Switching his attention to JD, he tried to strategize how he was going to achieve his goal of learning what JD knew about their origins without asking him directly, since doing so would draw unnatural attention to the issue. Unfortunately, nothing came to mind, making Alexei feel even more anger toward Viktor for putting the weight on his shoulders, and that was on top of Alexei already blaming Viktor for their still being in Essex Falls and not already back in beautiful, safe Mother Russia.
Although Alexei was watching JD purely as a strategizing aid about how to find out what he knew about the group’s true nationality, he suddenly became aware JD was playing significantly better than he had in the past, when he’d always seemed nonchalant, not caring if he was on the winning team or the losing team. On this occasion he seemed entirely different. He was focused and running circles around John Elliott, with whom he was typically paired since John played the way JD normally played, meaning they were evenly matched.
Mystified, Alexei continued to watch JD, who’d become a surprising scoring threat, and since he was on the same team as the new fellow, the lead that the new player had initiated grew even larger. Watching a particularly nice give-and-take between JD and the new player, Alexei couldn’t help but agree with Viktor that apparently going through Ethan Jameson’s papers and assuming the role as the Diehard Patriots commander had indeed inspired him. In the process it also had made him a potentially serious threat.
Since the modus operandi of the group was to play games to twelve baskets, it didn’t take long for the first five-on-five game to be finished, with JD, the new fellow, George Freeman, Peter Langley, and Dr. Bob the winners. Since Alexei would be playing in the next game, the five losers—Jack Stapleton, Peter Ross, ChrisNebolsine, Martin Gibson, and John Elliott—had to shoot foul shots to determine which four would be joining Alexei. It was all typical playground basketball rules.
While the losers were in the process, the five winners retreated to the other basket either to practice shooting or just bide their time until the second team’s composition was determined. Since Alexei knew he would be playing, he used the time not only to warm up but more important, to corner JD. Although it was out of character, he sidled up to JD while JD was taking practice shots.
“I couldn’t help but notice you played particularly well the first game,” Alexei said, pretending to be nonchalant and hoping that JD in his seemingly new persona might be amenable to praise.
“I was lucky enough to be on a particularly good team,” JD said modestly, even though he had scored a surprising number of baskets in contrast to his usual performance.
“The new player is quite good,” Alexei said.
“You mean Warren?” JD questioned. He nodded toward Warren, who was talking with Dr. Bob.
“If that’s his name,” Alexei said.
“Yeah, it’s his name,” JD said. “He’s phenomenal.”
Before Alexei could then casually raise the issue about what JD knew about their IDs, it was determined that John Elliott, the plumber, would be the one who had to sit out. With that settled Dr. Bob, always the organizer, quickly motivated everyone into beginning the second game, which included designating Alexei to guard JD. Alexei was pleased, as being paired with JD raised the possibility of him being able to ask his question in an offhand manner during the course of the play.
The second game turned out to be a mirror image of the first in that Warren, Dr. Bob, and JD continued their scoring binge andjumped out to a hefty lead despite Peter’s and Jack’s attempts to stay competitive. After one nice give-and-take involving JD and Dr. Bob, capped by a forceful dunk by Warren, Alexei found himself heading back to the other basket alongside a very contented JD. They were moving at a slow jog.
“Do you mind if I ask you a quick question?” Alexei began as offhand as he could.
“Of course,” JD responded.
“When you mentioned Ethan threatening to use our IDs with the police, what the hell could he have meant?”
JD stopped abruptly and turned to face Alexei. Alexei did the same. Several of the other players detoured around them.
“You know exactly what he meant,” JD said, pushing his face close to Alexei’s. “Do you think I’m a fool?”
“Certainly not,” Alexei said, recognizing instantly that JD undoubtedly knew their passports were bogus. Whether he knew they were from Russia and not the Netherlands, he didn’t know, nor did it matter. The damage was done. “In fact, we’re pleased you are taking over,” Alexei quickly added, hoping to defuse the situation by flattering JD.
“I hope so,” JD said. “But, to be clear, I want to see some real changes. I want the commander truly engaged with both the lectures and the maneuvers.”
“You can count on it,” Alexei said. “You heard Commander Mikhailov this afternoon. He’s busy putting together lecture suggestions as we speak. You’ll be able to choose which you think will be most helpful.”
“I hope so,” JD said as he abruptly recommenced heading toward the other basket. Everyone was doing the same, including Jack, who was approaching dribbling the ball.
JD’s team maintained their early lead, but Alexei’s heart wasn’t into it. After learning what he’d learned, he could not have cared less about the game’s outcome. All he could think about was texting Dmitry to come to pick him up, getting back to the Bennet Estate, and informing Viktor what he’d learned. Meanwhile he had to worry about avoiding Jack Stapleton as much as possible.
As the second game was nearing its inevitable conclusion, Alexei had a comforting idea. He was obviously on the losing team, so for the final, third game, he’d be required to shoot foul shots with the other losers to determine who would play and who would sit out. He could make sure he missed all foul shots, meaning it would be he who sat out the final game. If that were the case he could leave when he wanted and, as an added benefit, would avoid talking with Jack Stapleton entirely.
Unfortunately, things didn’t work out as Alexei envisioned. When the second game was over and before the foul shooting contest could begin, Chris Nebolsine informed the group that it was unnecessary since he had to leave. That meant that Alexei found himself playing in the third and final game whether he wanted to or not.
The third game turned out to be yet another repeat of the first two. Alexei didn’t help. Consumed by his own thoughts, he played poorly and JD was able to capitalize and scored at least half of his team’s baskets.
The moment the game was over, Alexei shunned the customary camaraderie of the others and made a beeline for the bleachers where he’d left his towel and mobile. Reaching it, he snapped up the phone and immediately sent the prepared text to Dmitry. He then winced when he heard his name called out. Turning around, he saw Jack Stapleton coming toward him, and he braced himself,terrified Jack would want to talk about Amsterdam and Alexei’s memorized details wouldn’t be convincing.
“Alexei!” Jack called out again as he neared. He was smiling broadly. “Sorry you got on the losing team with me and the others. At least we gave it our best.”
“It happens,” Alexei said philosophically.
“Indeed, it does,” Jack agreed. “I was hoping to see you today, so we could pick up our conversation where we left off yesterday.”
