Page 59 of Risky Move

“No way, especially not after this catastrophe on the interstate. I can take back roads to avoid it.”

Cassie shivered. “So, he just walked into a nightmare situation?”

“Something like that. Don’t know what caused it, but this time of year—too much traffic and too many people rushing to get somewhere. And speed’s not a concern…until there’s a horrendous accident.”

Cassie looked out the window, silently praying for the crash victims and the doctors and nurses treating them. She thought about the times she and her friends had taken risks—driving too fast, ignoring snow and ice, talking on the phone or even texting while driving. She’d only gotten into a car once knowing the driver should not be behind the wheel—and the memory of that ride home kept her from ever considering it again. If either of her parents had known, she’d have been grounded her entire final year in secondary school. Thankfully, her guardian angel looked out for idiot teens.

* * *

Caryn smiled sympathetically when Andrew and Cassie entered the house a while later. She patted to the seat beside her on the couch before looking at Andrew. “I had to turn the TV off. How’s the hospital handling all the injuries?”

“I think some have routed to other hospitals, but the worst are definitely going to Tampa’s trauma center. Never seen a battle zone, but that’s the thought that keeps popping into my head.” Andrew opened the refrigerator and looked over his shoulder. “Water, soda, wine, tea?”

“Water, please,” Cassie said.

“I’ll make some hot tea,” Caryn added. She hugged Andrew when she met him in the kitchen. “Thank you for bringing our girl home safely.”

Andrew met Cassie’s eyes as he held his wife. “We took a very safe, scenic route—right, Cass?”

“Yep. If you’d been a cab driver, I might have thought you were planning to ditch me in a swamp…filled with alligators. I had no idea where we were.” Her attempt to sound light-hearted felt off. “Thank you again, Andrew.”

* * *

Although Tom worked through several shifts, he and Cassie exchanged a few texts. The aftermath of the multi-vehicle collision left too many head injuries. Besides the neurology staff and residents, private physicians affiliated with the hospital volunteered their time. Whenever he had a break, Tom opted to grab a few minutes’ sleep and fast food rather than drive home.

Cassie: Can I bring you anything? Food? Clothes? Whatever?

Tom: Yes. Pls. ask Andrew 2 bring me a set of fresh clothes for 2nite’s game.

Cassie: You’re coming home afterward?

Tom: Yep, unless I get a call, or we have an injury during the game. R U coming?

Cassie: Caryn’s sorting through Christmas decorations. May need to distract munchkins.

Tom: LOL. Ping me if you come, OK?

* * *

She set her phone on the counter and asked Caryn if she could help her with the decorations. Seated on the floor, surrounded by boxes, Caryn laughed. “I don’t even know what I’m doing anymore. I get so caught up with memories, nothing gets accomplished.”

“Where do you set up the tree?”

“Actually, this will be the first year we’ll have a Christmas tree in this house. Andrew’s injury happened before Christmas, then last year with the bed rest and then the early arrival of the babies, we didn’t think about decorating.” Caryn smiled as she opened another box of ornaments. “These we bought together in Toronto and St. Louis. Lots of memories.”

Cassie looked up when Andrew joined them. “Decide where you want the tree?”

“What would you think about the sunroom? I’d like it under this vaulted ceiling, but little hands may find it irresistible. We can close the doors to the sunroom, but still see the tree from here.”

“Just let me know the size, babe. I’m heading over to the arena in a few. You need anything?”

“Nope, just a plan,” Caryn said with a laugh.

“We could take the boxes to the sunroom,” Cassie suggested. “Then, you can use the table for sorting.”

“I should have thought of that! Thank you for the back-up brain.” She stood and brushed the dust from her shorts. “We can easily move these.”

Andrew grabbed a couple boxes before Caryn or Cassie could reach them. “I’ve got this. Just set aside anything you decide you won’t use.”

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