Excerpt
The forecast was right. Sever weather conditions were predicted to arrive sometime after midnight.

Earlier in the evening the sky was clear with a cool breeze in the air. It was difficult to imagine the torrential showers that now blanketed the city’s streets.

At least most of the traffic had died down and many people were already at home, safe and sound.

Rob couldn’t sleep. He was too wound up from the conversation at dinner to even think about going home.

"I don’t know what’s wrong with Lisa. Why can’t she accept me for who I am? I’m not the bad guy--I’m out here night after night trying to make a difference in the world."

Rob sighed and laid his head back against the seat of the car. He had parked on a dim street corner with a view of a neighboring high school’s football field. Dressed in casual attire, he had his suit tucked away in a suitcase and locked in the trunk. He liked carrying it with him just in case he came upon a situation where Nightwolf was needed.

"Maybe she just needs time. After all, it’s only been a few weeks since she lost her dad."

With renewed determination, Rob set his focus on the job at hand--namely protecting the streets.

*******


Rob decided to call it a night. "The only dangerous thing happening around here is the weather."

A loud roar of engines came from behind causing Rob to look in his rear view mirror. It appeared to be a severe case of road rage.

The first vehicle was keeping a slow and steady pace as a second car followed in close pursuit.

The vehicle doing the chasing, passed at an incredible speed, went into a skid and just missed a parked car. The driver tried regaining control, but slammed on the brakes and broadsided the driver’s door of the car he'd followed.

The first car hit a wet spot in the road, went into a spin, and crashed into a telephone pole. When Rob looked again, he saw the second car speed away into the darkness.

Quickly he pulled out his cell and punched in the numbers 9-1-1. After reporting the accident, Rob saw that a wire on the pole was separate and loose. Sparks began to illuminate the dark sky as it hovered over the smashed vehicle.

Using care not to get too close to the electrical hazard, Rob yanked open the passenger side of the door and attempted to help the man trapped inside who appeared to be unconscious. Carefully, Rob unhooked the driver’s seat belt and checked for a pulse.

Hearing the distant sound of a siren, Rob quickly backed out of the car wanting to get the emergency responder’s attention, but also forgot about the loose wire. A gust of wind blew it straight in his direction. The powerful surge knocked him down and rendered him unconscious.

Upon arrival and assessing the situation, the EMTs immediately called for backup.

******

“He’s in a comatose state.” The ER’s physician informed Lisa and David.

“Is he going to be all right?” Lisa’s words were shaky and unsteady.

“It’s difficult to say,” the doctor glanced at Rob’s chart that he held in his hand, “one thing I can tell you is that his condition is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. There are no burns, no tissue damage, and no electric shock.”


Lisa and David exchanged glances.


*******

A young, petite LPN stood inside Rob’s room checking his vitals and made a note that they appeared normal. She was standing close to his side when he suddenly grabbed her arm and raised himself into a sitting position. Caught by surprise, she shrieked and recoiled at his sudden movement.

Rob ripped out his IV line and the attached wires from the monitor, climbed out of the bed and headed for the door.

By this time, two male nurses hurried into the room after hearing the commotion, and tried to restrain the patient.

“I have work to do,” Rob stated with boldness. Reaching out, he shoved the guys against the wall causing one to flip a light switch, resulting in a short in the electrical circuit.