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Inspired by The Chronicles of Opal Sawyer: Chapter 5.

The Chronicles of Opal Sawyer - Chapter 5Chapter 5: Rescue IndeedThe dark veil of slumber was slowly lifting from my heavy eyelids. A slumber so deep that you can't even remember your dreams. A slumber so intense that it requires the strongest motivation just to roll your body over or change positions in bed. It's not a restful sleep because you feel the urgency to wake up and pay attention to something extremely important, but your body simply does not respond. “I just don’t want to move… I can’t seem to move.” “…M.. i.. s.. s.. S.. a.. w.. y.. e.. r.. … W… a… k… e… u… p!.. M.. i.. s.. s.. S.. a.. w.. y.. e.. r. W… a… k… e… u…p.. M.. i.. s.. s.. S.. a.. w.. y.. e.. r..” A faint sounding voice was calling me urgently to wakefulness; a concerned voice... a tender, physical presence. Yet, there was another physical presence that felt just as close as that tender voice; the one pulling me toward consciousness; only it was not as calming as the first. “SAWYER!! WAKE UP KID!! QUIT YOUR NAPPIN AND GET BACK HERE… I KNOW YOU’RE IN THERE KID… WAKE UP!! SAWYER!!! DO YOU HEAR ME??” It was grating, burly, smoker’s voice, a familiar "more than middle-aged," grumpy voice with a touch of concern grumbling persistently in the background. This grumpy voice was vaguely familiar, annoying, and gruff. A voice of sarcasm persistently calling my name and evoking the same feeling of contempt or dread from me… Much like that first point of awareness when you're waking up from the persistent beeping alarm telling you it’s Monday morning. “Uhg, Monday morning… after a tiresome weekend of excitement augmented by an overindulgence of alcohol and celebration…”. Opal considered… “Funny thing is… I don’t remember anything I celebrated or that I should have a hangover from…” Opal thought to herself. “I think she’s coming out of it now.. she’ll be fine..”. The more professional sounding voice acknowledged with obvious relief and caring. “SAWYER… CAN YOU HEAR ME KID? SNAP OUT OF IT ALREADY!!” The gruff and annoying smoker's voice persisted. “Sir, you need to step back and let us work. She’s been heavily sedated, but the oxygen is helping. She just can't answer you right now so please just give us some space to work so we both can breathe, OK?” Paramedic Penelope Briar countered with mild irritation in her voice as she tended to her patient, Opal Sawyer. Her tone remained professional, but her comment was not a request; evidence that her patience was obviously wearing thin. Another stronger, professional voice suddenly intervened. “Mr. Monclaire, is it? Why don’t you step over here and tell me what you know about Miss Sawyer and let my partner tend to her while you give me some basic information. Miss Sawyer does work for you, right? I promise you she's in the best of hands and she’ll be awake in a few minutes.” The second Paramedic offered as he ushered the gruff Editor of "Sleuth Magazine" from the back of the ambulance. Opal became more aware of a focused, cool, crisp, breeze blowing across her nose and face. The breeze felt clean and pure… even somewhat refreshing. “But there is something else on my face…" She thought as her mind continued to clear more rapidly. It wasn't long before she realized the sensation was an oxygen mask blowing pure oxygen into her and clearing the heavy fog over her mind much faster than before. “I REMEMBER! HE CHLOROFORMED ME!! THAT MAN!!! HE CHLOROFORMED AGAIN!!!” She screamed! Opal was immediately startled as her bid for consciousness fueled an immediate struggle for her life as the image of the man attacking her in the hotel suite flooded her thoughts. Opal instinctively reached to yank away the oxygen mask, expecting instant resistance but there wasn’t any. She was no longer bound to the chair but in a mere moment she felt smooth, gentle hands firmly grasp her arms as she came up in a defensive posture. “EASY! Easy, Miss Sawyer… you’re safe… It’s OK. You’re safe now… My name’s Penny… I’m a Paramedic with the Fire Department…. You’ve been drugged… let the oxygen clear your head. You’ll feel better in a few moments… I promise, “She says professionally in a cool, calm voice as she firmly held Opal's arms across her abdomen. Opal’s eyes tried to focus on the woman as her head was indeed clearing… All she could clearly see was the shining raven black hair braided in a fashionable, yet functional hair style and the clear royal blue eyes of the very pretty Paramedic tenderly caring for her. But that’s not all she saw. Just behind this pleasant image of her caregiver was the sharp contrast of a scowling impression of her boss, Mortimer “Morty” Montclaire, Editor and Chief of Sleuth magazine peering through the back window of the closed ambulance door; still sputtering her name and knocking repeatedly. Opal gently smiled and relaxed back on the poor excuse of a pillow under her head and tried to let her thoughts return to the land of the living. She felt the Paramedic adjust her grasp to hold both her wrists in place with one hand, keeping them across her belly as she adjusted the oxygen mask back in place. ”MAYA! WHERE’S MAYA…” Opal exclaimed before repeating her attempt to sit up prompting the Paramedic to gently place her free hand on her shoulder and answer while coaxing Opal back on to the slightly elevated stretcher. ”Miss Mercer is in another ambulance. She’s being well cared for. Like you, she was heavily sedated. In fact, she seemed a little more out of it than you are. She also has some minor bruising from the ropes she was tied with, but she’s going to be fine. Both of you need to just relax… She was asking about you too. I guess you two get into your fair share of scrapes doing what you do. I follow your articles all the time. So, I know this isn’t exactly new territory for you..." Paramedic Briar said with a soft smile that was not at all judgmental. Opal looked at the woman caring for her to try and size her up by the comment, but she seemed to simply be making casual conversation as Paramedic Briar rechecked her pulse; remaining very focused on his work. An obvious professional to be sure, but she just had to ask: “You follow my work?” Opal was a little annoyed by the muffled sound of her voice as she talked through the oxygen mask but there wasn’t much, she could do about it. She was tempted to try and remove it again, but she doubted her attractive Paramedic care giver would allow it. Besides, she was feeling better with the cool oxygen blowing in her face and her mind was clearing very rapidly now. Instead of her body feeling like it weighed a ton of with a massive hang over, now Opal’s body seemed to weigh five hundred pounds with a massive headache, so she was making progress. Penny smiled and responded “Mmhmm. I do. In our line of work, we often respond to crime scenes and here lately we seem to be closest to the weirdest crime scenes around this district of the city. I've even responded to a few of your other more adventurous scenes. Not that you'd have noticed. No one ever notices EMS until they end up in the back of one of our rigs. This is my first time trea… Err, meeting you." Paramedic Briar said with a soft laugh as she suddenly tried to look away, adjusting something on the heart monitor, to hide her embarrassment. As Penelope Briar leaned over her patient trying to hide her angelic smile, Opal noticed the pretty Paramedic’s blue eyes, and her flushed cheeks confirming the woman's embarrassment or possibly suggesting excitement or physical attraction; it was still difficult to tell. Everything was still fuzzy, and her head throbbed from the chloroform. Opal adjusted her upper body on the uncomfortable ambulance cot and suddenly realized that her top was gone. Her bra, however, was still intact but barely covered by the blankets. She quickly snatched the covers up over her chest causing an audible gasp of shock making the heart monitor to beep. “Um, yeah… You’re connected to a heart monitor. It's standard procedure with unconscious patients. You and Miss Mercer were never in any danger as far as we could tell but your respirations were fairly slow. We weren't sure if you had been given some other potent drug, gas, or harder narcotic so it was necessary to monitor your heart and respirations more closely." The Paramedic explained."Who... who removed my top?" Opal asked with a hint of concern. "My boss didn't see me, did... did he??" "Oh! No... don't worry... We were discreet and protected your modesty... I assure you." Paramedic Briar replied."We?" Opal asked a little more concerned."My partner and me. But relax, I did the undressing while he kept you covered. We do this all the time and protecting our patients from onlookers is a practiced skill.” The Paramedic assured.Opal seemed to accept the Paramedic Briar's explanation because it not only made sense, but she knew the Paramedics were just doing their job. If it was necessary to have her clothes removed, she couldn't think of anyone more trustworthy than medical professionals to do the job; and this one was one gorgeous medical professional."Um, so... you said you are familiar with my work? How does a Paramedic in Heartsdale become familiar with the crazy cases Maya and I tend to investigate?? Opal asked. Paramedic Briar giggled softly but didn’t turn around right away. “Well, I guess I am somewhat of a mystery fan. Ya know, Scooby Doo, a man in a mask, and all types of unexplained phenomena. I’ve always been attracted to solving mysteries so naturally I read your articles all the time. My father was a police sergeant and my mom worked for the District Attorney’s office, so dinner time discussions were often interesting. But, neither of them wanted me to go near