Page 94 of Death on a Scottish Train

“Dinnae what that is,” the injured man said. Around his lips had turned white, and it was obvious by the bone poking out that he had to be in terrible pain. “But I’ll be fine after a pint or two.”

Abigail shook her head. “Alcohol is not going to help your injury.”

“Says you.”

“Right, let’s get him back to the lab for an X-ray and we’ll take it from there.”

Abigail motioned for them to follow her.

“Don’t you need to get back to the med tent?” I asked. “I can handle this.” While I wasn’t as fast or as knowledgeable as Abigail, I knew how to run the X-ray machine.

“I put a note out to bring anyone in need down here. And Henry is there to direct people or set up a ride until I get back.”

“OK.” I was grateful for the help.

Once we had him on the table in the back, I sent his friends away. Abigail helped him out of his shirt, which wasn’t easy given his injury.

“What were you doing when you hurt yourself?” I asked. I gently touched the area, and he winced.

“Caber toss,” he said.

I had no idea what that was. I glanced up at Abigail.

“They throw a full-sized log to see how far it will go.”

“It is my best event,” he said proudly. “But I lost my grip, din’I? Slipped, and fell back with the full weight of the log on my shoulder and neck.”

From the contusions already forming in the area, that was easy to see.

“Abigail was right to bring you here. With bruising like this already forming there could be some serious damage.”

“No, I’ve done worse to myself. I’ll be fine.”

“Well, you’re here. I need you to lie still for a bit while Abigail takes some pictures.”

Twenty minutes later, we had our answer. It was a serious break and needed treatment.

“Sling?” she asked.

“It’s centralized, so let’s do a figure-eight splint. I think we have a few in storage. Hopefully, one of them will be large enough to fit him.”

By the time we finished working him into the sling and explaining that he needed to wear it all the time, it was early afternoon. His friendsagreed to keep an eye on him, as he wanted to watch the rest of the games.

“You do not participate, agreed?” I asked.

He nodded.

I prayed he’d do the smart thing and sit out the rest of the day. If nothing else, the pain should keep him at bay. He didn’t want a prescription and promised it didn’t hurt that bad. I had a feeling he was just being a tough guy in front of his friends.

“I need to get back to the tent,” Abigail said.

“It’s nearly time for my shift, I’ll go.”

“It’s OK. Tommy is watching the games with Henry. I’ve got this.”

“Then you can join them. Besides, I’ve seen them practicing and treated a few injuries, but I never had a chance to see the real thing.”

I grabbed my medical bag just in case, and we took one of the shuttles that had been provided up the mountain. The games were taking place behind the old church in the center of town.