I pace back in forth in front of the counter. The tall man eyes me suspiciously but doesn't say anything. The short, British one went hunting in the back for another exit. Scott has been unconscious for six minutes now, and the phone keeps ringing every two minutes.
"What's your name?" I ask spontaneously.
"Uh, Pete," the robber replies.
"Listen Pete, please let Scott go. If you'll let me bring him out there I will come right back. I swear, but he will die if he isn't treated. How will that look on the record? It's a lot worse than burglary," I warn.
"Hey Larry, get out here," Pete hollers.
Larry wanders back looking angry, "What?"
"Can the girl bring him outside then come back? We don't wanna be charged with murder," Pete asks his companion.
Larry moves closer and they talk in hushed voices. Finally they turn to me and nod.
I hurriedly grab Scott's arms and start dragging him to the door. But half way there the phone rings.
"Wait a minute," Larry says gruffly. Then he picks up the phone.
"What?….. Yes I am letting her go out. Move the crowd back. She's gonna drag him outside the door then she's coming back in. I want everyone 30 feet back from her," he instructs the cop on the other end.
I start dragging Scott again then finally, open the door, and drag him out. The crowd is watching me and Abby is standing by a police officer near the front. She's crying and trying to run to me. The officer is holding her back and I have to run back inside before I try something stupid.
"Now what?" I ask angrily stomping back to the men.
"Watch your tone," Pete mumbles.
"No, I wanna know what the plan is! I have been cooperative and polite! I'm the last person here!" I scream.
"Shut up!" Larry roars.
I close my mouth and give them a hard stare. It's then that I notice Pete is losing consciousness.
"Pete," I hesitantly walk over to him and look into his very glazed eyes. He doesn't respond. "Larry he needs help," I exclaim, turning to the shorter man. I turn back to Pete and see that he is now unconscious.
Damnit!