POWER PLAY

CHAPTER 20

The weeks went by and Jane and Brady were extremely happy. Her refereeing was going well. The players and coaches all found her fair and tough when needed. Jack decided to retire rather than own up to what he did and it wasn't entirely unexpected either he was always doing that, running away that is.

Brady and Jane worked hard at not being found out. It was getting easier honestly and their schedules were never in sync. She told Brandon she was ok with a little traveling especially since Jack was out of the picture and he agreed that it was ok. He decided to send her to Salt Lake to a back to back home stand. She was excited and happy to go.

Brady was less then enthusiastic. "Must you really go? I mean I get it I just don't like it"

"I am a PHL referee and I don't mind going. A change of scenery is a good thing. It's two home games. Then I'll be back. I won't be gone long. Five days I think. Do you want Abbie to feed Stormy?"

"No, I'll take care of him. It's going to be so lonely without you here even if it is for only five days. Wanna order in tonight?!"

"Sure. Is Mexican ok? I need a beef enchilada with lots of Salsa and jalapeños. You can never have too much spicy"

"What is it with you and spicy?! You keep this up you're going to get an ulcer." Brady phoned in the order for delivery

"When do you leave?! Do we have time for another go round?" He asked mischievously

"Down boy. The day after tomorrow. And I'm so sore from all of our 'go rounds'. I love it, don't get me wrong, it's amazing, but I'm tired!"

Jane left two days later. Brady found the silence of not having her around quite annoying. He'd go to practice and come home. He attempted cooking using some of the beginner cook books but it was a disaster and he just ordered in. He did hang out with his teammates. They went to a sports bar and the game Jane was officiating was on.

"Look, it's Jane. You know. Now that she's not ordering me around tonight I gotta say, she's pretty hot."

"I second that. Definitely a hottie. It's so hard to control my dick on the ice when she's out there."

"Jesus you two. Honestly. Don't you ever think of anything else beside sex? Andersson, you're married with a baby in the way. Saati you're like practically engaged to Erica. Behave boys. She's still a lady. We should treat her as such despite what your dick thinks! I will agree she's hot but she also has the power to fuck us over if needed!"

The three of them hung out some more. Brady was the sober one since he didn't drink. They were shooting some pool when they paused to watch the game for a second. It was at that moment that Brady saw it on the screen. Jane was calling a penalty and she couldn't get out of the way in time. The Fargo defenseman couldn't stop and ran her over. She lay on the ice motionless, blood flowing from her head. Brady felt sick seeing her like that and helpless being in NYC and she in SLC

"Damn. Poor girl. That was a hell of a shot she took. I hope she'll be ok"

"I should probably call her dad. He's an MD and will want to know what's going on. Before you two say anything I did my research on her. Her dad is Michael Carlson as in the PHL legend Michael Carlson. I have his number because he's one of the best orthopods in the country and I'll never know when I need him. Now I'll be right back"

Jane's family knew they were a thing so it came as no surprise when Brady called Michael.

"Dr Carlson? It's Brady. Are you watching the game? Jane was just hurt, badly. I'm out with my teammates or I'd do more. Can you try and get an update and call me back?"

"I'm on it, Brady I'll call you when I know something"

Brady made up an excuse to leave and headed to Michael and Abbie's. He made it there in record time

"How is she? Any update?"

"Mike is still in the phone with the trainers and doctors out there. She is alert and has movement in all four limbs which is a good thing."

Michael came out of the office at that moment, looking relieved

"She has a concussion but nothing else is broken or injured. They're keeping her overnight in the hospital for observation but she's basically "grounded" for the next
Several games. They're flying her home tomorrow."

The relief on Brady's face was immediate. If
anything happened to her he'd never forgive himself.

"Thanks for letting me know I'm gonna go home now and de-psyche myself. Don't worry about Jane, I'll make sure she doesn't lift a finger for awhile. Someone needs to tell her to find a new profession"

"I'm not gonna tell her that. It'll kill her knowing she doesn't have my support or yours. Go home, get some sleep"

Brady left and drove a lonely drive home