“Simpson? You sure boss?” Taylor seemed disbelieving.
“Afraid so, Bob. And remember he’s dangerous. Let’s go.”
Taylor instinctively put his hand inside his jacket to feel his weapon. He was still holding it as he followed Miller back in the room. He carried a Glock 17 semi-automatic pistol which was both his weapon of choice and standard issue.
Miller threw the door open to find Simpson standing by the bedside. He was holding the bag hanging above the bed that fed a tube into the dummy’s hand. Simpson wheeled around in shock. He was no longer wearing his sling. If Miller had had any remaining doubts they were removed by the look on Simpson’s face. Taylor saw the same look and without hesitation drew his pistol from its shoulder holster.
Simpson realised he had been discovered and moved with a speed that defied his size. He grasped Taylor’s extended arm holding the pistol, at the wrist, turned into him with a well-practiced judo move and threw him to the ground in one quick movement.
Miller tried to wrap his arms around Simpson’s wide back to hold him but found himself on the receiving end of an elbow that connected with his nose and caused him to lose his grip. Simpson followed up by lashing out with his leg and sweeping Miller’s legs away causing him to fall to the floor. From his prone position, Miller saw Simpson pick up Taylor’s fallen gun from the floor just as the door was thrown open. The bulky Sergeant appeared in the doorway holding his Taser weapon at the ready, trying to assess the scene and without hesitation, Simpson shot him with Taylor’s pistol. The sound was deafening in the confined space. As the Sergeant crashed to the ground Simpson was already rushing from the room.
Tom and Melanie had spent an amazing twenty minutes with Colin. He was still very weak but able to communicate, though he spoke softly and slowly. It was the first time that Liz hadn’t been at Colin’s bedside. The nurse informed them she had gone home for a proper night’s sleep and a change of clothes. Tom had been impressed by the devotion she had shown. There was no doubting she loved Colin. The thought made Tom happy for his brother. He hoped that one day Melanie might feel the same about him. The nurse also warned them that Liz had told Colin about the death of John and how he had saved Colin’s life. He had remembered the night’s events and asked Liz about John, so she had answered truthfully. The nurse said she was pleased to see them arrive as it might lift his spirits.
Tom was sure that meeting Melanie had improved both his spirits and his recovery. She had held his hand on arrival and Tom was worried the heart monitor would set off some alarm. He smiled as he watched them chat. Yet again Melanie seemed completely at home speaking to Colin, despite he was obviously in awe of her.
She kept the conversation brief and promised to return again soon. She added, she expected to be seeing a lot more of him in the future as she was planning to see a lot more of his brother. Colin had glanced at Tom with a look of surprise at that comment and he had just smiled in response. Tom hardly said a word as he was sure Colin much preferred speaking with Melanie. He now believed there would be lots of future opportunities for them to speak as Colin was undoubtedly getting better. Whether Melanie would truly be around in the future was still very debatable so let Colin spend time chatting with her.
They kept the visit brief on the doctor’s instructions. They had had to wait to see Colin while the doctor did some further checks and it was getting quite late by the time they left, promising to return again soon. Outside the room, Tom thanked her and once again listened to the response that it was she who owed him the thanks. All she had brought him and his family was trouble. Tom suggested they get a coffee from the machine they had passed earlier down the corridor.
As they rounded the corner arm in arm they walked into what seemed like a stampeding bull elephant such was the force with which they collided. The result was that all three of them were thrown to the floor.
“This is a hospital,” Tom started to complain, when he realized he recognized who had charged into them. He also saw Simpson had a weapon in his hand. “What the hell’s…” Tom didn’t finish his sentence.
“Get up,” Simpson ordered, climbing to his feet. All the time he was pointing the gun directly at Tom. At the same time Tom heard a commotion in the distance and the sound of running feet coming closer.
“Get up,” Simpson repeated. He grabbed Melanie and hauled her to her feet. Tom reached out to intervene but Simpson kicked him hard in the midriff causing him to double up on the ground clutching at his stomach.
Miller and Taylor emerged into view and slowed to a halt as they appraised the situation. Simpson was using Melanie as a human shield. He was pointing Taylor’s gun at Melanie’s head. “Keep back,” Simpson warned. “You know I won’t hesitate to use this.”
“OK Tony, take it easy,” Miller implored. “You are just making matters worse.”
Simpson let out a small sardonic laugh. “Couldn’t really be much worse could it?”
Tom’s pain in his stomach had been replaced by anger. “What the fuck is going on here?” he asked. No one seemed immediately inclined to answer. “He saved my life,” Tom continued, looking at Miller, hoping it might prompt some explanation.
“Why did you save him?” Miller asked of Simpson.
“Believe it or not I abhor killing. Unfortunately sometimes it becomes necessary. On that occasion it wasn’t necessary."
Simpson started backing down the corridor, keeping Melanie as a shield. Miller and Taylor
