When Terror Strikes Part 6
By: Stacy L.
PART 6
Gary felt comfortable in the deep dreamless sleep of unconsciousness. He was aware that he had an incredible headache and decided he’d rather stay in the peace and quiet of darkness. He heard a voice calling to him from very far away, and wanted that voice to go away. He heard urgency in that voice, which drew him back to consciousness. He opened his eyes and groaned as the brightness of the sun hurt his eyes. He heard the voice again speak his name then felt a cool gentle hand against his cheek. He opened his eyes attempting to focus on the person speaking to him. He heard her voice again question, softer now, “Mister Hobson, are you all right?”
Gary focused on her momentarily forgetting her name. He said, “Wh…where am I? What happened?”
“You hit your head Mister Hobson, and from the looks of that cut you did a pretty good number on it…”
“Where am I?”
“You’re in the middle of the street. Look Mister Hobson, can you get up?”
“I think.”
He sat up a little too quickly, and pain reverberated through his head nearly sending him unconscious again. He immediately pressed his left hand to his temple in an attempt to comfort the throbbing pain. The woman said, “Whoa, whoa take it easy, Mister Hobson. You took quite a knock to the head. I need you to stay with me. We have to get you out of the street. Can you do that for me?”
“Sure…just give me a minute…”
“Mister Hobson, I want you to drape your left arm across my shoulders. Can you do that for me?”
“Yeah sure…”
Gary did as she directed him to. Then she said, “Good, good now I need you to stand up. Can you do that? You’re going to be kind of heavy for me so you’re going to have to help me here… Are you ready?”
“Yeah sure…”
“On three… One…two…three…”
Amanda began to stand up, ignoring the throbbing in her right ankle, as Gary felt suddenly woozy. He stumbled almost falling down yet again. She said, “Whoa, stay with me Hobson… You can’t pass out on me now. Do you hear me?”
Gary merely nodded. He immediately regretted the move as he again sent waves of pain through his already aching head. He again wavered then managed to steady himself some. Amanda was glad for that. She again gently prompted him, urging him to stay with her and help her to help him. Gary heard another voice off to his left speak up in urgency, “Gary? Gary, are you all right?”
“Marissa…?”
He was sure that he had only thought her name. He didn’t even realize that he had uttered it. Immediately he felt another set of hands on him. He knew on instinct that Marissa now stood with him. He said, “I’m all right… I just have a bit of a headache.”
“What happened?” questioned Marissa turning her sightless eyes towards Amanda. Amanda felt bad. It was because of her that Mister Hobson was now hurt. It was because of her that they both nearly died today, because of her distrust and fear… She quickly said, “He pushed me out of the path of an oncoming truck. When we fell he struck his head…”
“Gary, are you all right?”
“Yes, I’m fine. I just…ow…”
He again reached for his head attempting to comfort the pain still slicing at him. Marissa heard his wince then said, “You’re not fine, are you Gary?”
“I’ll be fine. All I need to do is lay down for a little bit…that’s all…”
“Gary…”
“I’ll be all right.”
“I’m calling the doctor.”
“Fine. Go ahead. I’ll be upstairs lying down for a few minutes…”
Marissa made the call as Amanda stayed with Gary.
* * * * * *
With some encouragement and aid Amanda managed to get Gary safely off of the street and into McGinty’s. She guided him upstairs and into his room noticing that occasionally he would waiver or his head would start falling forward some. He was anything but fine. In fact, she wouldn’t be surprised in the least if the man had a concussion. She said, “Come on. Let’s get you into bed. You need to lay down, but first I want to take a look at that head of yours.”
“I’m fine. I just need a little bit of rest…that’s all.”
“You need more than rest, Mister Hobson. Let me take a look at that.”
“Just…let me lay down.”
“You are one stubborn patient, aren’t you?”
“Look, really, I’m fine. I just need to…”
“You just need to relax and let me help you. Now sit here while I get something to clean that up with.”
