Page 106 of Strictly Pretend

She must see how confused I am because she takes the explanation down to a more understandable level. “It’s like there’s a problem with the electrical wiring in his heart. There was a power surge and his heart started beating too fast for the rest of him to keep up with. It can feel a little like a heart attack. He likely had palpitations and may have been breathless and a little clammy. He might even have felt pain in his chest. And sometimes this can cause blood pressure to drop, which is what happened with your Granddad. And that made him faint.”

“He didn’t have a heart attack?” I repeat, because that’s pretty much all I get out of her explanation.

“No, but we’ll need to run some more tests to be sure exactly what’s going on in his heart. Once we’re sure, then we can arrange for treatment.”

“What kind of treatment?” I ask.

“That’s for the cardiac doctors to decide.”

“Will he need surgery?”

“There’s a possibility. But there are a lot of tachycardic conditions that can be managed with lifestyle changes or medication.”

I nod my head. “He had some bad news today. Could that have caused it?” I ask her.

“If it’s sinus tachycardia, then very possibly. Stress is definitely a factor. Alcohol and caffeine can exacerbate the problem, too. Part of managing the condition will be him making some lifestyle changes. But the cardiac doctor can go through all that with you when we know his diagnosis for sure. Would you like to come and see him now? Only family is allowed back at this point.”

I nod. “Yes please.” I look over at Rita who gives me a nod.

“I’ll wait out here. Give him my love,” she tells me.

“Okay then.” She gives me a smile. “Follow me.”

BROOKS

As soon as we land at the helipad and the pilot tells me it’s safe, I climb out of the helicopter and run to the elevator to get in the car that Myles ordered and messaged to say is waiting. I check my phone – again – to see if there’s any reply from Emma, but there’s nothing.

So I call Emma and leave another voice message – my fifth, if you’re counting – and slide into the back seat of the town car.

I’m finding it hard to breathe, wondering whether she’s hurt, or her granddad is. Either way, it’s killing me.

The driver leans in. “I’ve been given instructions to take you straight to Mercy Hospital, is that correct?”

“Yes that’s right.” My jaw is so tight I can barely get the words out.

“On it.” He gives me a nod and gets into the front seat, starting the engine up. I’ve only just slid the buckle in when he pulls out of the parking lot. I like that he knows this is urgent. We don’t have time to waste.

My phone pings and I look at it hopefully, trying not to feel disappointed when I see it’s the group chat. Sighing, I open it up.

Holden: I’ve spoken to the ER doctor at Mercy. It’s her granddad who’s been taken in, not Emma.

A tortured breath escapes my lips. Emma is okay. I quickly type out a reply.

Brooks: What’s wrong with him?

Holden: Apparently, he collapsed. There’s not a whole lot of information except that he’s stable. I assume it’s something to do with his heart because they’re moving him to a cardiac unit for obs and tests. That’s all I’ve got right now, but I’ll keep trying.

I thank God for having a brother who’s a doctor. I have no idea how I’ll repay him for this.

Brooks: Thanks, man. Do you know which doctor will be treating him? Should I arrange for an expert to see him?

Holden: I already asked that. The doctors at Mercy are good. Best option is to wait and see. I’d want to see the results of the tests before making any decisions.

Brooks: Do you have any names for me just in case?

Holden: Yes I do. I’ll send them over.

Brooks: I appreciate that. Thank you. I appreciate all of you. More than you know.

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