Ian clapped for the athlete’s effort. “Talk about needing strength and balance! I’d forgotten just how impressive the skills of these Highland Games athletes are.”
“And this is the ‘light’ round!” marveled Annie.
The Hammer Throw competition fell into a rhythm of take stance, swing, and release. The 16-pound division was completed and the 22-pound Heavy Hammer competition began. Annie found herself relaxing and putting the mystery of the sporran and ferrule in its proper place. It would be solved in time, and she could enjoy the day and the company of her friends.
An athlete dressed in a kilt of green, navy, and yellow stepped into the box. Someone yelled, “Swing it sound, Hep!” The deep concentration that had been on his face wavered, and he looked around to see from where the shout had come. Then, shaking it off, he bent to his task. Placing the weight to his left, he hefted it and swung. On the third swing the man began to lose balance and was forced to release the hammer early.
Annie had uncapped her water bottle for a sip when Ian realized the hammer was sailing directly at her.
9
“Annie!” Shouting her name, Ian lunged to pull her out of harm’s way. As they collapsed on the ground, the 22-pound metal ball and shaft flew over their heads, landing behind them with a dull thunk.
Alice, Wally, Peggy, and Emily all dashed to where they lay in a heap. Annie opened her eyes, looking straight into the worried gray eyes of her impromptu bodyguard.
“Are you all right?” he gasped, his arms still clasped around her.
“Yes.” Her water bottle had been pressed between Ian and her, and she could feel the dampness spreading to both of them. “Sorry about the water.”
“Let her up, you big lug!” Alice ordered Ian, but a smile hovered around her mouth. “Makes no sense to rescue her from a concussion and then squash her ribs.”
Ian shook the fog of relief from his mind, let go of Annie, and sprang to his feet. He bent over and offered his hand to help her up. “I hope I didn’t hurt you.”
Annie shook her head as she straightened her blouse. “Of course you didn’t hurt me, Ian. I was distracted, and you saved me from serious harm.” She shook her arms and moved her legs. “See? I’m perfectly fine. Thank you!”
The athlete with the wayward throw ducked under the barrier and approached them, his face red with embarrassment. “I am so sorry! I can’t believe I almost hit you! Is there anything I can do?”
Annie couldn’t be mad at the repentant young man. “Don’t worry … What’s your name again?” She couldn’t quite remember what the person in the crowd had called him.
“Hep,” the man answered, his burly shape still shaking a little. “I’ve never come so close to hitting anybody before.”
Annie reached out to pat Hep on the arm. “Please don’t be embarrassed, Hep. It could happen to anyone. As you can see, we’re all completely healthy. I’m sure your next two tries will go better.”
“I sure hope you’re right.” Hep glanced back at the Hammer Throw action going on without him. “I better get back now. Thank you for understanding.”
The Stony Point group wished him well and watched as he strode back to the line of athletes. “I just can’t help liking that man,” Peggy declared. “You could tell he really meant what he said.”
Annie opened her mouth to reply when her stomach gave a loud rumble everyone could hear.
“Sounds like danger has made you ravenous.” Alice nudged her best friend. “Can we pull you away from watching Hep’s last throws to get something to eat?”
Annie patted her grumbling stomach and grimaced at the dampness of her blouse. “I think I can be persuaded, as long as they allow wet clothes in the food tents.” She pulled her hat back on, retrieving it from the spot where Ian had tackled her.
Peggy dug into her bag. “This is going to sound strange, but I’ve got a cloth diaper in here.” She looked up at the chuckles. “Hey, don’t laugh. Diapers will soak up just about anything.” Her fingers caught the edge of the cloth and she pulled it out. “Here.” She offered it to Annie.
“Thanks, Peggy.” Annie gratefully pressed the thick cloth against the damp front of her blouse. “Do you have an extra one? Ian was rewarded for his chivalry with a dousing himself.”
Ian waved off the offer. “Don’t worry about my shirt. It’ll probably be dry before we get to the food area.” He looked at Annie as she dabbed away. “Can you walk and wipe at the same time?”
“I think so,” answered Annie. “But if I can’t, you may want to stay handy, just in case.”