“It certainly has.” The guy walks over the bleachers, stopping in front of us. “Haven’t seen you at a game in quite some time.”
Brock smiles. “It’s Braden’s last season. I’m hoping I’ll make it to several more if my job doesn’t get in the way.”
What a lie. He doesn’t want to come to another game. He’s only at this one because he was forced to show up.
“We’re all hoping Braden will bring us to State this year,” Harris says.
“He’s definitely feeling the pressure,” Brock says. “Spends all his time at the gym or here on the field.”
“I’m not worried about Braden. He’s a solid player. It’s his teammates I’m worried about.” Harris laughs. “He’ll need to keep those boys in line, mine in particular.”
“Who’s your son?” I ask, standing up next to Brock.
Harris looks at me. “Miles. He’s a running back. Do you know much about football?”
“Not really. But I know Miles. I sit with him at lunch. Well, at his table.”
“You sit at the football table?” Harris asks, sounding surprised.
“She’s Braden’s cousin,” Brock explains. “My niece. She recently moved here from New York.”
Harris nods. “Yes, Miles mentioned there was someone new at school. So why aren’t you sitting with your classmates?”
I wrap my arm around Brock’s. “I didn’t want to leave my uncle all alone.”
His eyes go to me, then back to Harris. “I suppose we should take our seats. The game will be starting soon.”
“Won’t be much of a game,” Harris says with a laugh. “Our opponent hasn’t won in over a year. Did you hear Legion got a new coach?”
“I didn’t,” Brock says in a surprised tone, feigning interest. He doesn’t care about their new coach or anything else related to football. I bet he’ll spend the whole game on his phone. “Who is it?”
“A guy from the Midwest. College coach. If they’re bringing in someone from the college level, you know they’re serious. They’re making an investment.”
“We could do the same. We have far more resources than they do. And we have the connections.”
Harris shrugs. “We do, but no one wants to replace Coach Davis. Principal Edwards thinks he’s top notch, and he obviously is given the improvement in the team since he came on board.”
“I’d like to give at least some of the credit to Braden.”
Harris smiles. “Of course. And Miles. All the boys have been doing their best to beat Legion. Let’s hope it finally happens thisyear.” He winks. “Maybe the Legion boys will have an injury or two.”
Why did he wink like that? Is someone planning to hurt the Legion players? During a game, or after?
They better not be thinking of hurting Jackson. If they do, they’ll be the ones getting hurt, even if I have to do it myself.
Chapter 3
“Rumor, let’s take our seats,” Brock says. “Harris, it was good seeing you.”
We sit back on the bleachers, and Brock gets out his phone.
“What did he mean?” I ask. “Is someone going to go beat up the Legion players?”
Brock doesn’t answer; his focus is on whatever’s on his phone.
“Uncle Brock?”
He glances at me. “What do you need?”
