Chapter 21

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Francis

I'm beyond fuckin' tired. I've been on a forty-eight-hour shift at the firehouse as half of the guys are down with the fuckin' flu. And we have had call after call. I thank God I was born with my spidey skills because otherwise I would have fucked up numerous times.

The tingling sensation in my neck, that increases with pressure in my occipital area on my head, precludes my ability to foresee or understand events outside of a normal person came into play the last two days. Saving that elderly man from the burning house was pure luck. If I hadn't actually seen in my mind he was in a bathroom in the basement we would have lost him. For Christ sake's we barely got him out before the house collapsed. Not to mention the domestic call we got called in on .

Mainly because police tend to call us when there is a chance of medical harm. That one will stay with me forever. How a man cannot only beat his wife but also his kids. Not to mention the damage he did to them. It took everything in me not to kick that jagoff's ass. I felt every first responder's intentions clearly.

Actually, I think one of the cops had to physically remove one of his rookie cops ‘cause the kid was ready to rip the asshole's head off. I checked with the paramedics and the two tender-aged children were going to be okay. The teenage male and the adult female are still in critical condition. And the asshole offender is sitting in jail, breathing, eating, and waiting to go before a judge. I pray he is put into county, as most criminals have no time for bully assholes who beat the shit out of their women and kids.

I understand how people lose it in these situations. There are definitely monsters living amongst us.

As I turn my vehicle toward home, my exhaustion starts to frazzle my mind. I'm tired, hungry, and in desperate need of sleep. Knowing from past experiences that when I utilize my abilities, I tend to pay for it when my body crashes. As I try to merge to the shoulder I suddenly hear in my mind "DAD!" It immediately gets my blood pumping as it shocks the shit out of me.

"Sorry, Dad, but you were just about to pass out. You need caffeine. Do you want me to let Momma know and we can come and get you?"

It was like Damien was sittin' next to me having a conversation. But he wasn't as I just looked to my right. Damn it, the kid's skills are getting much stronger. It's probably because we both bounce off each other. I see a Dunkin' Donuts and immediately pull into the drive-thru. I order up a large coffee with two shots of mocha. I drive around, pay and wait. When the kid passes me my coffee, I pull up into a parking space.

"Good idea, Dad. Drink at least half of that before you get back on the road. And no, I'm not always in your head, just when you need me. Don't know how but glad it works that way. See you soon. Love you."

"Thanks, Buddy, and know I love you more."

As I drink my coffee my mind wanders. These last couple of days are a damn blur. I know from speaking to Fury that Bullet is home. He ended up staying in the hospital an extra couple of days due to an infection, not in his arm but one of his sutured cuts. I don't have any idea how but Grace says that can happen. Depends on what was used to cut him, probably not the cleanest knife. The club is stretched thin as the flu is hitting the clubhouse also. Momma Molly has sent everyone out of the club and has called all sweet butts and prospects that aren't sick to do a deep clean .

Brick is back. Well, at least half days, which allows me to go back to the firehouse and Fury back to whatever Fury does. I know he holds things close to the heart, but I can't even get a read on him. And I've tried. It's like he puts up blockers so I can't get in there. Which honestly it isn't my fuckin' business. The brother has been a lifesaver for the club. He stepped up, and between the both of us, we held down club business while Brick was with Emmie. She is quickly improving as per Grace. Thank God, I know Brick couldn't handle anything else happening to his woman. My phone interrupts my thoughts.

"Yo."

"Stitch, we got shit hittin' the fan. Where are you?"

"Dammit, Puma, what the fuck is goin' on? I haven't heard anything and I checked in today with both Brick and Fury."

I manage to put my coffee in the holder and start to reverse, waiting to hear his reply. Headin' toward the clubhouse his words finally penetrate.

