“Sugar, stop! Sugar, stop! Sugar…”
Darnell used all his strength to stop Sugar and tied it back at the post, then returned to check on the bleeding Houston.
Sugar licked the blood on its mouth, looking unsatisfied.
When Darnell ran back, Houston was pressing his lips against the wound on his wrist, looking as if he was about to die from the pain.
“Damn it! The injury is so severe. We have to go to the hospital.”
Darnell took out his phone to call for an ambulance, but Houston quickly said, “Don’t call an ambulance, and don’t call the police…”
He barely managed to say two sentences before he groaned and collapsed, unconscious.
The bite from Sugar had drained Houston’s last bit of willpower.
Darnell looked down at Houston’s body covered in wounds. Besides the bite marks that were still bleeding, there were also knife wounds on his shoulder and abdomen.
The wounds were deep.
On his back was a five-centimeter-long arrow embedded in his body. The arrowhead had exploded, with barbs spreading like a lotus flower.
Most of the arrow was buried in his flesh, with blood seeping out from every gap, making it a horrifying sight.
Moreover, the arrow had a bluish tint, as if it was coated with some anesthetic substance.
“Damn! What bad luck.”
Darnell slapped his forehead. He was frustrated that he had encountered Houston three times-last night at Vantage during a conflict, this morning on the road, and now lying in front of him.
In the past, Darnell would have called the police to handle such a tricky situation involving weapons and violence. It was definitely not a minor case.
If someone dared to kill such a dangerous man like Houston, getting involved could be very troublesome.
But thinking about his deal with Judith, Darnell put away his phone and quickly stopped Houston’s bleeding and bandaged his wounds.
Then he moved Houston into the toolshed of the parking lot. Although it was only ten square meters, it was enough for Houston to stay temporarily and hide from others’ view.
Darnell cleaned up the bloodstains outside and sent a message to Garrett, asking him to bring over a first aid kit and two blankets.
Garrett didn’t ask much and quickly brought the items over. Seeing the bloody scene, he was slightly surprised and wanted to ask something but was stopped by Darnell.
“Some things are better not known. I only have one request now.”
Darnell’s voice was calm. “That is for you seven security guards to take turns watching over this toolshed without letting anyone get close.”
Garrett nodded. “Understood. I’ll have Arthur and Vance come over for duty.”
As Garrett turned to make arrangements, Darnell went into the toolshed. After turning on the exhaust fan, he closed the door and began treating Houston’s wounds.
Houston’s injuries were severe. If he didn’t remove the arrow and knife fragments quickly, Houston might not survive through the night.
He opened the first aid kit and took out all the alcohol and gauze, followed by hemostatic drugs and anti-inflammatory medicine…
During this time, Darnell also sent some information to Judith.
It was unclear how much time passed when Houston’s body started trembling. His mind flashed with chaotic images, one scene after another, changing and wandering around.
These images were strange and special-beautiful poppies, raging fires, flashing blades, and continuous screams.
Boom!
When a blood-covered knife slashed towards a woman in black, all the images in Houston’s mind shattered along with the bloody blade into countless pieces.
The pieces turned into powder, then became water droplets, crystal clear. A scalding sensation flowed down his cheeks. “Don’t kill her!”
Houston couldn’t help but shout out. Tears streamed down as he opened his eyes.
A face appeared in front of him, a face both familiar and unfamiliar. He knew this person, However, he never expected that upon waking up, Darnell would be the first person he saw.
After a long while, he remembered that it was Darnell who saved him.
“Awake?”
Darnell leaned back on a chair with a pot of fragrant porridge in hand. He scooped out tender chicken pieces into his mouth with relish.
“I thought you’d sleep for days. Didn’t expect you to wake up so soon. Something on your mind? Or just had a nightmare?”
He spat out a bone before continuing, “But no matter what, you owe me your life.”
Houston tried to move but couldn’t due to pain. He weakly asked, “Where is this?”
“This is my territory. Here is the basement in Woodsea.”
Darnell pointed at the dim light above. “You’re safe here.”
The basement was only half the size of the toolshed, about seven square meters, filled with village public junk that Darnell temporarily cleared out for Houston’s recovery place.
A wooden plank bed, a chair, and a small table almost filled up all the space. There were no doors or windows around except for one entrance above.
If it hadn’t rained heavily last night or if Darnell hadn’t installed an exhaust fan here earlier, it could’ve suffocated someone alive inside this place.
Hearing Darnell’s description while looking around cautiously at his surroundings made Houston breathe out slowly before asking again, “How long have I been unconscious?”
“Not long, just twenty-five hours, from 3 PM yesterday afternoon until 4 PM today.”
Darnell reminded him that it was now another day. “You’re still very weak, and you need three days’ rest before moving again. Don’t push yourself or you’ll die.”
Houston squinted slightly. “Did you treat my wounds?”
“Of course.”
Darnell looked proud. “I’m a good doctor, and these external injuries are no big deal. It’s just exhausting.”
He added, “You better remember to repay me.”
Houston stared at Darnell, trying to figure something out but found nothing. He asked softly, “Why did you save me?”
“We’ve had conflicts before. You banged my head at Vantage the other day.”
“And you should know I’m dangerous. Calling cops would be best for you.”
“Damn!”
Darnell unceremoniously slapped Houston’s head. “Are you stupid? I wanted to call the cops, but you begged me not to! Now you ask me why I didn’t call them?”
“Of course, I know you’re dangerous, but I’m Woodsea’s security consultant and Spectrum Pharmaceuticals’ sales manager. I’m well-connected.”
Darnell looked arrogant. “Saving your life is no big deal. I even dared to knock Steve on the head. What else wouldn’t I dare do?”
“We did have conflicts, but since I hit your head first and you didn’t come after me, I hold no grudge against you.”
“But that is not the point. The important thing is, I think you’re worth saving.”
Houston’s eyes flashed coldly as he said, “Aren’t you afraid of trouble? Afraid those hunting me will kill you too?”
“Anyone daring enough to harm me would also dare kill you!”