Page 118 of Feeding Hope
Frantically, I burst into the reception area and saw the receptionist. “Get Katy, I need help! Call nine-nine-nine! An old man needs medical aid!”
“You can’t be in here!” the receptionist squealed. I saw it was one of those nasty, judgemental women. The ones who’d been mean.
“Katy!” I bellowed. “Gat Katy! Call an ambulance!”
“You have to leave! There’s decent people here, you’re not welcome!” the bitch cried.
“Call an ambulance!”
“Security!” the woman screeched.
“Katy!” I roared. I saw somebody running and spotted guards heading towards me. Shit. “Please call nine-nine-nine. There’s an old man who’s very ill and needs help.” I yelled at the guards. They kept approaching with hands out, and I knew I was in trouble.
“If you don’t leave, we’ll phone the police!” a guard threatened.
“Do it!” I snapped. “Aiden! Get down here now!”
Katy
“That homeless guy is causing quite a scene in reception. Bellowing Katy’s name and everything. The cops are on their way. He’s gone insane,” Sami hissed to Emily. My head shot up, and I banged it on the desk. I’d bent down to pick up a pencil I’d dropped, and Sami clearly hadn’t seen me.
“What did you say?” I snapped standing up.
Sami sneered. “Your homeless, asshole. He’s downstairs causing a right scene, threatening everyone and shouting your name. Look at the danger you brought to the office.”
I didn’t bother answering, but took off running. Nearly breaking my neck, I raced down the stairs and burst into reception. Tiffany had hit the alarm, and security was wrestling with Alex.
“Katy! Tom’s dying!” Alex yelled, seeing me.
“Let him go!” I screamed at the guards and shoved the closest one. Surprised, he stepped back, and Alex wrenched free. He cupped my face, relieved.
“Tom is at the river; he’s sick, dying. Katy, I asked that bitch to phone nine-nine-nine, and instead she called security. Tomneeds help. I tried explaining, but they kept threatening me with the cops,” Alex blurted.
“Did Alex ask you to call an ambulance?” I demanded, spinning on Tiffany.
“No! He’s a madman. Making threats. He’s crazy, and you are too. Look at the danger he’s put everyone in,” Tiffany screeched.
“An old man’s life is at risk. Did Alex ask for help?” I yelled.
“So what if it is! At least dead, he’s not a drain on society anymore!”
Horrified, I gasped at Tiffany’s callousness.
“What did you say?”
“You heard me. What’s one more dead homeless bum? It just means the streets are that bit cleaner. Why don’t you join him?” Tiffany spat.
“You haven’t learned a single thing,” Aiden thundered, appearing behind me. Tiffany blanched.
Alex froze on seeing Aiden before tugging me with urgency. “Leave that bitch alone, I’ll handle her later,” Alex ordered Aiden, who nodded.
“Come on, take me to Tom. I’ll call nine-nine-nine on the way,” I said, grasping Alex’s hand. Alex began jogging, taking me with him. I sent Tiffany a vile glare as we passed, but she was looking smug.
“Put your complaint in to the police. Just remember, this reception is filmed!” I hissed, and she paled.
Alex
It was too late. The paramedics loaded Tom up, but there was no urgency in their movements. If Maggie had reported Tom missing two or three days ago, Tom might have stood a chance. Instead, he probably wouldn’t even see tonight. I clung to Katy,gutted at losing him. Sure, I barely knew Tom, but his final words had hit home.
