Page 184 of Their Wicked Secrets: Untouched, Vol 5 of 6

“The Feds have been in town.” Eli leans against the fence and looks toward where Coach Turner’s car pulls into the parking lot. “It’s got William worried.”

“Do we know why they’re here?” Caden stands and brushes his shorts off.

“My father didn’t know. Neither did whoever was in his office with him.” Luke looks pissed. “At least he doesn’t think it’s Harper, but the guy thought it might be me.”

“Fortunately, Luke’s father doesn’t think that and believes Luke is still his pawn. Willing or unwilling.” Eli shakes his head. “This day is going to be fucked, man. Let’s get this part over.”

“These kids need this. They need us.” I straighten. “So let’s not bring our shit to the field.”

Caden nods. Luke and Eli give me an acknowledging sound as they fall behind me on the way to Darius. He pauses in unpacking his equipment from the trunk when he sees us coming.

“I figured you guys would be a no show after last night.” Darius steps aside as Caden drags out one of the bags.

“We don’t shirk our responsibilities. We made a deal.” I meet his eyes.

He nods. “You guys went through some shit last night. How’s your girl?”

Luke and Eli grab the other bags and follow Caden. Darius closes his trunk.

“She’s okay. Shaken.” I glance over my shoulder at the others before turning back to Darius. “Honestly, we think the guys might have been on something. It’s been going around school that quite a few athletes are partaking of drugs even at school. We were hoping you’d be willing to ask for a drug test of all the athletes.”

Darius’s eyes widen, and then he laughs. “This isn’t something you guys can make happen? I mean, I’ve seen some shit, but nothing like the deferential treatment you all get.”

I shrug. “We take our power seriously, but yeah, there are some things that are better coming from a concerned teacher or coach.”

He grunts and crosses his arms over his chest. He’s got great arms. “I suppose you want me to excuse the football team?”

“Nah, get everyone, including the cheerleaders.” I step back. “We’ve got nothing to hide, and worst-case scenario, you find out the athletes are clean.”

Darius seems to be considering it. “You want a heads-up?”

I shake my head. “I’m clean, and so are my brothers. You can make it a surprise if you want, but I think you should see if you can get it done on Monday.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” Darius moves toward where the others are, and I follow. “No one got hurt last night, right?”

“Not seriously. Nico got hit on the head. I’m sure the girls have some bruises, but otherwise, we got away without any real injuries.”

Do I think Harper will have more nightmares? Yeah, but I’ve got her covered as long as she’s at my house. Between the five of us, we’ll make her feel safe again.

Eli glances up as we get to the bags. Caden and Luke are putting the cones out. There’s commotion on the other side of the field as the kids start to arrive. Parents pull up, and kids get out.

Darius sighs and gestures. “I need to get over there. You guys have this?”

Eli nods. “Yes, Coach.”

When Darius walks away, I help Eli pull out the balls we’ll need for drills.

“Did you call your dad about the basketball players?”

“Yeah.” Eli glances over at where Darius is organizing the boys. “He didn’t sound very happy and said he needed to talk to me, but he said he’d get it done.”

The next half hour we work with the boys, running drills. It’s easy work, and the boys all put forth some effort. But it’s Saturday morning, and they’d rather be in bed or playing Minecraft.

Eli has his burner on him, and it goes off a few times. Darius seems to be paying closer attention to us than he usually does. I’m not sure what that’s about, but maybe he’s worried about what went down last night.

Eli stops beside me as the boys are lining up to scrimmage. “Did you talk to him about the drug testing?”

“Yes.”