Page 76 of Risky Move

“Thanks,” Tom said before following his brother into the room. He clapped a hand on Andrew’s shoulder.

“Dirty play. How do you feel?” Tom nodded toward a chair.

“I’m fine. Dizzy at first.”

“Headache?”

“What do you think?” Andrew countered with a wry smile. “Feels like my head bounced against the ice.”

“It did. You want to text Caryn before I do the exam?” He offered his phone to Andrew.

“Thanks.” Tom watched as his brother swiped at the phone, finally opening the Messages app. He paused a moment before typing Caryn’s name, shaking his head, and finally closing one eye to focus on the screen. He typed a short sentence, then pressed “send.”

“Short and sweet,” Andrew commented when he handed the phone back to his brother.

“Relax, and I’ll get you through the exam.” Tom glanced at Pettit, who stood to the side. Andrew had difficulty tracking the penlight, eventually shutting his eyes against the light with a sigh.

“Andrew, I’m sending you to the hospital for further tests,” Tom said.

“That’s bullshit, Tom. Just give me some time here. I’m okay.”

Andrew opened his eyes, and Tom recognized the flash of stubbornness. “You send me to the hospital, Caryn will panic. I’m not putting her through that again.”

“She’s on her way down,” Pettit spoke up. “She can go with you.”

“You know the protocol,” Tom spoke softly.

“I don’t need further evaluation. I know the fucking protocol.”

“Dan’s waiting for you at the hospital,” Tom said evenly. “You convince him you’re fine; he’ll send you home.”

“Fucking waste of time.”

“You want to leave in your uniform or change?” Tom ignored his brother’s outburst.

“You’re giving me a choice?”

“If you can handle it.” Tom watched as Andrew unlaced his skates with his eyes closed. He removed them, pulled his jersey and pads from his upper body, then reached for the treatment table to steady himself as he slowly stood to shed the rest of his uniform. When he paused for a long moment, Pettit offered to help.

“Lucas is collecting your personal items to give to Caryn. Let’s just get you into these sweats.”

Tom slipped out of the room and updated Harper. “He’s going…reluctantly. I don’t think it’s anything serious, other than a mild concussion, but with his history…”

“Take no chances,” the coach agreed.

Tom saw Caryn walk hesitantly toward them and met her halfway. “He’s okay, Caryn. Conscious and bitching about having to go to the hospital.”

“Can I go with him?”

“That shouldn’t be a problem. Maybe you can help with his attitude.”

Caryn’s soft laugh sounded strained. “Where is he?”

Tom showed a closed door about ten feet away. “Dan will meet the ambulance—Andrew won’t have time to complain. I’ll come as soon as the game’s over and either take you guys home or help restrain him in a hospital bed. Either way, he’ll be fine, Caryn.”

“Will you let Cassie know we might be late?” Caryn asked as she walked beside him toward the door.

“No worries. I’ll also call Lauren.” Tom hugged her affectionately before he reached to push the door open. “Good luck with him.”

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