Chapter 4 - The Service Exit
The collision sent the gunman crashing into the medication cart, sending vials of morphine and saline shattering across the linoleum. The second intruder drew his weapon, but Dr. Gable hurled the heavy stainless steel shears directly at his face, striking him above the bridge of his nose.
"Run! The loading dock!" Gable roared, grappling with the disoriented second guard.
Mark didn't hesitate. He reached under the gurney, scooped Lily into his arms, and sprinted toward the rear utility door marked Authorized Personnel Only. Nurse Sarah followed, slamming the crash bar behind them and wedging a wheeled defibrillator cart against the door handle.
Down the concrete stairwell they flew, Lily’s bare feet kicking against Mark’s chest. The air smelled of wet laundry, bleach, and industrial diesel.
"Daddy, my foot hurts so bad," Lily wept, burying her face into his jacket. "It burns like fire!"
Mark glanced down as they hit the ground floor landing. Lily’s left foot, where the packet had rested against her skin, was turning an unnatural shade of mottled purple. Thin black veins were spreading upward toward her calf like spiderwebs. Whatever had been coated on that sealed plastic pouch hadn't stayed sealed; the shears had compromised the barrier, and the fluid had breached her raw skin.
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Behind them, the metal door at the top of the stairs blew inward with an explosive bang.
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