law enforcement so they tried to divert me to more feminine pursuits like dance, gymnastics, or my interest in biology; their way of keeping me safe, I guess. Since I was somewhat of a geek, loved biology but favored the lights and siren life my father exposed me to, my parents urged me toward medical science and so, here I am. Besides, being a Paramedic is a lot like detective work anyway. We follow clues and evidence to try and figure out what’s wrong with our patients… So we love and solve mysteries too. Maybe a little more conventional and boring, but important enough. But it didn’t curb my desire to solve mysteries and figure things out so I kept dabbling and reading so I keep up with things here and there; especially your articles, Miss Sawyer.” Penny said matter of factually as she turned and smiled back at Opal. “I think we’re way past the Miss stage, Paramedic Briar. I mean, you did undress me… and now I feel like I know you a little better…” Opal said immediately blushing after forward comment…. “Oh! I mean, seriously, it’s nice to meet someone who appreciates my articles. It’s not that often I get to meet another detective type who isn’t in law enforcement telling me to butt out. I didn’t mean…” “Only if you call me Penny, Opal.” Penny replied laughing as her cheeks flushed a darker shade pink, genuinely surprised by Opal’s undressing comment. Opal realized she was letting her attraction to Penny get the best of her for some reason, but she did regret being unconscious during the undressing. It wasn't good journalistic detachment, but it was a fact... Maybe it was the drugs. “Look, seriously, thank you for taking care of me, and Maya, and doing what you do… So, what happens now?” Opal asked. ”We take you to Valley General for a more detailed assessment and lab work. We need to make sure there are no other aftereffects…” Penny said in a curious tone. ”After effects? From chloroform? As you said, this is not my first rodeo so what are you worried about?” Oh no! Was I? She asked carefully “Is Maya?!”“No, she’s fine… Both of you appear fine.” Penny said trying to ease Opal’s concerns as she reached for Opal’s left arm and then tenderly squeezing her hand.Opal looked at Penny's gloved hand and seemed to relax when she felt the tender grasp of her attractive caretaker.“Thankfully all you and your friend just have some nasty ligature marks from being tied up so tight for so long. I mean, these will be around for a while I’m afraid. They’re almost bruises. And you seem to have them everywhere…” Penny explained.Opal blushed and flashed back to the sensations she had to endure as Minx demonstrated the torturous bondage, she had been subjected to... It was no wonder she was marked up so badly.“But you see... We..., that is, my partner and I, believe you were exposed to something else besides simple chloroform." Penny explained and then curiously paused to check her surroundings for potential eaves dropping... "Recently, we've been called to some scenes where women were found restrained and heavily sedated. Some of the victims were tied very elaborately the way you and your friend were bound while others..." Penny paused looking uneasy.Opal noticed Penny was sincerely having difficulty finding the words as though what she saw terrified her on some level. "Hey, it’s OK… You can tell me if you wish..." Opal encouraged."... While others were encased in fibrous cocoons from head to toe." Penny said. Opal's eyes widened. "Cocoons? What do you mean by cocoons?" Opal asked. "I mean when we arrived, we found female shaped white or light gray cocoons that were nearly opaque except for the women's faces where the fibers were very thin. They were so tightly wrapped that nearly every contour and curve of their bodies was distinguishable. At first, we thought we were too late because none of them were moving, but we quickly discovered women were alive, just comatose, and barely breathing with very slow heart rates. It was like finding an Egyptian tomb full of mummies except they were alive, lying in warehouses or storage containers…" Penny described.Opal was astonished to hear such a fantastic story. Especially from a highly trained professional within the emergency services. This wasn't the usual informant of the paranormal she was used to dealing with. Penny had credibility. "Cocoons? In storage containers? As in someone was collecting these women for storage? Like mummies… You’re not saying like plastic body bags or wrapped in bandages and tape? I mean, I've had some experiences with things like that." Penny shook her head and sighed. "No, nothing conventional like that. I’ve never seen anything like this before. Some of the fibers were thin like thread while others were a few millimeters wide with a spongy texture like elastic, self-adhering, bandages used in sports but with a sticky coating that was nearly unbreakable... And given the width or diameter of the fibers the women had to be wrapped in hundreds or thousands of yards of the stuff. We had to cut the material away from their faces just to begin airway management. I took even more effort to free the women from the sticky material. It was one of the eeriest and most disturbing scenes I have ever been to... I get the jitters just talking about it. It makes you think of spiders but anything like that would have to be … I don’t even want to think about it. It’s not even possible. But it was synthetic; artificially made. At least, that’s what I’ve heard through the grape vine.” Penny added before shaking her head to get back to assessing Opal’s vital signs again. “And these women were drugged? Chloroformed like Maya and me?” Opal asked. “No, not like you and Maya.” Penny said as she donned her Stethoscope. “These women are completely comatose.” Penny added. ”Comatose you say? They didn’t wake up?” Opal asked with concern. “No… as far as I know, every victim we have taken in is still unconscious. Alive, but their vitals are at incredibly low levels. The strange thing is; however, their bodies don’t seem to be suffering ill effects. It’s as if they were in a deep, deep sleep, with stable viral signs. But there haven’t been any adverse changes in their condition as far as I know.” Penny said as she began listening to Opal’s chest again. “Strange…” Opal commented as she tried to grasp what she was hearing. She hadn't heard anything about this before now. “Could I have been so obsessed with finding the serial kidnapper that I just missed this?” She thought to herself. “What do you or the Police think is going on?” Opal asked. Penny removed the Stethoscope from her ears and hung the device around her neck and thought for a moment as if she were deciding what she should say. “Well, the Police are tight lipped about it… and I do TIGHT lipped. But they were operating under speculation that it may be a gang of human traffickers and drug dealers operating in the city using some sort of new date rape drug to trap women. But when we began finding women encased in those bizarre, cocoons in different places around the city, my partner and I began thinking it could be some sort of cult where…” The doors to the ambulance abruptly opened rapidly with such excessive force, that both women squealed; startled by sudden opening of the doors. The discomfort of the moment increased when a crusty unpleasant voice made its presence known.“Well, well, well… I'd say this was a surprise but it's really not… Opal Sawyer… amateur snoop and rag tabloid reporter…. Stumbling around where professionals should be investigating… and now you've landed in the back of an ambulance. Imagine that..." The more than middle-aged, balding man said in a sarcastically harsh, yet somewhat pleased, tone. He quickly flashed his identification and badge at Paramedic Briar, practically ignoring her, but she knew who he was. Everyone who served in Heartsdale emergency services knew Chief Inspector Bloom and no one was ever glad to see him. “Chief Inspector Bloom, Heartsdale police…” He announced arrogantly.Penny basically sat there blinking having recovered from the Inspector's abrupt entrance to her ambulance, preparing to advocate for her patient, but the Inspector never gave her a chance."I’d like to have more than a few words with Miss Sawyer if you don’t mind.” The Chief Inspector sarcastically continued indicating he wanted the Paramedic to leave the two of them alone in the ambulance. The Paramedic narrowed her gaze considerably before winking at Opal. “Actually, I do mind Inspector. Miss Sawyer has been exposed to heavy sedation and is likely not able to give you any solid information. I’m still monitoring her vital signs, respirations, and watching for any anomalies...” Penny declared confidently; indicating she wasn’t leaving the ambulance at all. “She looks alert enough to me…” The Inspector countered. “Do you not see she is still getting oxygen therapy? She was heavily sedated. She’s not even able to legally refuse transport or care at this point, which makes her my responsibility. So, it would probably be best if you waited awhile before conducting any interviews. In fact, I suggest you wait until the doctors at Valley General give you the green light to make sure any information from her interview is reliable or suitable for admission to the courts, Sir.” Paramedic Briar tactfully, and brilliantly, pointed out. Opal’s eyes widened a bit because she knew how tough Inspector Bloom could be and tensions inside the ambulance certainly seemed to rise suddenly. However, she couldn't help being impressed, and a little turned on, by the exchange. Penny effectively stood up to this jerk who did have some authority and she even tactfully pointed out the potential unreliability of anything she said since she had been exposed to some sort of