Hank’s constant mockery was really starting to get on Francesca’s nerves. Nonetheless, she still held back and did her best to explain.
“Chief Armstrong, we’ve already explained this. This is the Grand Physician of Gabo Creek. He’s here for the same reason you are, which is to help these patients.”
Malcolm had warned her that Hank came from a higher-level special unit. Hence, she should not offend him. Still, she could not stand that smug, condescending attitude. It was like everyone else in the room was beneath him.
Hank casually adjusted his white gloves, taking his time as he shook his head. He said, “I was trying to be nice and save your lives. A so-called ‘Grand Physician’ who doesn’t know his limits, meddling with things way beyond his capabilities? Tell me, is that not a death wish?
“I’ve said my piece. So, whether you listen or not, I won’t say anything more!”
With that, he glanced at Andrew and actually laughed out loud with contempt.
Francesca’s face changed, and she was about to explode.
However, Andrew smiled and said, “Fran, let’s focus on treating the patients first. As for that guy over there, just treat him like a barking dog!”
Hank’s eyebrows twitched, and his gaze became sharp. “What did you say? Who did you say was barking like a dog?”
Andrew ignored him and began examining the first patient’s condition. Without looking up, he replied, “If the shoe fits, that’s who I’m talking about!”
Hank’s eyes turned vicious, and he instinctively reached for the folding knife at his waist. As a Special Ops agent, he traveled all over Holtrien, and everyone treated him with the utmost respect.
Yet, this punk was completely fearless and clueless!
The next second, Hank’s eyes widened in shock. He watched in disbelief as Andrew touched the patient with his bare hands, not even wearing gloves, and made direct contact.
Not only was he touching the patient, but he also pulled out golden needles and began treatment immediately.
Hank scoffed. “You’re dead. In just three seconds, your skin is going to rot and ooze, and your nervous system will collapse. Even God can’t help you now.”
He gave his grim prediction like a final judgment.
Andrew calmly replied, “This is what Special Ops sends these days? Seriously? I’m starting to think you’re not an agent but a pig in disguise.”
Hank exploded with rage. He started counting aloud, “Three, two, one! Drop!”
Meanwhile, Andrew calmly stepped to the second patient and continued treatment.
Hank’s brows furrowed, and he wondered how Andrew was unharmed. He watched in stunned disbelief as Andrew finished treating the second patient, then moved to the third, fourth, and fifth patients.
Hank was completely dumbfounded, staring in shock. “These people have been infected by parasite poison. Their bodies are hosting venomous parasites. Even touching their skin should’ve spread the eggs, causing internal bleeding, paralysis…”
Staring at Andrew like he was some kind of alien, he stammered, “How is it possible that you’re fine?”
Andrew ignored him completely and finished treating all of the patients in one go. Then, he pulled out a pen and scribbled a prescription on a slip of paper, handing it to Francesca.
“Follow this prescription and immediately prepare the medicine for these people to consume. Make sure they drink plenty and keep them hydrated until their urine and blood tests are clean. That’s the sign they’re out of danger.”
Francesca lit up with joy. “Honey, you’re incredible!”
Thomas looked on with genuine admiration. “Dr. Lloyd, your skills are extraordinary. When it comes to medicine, we’ve got so much to learn from you.”
Andrew chuckled. “You flatter me.”
Thomas laughed. “Come on, let’s go find Dr. Goddard. Looks like we’re done here.”
The two of them walked off, chatting casually as they left Hank standing there awkwardly in silence.
“Dr. Bozzelli, I also need to see Dr. Goddard. The parasite poison incident involves much more than you think. Without Special Ops, your little Blumedale Hospital won’t be able to handle this,” Hank said.
His voice was tight with suppressed anger, his face dark.
Thomas was surprised. “Dr. Lloyd has already neutralized these patients’ parasite poison! It seems we won’t need your services after all!”
Hank snorted and replied arrogantly, “Neutralizing the parasite poison in these people is just the first small step! What’s left is tracking down who administered the poison and where the source is located.
He added, “This will likely involve martial arts organizations and masters from the underworld. Do you think this punk beside you can handle those kinds of challenges?
“Do you think Special Ops agents get involved for nothing? Wherever we show up, it means the situation has already gone way beyond what you people can deal with.”