Chapter 2 - The Monster Outside
The red emergency lights began to flash in the hallway, bathing Greg’s face in a sinister crimson glow.
He wasn't acting like a frantic parent anymore.
He was acting like a cornered predator.
"Open this door, Doctor, or I swear to God I will kill everyone in this waiting room!" he screamed.
He reached into his jacket and pulled out a heavy, black handgun.
Sarah let out a muffled sob and dropped to the floor, pulling her knees to her chest.
"Code Silver," the overhead intercom blared, a cold, robotic voice confirming my worst fears. "Armed intruder in the Emergency Department."
I moved swiftly, pulling the heavy lead shields we used for X-rays in front of Lily’s bed.
I had to protect this little girl at all costs.
"Dr. Mark, my arm really hurts," Lily whimpered, trembling beneath the thin hospital blanket.
"I know, sweetheart, I know," I said, my voice surprisingly steady. "I'm going to give you some medicine to help with the pain."
I injected a dose of morphine into her IV line, praying it would give her some peace.
Outside, the screaming started.
Greg had grabbed a passing nurse, pressing the barrel of the gun to her temple.
"Give me the girl and the bag!" he shouted, his eyes wild and bloodshot. "You have ten seconds!"
He started counting down.
Ten.
May you like
Nine.
Eight.
