Chapter 17

When Carter stepped outside, fans mobbed him within minutes. Although most Seattleites were generally reticent to approach strangers, apparently today they made an exception for Carter. Fans of all ages crowded around him, demanding photos and autographs.

“When are you playing again?”

“You need to come back next season!”

“Were you here to see your doctor? What’s the verdict?”

Carter ignored the questions, smiling for the cameras and signing so many autographs that his hand began to cramp. He finally made some excuse and pushed his way through the crowd.

He had no destination in mind. It didn’t really matter where he went, because his career was officially over.

After multiple tests that included both X-rays and CT scans, Carter’s orthopedic surgeon had declared that his torn rotator cuff hadn’t healed to the extent it had needed to for him to return. I know it’s not what you wanted to hear, he’d said in that calm doctor voice that Carter hated. But it had been a real long shot an