Page 3 of Playoff

“Don’t move,” I say softly. “You hit your head. We’re getting everyone off the bus, and I’ll help you when it’s time.”

He nods. His focus is a little off, and I can tell he’s struggling, but he’s a trooper, managing to stay awake.

“What can I do?” he rasps.

“Nothing. You may have a concussion and the cut on your temple is bleeding, so just relax.”

“Big Bang, you’re up.” Coach is leaning down through the open door, holding out a hand.

“I’ve got him from here,” Canyon says.

Jensen is a big guy. Six feet five inches of solid muscle, and in great shape. If anyone can scale the bus with one arm, it’s him. Gene has crafted a makeshift sling for his broken arm, and Jensen uses his good one to take Coach Vanek’s hand. He braces his legs on the side of the bus and essentially walks up the wall, with Coach pulling him forward and Canyon nudging him from behind.

“I’ve got Marty,” Canyon says. He lifts his unconscious teammate and somehow slings him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Coach Vanek and someone I can’t see clearly reach down, grabbing Marty’s shirt and pants. They lift him slowly and awkwardly, as carefully as they can, and he disappears out the doors. Hopefully, Gene can figure out why the smelling salts didn’t work for him.

“I think you’re up,” I tell Ivan.

He nods, sitting up straighter. “I think I can climb,” he murmurs. “Just might need someone to steady me.”

“I’m right here.” I help him stand and wrap an arm around his waist. He’s a lot bigger than I am, but at least he’s walking.

“Fuck…” He stumbles and I brace myself, trying to keep us both upright.

“Come on, Ivan.” Canyon holds out a hand. “You need to get out of here.”

“I’m good.” He lists to one side as Canyon steadies him.

“Okay, take Coach’s hand and just hold on. The guys will do the rest.”

I see Coach, Connor, and Chandler Cormier, our backup goalie, waiting to hoist Ivan up.

Luckily, it goes without an issue and the last few guys scramble out of the bus.

“Ladies first,” Canyon says to me when we’re the only two left.

“Hang on.” I hand him Gene’s duffel. “Take this and let me get some jackets. It’s cold out there.”

“Hurry,” he calls after me. “The gas smell is stronger.”

I grab as many as I can carry, tossing them at him before reaching up to take Coach’s hand. He pulls me out, and Canyon hands us the coats I managed to get hold of. He turns, taking as many as he can before scrambling up and out.

Everyone has scattered, some guys on their phones, some hovering around Marty and Ivan, and others just standing there. I look around and find Gene sitting on the ground, breathing hard.

“Gene?” I run over to him. “What’s wrong?”

“I think…” He takes a shaky breath. “I think I’m having… a heart…attack.”

“Where’s your nitro?” I ask. He’s had issues before so I know he carries it with him.

“In my suitcase.”

Oh shit.

I whirl.

“Canyon!”

“What’s up, Ro?” he asks with urgency; he must sense the alarm in my voice.

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