The Decay

Chapter 31 - Gone

31

Mike finished his lunch before going to the clinic. Dr. Harry Goldman was a middle aged gentleman with short white hair and a white beard of the same length. His big, round glasses gave him an air of intellect. Everything he had learned about medicine had been taught to him by his father through the years. “Good afternoon Mike, how's the pain?” he asked, smiling politely at Mike. It had been a little over 4 weeks since he had one of his ribs broken in the fight with Benjamin. “It's better, doc,” he replied. “It doesn't hurt much when I walk anymore,” he said, “but I wish I could get out and do what I do,” he added. The doctor nodded, understandingly. “I know, I know. You should probably wait around 2 weeks more though. We can't risk you suffering from another blow that will break the rib again now, can we?” Mike shrugged, unhappily. “And remember,” the doctor continued, “you were lucky that the rib didn't pierce your lung. If you had suffered from a pneumothorax, I'm not sure you would have survived.” He walked over to a desk with a drawer and opened it, producing a small white container. “Take one of these once a day after dinner. They should help you recover.” “Thanks, Harry,” said Mike, gratefully.

Leaving the clinic, he headed home where Anita was waiting. As he opened the front door, he saw her sitting down at the dinner table. Her black hair was shining in the light of 2 lit candles. As she saw him, she stood up and went to kiss him. “What did the doctor say?” “Couple of more weeks, that's all we need to wait.” Carefully, he took her into his arms and hugged her. She noticed his reluctance to let go. “What's wrong, hun?” she asked. “I was just thinking. I don't know if I can risk having you with me into Boston. I mean, what if something goes wrong?” Anita broke free from the hug and looked at him straight in the eyes. “I am coming whether you like it or not, Mike.” Mike looked unhappy but didn't say anything. “I want him dead as much as you do if not more. His friend shot you. I will shoot him 3 times for that,” she added. “A vengeful woman indeed,” said Mike, chuckling.

The tension had dissipated from their conversation and Mike leaned in to kiss her on the forehead. “I'll need to speak to the others, find out what their intentions are,” said Mike. “It's going to be a long journey, I don't think they can make it. Especially not the old couple and Sam,” pointed out Anita. Mike nodded in agreement. “I'm afraid you're right. I'll find out what Christy wants to do, but ideally we will need someone who knows Boston. I've never been there before and neither have you, am I right?”

Anita shrugged. “I've passed near the center a few times but that's about it. We will need some help if we're going to find this John guy.”

Mike turned his head as he heard someone knocking on the door. He opened it to find Sam facing him. “Hi Sam, how's it going?” asked Mike. “I'm fine. Listen, I have some bad news.” Mike looked at him, an expression that urged him to continue. “It's Mr. Autrey. He's dead, Mike.” Mr. Autrey had been ill ever since they came back from the air force base. What appeared to be a cold turned into a full of pneumonia and it had greatly deteriorated in the past week. The news didn't come as a big surprise, but he still felt his heart drop. Losing someone with whom you've fought alongside was always a blow. Closing his eyes, Mike took a deep breath before nodding. He sighed heavily and relayed the news to Anita who hugged Mike tightly and began sobbing. “How's Mrs. Autrey taking it?” he asked. Sam shook his head. “She hasn't moved from his bedside ever since. She hasn't even uttered a word to anyone. I don't know what will happen if she doesn't snap out of it soon. “I'll make sure he gets the burial he deserves. Thanks for letting me know, Sam.” Sam nodded his thanks and left.

As promised, Mike left soon after to organize the funeral. Speaking to the necessary people, he made sure that Mr. Autrey would get a worthy burial. He had done a lot to ensure the safety of the city and he would be thanked accordingly. Of one thing he was sure. Mr. Autrey and his bravery would never be forgotten.