Page 25 of Mountain Man’s Mystic Touch

“Yes.”

“Physical therapy?”

“Nine months.”

“Any numbness or tingling in your arm or hand?”

“Occasionally. Not tonight.”

“Loss of strength?”

“No.”

I glance toward the hand resting on his thigh. His fingers flex once, almost imperceptibly.

“Any current medications, blood thinners, recent procedures, or medical restrictions?”

“No.”

“Has a physician told you massage is unsafe for the injury?”

“No.”

“Do you have pain anywhere else?”

“Nothing relevant.”

“That means yes.”

“It means we’re discussing my shoulder.”

I record only the information he gives me. “What is the pain level right now, from zero to ten?”

“Three.”

“Be serious, Rocco.”

“Four.”

I wait.

“Five,” he says.

“Thank you.”

His mouth tightens as though accuracy has cost him something. I place the clipboard aside.

“We’ll work only on your upper back, shoulder, neck, and arm. You can leave your pants on. Remove your shirt, lie face down beneath the sheet, and tell me immediately if anything hurts, feels wrong, or brings up a response you don’t want.”

“A response?”

“Pain. Dizziness. Numbness. Anxiety. Memories. Anything.”

“I’m getting a massage, not undergoing interrogation.”

“The body doesn’t always recognize the difference.”

He watches me closely. I stand and pull the privacy panel completely shut.