"It's the kid. Not sure what is going on but Prez and VP are there and can't control him. Doc can't get there until someone comes by to watch his pops. A bunch of the brothers and prospects are down with flu. They're puking and shitting all over. I tried Beast; he ain't pickin' up his phone. Fury told me to reach out to you. "

"Okay, brother, I'm on the way. I'll see if Grace can either meet me at Bubba's house or if she can relieve Doc with his pops so he can get his ass there. Tell the guys I'm about fifteen minutes out."

"Thanks, brother, I'll let them know."

I hit the pedal, not too hard, but knowing the need for speed is justified because Bullet could do serious damage to himself if he goes off on a rant. I call our house and Damien immediately answers.

"Hang on, Dad, I'm getting Mom."

"Francis, are you on your way?"

"Darlin', we have a situation. I need to know which works for you, but something is up with Bullet. Momma Molly couldn't handle him so both Brick and Fury are there. They called for Doc but he can't leave Pops alone. Do you want to go to the Smiths' house and help with Bullet or head to Doc's and stay with his dad?"

"Damien, get your coat and homework together. Francis, I'll head over to Doc's. I'll bring some food for his dad. I'm sure he will love spending time with our son. Let me know what you find out. Love you, honey."

"Thanks, Grace. I appreciate you doin' this on your evening off. Talk soon."

I call Doc to let him know to be ready as Grace and Damien are on their way. He will need to prepare his dad as the dementia is advancing, and whenever Doc leaves it's hard. But if it isn't his normal caretaker it is worse. Thank God Grace has her medical background. Another crazy day in our fuckin' lives. When is this shit gonna end?

As I jog up the front porch of Bubba and Momma Molly's house I can hear the screaming from inside. I bolt, not bothering to knock or ring the bell. What I see takes my breath away. Bullet is rocking back and forth on the couch, a gun in his hand. Brick, Fury, and Bubba are a couple of feet away as they watch Momma Molly, who is right next to the kid. She is trying to calm him down by speaking softly and gently, placing her hand on his leg. The kid looks like he is tweaking but that is fuckin' impossible. Bullet doesn't do drugs. Well, let me rephrase that though, he occasionally smokes some weed and uses that CBD oil shit. Brick looks my way, his mind giving me all the information I need for the situation.

"Bullet, Stitch is here like you asked for. Kid, we need to calm this shit down, this isn't good for Bubba and Momma. They ain't gettin' any younger. Come on, Bullet, put the goddamn gun down."

Bullet glances first at Brick, pointing the gun at him half-assed, then his eyes come to me. Immediately I feel the heat up the back of my neck. His thoughts are muddled and dark. I can't make any sense out of them. I watch as he moves the gun between Brick and me haphazardly. He looks weak and ready to pass out. Something isn't right with him. He's way the fuck off.

"Bub, what's goin' on? Look, brother, I'm here to help you but I'm dead on my feet. Been at the firehouse going on two days, kid. Can I sit down? I got all the time in the world for you, but before I pass the fuck out gonna take a load off."

He watches me like a hawk as I move toward Fury and Brick and sit in the recliner. I noticed his pupils are blown and his thoughts are goin' a mile a minute. All of his actions are indicating he is high on something, but I know for a fact Momma has a strict rule regarding any type of drugs. They argue when he comes home from the club after smoking pot or when he uses his CBD oil. He tries to focus on me for minute.

"Stitch, what's goin' on? Why are you guys here? I don't need no motherfuckin' babysitters. I'm not a damn kid. Shit, I need a pill, my arm is killin' me."

He looks to Momma and after shaking his head to clear it, asks her to bring his pills and a bottle of water. She looks confused at him then at Bubba and the rest of us.

"Honey, we have to reorder your pills. There is only one left for tonight when you go to bed. If I give it to you now, you won't get any relief tonight and won't be able to sleep."

"Momma, I called it in earlier today and they even delivered it to me. I didn't want to be more of a pain in the ass to you, Bubba, or my brothers. This shit is gonna go on for like forever, so tryin' to do what I can to pull my own weight around here. I know the club thinks I'm a pussy kid, but I'm not. So can ya get me a pill now? Please."

