I’d like to know what’s up the referees’ asses tonight again, they’ve only called on us, even when Cap clearly took an elbow to the chin.
He held back, knowing what it would cost if he reacted, but too bad for the dude, Royce saw and has no chill, so the guy caught one back to the spine in the next move. He’s whining on the bench now.
Maddoc charges across the court and into position in perfect time for Mac to pass him the ball for a perfect shot.
It’s neck and neck, every person in this gym is on their feet, but all that can be heard is the squeak of sneakers across freshly polished flooring and the dribble of the ball.
They rally, and suddenly we’re only down by two, and everyone knows the ball is going to Big Man. The defenders flock him.
He manages to jump up and catch the pass, but when he pops up to shoot, he’s shoved by a Graven asshole and he falls to the ground, sliding across the floor.
Royce rushes forward, ready to lay him out, but Cap blocks him chest to chest while Mac helps Maddoc stand.
And now this is it, the refs can’t avoid it or turn a blind eye this time, and three free throws are given to Brayshaw’s all-star.
A slow smirk stretches across my lips and the crowd starts flipping out in excitement. They know their boy won’t miss.
Like nothing, one, two, three, Brayshaw now leads by a point with two seconds left on the game clock.
The ball is turned over and a lame attempt at a full court shot is thrown and missed right after the buzzer sounds, signaling the end of the final game, Brayshaw High now district champs for the first time.
They jump up giving bro hugs and chest bumps, and each of my boys’ eyes flies to mine with pride shining through their game faces.
Good job, guys.
Maddoc winks and the three turn back around.
Refusing to shake hands with Grave Prep, the Wolves trample, with heads held high, toward their locker room. Graven slowly exits after them.
The stands quickly thin, everyone from Brayshaw ready to get their party on, the rest not wanting to be in here when the losing team re-emerges.
Vienna pops over to me with a grin. “Hey.”
“Hey.”
“Miss me?” she asks.
I frown. “You been gone?”
She shrugs, her lips thinning. “Went home for a bit, came back, went home again, thought maybe you noticed.”
“You know what, Victoria did mention it.” I nod.
Her nose scrunches a bit. “Yeah, so my dad fucked up his liver real good and was looking bad. Surprisingly he asked for me and social services thought it would be good. Said I’d benefit from spending some time with him sober and in case he croaked.” She rolls her eyes, speaking a little too quickly. “Little did they know he got his skanky girlfriend to bring those mini shots here and there when they docs weren’t watching. But whatever, he’s pathetic.” She glances around.
I eye her. “You good? You seem a little on edge.”
“Huh?” She looks back then smiles. “Oh, yeah, I’m good. Hey, you wanna take a quick smoke break? I’ve got one rolled.”
I glance at the locker room doors. The coach for sure will give a solid you fucking rock speech and Maddoc said they had to do interviews.
“They’ll be a while.” She laughs lightly.
I shrug. “Sure, why not.”
I rise from my seat, nodding at Bass on my way out.
He frowns, looking from me to Vienna but I keep walking.
“It’s crazy how you and Victoria are cool now.”
“Why do you say that?” I glance around, following her lead and stepping around the corner where no one can see.
She doesn’t respond, instead pulling out a joint and lighter, but fumbles with it. She drops the joint twice, her thumb slipping from the clip of the lighter.
I study her, taking in the way she keeps fidgeting. “Are you on one?”
Her head pops up, eyes widening. “What?”
“You know what, I’m good.” I change my mind, lifting my hands in my jacket pockets while backing up. “I’m going to wait inside.”
I turn and walk back, but she shouts out.
“I’m sorry!”
I let out a deep sigh.
This is why having friends is low on my list!
I turn back but she’s right there, and when my arm burns with a prick, my eyes fall to the spot just in time to see her jerk a needle away.
My other arm shoots up, gripping her neck and tears instantly fall from her eyes. “What the hell was that?!”
“I’m sorry,” she gasps, her hand shooting up to grip mine.
I squeeze, but my hold doesn’t grow tighter.
I shove, but she remains standing.
I move to swing, but nothing happens.
My knees give, and I fall forward, a fog taking over my vision as dark shadows bounce in and out of focus. Feet pounding against pavement echoes in my ears and I try to speak, but nothing comes out.
I squeeze my eyes shut, and when I open them, a flash of blue appears before darkness takes over.
“It’s okay, Rae,” Vienna whispers. “It’s just a little Special K. And he promised not to hurt you.”
“She’s stirring, should I inject her again?”
I frown, my eyes slowly fluttering open. It takes a few moments for me to regain focus and when I do, my eyes land on a window at first.
I blink a few times, but it doesn’t do much to help.
My head starts pounding and I move to lift my hand to it in reflex, but it doesn’t budge.
Right then, a deep chuckle hits my ears, and my eyes dart around, spotting a silver-haired man sitting opposite of me, a Stepford wife look-alike at his side, but when I blink she becomes clearer.
Collins’ maid?
I try to tilt my head, that’s when I realize I’m lying flat, my back parallel with the seat as they sit right side up.
I move to shoot upward, but my limbs won’t work.
“Where the hell am I? Who the hell are you?”
The man grins, his age showing in the crow’s feet framing his eyes. He tips his head. “Well, hello to you, too.”
“Sir, shall I inject her again?”
That has my eyes snapping down, looking over my body I spot someone sitting by my feet – another man.
“Was I unclear?” the silver-haired man asks in a firm voice. “I told you, bare minimum, I need her speaking.”