Authors notes: I don't think I'll ever leave you guys without a cliffhanger again. At least in this story. Things will get pretty heated in the next few chapters, and it's going to be fun writing them. P.S. I'm going on vacation this weekend and I might not get a chance to write, but I'll try when I get home. Anyway, let's get into the chapter!
The whole room was silent, except for Marshall sniffling on the floor. No one knew what to say, or what to do. The silence continued for a few minutes before Chase finally spoke.
"What can we do?" he asked looking at Katie. Katie shook her head.
"All we can do is wait for him to come out of it," she answered. Seeing the disappointment on his face, she walked over and hugged him. "What you can do is not let it bother you and help the town." Chase wiped a tear off his face.
"How can I focus on helping the town when one of my best friends is practically dead!?" Chase shouted before running out the front door. Everyone looked at each other stunned. Chase had never acted like that before. Marshall was especially surprised at Chases actions. Having known Chase since they were pups, he couldn't believe Chases outburst of emotions.
A few hours after Chase stormed off and Katie and Marshall got some much needed rest, they were out helping clean up the city. Katie stayed back to take care of Rocky and Rubble.
Ryder, Marshall, Everest, and Skye Headed back into the city to clean up debris and help anyone in need. Ryder, Skye, and Marshall were thinking about Chase while Everest was thinking about Marshall. How long had Marshall felt that way about her? She glanced toward the front seat of the ambulance where Marshall was. She could see the tears on his face in the rearview mirror. How would she confront him? What will he say?
"Marshall," Ryder called. "Skye and I will finish clearing power lines, you and Everest look for anyone who may be stuck or needing medical attention.
"I'm fired up Ryder!" Marshall shouted wiping the tears from his face. They continued into town and found many people out picking up lawn decorations and debris scattered along the street.
"Everyone okay?" Marshall asked. "Is anyone hurt?" They slowly drove down the road, careful of debris and people helping their neighbors. No one seemed to need their help, so they went onto the next street.
"Slowly," Ryder said, guiding the pole off the road as Skye lifted it off the ground. She carefully moved it to the side of the road and Ryder guided it into a safe position. As he was unhooking the winch line someone screamed, "HELP!" Ryder turned around to see a woman covered in blood running toward him.
"Please, my son is trapped under some ceiling that fell," she said frantically.
"Don't worry ma'am," Ryder said, "I know someone who can help." He pulled out his pup pad and tapped Marshall's badge. "Marshall, I need you at 2649 Alpine Avenue." No answer. "Shoot, still no service."
"I can go find them," Skye said taking off in her helicopter. She searched for about 10 minutes before spotting the bright red ambulance. She flew down and got out of her helicopter.
"What's up Skye?" Marshall asked.
"Ryder needs your help," she replied. "2649 Alpine Avenue." She said running back to her helicopter. She started it up and Marshall drove past, heading to the address. Everest, in the back of the ambulance, was about to lose her breakfast, again. As they stopped in front of the house, she stumbled out of the back and vomited on the pavement.
"oops," Marshall apologized. "Sorry Everest." She glared at Marshall as he followed the woman into the house. Ryder was right behind him to help as well. After getting the taste of vomit out of her mouth, she saw Ryder and the woman carrying a body out of the house, Marshall following behind. They carefully set the body on the ground and Marshall went to work, checking vitals and injuries.
"I hope he's okay," Skye said.
"Yeah, me too," Everest replied. They sat and watched Marshall work. Then Ryder walked over.
"Marshall said he will be fine," He said to the girls. "He is going to the hospital for a more thorough examination."
"We should get back to work," Skye said.
"Good idea," Ryder responded. "Let's roll." They all headed out, returning to where they left off.
About an hour before the sun went down, they returned to the vet. Rocky and Rubble were eating and there was 4 other bowls of pup food.
"Any sign of Chase?" Ryder asked. Katie shook her head.
"He has never reacted like that," Marshall said as he began to eat. "I was kinda bizarre."
"How about Zuma?" Skye asked. When she got no response, she let a few tears land in her bowl. Everest walked over and gave her a hug.
"Don't worry," she reassured the crying pup. "Everything will be fine."
After they finished eating, they all went to sleep. All except Marshall, who sat by the door waiting for Chase to return. Everest couldn't help but walk over and sit with him. She put a paw around him.
"I want him to come back too," she said. Everest thought about the note, she pulled it out. "Can I talk to you about something?" she asked him.
"Sure," he replied. "What do you want to talk about?" Everest showed him the note.
"What's this for?"
Authors notes: DUN DUN DUNNNNNNNNNNNNNN! What will Marshall say about the note? You might have to wait 2 weeks to find out. Who knows if I posted this on time. I am out of town right now and will be until Tuesday, so I'm not sure if I'll get any writing done. I'll try my best though. Stay Sizzling!
