Page 163 of His Big Bad Stick

“Fuck,” I say again.

I reach behind me for my bag.

I need my phone.

I need her to know… everything…

When I look at my phone, I see missed calls. Texts waiting to be read.

The calls are from Abrielle and an unknown name.

Same with the texts.

The unknown number is Jess.

The words hospital, extreme pain, and baby pop out first.

I grab my bag and make a run for it.

I throw myself through the door to the private suite of the GM.

Michael turns and looks at me, a scared look on his face.

Coach Patty is right behind.

“I need your plane,” I say to Michael.

“What?”

“He’s got to get back home,” Coach Patty says. “Emergency.”

“My… my Abrielle,” I say. “Something is wrong with her and the baby.”

“The baby,” Michael says. He stands right up. “She’s not due yet, is she?”

“No,” I say. “We don’t have fucking time to talk.”

“Colver,” Coach Patty says.

“It’s fine,” Michael says. “Come on, Colver. Let’s get out of here.” He turns and points to two men. “I need the SUV ready in thirty seconds and then I need you to call Jerry and tell him we’re flying. Well, I’m not flying. Colver is. It’s his plane for tonight.”

Michael pats me on the back.

I want to elbow him in the face.

He’s got a big smile on his face and I don’t trust him for a second. But he’s the guy who signed me, then gave me a big, fat contract. And now he’s giving me his private jet to fly back home to get to Abrielle.

I’m still half dressed for a hockey game as I get onto a private elevator and I’m escorted through the bowels of the arena where a black SUV waits for me.

“It’ll take you right up to the private jet,” Michael says. “When you land, another will be waiting. I’ll make sure of it. You just go take care of your family, Colver.”

“Thank you, Michael,” I say.

I should shake his hand but I don’t.

I’ll be in the air in the next thirty minutes.

I keep in touch with Jess.

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