Cynthia asked, clutching Nancy’s arm and staring in wide-eyed panic at the doctor. “I don’t want to scare you,” Dr. Gebel said in a kindly but serious tone. “But neither do I want you to underestimate the risk. There have been cases in which athletes who thought they were perfectly fine did die at a later date from internal injuries.” “When exactly did he leave?” Nancy asked anxiously. “Before dawn. When the nurse came to prep him for his tests, he became very upset and left,” the doctor explained, glancing at the medical chart on her clipboard. “He was gone by seven A.M. His parents haven’t seen him.” “I can’t believe it,” Cynthia murmured breathlessly. “That isn’t like Rob.” The doctor arched her well-shaped eyebrows and shook her head. “If you find him, tell him that we’re here to help him, not hurt him.” “I will,” said Cynthia in a determined tone. Nancy caught sight of Bess and George moving down the corridor toward them. “Hi, everyone!”
