He walked around the ambulance as if inspecting an abandoned vehicle instead of a medical emergency. His flashlight paused on the blood smeared across the rear bumper. Looks like somebody had a rough night. Maya clenched her fists. Please.
Mercer ignored her. He opened one of the side compartments carelessly tossing sterile blankets, oxygen tubing, and sealed medication packs into the rain-soaked roadway. Boxes burst open. Bandages floated into muddy water. Luis stared in disbelief.
Those supplies are sterile. They're evidence now, Mercer replied without emotion. There is no crime scene here, Maya protested. Mercer slowly turned toward her, his lips twisting into another cruel smile. A black doctor getting emotional doesn't impress me.
Several drivers had stopped along the shoulder. Phones appeared. People began recording. Instead of backing away, Mercer grew bolder. He pointed toward Maya loudly enough for everyone to hear.
She keeps screaming because she's hiding something. The crowd exchanged uncertain looks. Maya's heartbeat quickened. This is a licensed emergency transport. Verify my credentials if you want, but let us leave.
Mercer laughed. Credentials? He extended one hand. Let's see them. Without hesitation, Maya handed over her hospital identification.
Mercer studied it for less than a second. Then, to everyone's shock, he dropped it directly into a puddle. The plastic badge disappeared beneath dirty water. Oops. Luis took one furious step forward.
You had no reason to do that. Mercer's right hand instantly rested on his holstered weapon. Careful. The warning froze everyone. Inside the ambulance, the cardiac monitor suddenly changed rhythm.
Beep. Beep. Beep. Faster. Irregular.
Maya immediately climbed back inside. Blood pressure was falling again. He's crashing. She reached for epinephrine. Mercer grabbed the rear door before she could close it.
Nobody administers anything until I'm finished. She stared at him in disbelief. You cannot interfere with medical treatment. I just did. Her patience finally broke.
If he dies because of you, every camera out here will remember your face. Mercer leaned closer until only she could hear him. You still think this is about traffic enforcement? A chill ran through Maya. What does that mean?
Instead of answering, Mercer looked at the unconscious patient. His expression became strangely focused, almost expectant, as though he were waiting for something. Maya followed his eyes. The patient's fingers were moving. Tiny involuntary twitches.
Then, with enormous effort, the man slowly opened his eyes. His lips barely moved. Maya bent closer. What is it? His voice was little more than air.
Phone. What phone? He swallowed painfully. Under. Before he could finish, his entire body stiffened.
The monitor erupted into a violent alarm. Luis looked up. We've lost his pulse. Everything happened at once. Maya threw herself over the patient.
Start compressions. Luis ripped open the emergency airway kit. Another paramedic prepared the defibrillator. Outside, Mercer folded his arms. He never called for backup.
He never requested another ambulance. He simply watched. For three full minutes of desperate CPR. Sweat mixed with rain on Maya's face as she counted compressions. Come on.
Nothing. Luis charged the paddles. Clear. The patient's body jerked violently. Still nothing.
Again. Clear. A second shock echoed through the ambulance. The monitor hesitated. Then, a faint heartbeat returned.
Everyone inside released a breath they didn't realize they had been holding, except Mercer. His jaw tightened. For the first time all night, he looked disappointed. Maya noticed. She couldn't ignore it anymore.
Normal officers celebrated when lives were saved. Mercer looked frustrated. Why? Before she could think further, another patrol cruiser pulled up behind his vehicle. Two younger officers stepped out.
One glanced into the ambulance. What happened? Mercer answered before anyone else could speak. Possible criminal investigation. The rookie looked confused.
Against who? Mercer pointed directly at Maya. Her. The words stunned everyone. Luis exploded.
She's trying to save his life. Mercer calmly removed a pair of handcuffs from his duty belt. If she interferes again, he let the metal cuffs dangle where Maya could clearly see them. I'll arrest her for obstructing a police investigation. The rookie officer hesitated.
Sir, should we maybe let EMS transport first? Mercer's stare became ice cold. Did I ask for your opinion? The young officer immediately fell silent. Maya looked from one face to another.
Fear was spreading. Not because Mercer was right, because no one was willing to challenge him. Then, almost unnoticed beneath the stretcher, veteran paramedic Luis quietly reached toward a small black emergency switch hidden under the frame. Without looking at anyone, he pressed it. No light flashed.