The aid obeyed, and he took a step, and his team members followed. Soon, they were in the bus that brought them, and Dr. Parker and his team of three members and two aids joined him in another bus.
Now, Denise's worry was how to fish his friend out. His mission to Zingcord was almost accomplished, but he would not be happy with himself if he would not leave him. Nevertheless, they arrived at the devastated city of the Cord-speaking area in less than two hours. Jude watched the city in ruin, and could still recognize some places, especially his school, which was not too far from his church. Despite the patients in the hospital, the Head of the Government's concern, was the strong house. He built such strongholds in the cities he wished to attack at will.
“Here we are,” Dr. Parker announced when they got out of the vehicles. He led them to the strong house, which as not as big as what he had at the headquarters.
“It is Ok,” Denise admitted, and they moved. As usual, there were no many guns.
“We need more security measures here. The rebels here are very stubborn. They kill our security men at will,” The Head of the Government stated.
“I got it,” Denise affirmed. Meanwhile, Phil and Jude had taken the initiative to plant the explosive and joined the team.
“It is done, Dr. Parker,” Denise informed them when they walked into the armory.
“We are grateful, Young Master. Kindly send your bill, I can assure you that there would be no delay in payment.”
“I got it,” Denise confirmed, and requested, “What of the victims of the explosives? I would love to have a chat with them to enable me to complete my report.”
At that point, the face of the Head of the Government and his team members changed. The hospital is not where they would love visitors to visit, at least, not such high profile. Then, he came up with an idea quickly. Then, he lied, “You are right, Young Master. I planned to visit the patients today to find out how they are faring. I cannot rely on the report I got from my men.”
“I can understand,” Denise played along. They got back on the bus, and Denise prayed that his friend would be online.
‘How does he get data for his phone?’ he wondered. Then he logged on and chatted him up, luckily, he was online and Denise greeted.
(Hello, Kenny, are you there?)
(Hello my friend. I’m not dead yet.)
His manner of response always sent cold shivers all over Denise. Then, he asked further.
(Are you still in the government hospital?)
(Yes.)
(Good. I am glad that the doctors are attending to you.)
(Nope. Still the same story.)
(I see. I will be with you soon.)
Kenny laughed at his unfounded promise, and sent a laugh emoji. Denise understood his doubt, and laughed inwardly. Soon, they got to the hospital, and the driver stopped at the car park, while the Head of the Government stopped at the vestibule. Nevertheless, Denise and his team just realized that they had been dealing with an award-winning actor. He threw the door of his car open the moment his driver stopped, and walked briskly into the hospital, and screamed at the top of his voice, “Where is the medical director? Where are the doctors?”
Nevertheless, it was obvious that all the people around him, were initiated into his fraternity and swore oath of allegiance. If Denise had not been in touch with Kenny, he would have fallen for his tricks.
“Calm down, doctor,” one of his team members pacified. Howbeit, the patients, who were quietly waiting for their deaths, were disturbed. Those who could still see looked up in fear. Now, Denise and his team were already out of their bus and were in the vestibule.
“What is the matter, Dr. Parker?” Denise inquired with concern, and he explained, “These doctors are heartless. Is it not inhuman to allow a fellow citizen to die like a fowl?”
“I understand how you feel, doctor. Never mind, we can assist,” Denise volunteered.
Now, the Head of the Government looked at Denise in astonishment, and asked, “How will you assist?”
Denise laughed softly, and reminded him, “Like I said earlier, we are just messengers. Our Head of Government sent us with some incentives.”
“That is thoughtful of him. I cannot wait to see him,” he hinted. Now, the soldiers had brought the drugs from the vehicle, and displayed them on the pavement. Murphy and his aid were helpful too, while Dr. Harper and other medical personnel from the military took charge. Meanwhile, Dr. Parker was not the only actor around. The only difference was that he was a criminal, and acted out of proportion. Likewise, Denise began to act, “Good afternoon, all. We are here to administer drugs on behalf of your Head of Government. Kindly appreciate him,”
“Thank you, sir,” they appreciated. Now, Denise could not withstand the stench of the hospital. It was obvious that not all the patients on the beds that were still alive. Some must have died on the first day they were brought in. The video that Dr. Parker sent to Murphy showed where health workers moved the patients to the hospital. It never occurred to him that he never followed up.
“You are welcome,” the Head of the Government responded happily. Meanwhile, Denise gave the impression that he was fooled by Dr. Parker's tricks, and continued, “The doctors will attend to you as much as they can, and the hospital will continue from where they stopped.”
“All right, Sir,” the patients responded with delight. Thereafter, Denise paused, and looked at the fuming Head of the Government for his confirmation.
“You are right, Mr. Bailey. I have sent for the Medical Director. He will be here with his team of doctors any moment from now.”
“That is a good one, Dr. Parker,” Denise appreciated. Apart from Dr. Harper, Phil and Jude, no other person knew about Kenny. They walked into the hall of about two hundred patients, and began their hunt for Kenny. Nevertheless, Denise stepped out, and chatted Kenny up again when he noticed that he was still online.
(My friend, what is your health condition?)
(I suspect that one of my legs was broken, and I have a stabbing sensation in my back.)
(That is serious. Where are you in the hospital?)
(I am on the bed. Our Head of the Government is here with us. He remembered us at last.)
(That is good. I am in the hospital with him. Can you lift your hand so that I can recognize you?)
(I can't believe you, my friend. Are you in my country?)
(Yes. Kindly lift your hand.)
Now, Denise stopped chatting and began to look around. Nevertheless, Dr. Parkers had stood beside Dr. Harper to take photographs with the drugs. He stood beside Murphy, who he thought was a doctor too, and posed. Thanks to the soldiers, they were able to give the patients as many drugs as they could which they would take without food.
“They need to eat before they take the drugs,” Dr. Harper looked at Dr. Parker, and insisted.
“You are right, doctor,” the Head of the Government admitted. To cover his shame, he sent for food, which never arrived until they left. Nevertheless, despite the discomforting smell, Denise had to walk back to the hall to check on his friend while Jude and Phil did the same thing. Denise walked to the end of the hall and walked back. To his surprise, he saw a hand up. The patient was lying on the first bed and his hand was not high enough. Then, he walked up to the patient, and whispered, “What is your name?” The startled patient, who had been looking out for a boy of age after Denise informed him that he was in the hospital with the Head of State, responded in a weak voice, “Kennedy. Kenny for short.” Now, Denise was excited, but he saw the reason he would always say that he was not dead yet. Apart from his pair of dark eyes, which moved here and there, everything about him seemed dead. However, Kenny’s hand was still up, and waiting for the friend he was chatting with until Denise surprised him, and called out, “I see. Nice to see you, my friend.”