I look at Bullet and then at the worry on Momma's face. Something isn't right and I'm getting an idea what that is. Carefully I lean toward the kid, givin' him no reason to point the loaded gun in my face.

"Bullet, where are your pills, bub, I'll get them? I could use water anyhow. Just got off a long-ass shift at the firehouse."

"Stitch, they're on my nightstand. Pills are in the white pharmacy bag. I took one earlier and damn did it help. First time since I got home the pain was bearable."

I'm up in a shot and head to his room, Fury on my heels. I enter and see the bag ripped open and the prescription bottle on its side. I look at the label and it states Norco 750/325, which is a pain medication that has a mixture of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. This shit shouldn't have freaked out Bullet. I carefully grab the bottle and open it up, dropping a couple of pills in my palm. They look normal as far as my eye could see. Looking around the room I see something on his dresser. CBD oil. It looks brand-new. I walk past Fury and grab it. Opening it, I take a whiff and put a drop on my finger. As I rub my fingers together I can feel something granular in the oil. Something CBD oil shouldn't feel like. I walk back into the living room and go right to Bullet, showing him the bottle. He looks at it; Momma Molly then jerks his head to me.

"What the fuck, Stitch? It's just to help me relax."

"Where and when did you get it, Bullet?"

"Son of a bitch. Why all the questions, dude? When I refilled my pills I mentioned I was out and couldn't get out of the house. The pharmacy tech said he could do me a solid and get some for me from a friend. So I said yeah. He even dropped it off with the prescription once it was filled. Thought that was solid of him to do."

He looks around the room as his body is shaking and his hand with the gun is trembling while he starts to sweat profusely. Some sort of drug interaction I'm thinkin'. Knowing we are losing precious time before he either overdoses or loses it with the gun, I lean in quickly and grab the gun. Bullet falls back on the couch and seems to be fucking seizing.

"Fuck, Fury, call 911. Momma get me some baking soda. Brick help me get him to his side so he doesn't choke. Bubba call Grace and ask her what to do for a drug overdose of Norco with CBD oil and either Ketamine or some other form of opiate."

Brick and I, as gently as possible, move Bullet to the floor and I grab a throw pillow to put between his body and damaged arm. We roll him on his good side so if he vomits he won't choke. Prez stays behind him, making sure he doesn't lie down on his back. Not our first rodeo. Especially with shit like this unfortunately. We've lost a brother or two to drugs in the past. I run into the kitchen, grab a pitcher, fill it with cold water, and pull a dishtowel off the counter. Back in the living room I start putting the cold wet towel on his face and neck, calling out his name.

"Stitch, Grace said no baking soda. If he looks hot remove his clothes, the cold cloth is okay and keep him on his side. Fury called and he is out front waiting to direct in the paramedics. How's the kid doin'?"

I look at Bubba and shake my head.

"Fuck, I have no idea, Bub, as I don't know what he took."

Hearing the sirens Brick calls my name. Lookin' down I see Bullet breathing erratically and sweating profusely. I continue with the cool cloth and wait for the EMTs to get in here. Maybe they will administer Narcan. It won't hurt but could save the kid's life. Feeling helpless, I do something I haven't done in a while. Fuckin' pray.

Bubba and Brick pace by each other as they continue to walk back and forth in the ER as we wait for news on what's going on with the kid. I reached out to Grace and let her know that I don't know how long we will be here, just so she knows as she is 'babysitting' Doc's dad with Damien. She, as usual, is cool hanging there so most of the club is again taking over the emergency room. Momma Molly and Bubba are a wreck. They don't know how to feel, pissed off or just worried. Bullet knows their one rule regarding drugs in their home. I'm hoping this isn't related to drug usage but my gut says it is. Fury comes over to me, putting his hand on my shoulder.

"Brother, this shit with the kid is not lettin' go. What the fuck is he thinking? Momma and Bubba don't need this bullshit, especially drugs in their home. I can't fathom where he would have gotten the shit, but we are gonna have to really ride his ass. I don't care if he is our youngest prospect; he's got to realize all actions have consequences. Time he learned that lesson. Fuck, maybe we have been babying him too much ‘cause of his past. Can't do it no more."