drug, or substance, which would leave her mental capacity was in question. Bloom’s posturing was simply an opportunity to verbally abuse her in front of someone else, but she wasn't sure how he would take this Paramedic's advocacy. Inspector Bloom sized up the young medic and grumbled under his breath with an expression of logical concession. “Alright Briar… Point taken. I’ll just wait until she’s cleared by the doctors. I don't suppose she's going anywhere anytime soon... Carry on...” The Inspector reluctantly conceded as he turned to exit the ambulance. Penny then turned to take Opal’s blood pressure in a manner that intentionally blocked the Inspector’s direct line of sight while mouthing the words “what an ass” before winking at her patient. Opal started giggling. ”What was that?” The Inspector grumbled. Opal immediately repeated aloud what the Paramedic mouthed pretending to be drunk, “Oh... whata… um… assss…” Penny's eyes widened and her cheeks flushed watching Opal’s eyes meet with the inspector’s. She couldn’t believe Opal suddenly stuck her tongue out under the oxygen mask at the man after the blatant insult. It took every bit of her concentration not to laugh as Opal narrowed her eyes, locking her contemptuous gaze on the Inspector and then seeing his expression hardened like granite in response. It was evident he suspected Opal was more alert than she was letting on, but Inspector Bloom simply turned slowly once more and began to exit the ambulance. Penny scowled at her patient trying to contain her smile and whispered softly: "Stop poking the bear, Opal..."Inspector Bloom scrutinized the young reporter to consider if the explanation Paramedic Briar provided was valid or not. Just before exiting the ambulance, however, Inspector Bloom turned to the young Paramedic and asked. “Sedation you say?"Penny stiffened and closed her eyes before looking back at the Inspector with confidence. "Yes Sir... Pretty potent stuff, whatever it was...""Was it the same stuff we’ve been seeing around the city? Can you at least tell me that much? You seem to have a solid grasp on things Briar, not to mention an opinion about this specifically…” Paramedic Briar felt a small pit develop in her stomach but remained composed and turned back to her patient to take another set of vital signs to cover her obvious disdain and divert the Inspector's attention. Penny looked at Opal and touched her ear inconspicuously to clue her in to listen. “Inspector, I must consider Miss Sawyer, and the other patient’s privacy with regard to their medical information and confidentiality laws, but in the interests of cooperation to help your investigation I will speak carefully. I don’t believe it was the same substance. The other patients I treated did not respond so quickly to oxygen therapy as Miss Sawyer and her companion did; so, it’s likely not the same synthetic anesthetic used against the other women who were found so elaborately restrained. However, it was likely not simple Chloroform either and there are definite similarities in the rope bondage method used on the other victims... unofficially speaking of course... Does that help?” “Hmm, a little confusing… but useful. I agree, the evidence we’ve found at the scene also suggests similarities to the other attacks. Thanks Briar. Carry on…” The Inspector said. Opal looked past the Paramedic as Inspector Bloom Started to close the ambulance door and the two adversaries locked eyes once more. Inspector Bloom pointed his index and middle fingers at both his eyes before immediately turning them toward her in the classic “I’m watching you” gesture. Opal realized at that point Penny’s sedation explanation probably didn't carry weight with the Inspector and he probably wasn’t willing to push another professional on an active crime scene in front of so many other witnesses. He preferred open warfare with Opal as opposed to kicking a partially incapacitated opponent. Opal just blatantly stuck out her tongue under the oxygen mask a second time, prompting an obvious laugh from her care giver. Inspector Bloom’s eyes hardened, and he swore at her through the window and walked away. ”So there have been attacks around town? Abductions?” Opal asked. “I’m not supposed to talk about it… but yes. There have been other attacks and abductions. Some of the victims were found tied up like you and Maya while others were cocooned in those weird elastic fibers, but yes… there have been other incidents.” Penny explained under his breath as she sat on the bench next opposite the stretcher; charting more information on her report. “I haven’t heard anything about that.” Opal said with astonishment. “I’m not surprised. Law enforcement has ordered the entire affair restricted to prevent press involvement. We were ordered not to discuss it with anyone as well, or we would be discharged from duty, and I can’t afford to lose my job.” She said matter of factually. Opal looked at the attractive brunette as she continued writing. “But you told me….” Paramedic Bannister smiled and looked up. “Did I? I just answered the Inspector’s question in front of a victim who had been heavily sedated. I don’t think my patient could’ve made heads or tails of the conversation… and the Inspector did ask me in front of you. So, if you did hear something, it’s his fault, right? Opal just smiled and nodded at her new friend and ally. “Riiiight..” “I mean, you’re probably already thinking you may have been a victim of some weird cult and narrowly escaped from who knows what… and you’re probably right. But at least you weren’t wrapped in a stifling cocoon, of sticky synthetic, fibers from head to toe and placed into a drug induced coma. I can’t help it if you were a little more aware of your surroundings than I anticipated.” She said with a very attractive, smile and wink... “Um, what was all that? I can’t seem to keep my eyes open…” Opal said with a soft smile and tapped her ears. “Besides, someone who has some sense needs to investigate these things. I’ve been on some of these calls, and they’ve been so creepy that I’m afraid to go home to my apartment alone, so I’ve been staying at my parents for the last few weeks. The circumstances of these occurrences have us all on edge. We don’t have the luxury of saying no when we’re dispatched. We have to go where the need is, fear or not; ya know?” Penny explained. Opal’s eyes narrowed a bit as she thought about what Penny said. “I’ve never considered that before. I guess emergency services can’t really say no when you are called, can you.?” Penny just looked up and smiled shaking her head. “You just go… no matter what. That’s got to be hard sometimes… Thank you so much for what you do, Penny.” Opal said with sincere eyes as the two of them looked at each other.There was a curious moment of awkward silence that was literally less than fifteen seconds before this random thought crept in Opal's mind out of nowhere as Opal felt the need to look down. “Live alone, huh?” She whispered under her breath… or so she thought. Penny just blushed a soft smile; giggling. Opal immediately recovered and looked at her caregiver in horror wondering if she heard the added comment. But seeing Penny’s angelic smile and rosy cheeks suggested an answer. Opal just closed her eyes, mortified. Penny smiled and looked at her briefly… then went back to her charting. “I guess you and the Inspector know each other?” Penny asked in a curious change of topic. Obviously, it was an attempt to help 1Opal out of the corner she just painted herself into. “Um, yeah… We’ve crossed paths a few times.” Opal answered under the weird muffle of the oxygen mask. "He doesn't like anyone to get the answers before he does. Which happens most of the time..." She said with a laugh. Penny kept writing and smiled. "I know the type..." “So, how is Mrs Addams?" Opal asked. “Who?" The Penny asked while continuing to write on her charting tablet. “Mrs Addams. The other woman who was in the room with us. Constance Addams. You know, filthy rich and famous designer who owns and operates Vintage Vision Designs. Mrs. Addams’ firm is restoring the Emerald Hotel..." Opal clarified. Penny stopped charting and looked at Opal with a bit of concern. "There was a third victim in the suite with you? When my partner and I arrived you and Miss Mercer were the only two people in the hotel room... Are you sure?" “YES! That's how this entire mess started... I had a meeting scheduled with her, but I was grabbed before I made it to her office... In fact, she tried to rescue Maya and me before that other man..." Opal tried to explain... “Hold on...!" Penny interrupted as she put her tablet down to open the back of the ambulance and urgently motion her partner over. Opal couldn't hear what the two of them were discussing but he nodded and hurried off toward the Inspector. Paramedic Briar closed the ambulance door once more to insure no one would bother them again and sat back down with a concerned look on her face. “Opal... I just talked to my partner, Vince. He’s taking this information to the Inspector because when we arrived the only people in the room with you and your friend were the fire fighters. They had already untied you both and were rendering first aid when we entered the room. There was no third person in there. In fact, there wasn't even any evidence of someone else being held captive like you two. I admit the scene was chaotic with the fire alarm blaring, the search for an apparent non-existent fire, and two deeply sedated women we expected to slip into comas, but as far as we could tell, you and Miss Mercer were the only ones in the room." “THAT CAN'T BE! SHE WAS THERE!!" Opal yelled through the plastic oxygen mask, and she started to sit up. Penny gently pressed her hand to Opal’s