They all nodded and thanked me.
The Emergency Room nurse had moved Brett into a private room at the back of the clinic. I read the scans before going to see him.
Hospital staff were busy working in the pit area as I made my way through to his room. I knocked gently, then pushed the door open.
He sat up in bed. His feet were bare. He wore long underwear and a navy-blue T-shirt. A white bandage wrapped around his forehead. Dirty blond hair stuck out above it. He glowered at me.
“Mr.Barringer, I’m Dr.Cain. I’m the attending physician.”
“No shit.”
I ignored his curse. “You have a grade two concussion and will need to be monitored for the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours.”
“Can’t.” He didn’t meet my eyes.
I continued, ignoring him again. “I understand you’re a hockey player with the Seattle Kraken. I’ll be reaching out to your team physician with an update.”
He was silent; his glower darkened. I continued, “Personality changes are a sign of concussion. I don’t remember you being this obstinate.”
That made him laugh. “And I don’t rememberdoctorcoming up in our conversation last night.”
“It didn’t really matter.”
He looked at my mouth. I shuffled my feet.
“I didn’t hear about an avalanche today. What happened?”
“Are you wishing one would have buried me?”
“Not at all. Just assessing your mental state.” I changed topics. “I need to take your blood pressure.”
He lifted his arm. I wrapped the cuff around his bicep. Now I was the one trying hard not to look at him. I turned on the machine and waited.
Out of the corner of my eye, his chest rose and fell, shallow and quick. I put my stethoscope on and placed the bell on his heart.Thump-thump. Thump-thump. Steady.
He placed his left hand on top of mine. Blond hairs sprinkled his tan skin. I raised my eyes to his. He whispered, “Elizabeth.”
The monitor buzzed. I jumped, pulling the stethoscope out of my ears.
Mia hurtled across the room. “Brett, you stupid ass. You could have died.”
So much for waiting.
“Hello, Mia.”
She ran to the other side of the bed and sat down next to him. “We were so worried.” She patted his cheek, firmly, but with affection.
“I’m fine.” He grabbed her hand and squeezed it.
“I turn my back for a minute and you already have my wife in bed.” John said, entering the room. Mia scooted to make room for him. John hugged his brother, the bed making things a little awkward. “Glad you’re ok, man.”
Brett slapped his back. “I’m good, but you guys need to monitor me for the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours.”
Mia scolded him. “We’re leaving tonight.” She turned to me. “Can he fly?”
“It’s not recommended. We can admit him overnight for monitoring if you’re unable to care for him.” I wasn’t sure, but I thought she might have scowled. “I’ll leave you to talk.”
I nodded and left the room. I made my way back through the lobby and asked Rebecca if we’d had any walk-ins while I was with Mr.Barringer.