She quickly ran into his bathroom, opening the medicine cabinet she was rewarded with her selection of either peroxide or rubbing alcohol. Both would burn and sting but both were excellent for cleaning out injuries. She found some bandages and sterile gauze then quickly went back over to Gary. She was very glad to see that he remained alert. Alertness was a very good sign. His head injury might not be as severe as she had first feared it was. He still seemed a little bit confused and disoriented but that was a natural side effect of concussions. She sat down in front of him then said, “Hold still. This may sting a bit.”
She poured some peroxide onto the sterile gauze then looked at Mister Hobson. She gently placed the now damp cloth against the cut on his temple. Gary winced as it started to burn. He felt himself swaying a little as the new source of pain nearly sent him unconscious again. Amanda quickly cleaned out the injury then pulled out a bandage. She placed it over the injury and secured it in place with emergency medical tape. She then leaned back to study her handiwork.
Gary looked at her and said, “Thank you, Miss Riley, for your help.”
She smiled as he spoke her name. He remembered, which was another good sign that his head injury wasn’t as severe as she had first feared. She then responded, “Please…call me Amanda, Mister Hobson.”
“I’ll only call you Amanda if you call me Gary.”
“Deal.”
Gary smiled at her response then said, “Good.”
Amanda again spoke up, “You should really lay down and rest, Mister…I…I mean Gary.”
“That sounds like a great idea.”
Gary lay back down on his mattress then questioned, “Are you all right?”
“Yeah, yes I’m fine.”
“No injuries?”
“No, no injuries…just a few bruises and a lot of regret.”
“Regret? Why?”
“Because if I hadn’t of ran out of here you would’ve never gotten harmed.”
“You were very upset.”
“Yes but that doesn’t excuse…”
“Amanda stop.”
“What?”
“It’s not your fault I got hurt. If anyone is to blame it’s me. I made you upset…”
“But it was my inadequacies that…”
“What inadequacies?”
“Well you know…”
“No, I don’t know. Look Amanda, you were very upset and even somewhat angry. It’s only natural for a person to react in such a way to that kind of a situation, especially if…”
“Especially if what?”
“No…nothing.”
“Tell me…please? Especially if what?”
Gary softened his voice further as he answered, “If they’ve been hurt before…by someone.”
“Wh…what?”
“Never mind just…forget I said that.”
“Mister Hobson, I think I owe you a rather…massive explanation.”
“No, you don’t owe me anything.”
“But I should tell you some things.”
“Amanda, you don’t have to tell me anything.”
“But I…I want to. I…I think I need to…tell someone that is.”
“If you feel that way then tell me when you’re ready. Don’t just tell me because you feel guilty for what happened today. None of this is your fault. If anybody is to blame it’s me. I upset you. I chose to go after you, and I chose to push you out of the path of that truck. Don’t blame yourself.”
“But…”
“Don’t.”
Amanda didn’t know what to say or even how to act. Gary Hobson was turning out to be unlike any man she has ever known. She was used to a man actually caring for her, or about her, and she certainly never expected him to save her life. She knew if it hadn’t been for Mister Hobson then she’d probably be dead…that thought alone scared her to death. She had no idea how on earth to handle the situation. No one ever saved her life before and Mister Hobson was so…nice, so kind…
Gary watched the emotions play across Amanda’s face and found himself wondering if she had any idea just how revealing her facial expressions were. He could tell that she was at a total loss for how to handle this whole situation…for how to handle him.
He interrupted her thoughts, “Amanda, what are you thinking?”
She jerked her head up now aware that she had been spacing out on him. She felt bad about zoning out and quickly apologized. Gary merely shook his head causing her to speak without thought, “Just what is it about you that…? Never mind…”
The instant she realized what she was saying she immediately stopped the comment relaxing only after Gary questioned, “Did Marissa contact the doctor yet?”
“Wh…what?”
Amanda could only stare at him in awe and shock. She noticed that he chose to ignore her comment instead of pursue it. Did he realize how uncomfortable and awkward she had felt when she had spoken out? How could any man pick up on something like that so quickly?
