Not satisfied, he had Samantha and the others join in, grinding his hand until it was a bloody mess.
“This is what happens when you mess with my girlfriend!”
“No!” I tried to crawl forward, but the searing pain in my knee left me immobile.
Michael’s screams grew weaker, his face pale as paper.
Only when his hand was mangled beyond recognition did Jason finally step back, satisfied.
Then Jason Coleman pulled a thick wad of red banknotes from his wallet and tossed them in our faces with disdain.
“Here, take it. Medical bills. Spend it carefully—should be enough to keep you two beggars alive for the rest of your miserable lives.”
Samantha Lee giggled, leaning sweetly against his chest, her phone camera still pointed at us.
“Jason, you’re so generous—actually giving them money.”
I looked at Michael Hayes’s mangled hand and the pain on his face, and my killing intent could no longer be contained.
Just then, the old iron gate of the veterans’ retirement home creaked open.
Out came George Miller, leaning on his cane, and Helen Carter, carrying her watering can. Behind them followed several other elderly residents, all dressed plainly.
George’s sharp gaze swept over the scene of chaos, finally fixing on Michael’s bloodied hand.
“Edward! Michael!”
Helen rushed forward, crouching to gently cradle Michael’s hand in her palms.
“Don’t be afraid, Michael. I’m here.”
Jason grew impatient at the sight of this procession. He sneered.
“What is this, a group scam? Did the whole nursing home come out to extort me? Lucky for you, I’m in a good mood today. Get lost while you can.”
George ignored him. Instead, he turned to an elderly man in glasses.
“Robert, call a doctor from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.”
Jason’s sneer widened.
“Oh, Walter Reed, huh? Why don’t you just say the White House next?”
Samantha laughed so hard she nearly doubled over.
“What is this place—a collection center for America’s elderly trash?”
Helen set down her watering can. Once a famously tough “iron lady” in the Army, her fiery temper flared, her expression dark enough to drip blood.
“Watch your mouth, young lady. This home is not something you’re qualified to judge.”
“Well, aren’t you bold? Old hag, if you don’t stay out of this, I’ll hit you too!”
Jason raised his hand, ready to shove Helen. But George’s cane intercepted first, blocking him.
“So this is how Richard Coleman taught you to speak to your elders?”