Free Pack Balance by Crissy Smith Page A

Julie’s influence that had brought any kind of fun to Shelby’s life.
    The line moved quickly. When it was her turn, she ordered her iced white mocha along with Shawn’s green tea and paid for both. She handed over the money as her phone chimed with a message. Julie waved off the change from the barista and stepped to the side. She smiled when she saw Shelby’s response. They could meet for an early lunch the next day before Julie’s shift. She sent back an affirmative before she slid her cell back in her pocket.
    “Texting your boyfriend,” Shawn teased.
    “Shut up.” She couldn’t help but to smile though. And why shouldn’t she send a quick hi to Cooper, so she did. A minute later her phone alerted again. She glanced down.

    Miss you
     
    Her name was called for the drinks so she put her phone away and walked up to the counter. She handed Shawn his beverage and they headed out. When they reached the ambulance, she paused outside the door and took a long drink, just enjoying the bitterness of the espresso and the sweetness of the syrup.
    She reached for the door handle as the radio on her shoulder buzzed and the dispatcher’s voice sounded. She groaned but hurried to get into her seat so they could get to their call.
    “Another overdose,” Shawn grunted. “It’s getting bad out there.”
    Julie knew that there’d been an increase in calls related to drugs but she was surprised by Shawn’s disgust. “What’s going on?” she asked.
    “Some shit has hit the streets and it’s deadly to the shifters. Cops are trying to find out who is responsible, but we keep getting more and more calls,” Shawn told her.
    “I’d bet anything that’s Cooper’s case,” she said.
    “I think it is,” Shawn confirmed. “I haven’t heard anything lately but Josiah seemed to be in a good mood earlier.”
    Thinking back on Cooper’s text message, she wondered if Cooper and Josiah were getting close to finding the people responsible. That would be great. She would have to plan some sort of celebration for him.
    They raced down the streets, getting closer to the address given to them. Julie braced her arm against the window as Shawn turned a corner too fast. “Slow down,” she demanded.
    “I’m not losing another patient to this fucking drug,” Shawn said, while pressing harder on the gas pedal.
    Julie closed her eyes so she didn’t have to see them crash.
    “Relax,” Shawn said with a chuckle. “We’re almost there.”
    Julie sure hoped so. She didn’t have much in her stomach and she really hoped she could keep down what she had eaten earlier. She pried open her eyes as Shawn finally slowed the rig down. A group of people were standing in a circle off to the side of the street. She reached between the seats for her bag so she could reach their patient quickly. As Shawn stopped the ambulance, she yanked the door handle and jumped down.
    “Step aside,” she shouted over the loud crowd as she pushed her way through.
    A young man was lying on the ground with two women at his side. The closest looked similar to the male, so she guessed it was his sister. “What’s going on?” Julie asked her.
    “I don’t know,” she screeched. “My friend and I were in the store while my brother waited outside. I saw him talking to two guys but then Leslie called my name and I looked away. We finished getting some snacks and when we were heading to check out, I heard someone yell and my brother was on the ground. I dropped my stuff and ran out here, but he was already passed out.”
    Julie exchanged a look with Shawn as he joined her. Why was this called in as an overdose if he wasn’t doing drugs?
    “We need to get his body temperature down. That’s one of the tips the ER doctor gave me,” Shawn said as he placed cold packs around their patient.
    “I saw him take some pills,” someone called out.
    Julie glanced up at an older man who stood only a few feet away. “He got them from those two.” He pointed, and