Amanda was starting to realize that not every man might be as sadistic and twisted as her ex-husband. She also noticed that she felt more relaxed around Gary now. She had only known him a short while, but she felt more relaxed around him than any other man. What was it about this particular guy that made her feel almost…safe and made her want to trust him and believe that all of her preconceived notions just might be wrong after all? Her thoughts were halted as Marissa entered the room.
Amanda looked up as Marissa entered and found herself amazed at just how well the young woman could maneuver when she was blind. She sensed that the woman was very strong and very independent, and found that she greatly admired Gary’s friend. Her strength and courage emanated from her.
Marissa made her way to Gary’s bed and sat down on it gripping Gary’s hand in hers as she inquired, “How are you doing, Gary?”
“Fine Marissa.”
“How do you feel?”
“Tired and I have one heck of a headache…but I’ll live,” he answered while smiling gently at Marissa.
Marissa could sense the smile and felt more at ease. She then looked up at Amanda who she could sense was looking at her and said, “How’s the patient doing?”
“He’s stubborn but…”
“That’s our Gary for you. He’s one of the worst patients…”
“Marissa…” interrupted Gary’s calm soothing voice.
Marissa fained total innocence asking sweetly, “Yes Gary?”
He saw her joking face and smiled continuing, “Never mind.”
Marissa return his smile then said, “Now Gary, I want you to lay down and get some rest.”
“But what about the doctor?”
“Don’t you worry about him I explained what happened and he told me you might have a concussion. He said you should be brought in but since he lives nearby he’s willing to make a home visit… Miss Riley, has he been conscious since you’ve brought him in?”
“Yes. I think he has a concussion. He was a little confused earlier but he seems to be alert and clear-minded. I had a concussion before. The doctor will most likely suggest at least twenty-four hours of bed rest…”
“TWENTY-FOUR HOURS? No, I can’t do that! I have to…”
Gary silenced his complaints as soon as he remembered Amanda didn’t know of his special newspaper, but the outburst had been enough to prompt her to question, “What? What do you have to do that’s more important then your health?”
“I have things to do. I can’t just… I can’t stay in bed.”
Marissa released a small half giggle as she cocked her head towards Amanda saying, “I told you that he’s a very stubborn patient.”
“Yes you did. I can see we’re going to have our hands full.”
Gary interrupted, “We? No, no way. You’re not staying here.”
“Well why not? I am partially responsible for what happened to you. I don’t mind.”
Gary shook his head rapidly saying, “NO. No, no, no…” then groaned as his headache again reared its ugly head.
Amanda jumped in saying “You need us here.”
“No I don’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because I have things to do, important things,” Gary insisted.
“Yes, getting bed rest…”
“No.”
Marissa interrupted trying her hardest not to laugh at Gary and at Amanda’s insistence. She said, “Gary, you know Miss Riley is right. Besides you haven’t been sleeping well lately.”
“No, no don’t take her side. See this is why I want her to leave.”
“Why?”
“Because you’ll gang up on me.”
Marissa couldn’t hold back her laughter as Gary said that. Amanda joined in, much to Gary’s displeasure.
After the laughing ceased Gary grumbled, “I’m glad that the two of you find my predicament so amusing.”
“Oh Gary, we’re only picking…” replied Marissa to Gary’s complaint.
Gary gave her a stern look then spoke her name. Marissa looked at him still half smiling. She struggled to conceal her smirk as she replied, “I’m sorry Gary.”
Shortly after that the doctor showed up. He examined Gary and determined that the man had a concussion. He told Marissa and Amanda that Gary should get at least twenty-four hours of bed rest and should be observed off and on during that time to make sure he has no further problems. Gary wasn’t happy with the doctor’s suggestions. He had to stop a rig from crashing into a bus full of children around 4 pm, plus he had to avert a robbery at a convenience store. He couldn’t do those things if he was stuck in his bed all day long. The doctor told Marissa, Amanda and Gary that if he has any difficulty breathing, vomiting or experiences any other visual disturbances then they were to call him immediately. He explained that if those things did occur they could signify a more severe problem such as possible brain damage. He then went on to inform them that the initial symptoms should clear up within a day or two and if they didn’t to get in touch with him.
