Page 7 of Ravage

I let out a low whistle. "Geez man, nice wheels." I'm a little ashamed of my beat-up Land Cruiser, but at least I own it outright.

Connell grins. "Like I said... Sebastian pays well."

We bid each other goodnight, and I climb into my car, watching with only a small amount of envy as he peels out of the lot in his fancy wheels.

While it would be nice to have that kind of cash to splash around, I'm happy with my job.

Doesn't mean I'm not thinking about what it would be like to attend one of those club nights, though.

The next day, I'm on the night shift with Christian. Saturday nights are usually the busiest of the week, but this one is particularly full on as there's a music festival on and we're run off our feet, ferrying drunken idiots to the hospital. We've already had to cart two teenagers in to get their stomachs pumped.

"Thank God we didn't get stuck in the tent," Christian mutters, as we pull up outside the gate of the festival for the third time in four hours.

We'd been stuck on the ramp for an hour with the last patient, and we were just getting back in the truck to get some dinner when the call came through to come back.

"Dunno. We'd probably get some food if we were in there, at least," I grumble.

"True. Living the dream, mate. Living the fucking dream."

We've developed a rather cynical outlook on life over the past few years, and have little sympathy for the patients that end up in our truck due to drugs and alcohol. Six months ago, Christian had to take medical leave after one junkie came at him with a knife and tore his arm open. That had been a rough day, but thankfully, we'd survived it, and it's good to have him back at my side.

"I reckon I'd take an old guy with a heart problem in a brothel, right about now," he continues as he pushes the stretcher along beside me.

"Yeah, I think I would, too."

"That place was pretty epic. Wish we could have seen more of it. Don't think I'll ever get a chance to be in a place that fancy again."

I chuckle. "You never know. Place like that probably sees a few old men in over their heads."

We go through the motions with the twenty-year-old girl who apparently decided today was the day to try ecstasy and discovered it maybe wasn't so fun to do drugs, while our colleagues try to calm her hysterical friend down. We end up taking the friend with us too, and as we're heading back down the ramp at the hospital an hour later, my phone buzzes in my pocket.

I fish it out, stepping to the side so Christian can climb into the truck and secure the stretcher once again.

Connell

Got any plans on Friday night?

I quirk an eyebrow, surprised to see a message from him again. I'd gotten the impression last night was more of an official visit, making sure I was going to keep my mouthshut.

Cam

Nope, free as a bird. Why?

Connell

We've had someone pull out of club night. Boss thought you might be interested.

My eyebrows shoot upwards.

Cam

Not sure if you're aware of how shit the pay is for paramedics, but I think it might be a little outside what I can afford.

Connell

Nah, man. There're no refunds when people pull out, so no cost to you. Consider it a thank you for your discretion. Your partner is free to come along, too.

I look over at where Christian is packing things back into place. He's happily married, with two young kids at home. No way am I asking him if he wants to come check out a sex club.