Page 1 of Badges
Welcome to the shit show
Wade
What kind of shitshow am I rolling up on?
Blue and Libby are laid out in the dirt, and there’s a Jeep tits deep into a concrete barricade.
“Paige, check that rig. I’m keying in on Blue. Holler if you need me.” I barely slam my truck into park before I’m hustling towards my fallen buddy.
Libby’s kneeling over him, tears busting down her face like she’s trying to refill a lake.
“Wade, call an ambulance,” she cries, clutching at his chest.
Before I even get a closer look, I can see Blue’s pale skin, and he’s out colder than a December morning.
Fuck.
I radio in to dispatch, then trot back to fetch my first aid kit.
“Paige? What’s with that one?” I call across the hood to my deputy.
She pops her head away from the window of the vehicle. “Unconscious female. Looks like a good knot on her forehead.”
Well, double damn it.
“Ambulance is on their way.” I might just go ahead and rush Blue down myself.
When I catch a glimpse of the dusty trail tear-assing down the road of another squad car, I know that’s the best option.
“I’m taking Blue in. You good?” I shout over my shoulder as I run back to my friend.
“Yep. She’s out cold but breathing steady. I’ll cuff her to the steering wheel if she starts to wake up.” Paige leans against the open door, and I can hear her voice crackle over the radio checking on the EMT’s time frame.
“Libby? What happened?” I squat next to Blue, tugging out a wad of gauze and tape to start wrapping his wound.
“That—that asshole blew up one of my tanks. So when they were trying to get away, I pulled my pistol—” Her voice quiets as she gently strokes Blue’s hair away from his face. “He came out of nowhere.” She bites her trembling lower lip.
“Hey, he’s gonna be okay. Let’s get him loaded in my truck. Grab his feet.” Geez he’s heavy.
For as lean and lanky as he is, I didn’t expect him to weigh this much.
All those gym days are paying off.
“Libby,” Blue groans, his eyes fluttering before he fades back out.
“I’m here.” She crawls into the backseat with him, talking in low tones the entire high speed drive.
I call in to the hospital and give them a head’s up, so the nurses meet us at the front entrance to the emergency room with a gurney with a familiar giant of man standing behind them.
“Dixon, so glad you’re on tonight.” I rush to the back of my Dodge and fling it open, then help drag Blue’s limp body onto the stretcher.
Dixon’s dark brows are furrowed as he takes the handle and begins to tug Blue quickly in through the automatic doors.
“Can I go?” Libby follows hesitantly.
“You should get checked out, too. He’s in good hands.” I take her elbow, steering her inside the air conditioned lobby.
She’s caked with dirt, with pebbles still bedded into her blond hair. One falls out as she nods.