shoulder. "Shh, Opal… Settle down… The police will look into it... But as soon as Vince gets back, we're taking you to Valley General before Inspector Bloom decides to make a reappearance." “BUT PENNY! YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND!" Opal exclaimed. “Opal… Shhh. We’ll figure it out…” Penny said as she reached for Opal’s left hand to help settle her down, calmly squeezing her hand and moving her thumb back and forth. Opal was immediately disarmed and realized she had raised her voice. It didn’t take very long for her to regain her composure and try to explain in a more sensible tone. “You don't understand, Penny... I was working on a lead to a story that has nothing to do with these strange gray men and she is... I mean, was... DAMN IT! It's crucial I talk to her now! Are you telling me she's not even here?" Opal asked as she reached for the oxygen mask with her right hand. Penny kept hold of Penny’s left hand and blocked Opal’s efforts to remove her oxygen mask by placing her free hand over the oxygen mask to hold it in place. “Uh uh, Opal! That stays in place. I’m not satisfied with your O2 Sat numbers yet. Please try and relax. I’m telling you… We’ll figure it out… I promise.” Penny gently argued. “Look… that won’t be necessary. Just let me out a little way down the street. I’m feeling much better now. I have to find Mrs. Addams! Where’s my top, by the way?” Opal justified strongly as she began looking for her top. Penny’s eyes locked firmly on Opal’s as she firmly, but calmly, declared: “No way… You’re going to the hospital.” “But you said it’s likely not the same stuff that was used on the other women…” Opal argued. “True… I’m sure it’s not. But you’ve still been exposed to heavy sedation, and you need to have lab work done in addition to a full examination by a physician. See these ligature marks? They indicate you were very tightly tied for an extended period of time that likely impaired vascular circulation and possibly even impaired neurological function in your arms and legs. So, you’re going to go to the hospital.” Penny said as she pulled shoulder straps over her patient and connected them to the safety belts of the stretcher Opal was lying on. “What if refuse?” Opal countered. “You can’t...” Penny explained with a satisfied smile. “I wasn’t exactly lying to the Inspector. Since you have been exposed to an unknown substance, possibly mind altering and definitely some sort of a strong sedative, I can’t be certain you can make a well informed or rational decision pertaining to your own health, legally speaking of course. So, sit back and enjoy the ride.” Penny said with complete confidence as Opal felt the stretcher straps tighten over her chest, waist, and knees. “But… What about Mrs. Addams?” Opal began to argue.“Mrs. Addams is a matter for the police right now whereas you are my priority and my immediate responsibility." Penny replied matter of factually.Opal's eyes narrowed. "Paramedic Briar... I do believe you are quite devious... This is so unfair..." Opal said as she crossed her arms displaying frustration and astonishment. Penny was an impressive young woman, professionally brilliant, and quite within her rights. But Opal also knew she was quite cunning and apparently able to twist the facts to her own advantage; which under the circumstances was not difficult to do at the moment. Penny just giggled and smiled. "Maybe so... but it is for your own good. Now, are you going to cooperate, or do I have to call for orders from medical control to restrain my uncooperative and combative patient?” Penny said with a very satisfied smile accompanied by another charming wink. Opal’s mouth dropped open, and she felt her cheeks instantly flush. “Seriously Opal, there’s nothing more you can do right now except let me take care of you. We need to be sure you and Maya are completely healthy. Then you can do your thing. But don’t test me on this… You’re going to go to the hospital…” Penny said with unusual conviction. Opal had only known Penny for less than an hour, but she was sensing something special already… She wasn’t sure what it was, but she realized she was stuck for the moment and conceded to the assertive Paramedic. But Opal knew she wasn’t exactly weak minded, so rather than simply giving in to defeat, she decided to fire off one more sarcastic comment at the young woman. “Isn’t this kidnapping? I mean, give me some sort of a break here.” Penny began giggling… “No, actually, this is quite legal and what we call implied consent. If someone was of sound mind, it is reasonable to presume they would want help. But if a patient is incapacitated, the law presumes that this person, who was in their right mind, they would also want you to take care of them... So, until you are deemed to have full mental capacity and not influenced or in capacitated by this mystery substance, I get to make decisions for you. You can look it up... People make this mistake all the time when they drink too much. If you had not been incapacitated you could easily refuse care and transportation; which would make this kidnapping, but as I explained to the inspector, you are not at full capacity, are you?”Opal squinted and tightened her folded arms. “You just have this all worked out, don’t you Paramedic Briar? You’ve manipulated me purely and simply. I don’t want to go to the hospital, so this is kidnapping. Maybe legal by your standards but kidnapping nonetheless.” Opal playfully protested.Penny laughed and smiled with great satisfaction and replied skillfully. “Look at it this way, Opal… It’s not like being kidnapped is a new experience for you. You and Maya seem to be kidnapped quite often... I know you’re not bound and gagged back here but I can always get those orders to restrain you if you miss being tied up so much.” “OK, THAT... was low blow. It’s not like I plan for things like this to happen to me, ya know!” Opal scowled tightening her folded arms once more.Penny laughed and called out to her partner: “VINCE… WE’RE READY BACK HERE!” “I’M SERIOUS! IT’S NOT MY FAULT!!” Opal insisted.Penny looked at her patient and winked with that confident smile before laughing again; shaking her head slightly as the ambulance started to pull away. Opal started to repeat her protest, but she just couldn’t do it. Penny had her dead to rights and seemed to know quite a bit about her, and the infamous adventures where she had not exactly come out completely on top of things. She was pouting on the outside, but Opal was totally disarmed on the inside. Opal wasn't satisfied that Penny believed her. But it didn't really matter anyway... Penny’s smile was just too perfect for anything to matter right now. Opal watched Penny don the radio headset and prepare for her patient report to Valley General Hospital, the obvious and logical destination since it was the closest facility. Penny looked so professional and in control as if she were prepared for anything and totally at ease in her environment. Watching her work was quite beautiful... "She" was quite beautiful, even in the masculine military styled tactical pants and the snug fitting, Polo style uniform shirt with her agency's logo, which she filled out quite well. Opal even considered how attractive and cool Penny looked in the radio headset that didn’t take anything away from her attractive and functional, hair style accentuating her raven black hair.Penny keyed the headset microphone and glanced at Opal as she called in to the hospital. Penny's head tilted slightly with curiosity when she noticed Opal watching her closely, but it didn't break her stride: “Valley General… This is Med 43 in bound non-emergency with one patient. Request a physician to the radio please…”Opal felt her mouth suddenly go dry which, in turn, caused her to swallow and moisten her lips. Perhaps it was just the oxygen drying her mouth and sinuses out, but it was more likely the sight of this pretty Paramedic switching off her delightfully wicked sense of humor to switch on her professionalism, do her job, focus on Opal's wellbeing; all while maintaining an angelic smile. Opal couldn't look away from Penny's crystal blue eyes, sharply contrasted by her raven black hair, that seemed to always command attention. Opal felt safe, comfortable, and cared for in presence of this woman which seem to shift her mind off all the questions and puzzles that tended to plague her. Penny obviously knew her job and did it well, but Opal had also seen a glimpse into Penny's vulnerable side. It was obvious people in her line of work grappled with the aftermath of unpleasant things and job stress, but the disturbing things Penny had recently seen were affecting her on another level. Opal saw a very feminine, fragile, and empathetic soul within this amazingly strong woman; suggesting such a contrast that she wanted to know more about her... “I wonder if Maya’s Paramedic is this sexy? What the hell am I thinking? Focus, Opal...focus...”**************************On the roof top of a building, opposite the Emerald Hotel, a very buxom and curvaceous figure was again silhouetted against the moonlight watching the chaotic scene play out below. The seductive thief, known as "the Minx", tapped a few symbols on her forearm and a small, black drone buzzed to life behind her. It hovered a few moments and then descended over the edge of the building and rapidly floated towards the departing ambulances while keeping a discreet altitude and distance from its surveillance target. Minx moistened her painted lips as they slowly curved upward into a seductively hungry smile as she whispered. "I hate having to delegate this task to my little friend, but I have another meeting to attend to, Princess. My little friend will keep tabs on you until I can plan our next meeting."

