Joseph by Kris Michaels Page A

fever that consumed him. “Shit, Joey, the adrenalin from this morning’s activities acted like a catalyst to accelerate the purge of opioids from your system. There is no controlled burn with this detoxification. Your system is on automatic. You’re crashing hard and you’re not going to have a soft landing, honey.”
    He grimaced. “There’s no such thing as soft landing in life. And why the hell do you need to sound like a medical encyclopedia?”
    “I’m sorry. I do that when I’m nervous. A former colleague pointed out it’s my comfort zone. I retreat there when I’m scared…and damn it, Joey, I’m scared now!”
    He writhed in pain. Taking shallow panting breaths, he spoke slowly, “I know, baby. Listen Em, just keep an eye on the rearview mirror. If someone is always staying the same distance from us, that’s a problem. Even cruise control varies the speed. If they’re not losing or gaining on you, they’re stalking you. We’ll be okay.”
    “Alright, Joey. I’m going to have to trust you on that. I'll wake you up if there is a problem or we get to Rapid City.” She looked down to see if he had heard her and shook her head. He labored to breathe. He was either unconscious or asleep. He groaned and shifted. She sighed.  God, please help me. I'm so scared for him and for me.
    Ember knew the physiology of the physical pain he was going through. Her mind whirled with the clinical terminology and her brain automatically began alphabetizing the terms. A defense mechanism. Dr. Sebastian was right. It allowed her to distance herself from the emotional pain of her patients. Only it wasn’t working this time. She glanced down at Joey. At this point in withdrawal, his body would be aching. Within twenty-four hours, his joints would feel as if the muscle was being pulled from the bone. Because of his fever, violent shivers would rack his body, creating more muscle distress.
    When the gas gauge registered half a tank, Ember pulled into a truck stop and fueled the car. She paid cash. She used the bathroom and bought more bottled water, a couple of protein bars, and four packets of Tylenol. Going back to the car, she unlocked it and slid onto the seat, putting his head back on her thigh. He was still out of it when she forced him to take the anti-inflammatory tablets and sip some water. The effect of acetaminophen on his injuries was like slapping a Band-Aid on an arterial hemorrhage, but it was all she could do. Praying his body would hold down the medicine, she pulled back out onto the interstate.
    Ember gripped his shoulder lightly as she entered Rapid City. “Joey, I need you to wake up.”
    His eyes opened and he bolted upright. He tried to stifle the exclamation of pain. Slamming his fist viciously and repeatedly against the dash, he ground out another moan. “Fuuuuck!” he hissed. “Remind me not to do that again.” Clenching his eyes closed, he fought the effects of the pain. Joseph opened his eyes again as he lay back against the headrest. “Em, take the second turn to the off ramp. The mall is down about a mile on the right. Pull over and park in the south lot near a lot of cars.”
    She nodded and followed his instructions.
    “You stopped for gas?”
    She nodded again concentrating on driving the unfamiliar streets.
    “Did you see anyone trailing us?”
    “No, there was a car back there for a while, but they pulled off at a tourist stop. Wall Drug? I haven’t seen them since.” She pulled into a parking spot and turned the car off.
    “Joey, how are we going to find the truck?”
    “Turn on the satphone. Jacob was going to send a description and plate number.”
    Ember reached back, pulled the phone out and hit the power button. The text came through and she memorized the information. “Alright I got it. Let’s find the truck and go.”
    He chuckled humorlessly, “No. You need clothes. We have to go shopping.”
    “You are insane. I don’t think so my friend. You can barely sit up,