“Me and the others don’t like working out. It’s too boring. But we play…played a lot of basketball. We also did some fencing. Some volleyball. Some boxing. And, of course, some wrestling.”
Biggs spoke up. “Played? Past tense? You don’t do it anymore?”
“We played pretty regularly back when we were still at the facility,” G8 explained. “With everything that’s been going on this past week, we haven’t had the chance to resume our sports activities.” He shook his head. “Fact is, we haven’t had the chance to establish any kind of normal life…yet. We’ve been too busy trying to adjust to this whole new scenario.” He was blunt, adding no embellishments. He didn’t want these guys to feel sorry for them. Hell, it was enough that the sheriff was bringing him aboard so he could bring in a paycheck.
Of course, Biggs hadn’t mentioned how much he’d be paid, or how often. At this time, it was irrelevant. What mattered was that he get himself established in the department and prove himself worthy of joining them. More importantly, that the other deputies accept him and were willing to work with him.
He took a similar stance in front of Barthos. “What are you wanting? A takedown or a simple pin?”
The deputy frowned. “What’s the diff?—”
G8 dove for the man’s feet, grabbed one pants leg, and Barthos suddenly found himself flat on his back before he could finish his question.
Grinning, G8 straightened. “That’s a takedown.”
Barthos and Biggs exchanged looks as the deputy got up. G8 waited for the man to assume the position before feinting, making it appear as if he was making the same move again. The ruse worked. The deputy did as G8 hoped and scooted to the side to avoid his grasp. G8 threw an arm around the man’s waist, and both men went down together. As soon as Barthos hit the mat, G8 rolled on top of him. “And that’s a pin,” he informed the man, staring him in the face.
Biggs cracked up, laughing. “Cry ‘uncle,’ Doug. Admit defeat.”
Barthos slapped the mat with one hand. “Uncle!”
G8 immediately released him and sat back on his heels. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
“No, no. Just bruised my dignity a little.” The deputy snickered. “And here I thoughtIwas the one with the chops.”
Holding his hand out to the man, G8 helped haul the guy to his feet. Barthos prodded one bicep. “You’re solid muscle. Are all the rest of you guys built the same?”
“Not really. T8 and P8 are pretty muscular. N8, not at all. He’s more wiry, but he’s still strong. K8 can hold her own, especially if she splits.”
The PA system overhead gave a little squeal. “Sheriff Biggs, what’s your twenty?”
“Twenty?” G8 asked.
“Our location,” Barthos whispered. “The Ten Codes. Something else you’re going to need to know.”
The sheriff looked upward. “We’re in the gym. What’s up, Alicia?”
Barthos tossed G8 his t-shirt as he finished redressing himself.
“There’s a woman here wanting to speak to you. Get this. She has two little babies with her. She claims the babies are like…like G8 and his friends.”
Biggs tossed G8 an inquisitive look. “Babies?”
“Yeah. They couldn’t be more than a couple of months old,” Milton added.
“You know anything about babies?” The sheriff’s stare intensified. All G8 could do was shrug to let him know he had no idea what the whole thing was about.
“All right, Alicia. We’ll be there shortly.”
“Do you need me to stay?” Barthos inquired, buckling on his belt.
“You go on and do your rounds,” Biggs ordered and turned to G8. “But you…I’m going to need you to be there in case I have questions.”
G8 nodded, and the three men left the gym.
5INTERROG8
G8 followedBiggs down the hallway until they entered the front office. Milton was waiting for them.