Description
Inspired by The Chronicles of Opal Sawyer: Chapter 5.

The Chronicles of Opal Sawyer - Chapter 5Chapter 5: Rescue IndeedThe dark veil of slumber was slowly lifting from my heavy eyelids. A slumber so deep that you can't even remember your dreams. A slumber so intense that it requires the strongest motivation just to roll your body over or change positions in bed. It's not a restful sleep because you feel the urgency to wake up and pay attention to something extremely important, but your body simply does not respond. “I just don’t want to move… I can’t seem to move.” “…M.. i.. s.. s.. S.. a.. w.. y.. e.. r.. … W… a… k… e… u… p!.. M.. i.. s.. s.. S.. a.. w.. y.. e.. r. W… a… k… e… u…p.. M.. i.. s.. s.. S.. a.. w.. y.. e.. r..” A faint sounding voice was calling me urgently to wakefulness; a concerned voice... a tender, physical presence. Yet, there was another physical presence that felt just as close as that tender voice; the one pulling me toward consciousness; only it was not as calming as the first. “SAWYER!! WAKE UP KID!! QUIT YOUR NAPPIN AND GET BACK HERE… I KNOW YOU’RE IN THERE KID… WAKE UP!! SAWYER!!! DO YOU HEAR ME??” It was grating, burly, smoker’s voice, a familiar "more than middle-aged," grumpy voice with a touch of concern grumbling persistently in the background. This grumpy voice was vaguely familiar, annoying, and gruff. A voice of sarcasm persistently calling my name and evoking the same feeling of contempt or dread from me… Much like that first point of awareness when you're waking up from the persistent beeping alarm telling you it’s Monday morning. “Uhg, Monday morning… after a tiresome weekend of excitement augmented by an overindulgence of alcohol and celebration…”. Opal considered… “Funny thing is… I don’t remember anything I celebrated or that I should have a hangover from…” Opal thought to herself. “I think she’s coming out of it now.. she’ll be fine..”. The more professional sounding voice acknowledged with obvious relief and caring. “SAWYER… CAN YOU HEAR ME KID? SNAP OUT OF IT ALREADY!!” The gruff and annoying smoker's voice persisted. “Sir, you need to step back and let us work. She’s been heavily sedated, but the oxygen is helping. She just can't answer you right now so please just give us some space to work so we both can breathe, OK?” Paramedic Penelope Briar countered with mild irritation in her voice as she tended to her patient, Opal Sawyer. Her tone remained professional, but her comment was not a request; evidence that her patience was obviously wearing thin. Another stronger, professional voice suddenly intervened. “Mr. Monclaire, is it? Why don’t you step over here and tell me what you know about Miss Sawyer and let my partner tend to her while you give me some basic information. Miss Sawyer does work for you, right? I promise you she's in the best of hands and she’ll be awake in a few minutes.” The second Paramedic offered as he ushered the gruff Editor of "Sleuth Magazine" from the back of the ambulance. Opal became more aware of a focused, cool, crisp, breeze blowing across her nose and face. The breeze felt clean and pure… even somewhat refreshing. “But there is something else on my face…" She thought as her mind continued to clear more rapidly. It wasn't long before she realized the sensation was an oxygen mask blowing pure oxygen into her and clearing the heavy fog over her mind much faster than before. “I REMEMBER! HE CHLOROFORMED ME!! THAT MAN!!! HE CHLOROFORMED AGAIN!!!” She screamed! Opal was immediately startled as her bid for consciousness fueled an immediate struggle for her life as the image of the man attacking her in the hotel suite flooded her thoughts. Opal instinctively reached to yank away the oxygen mask, expecting instant resistance but there wasn’t any. She was no longer bound to the chair but in a mere moment she felt smooth, gentle hands firmly grasp her arms as she came up in a defensive posture. “EASY! Easy, Miss Sawyer… you’re safe… It’s OK. You’re safe now… My name’s Penny… I’m a Paramedic with the Fire Department…. You’ve been drugged… let the oxygen clear your head. You’ll feel better in a few moments… I promise, “She says professionally in a cool, calm voice as she firmly held Opal's arms across her abdomen. Opal’s eyes tried to focus on the woman as her head was indeed clearing… All she could clearly see was the shining raven black hair braided in a fashionable, yet functional hair style and the clear royal blue eyes of the very pretty Paramedic tenderly caring for her. But that’s not all she saw. Just behind this pleasant image of her caregiver was the sharp contrast of a scowling impression of her boss, Mortimer “Morty” Montclaire, Editor and Chief of Sleuth magazine peering through the back window of the closed ambulance door; still sputtering her name and knocking repeatedly. Opal gently smiled and relaxed back on the poor excuse of a pillow under her head and tried to let her thoughts return to the land of the living. She felt the Paramedic adjust her grasp to hold both her wrists in place with one hand, keeping them across her belly as she adjusted the oxygen mask back in place. ”MAYA! WHERE’S MAYA…” Opal exclaimed before repeating her attempt to sit up prompting the Paramedic to gently place her free hand on her shoulder and answer while coaxing Opal back on to the slightly elevated stretcher. ”Miss Mercer is in another ambulance. She’s being well cared for. Like you, she was heavily sedated. In fact, she seemed a little more out of it than you are. She also has some minor bruising from the ropes she was tied with, but she’s going to be fine. Both of you need to just relax… She was asking about you too. I guess you two get into your fair share of scrapes doing what you do. I follow your articles all the time. So, I know this isn’t exactly new territory for you..." Paramedic Briar said with a soft smile that was not at all judgmental. Opal looked at the woman caring for her to try and size her up by the comment, but she seemed to simply be making casual conversation as Paramedic Briar rechecked her pulse; remaining very focused on his work. An obvious professional to be sure, but she just had to ask: “You follow my work?” Opal was a little annoyed by the muffled sound of her voice as she talked through the oxygen mask but there wasn’t much, she could do about it. She was tempted to try and remove it again, but she doubted her attractive Paramedic care giver would allow it. Besides, she was feeling better with the cool oxygen blowing in her face and her mind was clearing very rapidly now. Instead of her body feeling like it weighed a ton of with a massive hang over, now Opal’s body seemed to weigh five hundred pounds with a massive headache, so she was making progress. Penny smiled and responded “Mmhmm. I do. In our line of work, we often respond to crime scenes and here lately we seem to be closest to the weirdest crime scenes around this district of the city. I've even responded to a few of your other more adventurous scenes. Not that you'd have noticed. No one ever notices EMS until they end up in the back of one of our rigs. This is my first time trea… Err, meeting you." Paramedic Briar said with a soft laugh as she suddenly tried to look away, adjusting something on the heart monitor, to hide her embarrassment. As Penelope Briar leaned over her patient trying to hide her angelic smile, Opal noticed the pretty Paramedic’s blue eyes, and her flushed cheeks confirming the woman's embarrassment or possibly suggesting excitement or physical attraction; it was still difficult to tell. Everything was still fuzzy, and her head throbbed from the chloroform. Opal adjusted her upper body on the uncomfortable ambulance cot and suddenly realized that her top was gone. Her bra, however, was still intact but barely covered by the blankets. She quickly snatched the covers up over her chest causing an audible gasp of shock making the heart monitor to beep. “Um, yeah… You’re connected to a heart monitor. It's standard procedure with unconscious patients. You and Miss Mercer were never in any danger as far as we could tell but your respirations were fairly slow. We weren't sure if you had been given some other potent drug, gas, or harder narcotic so it was necessary to monitor your heart and respirations more closely." The Paramedic explained."Who... who removed my top?" Opal asked with a hint of concern. "My boss didn't see me, did... did he??" "Oh! No... don't worry... We were discreet and protected your modesty... I assure you." Paramedic Briar replied."We?" Opal asked a little more concerned."My partner and me. But relax, I did the undressing while he kept you covered. We do this all the time and protecting our patients from onlookers is a practiced skill.” The Paramedic assured.Opal seemed to accept the Paramedic Briar's explanation because it not only made sense, but she knew the Paramedics were just doing their job. If it was necessary to have her clothes removed, she couldn't think of anyone more trustworthy than medical professionals to do the job; and this one was one gorgeous medical professional."Um, so... you said you are familiar with my work? How does a Paramedic in Heartsdale become familiar with the crazy cases Maya and I tend to investigate?? Opal asked. Paramedic Briar giggled softly but didn’t turn around right away. “Well, I guess I am somewhat of a mystery fan. Ya know, Scooby Doo, a man in a mask, and all types of unexplained phenomena. I’ve always been attracted to solving mysteries so naturally I read your articles all the time. My father was a police sergeant and my mom worked for the District Attorney’s office, so dinner time discussions were often interesting. But, neither of them wanted me to go near law enforcement so they tried