Once he left Gary looked at Marissa asking, “Marissa what am I supposed to do?”
“You’re supposed to rest like the doctor said.”
“I can’t do that.”
“Why not?” interrupted Amanda.
Gary looked at her almost as if he had forgotten that she was even there. Marissa inhaled deeply…her friend couldn’t even forget about the newspaper for a few hours. The paper was a blessing but sometimes she felt angry that Gary had such a huge responsibility. The paper really was too much of a responsibility for one man to handle all alone. By the sound of Gary’s voice there must be something very important he had to stop today. She spoke up, “I’ll call Emmett and we’ll run those errands for you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes Gary. Just…let me know when they need to be done.”
“I have a very important appointment at four…”
“Then I’ll go call Emmett. You just try to relax and get some sleep. Everything will be all right.”
Gary hesitantly lay back down. He wouldn’t let those people be killed. He had to stop both tragedies from unfolding, but every time he sat up too quickly his head throbbed and ached in protest. He did feel rather tired but knew that he wouldn’t rest…not until he knew for sure that those tragedies could be avoided. He hated sending other people to do his job for him. The paper didn’t seem to like him doing that either but in this case he saw no other alternative. Maybe by three he’d feel well enough to get up but… His mind returned to this morning’s events. What was he going to do? If only his accident had been in the paper he could’ve possibly prevented it, but he had only glanced at it before Amanda showed up. Their conversation and her getting upset was what sent those events into motion. Even if he had glanced at the paper again before she left the event was so unexpected that the paper would’ve most likely revealed the article to him too late.
He decided to stop thinking about it and again focused on his newest problem: how was he going to stop that rig from impacting that bus, and how was he going to prevent that robbery if he was laid up in bed with a concussion?
Amanda became concerned for Gary as she noticed how silent he suddenly became. She could tell by his facial expressions that something was wrong, but she had no idea what, so she cleared her throat then prompted, “Gary, are you all right?”
“Hmm? I’m sorry, what?”
“Are you all right?”
He glanced up at her then answered, “Yeah. Yes I’m fine.”
“Are you sure? You look like you’re worried about something. You look distracted…”
“I’m all right.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
She fell silent. She couldn’t help but feel as if something wasn’t right. She sensed that Gary was hedging. She knew that she hardly knows the man but sensed that he was avoiding telling her something. What was it? Why did he feel as if he couldn’t speak up? She glanced up as Gary’s friend returned.
Gary looked up as Marissa entered the room questioning, “So what did Emmett say?”
“He said that he’ll be over as soon as his class is done.”
“Good.”
“Gary will you please just relax and try to rest?”
“I will…”
“Just not yet? Gary look, you’ll only make yourself more upset if you sit there and worry.”
“I can’t help that Marissa…”
A knock interrupted him as someone arrived at his door prompting Gary to call, “Yes?”
“Mister Hobson?”
Recognizing the voice as belonging to one of his workers he called, “Come on in, Scott.”
The young man entered and approached him before asking, “How are you feeling, Mister Hobson?”
“All right, so what can I do for you?”
“A uh Detective Armstrong called. He said he had some important information you wanted to know. It sounded pretty important so I felt that I should tell you about it.”
“Thanks Scott.”
“Sure Mister Hobson. I…I’ll leave you alone.”
“All right.”
He then left heading back downstairs. Marissa spoke up, “I wonder what Detective Armstrong wants now.”
“Who knows the guy always wants something. I really should call him back.”
“What you really should do is get some rest. I mean it Gary. You need sleep.”
“I’m fine.”
“Gary…”
“Marissa please stop worrying about me.”
“No. We’ve already had this discussion Gary, and I won’t back down.”
