Page 74 of The Callahan Effect

Richard squeezed Mason's shoulder carefully.

"You gave us one hell of a fright, son."

"I've...had better nights."

Even through the medication his attempt at humor remained intact.

A sharp stab of pain crossed his face almost immediately afterward and Victoria noticed it before anyone else.

"You're hurting."

"I'll live."

Richard gave him the same look Dad often gave stubborn players.

"Being stoic doesn't earn you bonus points."

"I wasn't..."

"You were."

A nurse appeared almost on cue.

"Pain level?"

Mason hesitated.

"Five."

Victoria immediately frowned.

"It's higher than that."

The nurse studied him knowingly.

"I suspected as much."

After adjusting Mason's medication and completing another set of observations, the nurse smiled reassuringly before moving on to the next patient.

Mr. and Mrs. Brooks, I'll stay here if you need anything.

Richard studied the screen.

"After all you've done for our son tonight, I think we're well past Mr. and Mrs. Brooks."

Victoria agreed.

"Please call us Richard and Victoria."

I looked from one to the other before nodding.

Thank you...Richard. Victoria.

Richard rested a hand briefly on my shoulder.

"That sounds much better."

Richard smiled warmly.