to divert me to more feminine pursuits like dance, gymnastics, or my interest in biology; their way of keeping me safe, I guess. Since I was somewhat of a geek, loved biology but favored the lights and siren life my father exposed me to, my parents urged me toward medical science and so, here I am. Besides, being a Paramedic is a lot like detective work anyway. We follow clues and evidence to try and figure out what’s wrong with our patients… So we love and solve mysteries too. Maybe a little more conventional and boring, but important enough. But it didn’t curb my desire to solve mysteries and figure things out so I kept dabbling and reading so I keep up with things here and there; especially your articles, Miss Sawyer.” Penny said matter of factually as she turned and smiled back at Opal. “I think we’re way past the Miss stage, Paramedic Briar. I mean, you did undress me… and now I feel like I know you a little better…” Opal said immediately blushing after forward comment…. “Oh! I mean, seriously, it’s nice to meet someone who appreciates my articles. It’s not that often I get to meet another detective type who isn’t in law enforcement telling me to butt out. I didn’t mean…” “Only if you call me Penny, Opal.” Penny replied laughing as her cheeks flushed a darker shade pink, genuinely surprised by Opal’s undressing comment. Opal realized she was letting her attraction to Penny get the best of her for some reason, but she did regret being unconscious during the undressing. It wasn't good journalistic detachment, but it was a fact... Maybe it was the drugs. “Look, seriously, thank you for taking care of me, and Maya, and doing what you do… So, what happens now?” Opal asked. ”We take you to Valley General for a more detailed assessment and lab work. We need to make sure there are no other aftereffects…” Penny said in a curious tone. ”After effects? From chloroform? As you said, this is not my first rodeo so what are you worried about?” Oh no! Was I? She asked carefully “Is Maya?!”“No, she’s fine… Both of you appear fine.” Penny said trying to ease Opal’s concerns as she reached for Opal’s left arm and then tenderly squeezing her hand.Opal looked at Penny's gloved hand and seemed to relax when she felt the tender grasp of her attractive caretaker.“Thankfully all you and your friend just have some nasty ligature marks from being tied up so tight for so long. I mean, these will be around for a while I’m afraid. They’re almost bruises. And you seem to have them everywhere…” Penny explained.Opal blushed and flashed back to the sensations she had to endure as Minx demonstrated the torturous bondage, she had been subjected to... It was no wonder she was marked up so badly.“But you see... We..., that is, my partner and I, believe you were exposed to something else besides simple chloroform." Penny explained and then curiously paused to check her surroundings for potential eaves dropping... "Recently, we've been called to some scenes where women were found restrained and heavily sedated. Some of the victims were tied very elaborately the way you and your friend were bound while others..." Penny paused looking uneasy.Opal noticed Penny was sincerely having difficulty finding the words as though what she saw terrified her on some level. "Hey, it’s OK… You can tell me if you wish..." Opal encouraged."... While others were encased in fibrous cocoons from head to toe." Penny said. Opal's eyes widened. "Cocoons? What do you mean by cocoons?" Opal asked. "I mean when we arrived, we found female shaped white or light gray cocoons that were nearly opaque except for the women's faces where the fibers were very thin. They were so tightly wrapped that nearly every contour and curve of their bodies was distinguishable. At first, we thought we were too late because none of them were moving, but we quickly discovered women were alive, just comatose, and barely breathing with very slow heart rates. It was like finding an Egyptian tomb full of mummies except they were alive, lying in warehouses or storage containers…" Penny described.Opal was astonished to hear such a fantastic story. Especially from a highly trained professional within the emergency services. This wasn't the usual informant of the paranormal she was used to dealing with. Penny had credibility. "Cocoons? In storage containers? As in someone was collecting these women for storage? Like mummies… You’re not saying like plastic body bags or wrapped in bandages and tape? I mean, I've had some experiences with things like that." Penny shook her head and sighed. "No, nothing conventional like that. I’ve never seen anything like this before. Some of the fibers were thin like thread while others were a few millimeters wide with a spongy texture like elastic, self-adhering, bandages used in sports but with a sticky coating that was nearly unbreakable... And given the width or diameter of the fibers the women had to be wrapped in hundreds or thousands of yards of the stuff. We had to cut the material away from their faces just to begin airway management. I took even more effort to free the women from the sticky material. It was one of the eeriest and most disturbing scenes I have ever been to... I get the jitters just talking about it. It makes you think of spiders but anything like that would have to be … I don’t even want to think about it. It’s not even possible. But it was synthetic; artificially made. At least, that’s what I’ve heard through the grape vine.” Penny added before shaking her head to get back to assessing Opal’s vital signs again. “And these women were drugged? Chloroformed like Maya and me?” Opal asked. “No, not like you and Maya.” Penny said as she donned her Stethoscope. “These women are completely comatose.” Penny added. ”Comatose you say? They didn’t wake up?” Opal asked with concern. “No… as far as I know, every victim we have taken in is still unconscious. Alive, but their vitals are at incredibly low levels. The strange thing is; however, their bodies don’t seem to be suffering ill effects. It’s as if they were in a deep, deep sleep, with stable viral signs. But there haven’t been any adverse changes in their condition as far as I know.” Penny said as she began listening to Opal’s chest again. “Strange…” Opal commented as she tried to grasp what she was hearing. She hadn't heard anything about this before now. “Could I have been so obsessed with finding the serial kidnapper that I just missed this?” She thought to herself. “What do you or the Police think is going on?” Opal asked. Penny removed the Stethoscope from her ears and hung the device around her neck and thought for a moment as if she were deciding what she should say. “Well, the Police are tight lipped about it… and I do TIGHT lipped. But they were operating under speculation that it may be a gang of human traffickers and drug dealers operating in the city using some sort of new date rape drug to trap women. But when we began finding women encased in those bizarre, cocoons in different places around the city, my partner and I began thinking it could be some sort of cult where…” The doors to the ambulance abruptly opened rapidly with such excessive force, that both women squealed; startled by sudden opening of the doors. The discomfort of the moment increased when a crusty unpleasant voice made its presence known.“Well, well, well… I'd say this was a surprise but it's really not… Opal Sawyer… amateur snoop and rag tabloid reporter…. Stumbling around where professionals should be investigating… and now you've landed in the back of an ambulance. Imagine that..." The more than middle-aged, balding man said in a sarcastically harsh, yet somewhat pleased, tone. He quickly flashed his identification and badge at Paramedic Briar, practically ignoring her, but she knew who he was. Everyone who served in Heartsdale emergency services knew Chief Inspector Bloom and no one was ever glad to see him. “Chief Inspector Bloom, Heartsdale police…” He announced arrogantly.Penny basically sat there blinking having recovered from the Inspector's abrupt entrance to her ambulance, preparing to advocate for her patient, but the Inspector never gave her a chance."I’d like to have more than a few words with Miss Sawyer if you don’t mind.” The Chief Inspector sarcastically continued indicating he wanted the Paramedic to leave the two of them alone in the ambulance. The Paramedic narrowed her gaze considerably before winking at Opal. “Actually, I do mind Inspector. Miss Sawyer has been exposed to heavy sedation and is likely not able to give you any solid information. I’m still monitoring her vital signs, respirations, and watching for any anomalies...” Penny declared confidently; indicating she wasn’t leaving the ambulance at all. “She looks alert enough to me…” The Inspector countered. “Do you not see she is still getting oxygen therapy? She was heavily sedated. She’s not even able to legally refuse transport or care at this point, which makes her my responsibility. So, it would probably be best if you waited awhile before conducting any interviews. In fact, I suggest you wait until the doctors at Valley General give you the green light to make sure any information from her interview is reliable or suitable for admission to the courts, Sir.” Paramedic Briar tactfully, and brilliantly, pointed out. Opal’s eyes widened a bit because she knew how tough Inspector Bloom could be and tensions inside the ambulance certainly seemed to rise suddenly. However, she couldn't help being impressed, and a little turned on, by the exchange. Penny effectively stood up to this jerk who did have some authority and she even tactfully pointed out the potential unreliability of anything she said since she had been exposed to some sort of drug, or substance, which