Victory Tour (Part 264)

I followed the head coach and principal across the hall and through the locker room to my latest execution. Neither man looked all that pleased with me for some reason.

I sat in what I'd come to think of as "my chair" in Coach's office — Lord knows I've spent enough time in it this fall — and waited for the fun to begin. It didn't take long.

"What'd you say to Hennings?" Dunwoody demanded.

"Nothing, really," I said, earning a pair of incredulous looks. "I was reading a bit from 'Hamlet,' Act II, Scene 2. The part where Hamlet meets Polonius outside the court. Some of the guys weren't quite getting the meaning of the piece."

"Then why did you say something about getting his daughter pregnant?" Coach asked almost as demandingly.

"I said no such thing about his daughter," I stated flatly. "I didn't even know he had a daughter. I was reading Hamlet's part where he asks Polonius if he had a daughter. The whole bit is about not letting Ophelia 'walk i’ th’ sun' because she could be corrupted by worldly temptation.

"Hennings misinterpreted the situation. And not for the first time."

The two men just looked at each other, as if silently asking how much bullshit I was spewing. Maybe they oughta read the damn play. Or at least consult with an English teacher.

"Look, I have no idea what the man's problem is," I said, breaking into their telepathic communication. "I've never had him for a class and don't even know what he teaches. Didn't even know his name until a couple of weeks ago. I was just having lunch and going over the play with my teammates. Then he charged in, accusing me of causing trouble."

"This is his first year here," Dunwoody grunted. "Franks brought ’im in. Teaches World History and Civics."

Great. Ralphie was still causing shit. Maybe I should hunt Melanie down and fuck her bowlegged. I'd just have to keep my eyes closed.

"He claimed you were getting into it with the Devers girl again," the principal added.

"I did notice Miss Devers was nearby, but we never got within 10 yards of each other," I said. "I never said a word to her."

"Just gave her the same look ya gave Hennings yesterday," Dunwoody growled. "Scared her off, from what I heard."

"I fail to see how frowning at someone who seems give me a ration of crap every time she comes around means I'm the one causing trouble," I said tightly. "Same deal with Holly Moseley and Penne Baughman. Heck, Mrs. Montero, for that matter. Some ladies don't like me. Fine, but I'm not the one initiating confrontations. In fact, I do my best to stay away from them. They're the ones coming after me for whatever reason."

"What do you propose we do about it?" Coach asked much more softly than I would have expected.

"Give me my diploma now and I'll get the hell outta your hair," I said. "There's a lot of business I could be tending to right now."

"What kinda business?" Dunwoody asked.

"None of this leaves this room, understand?" I commanded, staring them down until both men nodded. "Investments and property acquisition to start with. The foundation and shelter require immediate attention."

"What foundation?" Dunwoody grunted.

"What shelter?" Coach asked simultaneously.

"The 320 Foundation is in the process of establishing Holy Trinity Women's Shelter," I said. "I'm bankrolling it. All of it. I am The 320 Foundation."

The two men just stared at me. I don't think they were expecting such an answer. It was very difficult for me not to smirk, but I managed. I think.

"Is that the place the Devers girl and her family are staying?" Dunwoody finally asked. "She updated her place of residence earlier this week."

"I believe that is correct," I admitted. "I'd prefer she not be aware of my involvement. I don't need her accusing me of trying to get her into bed in the middle of the damn lunchroom again. That's not why I'm doing this."

"Why are you doing it?" Coach asked, sounding sincere.

"Because it needs to be done and I can help make it happen," I said. "In addition to Rhonda and her family, the shelter has taken in 16 refugees from Matamoros. Apparently, they were rescued from a human trafficking ring that was grooming them to sell as sex slaves."

That definitely got the two men's attention.

"You've taken even more women under your protection?" Coach sputtered. "I think you've got enough girlfriends, don't you?"

"They're not girlfriends, they're not pets and they're not sex toys," I snapped. "And despite what my father might think, the place is not going to become The Gary Robinson Home for Future Unwed Mothers. Besides, Mrs. Johnson has barred me from the premises. We have a psychologist who is a licensed therapist on staff to work with the residents, including Rhonda. With a little luck, we can get the refugees into a private school in Virginia for the spring."

"What's Mrs. Johnson got to do with it?" Dunwoody asked.

"She's been overseeing things at the shelter," I said. "This all happened pretty fast. We haven't had time to headhunt for a permanent director for the facility."

"Guess that explains why she hasn't been in the cafeteria this week," Dunwoody said. "But we can't graduate ya until the end of the semester. You need that time to meet state attendance requirements."

Fuckin' great. They didn't want me around but they wouldn't let me go. Who do I have to bribe to fix this? Maybe the governor could use another campaign contribution.

"Fine," I conceded. "I'll just start eating off campus. But 45 minutes isn't much time. Barely enough to do more than grab a burger bag and bring it back to the team room."

