Page 141 of Hiding in the Outfield

FIFTY-ONE

JACKSON

I get a parade of backslaps and good jobs from my teammates as I sit stunned in front of my locker. The skipper called me a fucking showoff, but he said it with a grin, and it instantly made me feel like I belong. There’s so much uncertainty right now. With the meetings Chuck had today with the GM and front office. With Frankie. I needed this. I close my eyes. I needed this. Baseball has always been what saved me. And when everything fell apart, it caught me again.

I check my phone and smile at the congratulatory texts from the crew—all blowing up the group chat. I scroll through. There’s one from my brother. I’d barely had a chance to shoot him a text to let him know what was happening.

Jake

So proud of you, little bro. Debuting in fucking style. That catch is going to be all over the sports broadcasts.

I bite my cheek. Yeah, I suppose I’ll have a little more attention on me than I expected.

Chuck Wentworth

Meetings went well. We’ll discuss in the morning. I know you have an afternoon game, so how about you give me a ring at six. Enjoy your win and seeing your boyfriend.

The bar of tension I’d been carrying disappears, and my shoulders slump into what is probably the first relaxed position they’ve been in in twenty-four hours. The meetings went well. I don’t really know what that means, but I know Chuck wouldn’t push off the conversation until the morning unless he really meant it.

My phone dings with a new message. I frown. It’s a link to a local news article from Shane in our group chat. A group chat that is now blowing up.

Nebs

HOLY FUCKING SHIT! ARE YOU FOR REAL????!!!!

Barnes

FUCK YEAH BABY

Michaels

I’m so real baby

Stone

FUCK. YES.

Okay. If Stone is using all caps, this must be good. I click the link—and blink. And blink. And then it crashes into me. My chest seizes, and my eyes well as tears build so fast I can’t blink them back. I don’t even want to. Oh my God.

A text notification pops up at the top of the screen.

Winters

Justice!!!

I re-read the article, fearing it might change from the first time I’d read it.

East Providence Man Arrested on Multiple Charges Including Aggravated Assault Charges.

My fingers shake as I scroll through the article. There it is, right before my eyes.

John Devereux, 34, of East Providence was arrested early Sunday morning on multiple charges, including aggravated assault, following an alleged altercation at a local bar, according to police.

Authorities say officers responded to reports of a disturbance at a bar on Main Avenue shortly after midnight. Investigators allege that Devereux became involved in a confrontation after being refused service by a bartender. Police say the situation escalated, and Devereux allegedly struck the bartender with a broken beer bottle, causing serious injuries.

The injured bartender was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Police did not immediately release details regarding the extent of the injuries.

According to police, Devereux fled the scene before officers arrived. A short time later, he was located during a traffic stop several miles away. Officers reportedly observed signs of impairment, and Devereux was taken into custody.