“While the doctor examines me, why don’t you wait outside, Vi,” Gran suggested.
“Okay. I’ll stay nearby.”
She stepped into the hallway and found Blake pacing around. “What’s going on?” she asked. “Is Malcom okay?”
“He’s getting his ribs x-rayed. The doctor wants to see if he broke something.”
“That doesn’t sound good.”
“No, but otherwise, he seems okay. Except his right cheek. It’s bruised and swollen. How’s Caroline?”
As Vi updated him, a CT nurse wheeled Gran away to get her scan.
“Sounds like they’ll both survive,” Blake said.
“Let’s hope. Did Malcom tell you what happened?”
“He didn’t feel like talking.”
“Here’s what Gran said.” She lowered her voice and filled him in.
“I’d like to give that kid a piece of my mind,” he muttered.
“I’m sure his parents will do that. Whether or not the Mercedes is totaled, the family’s insurance rates will skyrocket. I’m going to text my mother now, then call Rose and update her. She’ll probably be asleep—it’s two hours later in Mexico but she’d want to know. I’ll leave a voice message.”
He nodded. “Ditto with Whitney and my mother.”
CHAPTER 10
It was nearing midnight when Blake got the okay to take Malcom home. Vi and Caroline were waiting for them, Caroline having been cleared a short time before Malcom. Both looked pretty banged up, but at least they were in decent enough shape to ride in the car.
Waiting for their discharge papers, the two of them gazed at each other with clear relief. “You have a bruise on your cheek,” Caroline said, in a mournful voice. “Does it hurt? How are your ribs?”
“I hurt like the devil. One rib is cracked and will take several weeks to heal up. How are your head and arm?”
“The arm is sore but nothing I can’t live with. I also have a minor concussion and a headache. What a pair we are.” She moved closer to him and peered at his face. “You don’t look so good.”
“Neither do you. We both need to get some sleep.”
“Be sure to get enough rest, drink plenty of water, and take aspirin as needed,” the nurse advised as she handed them their medical instructions. “The doctor would like you to contact your primary care physicians for full exams.”
Grandpop wasn’t the best at following instructions, but Blake intended to make sure he paid attention to that. “I’ll schedule an appointment first thing tomorrow, and I’ll drive you there and back.” He wasn’t sure how he’d squeeze in the time to do that, but his grandfather’s health was more important than either bike store.
“You’re a busy man. I don’t mind calling Falcon.”
“I want to take you. Let’s get you two home.”
With the ER so close to the 709, the trip wouldn’t take long. Malcom sat gingerly in front with Blake, Vi and Caroline in the back.
“I’ll bet you’re both tired,” Vi said in the silence.
“Yes, it’s been a long night. This is a nice car, Blake. Almost as nice as the Mercedes is—or was.” He heard Caroline shifting around. “I’m sitting on something back here that’s uncomfortable.”
“I can’t imagine what,” Vi said. “Whatever it is, I’ll get it out of the way. Can you lift up a little? Oh,” she said a few seconds later. Blake glanced in the rearview mirror to see her clutching something in her hand.
“What is that?” Caroline asked.
“It’s a hairbrush.”