"I'll have a word with Mrs. Stirling and see if we can create a little flexibility in your schedule," Coach said. "I'd prefer to not set a precedent on students having food in there. It's enough work just to clean up after gameday meals."

We continued our three-way staredown, me silently daring them to drop the hammer. Hadn't they figured out by now I wouldn't crack in these kinds of situations?

"You'd better get back to the team room," Dunwoody finally said, surprising me. I was pretty sure he wanted to come down on me.

"And you might want to avoid mentioning daughters conceiving around people who could take it the wrong way," Coach added.

Don't worry, I thought as I rose to leave. Stephanie's safe. For a few more years, anyway.

And there was no way in hell I was going to try anything with a 12-year-old. Wouldn't help my case in those libel suits. Hell, with my luck, Hennings' daughter was friends with Kirsten. My little cousin would be only too happy to declare to the world that the girl couldn't be my girlfriend.

I headed back to the team room, thinking of what I'd have to change in the Billy Bob-Katya story to make things work for the additional scenes I'd planned out. So, naturally, Morgan and Elise were waiting for me.

"What's up, ladies?" I smiled as I reclaimed my seat.

"Your mom called your phone," Morgan said. "She wants you to call her back."

"You answered my phone?" I asked. "She knows I'm not supposed to take or make calls during class. I probably violate some school rule just doing that at lunch."

"Actually, my mom answered it," Elise blushed. "I'm not sure that was a good thing. She told your mom you were dragged off by Dunwoody after what happened in the cafeteria."

Great. So, now I'm in even more trouble which will increase exponentially with every second it takes me to get in touch with my mother. Fuck it. Maybe the package from the governor would be at the Osborne house by now.

"Are you still with us?" Morgan asked. "I was afraid ISS was the best you could hope for."

"It hasn't been mentioned to me," I said. "Dunwoody just told me to get back to work."

"And Coach Tucker?" the little elf prompted.

"He just advised me not to mention daughters conceiving to parents of daughters," I said, making sure I was looking at her face so she could see I wasn't lying. "Didn't even threaten me with more gassers."

Mrs. Stirling apparently felt I'd wasted enough of fifth period today.

"You girls need to let Mr. Robinson get back to work," our overseer said. "I believe Mr. Johnson still has some questions about 'Hamlet.' Gary, you can call your mother between class periods. She's expecting you."

"Yes, ma'am," I said, thinking I'd better find a secluded spot for the tirade that would surely ensue.

My teammates were waiting with their copies of "Hamlet" in hand and took seats around me as Mrs. Stirling stepped away with Morgan. Elise stuck round to get more insights into Shakespeare.

"How you get outta trouble this time?" Danny Mathis asked.

"Told the truth," I said simply. "I wasn't mouthin' off to Hennings, I was reading Hamlet's lines."

"So, Hamlet was the one mouthin' off?" Jordan asked.

"Pretty much," I said. "All part of his cunning plan to make folks think he's crazy."

"And what'd he say that was supposed to be so bad?" Reggie asked.

"This can probably explain it better than I can," I said, hitting a key on the laptop to wake it back up.

After getting back online using my phone, I called up what I'd found this morning and spun the screen where they all could see.

"That does kinda make sense," Marshawn grunted. "Where you find this?"

"Dr. Robinson recommended some websites before she was approached about taking over for Mrs. Albracht," I said. "For some reason, the school district has blocked those sites. I can access them by using my phone as a hotspot."

"I think that's my fault," Elise said. "Daddy saw me using it at home after you showed me and Riley. I don't think he liked some of the content in the classical art section."

I'd have to check that out. I'd never looked at anything that wasn't connected to English IV or Western Civ.

"But we can still get on it at home," Jordan said, hastily scribbling the web address in his notebook.

"Just make sure you rewrite things in your own voice," I advised.

A check of my phone showed we still had five minutes left in the period. Maybe a minute later, the phone rang. It was Mom. I guess she was tired of waiting on me.

"I'd better get this," I said, unplugging the phone and knocking the computer offline. "Lemme know if y'all need to get back to that page. Yes, ma'am."

"Gary," Mom said with a hint of exasperation. "I've been trying to get you all day. Why didn't you ever call?"

God, does this woman even check the messages I send her?

"Uh, been in school all day," I said, heading for the hallway. "Not supposed to use my phone in school, remember? In fact, I'm not supposed to be on it now. Mrs. Stirling said I could call you during the break between classes. We've still got a few minutes before the bell."

"Well, I set my clocks five minutes fast," she said a little defensively. "I don't want to be late for things."

"Instead, you're early," I snapped. "I have to operate on school time, in case you've forgotten. If that's going to cause you problems, take it up with the school district. Maybe Dr. Stirling will set all the clocks five minutes fast just to please you."

"Don't take that tone ..." she started.

"Then don't make it necessary," I barked. "I was not late for school this morning. I sent you a text at lunch that you apparently didn't read. I can live up to your expectations or I can follow school policy. Which do you think will make it possible for me to graduate? Or maybe me graduating doesn't meet your expectations."