Before I can get a word out, the door opens and the emergency room physician enters the waiting room looking around.

"Family for Tim Jambanski? "

Everyone either gets up or walks toward the doctor. Brick gives him a chin lift.

"Whom amongst you are Mr. Jambanski's family? Due to HIPPA I am only allowed to speak with immediate relatives."

"We are Tim's family. How is he, Doc? Is he gonna be okay?"

Hearing Bubba's voice crack, I realize how upset he is. Generally nothin' gets to him unless it has to do with Momma Molly. I glance at his face and devastation is written all over it.

"Sir, do you give me permission to speak about Mr. Jambanski's condition in front of them?"

Bubba nods and the physician looks at all of us. Straight on eye contact. Immediately the sensation starts to creep up my neck, as my head feels warm. I am suddenly overwhelmed with some unknown emotion. Holy fuck its Bullet's thoughts. The poor fuckin' kid is scared shitless. He hates being back there alone. I miss the beginning of what the doctor is sayin', so I shake my head to try and clear so I can pay attention.

"Tim was very lucky. We did a blood panel and he has high levels of Desoxyn. You probably haven't heard of this drug, as you have all seen, the side effects can be dangerous and life-threatening. Not sure how he was prescribed these pills, but from the bottle you brought in he should have gotten pain medication. Instead he received Desoxyn 25 mg and took two pills, at least. I doubt any of you know but Desoxyn is a prescription form that mimics methamphetamine. He is lucky you got to him in time. We pumped his stomach, checked his arm to make sure he didn't do any further damage. He is a bit confused and will be sore and have a headache for a while. I've contacted the police, as I'm not sure how this drug was prescribed in place of pain medication. Seeing your leather vests, I am assuming you are a motorcycle gang. This situation might be because of that or Tim has some serious enemies. He should be able to go home in a couple of hours. Does anyone have any questions?"

"Doc, thanks for all you did for our boy. Just to clarify we are an MC, which is a motorcycle club. And we are just as concerned as you are as how this happened. Tim is one of the easiest and friendliest guys around, so enemies? Don't think so. Momma and I will take him home when he is ready. Can you make sure someone explains everything we need to know before his discharge? Stitch, can you stick around to make sure we get everything right?"

Before I reply Brick steps up.

"Bubba, no one is leavin' until Bullet is ready and we will all be taking him home. Thanks again, Doctor, for all you and your team did, it is greatly appreciated. And we agree, when the cops get here we will be making a report. This is very concerning to say the least. This could have turned out a lot worse, especially if this mistake happened to a young child. Is it possible it could have been a horrendous mistake at the pharmacy? We're all close to Tim so him doing drugs not a possibility. Maybe a possible explanation is the pharmacy made an error that might explain this. Also we need to get that CBD oil to a lab. Something is up with that shit; I mean stuff, as it has something gritty in it."

The doctor again glances at each of us, nods, and then he turns and goes back through the doors. You can almost hear a sigh of relief in the waiting room. I go to Momma, pulling her close to me. She immediately wraps her arms around my middle and gives me a squeeze. Just as quick, I feel her shoulders startin' to shake and I know she is finally lettin' it out. I direct her to a chair and gently place her in. Grabbing her hands, I scrunch down in front of her.

"Momma, he is gonna be okay. We are all here for him. This too will pass. A rough patch, nothin' else. Gotta stay positive no matter what, isn't that what you always tell us?"

"Stitch, thank you, son. I was trying to be strong, but he has gone through so much in his young life. He needs a break. Thanks for sticking around, I know you're tired. Go give Grace an update. I'm gonna send a prospect to get some coffee, what do you want? Seems like it's going to be another long night, after all."

Giving her hands a squeeze, I give her my order and then per my directions, I go call my fiancée with an update.