would leave her mental capacity was in question. Bloom’s posturing was simply an opportunity to verbally abuse her in front of someone else, but she wasn't sure how he would take this Paramedic's advocacy. Inspector Bloom sized up the young medic and grumbled under his breath with an expression of logical concession. “Alright Briar… Point taken. I’ll just wait until she’s cleared by the doctors. I don't suppose she's going anywhere anytime soon... Carry on...” The Inspector reluctantly conceded as he turned to exit the ambulance. Penny then turned to take Opal’s blood pressure in a manner that intentionally blocked the Inspector’s direct line of sight while mouthing the words “what an ass” before winking at her patient. Opal started giggling. ”What was that?” The Inspector grumbled. Opal immediately repeated aloud what the Paramedic mouthed pretending to be drunk, “Oh... whata… um… assss…” Penny's eyes widened and her cheeks flushed watching Opal’s eyes meet with the inspector’s. She couldn’t believe Opal suddenly stuck her tongue out under the oxygen mask at the man after the blatant insult. It took every bit of her concentration not to laugh as Opal narrowed her eyes, locking her contemptuous gaze on the Inspector and then seeing his expression hardened like granite in response. It was evident he suspected Opal was more alert than she was letting on, but Inspector Bloom simply turned slowly once more and began to exit the ambulance. Penny scowled at her patient trying to contain her smile and whispered softly: "Stop poking the bear, Opal..."Inspector Bloom scrutinized the young reporter to consider if the explanation Paramedic Briar provided was valid or not. Just before exiting the ambulance, however, Inspector Bloom turned to the young Paramedic and asked. “Sedation you say?"Penny stiffened and closed her eyes before looking back at the Inspector with confidence. "Yes Sir... Pretty potent stuff, whatever it was...""Was it the same stuff we’ve been seeing around the city? Can you at least tell me that much? You seem to have a solid grasp on things Briar, not to mention an opinion about this specifically…” Paramedic Briar felt a small pit develop in her stomach but remained composed and turned back to her patient to take another set of vital signs to cover her obvious disdain and divert the Inspector's attention. Penny looked at Opal and touched her ear inconspicuously to clue her in to listen. “Inspector, I must consider Miss Sawyer, and the other patient’s privacy with regard to their medical information and confidentiality laws, but in the interests of cooperation to help your investigation I will speak carefully. I don’t believe it was the same substance. The other patients I treated did not respond so quickly to oxygen therapy as Miss Sawyer and her companion did; so, it’s likely not the same synthetic anesthetic used against the other women who were found so elaborately restrained. However, it was likely not simple Chloroform either and there are definite similarities in the rope bondage method used on the other victims... unofficially speaking of course... Does that help?” “Hmm, a little confusing… but useful. I agree, the evidence we’ve found at the scene also suggests similarities to the other attacks. Thanks Briar. Carry on…” The Inspector said. Opal looked past the Paramedic as Inspector Bloom Started to close the ambulance door and the two adversaries locked eyes once more. Inspector Bloom pointed his index and middle fingers at both his eyes before immediately turning them toward her in the classic “I’m watching you” gesture. Opal realized at that point Penny’s sedation explanation probably didn't carry weight with the Inspector and he probably wasn’t willing to push another professional on an active crime scene in front of so many other witnesses. He preferred open warfare with Opal as opposed to kicking a partially incapacitated opponent. Opal just blatantly stuck out her tongue under the oxygen mask a second time, prompting an obvious laugh from her care giver. Inspector Bloom’s eyes hardened, and he swore at her through the window and walked away. ”So there have been attacks around town? Abductions?” Opal asked. “I’m not supposed to talk about it… but yes. There have been other attacks and abductions. Some of the victims were found tied up like you and Maya while others were cocooned in those weird elastic fibers, but yes… there have been other incidents.” Penny explained under his breath as she sat on the bench next opposite the stretcher; charting more information on her report. “I haven’t heard anything about that.” Opal said with astonishment. “I’m not surprised. Law enforcement has ordered the entire affair restricted to prevent press involvement. We were ordered not to discuss it with anyone as well, or we would be discharged from duty, and I can’t afford to lose my job.” She said matter of factually. Opal looked at the attractive brunette as she continued writing. “But you told me….” Paramedic Bannister smiled and looked up. “Did I? I just answered the Inspector’s question in front of a victim who had been heavily sedated. I don’t think my patient could’ve made heads or tails of the conversation… and the Inspector did ask me in front of you. So, if you did hear something, it’s his fault, right? Opal just smiled and nodded at her new friend and ally. “Riiiight..” “I mean, you’re probably already thinking you may have been a victim of some weird cult and narrowly escaped from who knows what… and you’re probably right. But at least you weren’t wrapped in a stifling cocoon, of sticky synthetic, fibers from head to toe and placed into a drug induced coma. I can’t help it if you were a little more aware of your surroundings than I anticipated.” She said with a very attractive, smile and wink... “Um, what was all that? I can’t seem to keep my eyes open…” Opal said with a soft smile and tapped her ears. “Besides, someone who has some sense needs to investigate these things. I’ve been on some of these calls, and they’ve been so creepy that I’m afraid to go home to my apartment alone, so I’ve been staying at my parents for the last few weeks. The circumstances of these occurrences have us all on edge. We don’t have the luxury of saying no when we’re dispatched. We have to go where the need is, fear or not; ya know?” Penny explained. Opal’s eyes narrowed a bit as she thought about what Penny said. “I’ve never considered that before. I guess emergency services can’t really say no when you are called, can you.?” Penny just looked up and smiled shaking her head. “You just go… no matter what. That’s got to be hard sometimes… Thank you so much for what you do, Penny.” Opal said with sincere eyes as the two of them looked at each other.There was a curious moment of awkward silence that was literally less than fifteen seconds before this random thought crept in Opal's mind out of nowhere as Opal felt the need to look down. “Live alone, huh?” She whispered under her breath… or so she thought. Penny just blushed a soft smile; giggling. Opal immediately recovered and looked at her caregiver in horror wondering if she heard the added comment. But seeing Penny’s angelic smile and rosy cheeks suggested an answer. Opal just closed her eyes, mortified. Penny smiled and looked at her briefly… then went back to her charting. “I guess you and the Inspector know each other?” Penny asked in a curious change of topic. Obviously, it was an attempt to help 1Opal out of the corner she just painted herself into. “Um, yeah… We’ve crossed paths a few times.” Opal answered under the weird muffle of the oxygen mask. "He doesn't like anyone to get the answers before he does. Which happens most of the time..." She said with a laugh. Penny kept writing and smiled. "I know the type..." “So, how is Mrs Addams?" Opal asked. “Who?" The Penny asked while continuing to write on her charting tablet. “Mrs Addams. The other woman who was in the room with us. Constance Addams. You know, filthy rich and famous designer who owns and operates Vintage Vision Designs. Mrs. Addams’ firm is restoring the Emerald Hotel..." Opal clarified. Penny stopped charting and looked at Opal with a bit of concern. "There was a third victim in the suite with you? When my partner and I arrived you and Miss Mercer were the only two people in the hotel room... Are you sure?" “YES! That's how this entire mess started... I had a meeting scheduled with her, but I was grabbed before I made it to her office... In fact, she tried to rescue Maya and me before that other man..." Opal tried to explain... “Hold on...!" Penny interrupted as she put her tablet down to open the back of the ambulance and urgently motion her partner over. Opal couldn't hear what the two of them were discussing but he nodded and hurried off toward the Inspector. Paramedic Briar closed the ambulance door once more to insure no one would bother them again and sat back down with a concerned look on her face. “Opal... I just talked to my partner, Vince. He’s taking this information to the Inspector because when we arrived the only people in the room with you and your friend were the fire fighters. They had already untied you both and were rendering first aid when we entered the room. There was no third person in there. In fact, there wasn't even any evidence of someone else being held captive like you two. I admit the scene was chaotic with the fire alarm blaring, the search for an apparent non-existent fire, and two deeply sedated women we expected to slip into comas, but as far as we could tell, you and Miss Mercer were the only ones in the room." “THAT CAN'T BE! SHE WAS THERE!!" Opal yelled through the plastic oxygen mask, and she started to sit up. Penny gently pressed her hand to Opal’s shoulder. "Shh, Opal… Settle