EMMETT (The Corbin Brothers Book 3) Read Free Page B

“Just be ready to listen when he’s ready to open up. That’s all you can really do — unless he can be compelled to see a professional.”
    “He can hardly be compelled to do anything,” Hadley muttered. “Now, about your knee.”
    “I’m ready. I can feel it.”
    “I want another week with you resting it,” she said, making me groan in consternation.
    “Another week? What’s seven more days going to do?”
    “Make sure you’re completely healthy before running off and doing something stupid.”
    “Seriously, Hadley, riding felt just fine. I can do everything I used to do. It’s the brace that’s holding me back.”
    “I’m the physical therapist, not you,” she said, finally making a notation in my file and snapping it shut. “I know what’s best for you even if you don’t believe me.”
    “It’s just that Chance needs me out there,” I said, trying to find the argument that would work on her. “They’ve been down a man this whole time. I hate the idea of people making up work I’m supposed to be doing. This place has gotten a lot bigger.”
    “All I can do is make recommendations,” Hadley said, putting her hands on her hips. “Even if none of you Corbins ever listen to me.”
    “Does that mean I can get back to work?” I asked eagerly.
    “Would you at least do me the favor of waiting for tomorrow? Resting for the remainder of today?”
    “Sure!” I exclaimed, never feeling as excited as I was to get back to work. I could forget about the horsing operation, drive the worrisome phone call from my mind, and maybe even run some Hunter reconnaissance for Hadley if I could just get back on a horse and out on the ranch.
    “Well, get on out of here, then,” she said. “I’ve got people who need more help than you do.”
    I exited the examination room as Hadley beckoned the old man with the bum elbow on in. That’s what I liked about Hadley. She was no-nonsense, no frills about her practice. Every time I came here for therapy throughout my recovery, she was always moving the patients through quickly, not wanting to keep them away from their various professions for too long. Of course, the majority of her clientele were ranchers. It was a hard life, getting beat up all the time.
    “You look pretty happy,” the young man said, glum in his seat, foot still encased in the padded boot. “I’m guessing you’re good to go.”
    “Practically,” I said, still carrying the knee brace in my hand. “Guess I won’t be needing this anymore.” I set it down on the countertop.
    “I won’t mince words — I guess I’m pretty jealous of you,” he said, staring hatefully at his foot. “I’m just at the beginning of my road to recovery — or whatever.”
    “What happened, if you don’t mind me asking?”
    “Goddamn horse stepped on my foot,” he said, huffing an offended sigh and rolling his eyes a little. “Broke my damn foot, and it still hurts like a bitch.”
    “That’s some tough luck,” I said. Horses were dreadfully heavy.
    “You’re telling me. I wish I never had to lay eyes on another horse again.”
    “You’ll have to avert your eyes, then. I rode my horse up to the clinic. She’s waiting outside.”
    He sighed again. “Your horse doesn’t bother me. Hell, I shouldn’t be bothered at all. It would cost me my job if I decided I was serious about never having to look at another horse again.”
    “What outfit are you with?” I asked, just to be polite. I was still too excited about my positive diagnosis to pay proper attention to what he was saying.
    “The breeding operation at Dax Malone’s.”
    And then my focus narrowed again. “Dax Malone, did you say?”
    “I did, that mean old son of a bitch. Laughed himself silly when I had to hop to the truck to take myself to the hospital. It’s a living, I guess. Maybe things’ll be better when his kid takes over the place.”
    “Good luck to you in your recovery,” I said, already striding out the door, feeling