Page 79 of Full Tilt
“You’ve got ID?”
“Not with his name on it,” I say, too quickly. “Please?—”
“Sorry, mate. No one through without clearance.”
I stare at him, mouth parting, but I already know I’m not getting past. My shoulders sag. I glance around, trying to recalibrate, think of another lie that could work, or better yet, someone I could text. Cam’s the only name that comes to mind.
“Okay,” I mutter, already backing away, hands raised in surrender. “Okay. Thanks anyway.”
The man nods once, already watching the next approaching body behind me. I retreat to the corner of the corridor and pull out my phone, cursing under my breath. My heart’s hammering. I tap out a message to Cam—short, direct.
Me: Blocked at the entrance. Told them I was Lachie’s brother. Didn’t fly.
I hesitate, then add:
Me: Let me know if I can try anything else. Just want to make sure he’s okay.
Phone gripped in my hand, I glance back at the security door. There has to be a better way.
Obviously, I know Cam can’t respond. He’s on the pitch. Focused. Doing what he does best—what he has to do. Still, I had to let him know I tried. That I’d be there if I could. I tuck my phone back into my jacket pocket and exhale hard, already scanning for another angle—literally and metaphorically.
That’s when the ridiculous idea hits me.
What if I pretend to faint? Maybe hyperventilate? Something that’ll get security flustered enough to leave a gap I can bolt through. I’m already mentally rehearsing how dramatic I’ll need to be when the heavy door creaks open behind the guard.
A woman in an Exeter Seagulls tracksuit steps out. She’s mid-thirties maybe, quick on her feet, purposeful in her movements. Her eyes land on me like she’s been searching. “Brent?” she asks, already reaching into her pocket.
“Yeah.” I nod fast, hope flaring in my chest like someone just cracked a window open.
“Come with me.” She hands over a lanyard with a plastic pass. It reads: TEMP ACCESS: MEDICAL STAFF. The guard doesn’t even blink, just steps aside like I suddenly belong.
“I’m Ellie,” she says. “One of the physios. Camden sent for you.”
The relief whooshes out of me so fast I nearly stumble. “He did?”
She gives a tight nod. “Asked that I collect you to support Lachie.”
I follow her down a narrow corridor without question, legs already moving before I’ve caught up with my thoughts. “Shit, is it bad?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.
Ellie doesn’t answer right away.
“Someone in the crowd mentioned his leg,” I push gently, unable to help it.
She shakes her head. “There’s nothing wrong with his leg.”
That surprises me. “Then…?”
“He blacked out,” she says bluntly. “Hit the ground hard. Breathing’s stable now, but he wasn’t responsive at first.”
My stomach flips.
“They’re putting him in the ambulance. Cam wants you there until we can get his emergency contact here.”
“Who’s that?”
“His brother. Lives in Manchester. He’s on his way, but it’ll take a few hours.”
I glance sideways at her. “Can I ride with him?”
