The Devil's Game by Daniel Patterson

Author:Daniel Patterson [Patterson, Daniel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780990824213
Publisher: Ravenwood Way Publishing
Published: 2014-09-22T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Seven

AMY CAME OUT OF it just as the ambulance arrived, embarrassed and protesting that she would be fine, if they’d just take her home.

The lead paramedic took James aside to discuss the situation. “She has a fever and she’s a bit dehydrated, but her lungs are clear. I think she’ll be okay as long as she gets some fluids and some bed rest. Over the counter meds will help with the fever. She lives here with you?”

“No,” James said. “She just came over for a visit, but she lives in town. I can take her home and make sure she gets what she needs.”

The paramedic looked at him. “She should have someone stay with her. If her fever gets any worse, she needs to go to the hospital . . .”

“I’ll find someone to stay with her,” he promised.

“Fluids, bed rest, analgesic . . . Call us if her fever gets higher,” said the paramedic.

James repeated the instructions and the paramedic seemed satisfied.

* * *

An hour later, Amy was safe in her own bed with Georgette from the COPs at her side. She had brought a pitcher of her special iced green tea with ginger and was preparing a pot of chicken soup in the kitchen. Knowing Amy was in capable hands, James headed to the pharmacy for the medication he promised the paramedics he’d provide.

The town had two pharmacies. James drove to the closest, a little family-run business with Falcone’s written in neon above the front door. The owners, Philip and Melissa, weren’t members of either his church or Branson’s, but they were good, decent people. Philip was behind the front counter today. They exchanged greetings and James picked up a basket and went into the aisles to find the cold and flu section.

Mindy Ellison was there.

“Hi Mindy, I hope Jordon hasn’t come down with the flu.”

Mindy turned her head and James noticed that the woman’s eyes were reddish. “No,” she replied in a hoarse voice. “This is for me. Jordon and Richard are fine.”

“I’m sorry you’re feeling ill,” said James.

“Me too,” she said, although it sounded more like ‘be too’ with her stuffy nose. She held up several bottles of medication. “I’m trying to not let this slow me down.”

“Well, I hope you feel better soon.”

“Thanks,” she said and shuffled off toward the checkout counter.

James picked up a couple of different medications, not really sure which would be best. There were several brands and they each made the same claims on their labels. He was on his way back up to the counter, coming around the end of the aisle, when he bumped into someone. He was about to apologize when he looked up and saw who was standing there, with his smiling face and long dark coat with its frayed cuffs and collar.

The words died on his lips.

You don’t apologize to the devil for standing in his way.

“Careful there, Reverend. Never know who you might run into.” Simon gently pushed James back and made sure he had his balance before dusting off the front of his own coat and resettling his fedora.

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