Gary sighed heavily knowing his friend would continue to pester him. Again he already knew that Marissa had won yet another argument…besides he did feel a little bit tired. It wouldn’t hurt if he slept a little while, would it? He felt his eyelids grow heavy and knew he was exhausted. He also knew he couldn’t rest until he told Marissa and Emmett what events needed to be stopped, and as long as Amanda stayed around he couldn’t do that.
Gary was more than a little bit joyous when Amanda excused herself to use the bathroom. Marissa waited until the door was closed then questioned in a hushed voice, “What’s in the paper?”
“An accident over on North State Street. The accident is going to occur around three fifty…a rig wrecks into a school bus. Look Marissa, I’ll probably be fine by then. I can handle it.”
“No Gary you can’t. You’re hurt. You need to relax a few hours. When’s the next the next…?”
“An armed robbery at a convenience store around 5 pm. Look, seriously Marissa I should handle this.”
“Emmett and I will take care of it. I’ll call you after the robbery so you can let me know if anything else needs to be averted. Where exactly is the accident going to occur?”
“North State Street at the intersection of West Randolph…over near Marshall’s Field.”
“And the robbery?”
“A convenience store on the corner of Madison and Franklin. Marissa are you sure Emmett and you can do this?”
“Do what?” interrupted Amanda as she exited the bathroom.
Gary jerked his head up, silently wincing as it throbbed yet again before managing to mumble a reply to her inquiry, “Um Marissa’s going to run some…errands for me. I was just asking if she was sure she wanted to do it.”
“I can do it.”
“NO! No…thank you Amanda. Marissa is quite capable of handling this for me.”
“All right, sorry. I just thought I’d ask.”
Gary realized he was not only abrupt but rude so he quickly apologized to Amanda. She accepted his apology and to Gary’s satisfaction didn’t pursue the issue any further.
Gary felt more relaxed once Emmett arrived so he lay down and quickly drifted asleep.
* * * * * *
Gary awoke with a start to his phone ringing. He tried to remember what had happened earlier and why he had this ungodly headache. He grabbed up his phone talking into the speaker sleepily, “Hello?”
“Gary?”
“Marissa? Where are you? What time is it?”
“Did I wake you?”
“Yes what…?”
Gary opened his eyes looking out his window…it was evening. He had slept the afternoon away. He glanced over at his clock reading the lighted numbers: 5:30 pm. He had overslept! Not only that he had missed those events in the paper!
Gary sat up now fully awake. He quickly scanned his home for his paper seeing it lying beside him on his nightstand. He picked it up flipping to the pages where those horrible stories were…they were gone. What? How?
Marissa cut through his wandering thoughts as she spoke into the receiver more insistently now, “Gary, are you all right?”
“They’re gone.”
“What?”
“They’re gone. I didn’t…”
“Gary, are you all right?”
“Yeah I…yes. Marissa, why are you calling me?”
“Emmett and I just stopped the robbery. I was calling to see if the paper had mentioned anything else.”
“Emmett?”
Suddenly it all cam back to him… He had asked Marissa if Emmett would be willing to help him, and he had sent Marissa and Emmett to stop the accident and the robbery. He sighed in relief. The articles were no longer in the paper because Marissa and Emmett had prevented them… Thank God! He spoke up, “You did it.”
“We stopped the accident and the robbery. Anything else?”
Gary read through the newspaper from cover to cover. There was nothing else. He was glad answering, “No, nothing else. Thank you so much, Marissa.”
“Anytime Gary.”
“Amanda where’s…where did she go?”
“She left shortly after Emmett and I. She wanted to let you rest. She said she was going to stop in off and on all day to check on you to make sure that you’re fine. How are you feeling Gary?”
“Better…still tired, but better.”
“Good that’s exactly what I wanted to hear. I’ll come check on you later tonight. You get some rest, okay?”
“Yes Marissa.”
They talked a little longer then said their goodbyes. Gary then settled in the bed and drifted rapidly back asleep again.
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