"I think you should come home tonight," Mom said with a tight voice. "Lynnette Stirling said you got in trouble at lunch again."

"I've got a better idea," I growled, disconnecting the call as the bell ending fifth period rang and hitting the power button to shut the phone off. It was all I could do not to hurl the damn thing into the cinderblock wall as hard as Jeremey Porter. I really would need to talk to Lanny about an upgrade then.

If the woman wanted to take a chunk out of my ass so badly, she could come do it in person. I'd just have to teach her that two could play that game.

I headed down the hall toward the weightroom, willing myself to calm down before sixth period started. I needed to get to work on Billy Bob and Katya.

Any hope of that happening was dashed when I turned to find Morgan and Coach Tucker standing behind me.

"Mind tellin' me what that was all about?" Coach asked.

"Just dealing with another person who thinks my sole reason for existing is to be a target for their crap," I steamed.

"Are you OK?" Morgan asked with a worried expression. "We could hear you yelling."

"Good," I snapped. "Maybe she heard me, too. I somehow doubt she got the message, though."

"And what's the message?" Coach asked.

"That I'm through playing nice," I growled. "I will no longer take crap when I've done nothing wrong. Pushback doesn't even begin to describe what I'll do."

"Ya know, taking crap is part of life," Coach sighed wearily. "You'd better get used to it. It only gets worse as you get older."

"For most people, maybe," I snorted. "With my money, I can hire somebody to take crap for me. Wanna job? If you'll excuse me, I have work to do."

I returned to my seat before the bell rang and fired up the laptop again. I really did try to work on the story, but my mind just wasn't in it. Instead, I did something else I'd meant to do last night.

Real estate listings for the area were many and varied. It took me most of sixth period just to pare it down to the area I wanted, basically still in town and within the school district.

First was deciding between an apartment or a house. An apartment would be easier to move into right away and easier to leave if I found something better, but there were drawbacks. I didn't look forward to having my rent jacked up every month because of "market forces." There was also dealing with neighbors on all sides of me unless I was very lucky.

A house would provide more privacy (and make things easier for the security folks) just by being on its own lot. The downside was I would have to deal with any necessary repairs myself as well as yardwork.

What I really needed was one of those one-bedroom tiny houses located in a group development, but most properties like that were down in the city.

Then I culled neighborhoods like Arlene's and Jan's. I didn't want some overpriced McMansion that'd require dealing with an HOA. I've had enough of pretentious assholes.

I finally found something that looked promising in what was basically the industrial part of town, between Redwood and the freeway not too far from Dietrich Automotive. One block of houses was pretty much surrounded by industrial properties.

There was a two-bed, one-bath in the middle of the block that at 2,800 square feet sounded pretty small. The list price of $46,000 made me wonder if it was even livable. I wanted something I could move into right away, not spend the next year and even more money having it repaired.

Photos showed a plain, white A-frame with a carport. The front yard looked like it could be mowed in less than 10 minutes. Interior shots showed no holes in the walls, but the person taking the pictures could have easily avoided them if they existed. Hardwood floors would need some work, but a truckload of throw rugs would work in a pinch.

My biggest concern was it was only a couple of blocks away from Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Miss Carla might shoot me if she thought I was getting too close to the convent.

I composed an email declaring my interest in the property, explaining that my schedule was very packed at the moment but I would be available over the weekend. With luck, I might be able to swing by Thursday evening, but Saturday morning was more realistic.

I made sure to write down the phone number and email address on the ad, then called up my personal email and sent my message. My phone beeped with an incoming message before I could even shut things down. It'd have to wait. Guys were already heading for the locker room to get ready for practice.

Elise was the one to throw a kink into my plans as I started loading up to follow.

"Gary, can I come over tonight?" she asked shyly. "I want to go over the Chemistry assignment and maybe read ahead."

"I guess," I sighed. "It'll depend on how late practice goes, though. Do you want me to bring supper?"

"Mom wants me to eat at home," my tall girlfriend pouted. "I can be there by 7:30. That'll give us a couple of hours."

"That should work," I said. "I'll just have to see who all plans to be there. Karen and Chanda will be moving in one of these days."

"We can always go to the apartment," she suggested.

"Yeah, if Lupita's not there," I grunted. "We'll figure it out. See ya around 7:30."

I gathered my stuff and lugged it to my locker. Doc and Trapper were only too happy to get us taped before the rest of the herd stampeded in.

I was almost dressed, just sitting down in my locker to pull on socks and cleats, when a shadow fell across me.

"You calmed down yet?" Coach Tucker demanded.

"I'm fine," I said. "Practice will give me something else to focus on."

"Yeah, well, try not to take it out on the defense today," he growled. "We're gonna need those guys Friday."

"Tell ’em to behave," I snorted, grabbing my helmet and heading for the field.