All right, here it is.
Disclaimer: I don't own LWD, the New York Rangers, CNN, Anderson Cooper or St. Vincent's Hospital. But if I could choose one, it would be LWD!
The atmosphere of the locker room had been jovial. The New York Rangers were leading their division at the moment and all signs pointed to a showdown in the finals. Tonight's win just moved to solidify their standing and Derek had personally had a great game.
He had wished Casey could have been there but she was filling in as an anchor on CNN that night. Her career in television journalism had really taken off and she was fast becoming one of the most coveted reporters around.
Most of the guys had left the locker room already but Derek wanted to turn the television on and catch Casey.
"Hey, you staying here all night?" His best friend Rick asked.
"Nah, I just wanted to catch Casey. She's filling in for Anderson Cooper tonight and if I leave now, I'll miss half the show."
"God you have it bad. That's why I like being a bachelor, no commitments and no strings."
"Your problem is you haven't found your Casey yet. When you do, forget about it. You don't stand a chance."
Derek took the remote and flipped the television on just in time to hear, "Once again we are reporting an accident involving one of our own. CNN journalist Casey Venturi was involved in a two car accident on her way to appear on our programming tonight. Little is know about the accident yet, but sources say Mrs. Venturi was transported by helicopter to St. Vincent's Hospital. Casey is the wife of New York Rangers star forward Derek Venturi and the couple is said to be expecting their first child in a little over two months. We will keep you informed of the situation and let you know more details as they arise. Stay with CNN for all the latest news."
Derek stood shell shocked and Rick moved beside him. "Hey buddy, come on. Let's get your stuff out of your locker and I'll drive you over there."
Derek didn't move and Rick nudged him, trying to snap him out of the trance he appeared to be in. He physically had to walk Derek over to his locker. Rick grabbed Derek's keys and wallet and moved to put them in Derek's coat pocket. Reaching in, he felt Derek's phone and pulled it out. Rick looked at the screen and noticed two things, the phone was on silent and he had two new voice messages.
Derek still didn't respond as Rick led him out into the darkness towards the car. There were no words spoken as they headed toward the hospital. Rick couldn't think of a worse case scenario in his wildest dreams. Actually scratch that, because this wasn't a dream, this was a nightmare.