Page 29 of Forbidden Dunk

Where are you?

I just parked, Shorty. I hit every red light on the way.

I knew you’d be here.

Always, Shorty. What’s the room number?

702. It’s the baby ward. I’m scared, please hurry.

I jumped out of my car and raced inside.

Going as fast as I can.

It’s good to be a basketball player, because when you’re in a hurry, and you’re a tall man, people move out of the way for you. It’s like they’re afraid we’re run over them. We aren’t semi-trailers; we know how to stop.

“Where’s the elevator to get to the 7th floor?” I asked the front desk cleric.

“To the left. But you won’t get past the lobby if you aren’t married.”

“I don’t care. I’ll sleep out there and wait. Thank you.”

I ran to the elevators, tapping my foot as it seemed to take forever. The anxiety was getting to me, and I was about ready to burst through the stairs. But luckily, the doors opened faster than I thought, and the ride was even faster.

I ran to the desk, smiling at the nurse that was sitting there.

“May I help you?”

“Hi, good evening, yes. I need to see Marketa Jones, please?”

“And you are?”

“Her fiancé.” The words slipped out before I could stop them and the woman raised a brow, as if questioning that statement.

“I’ll give you a temporary pass, Mr. Colter, but as her dad clearly stated not to let you in, I’m going to go out on a limb and say you aren’t.” She handed me the visitor sticker. “You can only be on the floor for a few minutes, but it’s enough to check in on her. Take the hallway on the left.”

“Thank you. I just need to make sure she’s okay.”

“Don’t tell anyone I did.” I gave her a smile, stuck the badge on, and then made my way down the hallway, already hearing the heated voices.

“Dad, he’s on his way. Would you please stop?”

“He’s only telling you that, Marketa. He won’t be here, he’s not that kind of man. He should have been here by now, if that was the case. He’s already living up to the expectations I told you about. Something better probably came along.”

Chapter 18

Marketa

Iwatch my dad, seeing him stare at something and by the look on his face, I can clearly see how unhappy he is by whoever is there. However, the medicine is starting to kick in and I close my eyes.

“What are you doing there?” my dad demanded.

“Checking up on Marketa. I can’t stay long but wanted to see her.” I open my eyes briefly to see Shawn poke his head in and smile at him. He came after all; he proved my dad wrong.

But the thought leaves as I vanish into the void of darkness.

“Where is Shawn?” I asked my dad for the fourth time. I know I saw him last night. It wasn’t my imagination. Sure, the drugs were good and eased the pain that was still there now, but I know I wasn’t seeing things.

“He’s not here. How many times are you going to ask that? I told you that he would bail on you.”

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