but I was carrying a nearly 200 pound man like a princess. I used my foot to pull the door behind me just to be safe. Once I had gotten him in the back and closed the door, I realized I’d left the light on. Oh well.

I flew into the driver’s seat and fired up the truck, spinning the tires as I pulled out. “Sorry, man,” I said, unsure if he heard me or not.

Once I got onto the main road and rushed toward the clinic, I pulled out my phone and returned the last call.

Sam answered, “I’ll be there in a couple minutes. What’s coming in?”

“Not sure. Looks like his legs are broken, faced is fucked up. Thought he was dead, but there was a pulse. Hopefully there’s still one when I get there.”

“Got it. I’ll meet you at the back door.”

I hung up with him then called Hammer.

He answered, “Yeah?”

“On my way to the clinic with Manny. He’s been worked over bad. He may not make it to the clinic.”

“What happened?” he asked.

“Not sure. I ran by his place to check in and found him like this. Hopefully Sam can help.”

“Goddammit. Alright. Keep me posted.”

Looking at the clock, I said, “Fuck.”

Driving as fast as I could, I hit Glenda’s number.

“Hey, where you at?” she asked.

“Hey baby. I gotta make a stop. It’s gonna be a bit. And I need to run by the house to check on Bruce. You okay?”

“Yeah.” Her voice was so small. “I’ll just be here with the girls.”

“I’m sorry. But I’ll be there as soon as I can. Promise.”

“Okay. I’ll see you when you get here.”

“Hey, I love you. I’ll see you soon.”

“Okay, see ya then. Bye.”

She hung up and I blew out a huge sigh. “If you’re already dead, I’ll fuck you up, Manny.”

After pulling into the parking lot, I drove around back. Sam’s truck was outside and the door opened as I pulled to the curb.

I rolled the window down before I was parked and said, “Backseat.”

As soon as I put it in park, the back door opened. “Help me get him on the gurney,” Sam said.

I jumped out and we worked quickly but carefully to get him out. Looking up, his nurse, Nancy, was at the door in black scrubs, her brown hair up in a messy bun. She was cool. She’d been around a while, had seen plenty of shit, and never asked questions. But it made sense Sam would need a hand.

Once we got him wheeled inside, I stayed to help. He was alive, so they started working fast. Nancy started a line and hung some saline but shot something into the IV port. I didn’t know shit about that stuff. Could’ve been antibiotics, pain meds, both… who knew.

I helped cut his jeans off but let Sam handle his shoes. Once I got the pantlegs open, I said, “Shit.”