Working with the children was the one thing that calmed him and, on occasion, made him smile. They were full of enthusiasm and soaked up everything he taught them. Crockett wanted—no, heneeded—to teach them about self-defense. If his younger sister had taken karate like hehad—
“Hello, Mr. Wilde,” said Sensei. “Ready for next month’s black beltcompetition?”
Annie Rodele owned and ran Rodele Karate. Students learned Taikido Jitsu, a mixed martial art that incorporated techniques from Budo Taijutsu, Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, and Ju-Jitsu. Besides receiving excellent training, Crockett liked how she taught her students life lessons, respect, and offered the best self-defense training in NorthernVirginia.
“I’m ready to get my butt kicked,” Crockettsaid.
She laughed. “Nah. You’re as prepared as you’ve everbeen.”
Even as a sixth-degree Taikido Jitsu black belt, there were no guaranteed wins. Time and training had taught him to never underestimate his opponent. “Thank you. Big crowdtonight.”
“I want you to lead the white belts,” Annie said. “I’ll backyou.”
His eyebrows jutted up. “You always handletesting.”
“You’ve been working with this young group since late summer. They’re comfortable around you and they trustyou.”
“I’d be honored,” Crockettsaid.
“It’s a piece of cake. Just like class, only smile more.” She grinned. “You’re going to be featured in everyone’s home videos andphotos.”
He chuckled. “Yes,ma’am.”
“Excuse me, Mr. Wilde,” said a small voice next to him. Hannah, a dark-haired squirt with bluish-gray eyes, tugged on his karate uniform. Her timid nature had stolen hisheart.
Annie smiled at the six-year-old. “You ready for your test,Hannah?”
“Yes, Sensei. ” Hannah looked a littlepasty.
“You’ll dogreat.” She patted Hannah’s back, smiled warmly at Crockett, and took off toward the rowdy group of greenbelts.
With her hand still gripping the edge of his uniform, Hannah whispered, “I don’t want to do this. I’mscared.”
He knelt down and offered a reassuring smile. “It’s okay and perfectly normal to feel scared or nervous. Sensei has given me permission to lead the test”—her eyes lit up—“so it’ll be just like class. All you have to do is follow my instruction. You can do that,right?”
“Uh-huh.” She fiddled with the ends of her whitebelt.
Crockett spied another student entering the dojo. “Isn’t Aleesha yourpartner?”
Shenodded.
“Well, she justarrived.”
Hannah spunaround.
“Why don’t you tell her that I’ll be working with you guystonight?”
When she turned back, the color had returned to her cheeks. “Okay.”
“Feelbetter?”
She gave him several quick nods and a tiny smile, then darted toward herfriend.
Ten minutes later, the audience hummed with excitement. Standing room only. Phones at the ready. After a brief introduction about the efforts and hard work of her talented students, Annie introduced the young white belt class. She stepped away so Crockett could take center stage on the red mats. His eighteen tots lined up into four rows. Facing them, he bowed. The energetic youngsters bowed back. Next, he walked them through thebasics.
“Jab.” He thrust his fisted right armforward.
“Hyah!” they shouted in unison, mimicking hisaction.