down… The police will look into it... But as soon as Vince gets back, we're taking you to Valley General before Inspector Bloom decides to make a reappearance." “BUT PENNY! YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND!" Opal exclaimed. “Opal… Shhh. We’ll figure it out…” Penny said as she reached for Opal’s left hand to help settle her down, calmly squeezing her hand and moving her thumb back and forth. Opal was immediately disarmed and realized she had raised her voice. It didn’t take very long for her to regain her composure and try to explain in a more sensible tone. “You don't understand, Penny... I was working on a lead to a story that has nothing to do with these strange gray men and she is... I mean, was... DAMN IT! It's crucial I talk to her now! Are you telling me she's not even here?" Opal asked as she reached for the oxygen mask with her right hand. Penny kept hold of Penny’s left hand and blocked Opal’s efforts to remove her oxygen mask by placing her free hand over the oxygen mask to hold it in place. “Uh uh, Opal! That stays in place. I’m not satisfied with your O2 Sat numbers yet. Please try and relax. I’m telling you… We’ll figure it out… I promise.” Penny gently argued. “Look… that won’t be necessary. Just let me out a little way down the street. I’m feeling much better now. I have to find Mrs. Addams! Where’s my top, by the way?” Opal justified strongly as she began looking for her top. Penny’s eyes locked firmly on Opal’s as she firmly, but calmly, declared: “No way… You’re going to the hospital.” “But you said it’s likely not the same stuff that was used on the other women…” Opal argued. “True… I’m sure it’s not. But you’ve still been exposed to heavy sedation, and you need to have lab work done in addition to a full examination by a physician. See these ligature marks? They indicate you were very tightly tied for an extended period of time that likely impaired vascular circulation and possibly even impaired neurological function in your arms and legs. So, you’re going to go to the hospital.” Penny said as she pulled shoulder straps over her patient and connected them to the safety belts of the stretcher Opal was lying on. “What if refuse?” Opal countered. “You can’t...” Penny explained with a satisfied smile. “I wasn’t exactly lying to the Inspector. Since you have been exposed to an unknown substance, possibly mind altering and definitely some sort of a strong sedative, I can’t be certain you can make a well informed or rational decision pertaining to your own health, legally speaking of course. So, sit back and enjoy the ride.” Penny said with complete confidence as Opal felt the stretcher straps tighten over her chest, waist, and knees. “But… What about Mrs. Addams?” Opal began to argue.“Mrs. Addams is a matter for the police right now whereas you are my priority and my immediate responsibility." Penny replied matter of factually.Opal's eyes narrowed. "Paramedic Briar... I do believe you are quite devious... This is so unfair..." Opal said as she crossed her arms displaying frustration and astonishment. Penny was an impressive young woman, professionally brilliant, and quite within her rights. But Opal also knew she was quite cunning and apparently able to twist the facts to her own advantage; which under the circumstances was not difficult to do at the moment. Penny just giggled and smiled. "Maybe so... but it is for your own good. Now, are you going to cooperate, or do I have to call for orders from medical control to restrain my uncooperative and combative patient?” Penny said with a very satisfied smile accompanied by another charming wink. Opal’s mouth dropped open, and she felt her cheeks instantly flush. “Seriously Opal, there’s nothing more you can do right now except let me take care of you. We need to be sure you and Maya are completely healthy. Then you can do your thing. But don’t test me on this… You’re going to go to the hospital…” Penny said with unusual conviction. Opal had only known Penny for less than an hour, but she was sensing something special already… She wasn’t sure what it was, but she realized she was stuck for the moment and conceded to the assertive Paramedic. But Opal knew she wasn’t exactly weak minded, so rather than simply giving in to defeat, she decided to fire off one more sarcastic comment at the young woman. “Isn’t this kidnapping? I mean, give me some sort of a break here.” Penny began giggling… “No, actually, this is quite legal and what we call implied consent. If someone was of sound mind, it is reasonable to presume they would want help. But if a patient is incapacitated, the law presumes that this person, who was in their right mind, they would also want you to take care of them... So, until you are deemed to have full mental capacity and not influenced or in capacitated by this mystery substance, I get to make decisions for you. You can look it up... People make this mistake all the time when they drink too much. If you had not been incapacitated you could easily refuse care and transportation; which would make this kidnapping, but as I explained to the inspector, you are not at full capacity, are you?”Opal squinted and tightened her folded arms. “You just have this all worked out, don’t you Paramedic Briar? You’ve manipulated me purely and simply. I don’t want to go to the hospital, so this is kidnapping. Maybe legal by your standards but kidnapping nonetheless.” Opal playfully protested.Penny laughed and smiled with great satisfaction and replied skillfully. “Look at it this way, Opal… It’s not like being kidnapped is a new experience for you. You and Maya seem to be kidnapped quite often... I know you’re not bound and gagged back here but I can always get those orders to restrain you if you miss being tied up so much.” “OK, THAT... was low blow. It’s not like I plan for things like this to happen to me, ya know!” Opal scowled tightening her folded arms once more.Penny laughed and called out to her partner: “VINCE… WE’RE READY BACK HERE!” “I’M SERIOUS! IT’S NOT MY FAULT!!” Opal insisted.Penny looked at her patient and winked with that confident smile before laughing again; shaking her head slightly as the ambulance started to pull away. Opal started to repeat her protest, but she just couldn’t do it. Penny had her dead to rights and seemed to know quite a bit about her, and the infamous adventures where she had not exactly come out completely on top of things. She was pouting on the outside, but Opal was totally disarmed on the inside. Opal wasn't satisfied that Penny believed her. But it didn't really matter anyway... Penny’s smile was just too perfect for anything to matter right now. Opal watched Penny don the radio headset and prepare for her patient report to Valley General Hospital, the obvious and logical destination since it was the closest facility. Penny looked so professional and in control as if she were prepared for anything and totally at ease in her environment. Watching her work was quite beautiful... "She" was quite beautiful, even in the masculine military styled tactical pants and the snug fitting, Polo style uniform shirt with her agency's logo, which she filled out quite well. Opal even considered how attractive and cool Penny looked in the radio headset that didn’t take anything away from her attractive and functional, hair style accentuating her raven black hair.Penny keyed the headset microphone and glanced at Opal as she called in to the hospital. Penny's head tilted slightly with curiosity when she noticed Opal watching her closely, but it didn't break her stride: “Valley General… This is Med 43 in bound non-emergency with one patient. Request a physician to the radio please…”Opal felt her mouth suddenly go dry which, in turn, caused her to swallow and moisten her lips. Perhaps it was just the oxygen drying her mouth and sinuses out, but it was more likely the sight of this pretty Paramedic switching off her delightfully wicked sense of humor to switch on her professionalism, do her job, focus on Opal's wellbeing; all while maintaining an angelic smile. Opal couldn't look away from Penny's crystal blue eyes, sharply contrasted by her raven black hair, that seemed to always command attention. Opal felt safe, comfortable, and cared for in presence of this woman which seem to shift her mind off all the questions and puzzles that tended to plague her. Penny obviously knew her job and did it well, but Opal had also seen a glimpse into Penny's vulnerable side. It was obvious people in her line of work grappled with the aftermath of unpleasant things and job stress, but the disturbing things Penny had recently seen were affecting her on another level. Opal saw a very feminine, fragile, and empathetic soul within this amazingly strong woman; suggesting such a contrast that she wanted to know more about her... “I wonder if Maya’s Paramedic is this sexy? What the hell am I thinking? Focus, Opal...focus...”**************************On the roof top of a building, opposite the Emerald Hotel, a very buxom and curvaceous figure was again silhouetted against the moonlight watching the chaotic scene play out below. The seductive thief, known as "the Minx", tapped a few symbols on her forearm and a small, black drone buzzed to life behind her. It hovered a few moments and then descended over the edge of the building and rapidly floated towards the departing ambulances while keeping a discreet altitude and distance from its surveillance target. Minx moistened her painted lips as they slowly curved upward into a seductively hungry smile as she whispered. "I hate having to delegate this task to my little friend, but I have another meeting to attend to, Princess. My little friend will keep tabs on you until I can plan our next meeting."