Page 63 of The Double Play

“No, it’s–”

“Mr. Jones,” a female voice scolds in the background. “I’ve told you several times, no phones allowed.”

“I know, I’m sorry, I’ll be just a second,” Brock replies.

“Are you in the hospital?” I ask, because I can’t ignore the signs any longer.

“Yeah–uh one of my clients got hurt and I was checking in. The nurses here don’t like phones,” he grumbles.

An alarm goes off in my head. I think he’s lying, but why? What would he be in the hospital for that he wouldn’t want me to know about?

“Listen, I gotta go before they get on my case again. I’ll text you with any updates. Call if you need anything.”

He hangs up before I can reply. I frown. It’s not like Brock to lie–that I know of–but that whole phone conversation was odd.

“Everything okay out here?” Hazel asks from behind me. I turn around to face her. She’s smiling, but concern is pinching her brows together. “I can see you frowning through the windows.”

I slide my phone back in my pocket. “Yeah, it’s all okay.”

“How did the conversation go?” she asks as she walks over to me. She wraps her arms around my waist, tilting her chin to look up at me.

“He said he would handle everything, but I think something might be wrong.” Worry flashes across her expression. “Not when it comes to us,” I clarify. “But I think he could be worse off than I thought. He’s always working. I don’t know if he’s ever taken a vacation. He sounded exhausted on the phone.”

Hazel frowns. “Maybe you should tell the other guys? Shaw is his brother-in-law, right?” I nod. “He might be able to get him to talk.”

“I don’t want them to bother him more.”

“Everyone needs someone to pester them to take care of themselves.” She gives me a teasing look. I smile a little.

“I guess you’re right. I’ll text Shaw.”

“I think that will be good.”

I glance over her shoulder and see June peeking through the window, her hands framing her face. She’s giggling, and Raven is sitting next to her doing the same.

“It looks like we have spies,” I say to Hazel.

She glances over her shoulder and laughs. “They’re both smart girls. I’m sure it won’t be a shock when we tell them.”

“I’m glad it won’t be a shock. Raven’s had enough of those lately.”

Hazel grimaces. “I know. I’m debating on taking her to see Mom once you’re back from practice. She asked to go, but I don’t know if it’s for the best.”

“It surprises me that she would want to see her, based on what you said about her.”

It would suit me if neither of them saw her ever again, but I know that’s not the most compassionate viewpoint. She’s hurt them both too much for me to have sympathy though.

“I think she just wants to see for herself that she’s okay. The last image she has of Mom is her unconscious with staff all around.”

Pain mars Hazel’s expression. I rub her back to soothe her.

“Do you want me to come with you? I can get Emerson to watch June again.”

She smiles, but shakes her head. “No, it’s okay. You should stay home with June. The visit will be short, and if she says anything upsetting, we’ll leave right away.”

“Okay, but you know you only have to say the word and I’ll be by your side.”

“I know,” she says, burying her face in my chest. “Thank you.”

---