Francis and Samantha also heard the explosion in the hospital parking lot. Of course neither of them knew where the explosion came from. They assumed the worst, and immediately began making frantic phone calls.
Martin Stovall, who’d come into Town Hall only an hour or so ago, was trying to get someone from the police on the phone. But lines were backed up with other calls from concerned residents. It took at least half an hour to even get a real person on the phone. But then the officer was called away and Martin was once again put on hold. Him, the town’s mayor.
“Damn it!” he said, slamming his phone onto his desk. Samantha hesitated outside his office, unsure if she should go in to deliver the news or give Martin a moment.
“Whoever it is, just come in.” Martin sighed, sensing someone was waiting. Samantha enters, and sees Martin leaning back into his chair, one hand on his temple.
“Bad time?” she asked.
“You could say that. Do you have good news or bad news?” Martin asked.
“A little of each. Good news is that Jeremy Bower Sr. and one of his associates have been taken care of. The third is unconscious, currently being transported to the prison to receive medical treatment.”
“The bad news?”
“The explosion was triggered by Bower throwing some sort of bomb under a car. It blew the vehicle sky high, and then set off a chain reaction. Even with the rain, the fire was really strong. They only just put the blaze out. So we’re going to need a new hospital parking lot.” Samantha said.
“Rather it be a new parking lot than a new hospital.” Martin said, “Are there any injuries on our side?”
“Nothing major. Cuts, scraps, a few minor burns. Evan Lawson is getting stitched up on sight, but the wound has probably healed up by now.” Samantha said.
The gash Bower tore in Evan wasn’t as severe as the broken arm his daughter suffered. Bower never got his hands on Evan. And Evan had experienced much worse than a cut from a knife.
On his desk, Martin’s phone started to ring. He was glad to hear the Douglas Cooper’s voice on the other end.
“Sorry it took so long to get back to you sir. We’re pretty busy over here. More than a few citizens noticed the explosion.” Cooper said.
“That’s alright. Just tell me, what’s going on now? What is going to be done about the bodies? Or this third man for that matter?” Martin asked.
“Evan Lawson’s fellow seamen have assured us they can take care of the more sensitive details. The FBI has already been informed. They’re going to take custody of the bodies.” Cooper said.
“Thank god for that. But bottom line, there’s no permanent damage done.”
“None that I can see. Our officers are handling cleanup, and all you have to do is issue a statement. As soon as the mess is taken care of, we’ll let the Lawsons and company go home.”
“And hopefully that’ll be the last bit of excitement we see until New Years.”
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“Officer Connor?”
“Who wants to know?” Connor asked. A man, a weretiger by his scent, approached the police officer, who was standing guard at the front of the school.
This man’s hair was concealed by the baseball cap on his head. He was a firefighter, obvious since he was still wearing his uniform jacket and pants. His face was smeared with a bit of grime, bit otherwise was clean.
“Jonathan Danvers, Moon Lake Fire Department. I’m also Maggie Lawson’s brother-in-law. Her husband Evan asked me to check on her, and their daughter.”
“Is he alright?”
“Getting stitched up at the scene of the incident, but otherwise he’s fine. They won’t let him leave yet, collecting statements or some noise like that.” Jonathan said.
“Right, go on up. They’re in the teacher’s lounge. Another officer should be stationed outside the room. Though I might as well go up with you to give them the all clear. It’s over isn’t it? Really over?” Connor asked.
“I’d say so. They carted the asshole’s body off. Some of my teammates were almost done cleaning up the mess.” Jonathan said.
Both ascended the staircase near the main entrance to the school. They can feel the tension in the air even before they open the door. The other officer guarding the door acknowledges them, and steps aside. As soon Jonathan and Connor enter, Spencer jumps out of her seat and runs to her uncle.
“Jon, what are you doing here?” Maggie asked, obviously surprised and worried to see that Evan wasn’t the one who came through the door.
“Don’t worry, Evan’s fine. Getting himself patched up, but he’s fine.” Jonathan said, to which both Maggie and Spencer sighed in relief.
“What was that explosion about?” Spencer asked.
“That was Bower trying to create a diversion so he could escape,” Connor explained, “No one was hurt, although whoever owns that car is going to have to go shopping for a new one.”
“So, does that mean it’s over?”
“I think so.”