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If Rose loses a chance to go to college and finally have a normal life because of whatever she’s got going on right now – which I’m sure has to do with Nate – I won’t forgive myself for not helping. I need to help and make sure all the chances are on her side.
Coach growls some sort of ‘humph’ and looks at both of us, his eyes following a game of tennis between us until he settles on Rose. “I’m counting on you, White. I’ve got a good reputation with those guys, I only bring them people who do not disappoint. So don’t.”
“I won’t, Coach.”
He nods and heads for the door but pauses after opening it. “Oh, and White?”
“Yes, Coach?”
“Scouts do drug tests on kids they’re interested in. They do it multiple times during the tournament. You didn’t hear this from me.”
She nods at him, not admitting or denying anything.
“Williams, get to practice.”
“Yes, Coach,” I shout as he leaves.
Once the door is closed, I turn to my friend. She slumps on the bench, her head in her hands, her elbows on her knees.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
I can’t see her face, just the back of her hood. I hear her mumbling a ‘thank you’ but she doesn’t come back up.
“Rose…” I try again.
She mumbles something else. I can’t make out what she’s saying so I put a hand on the back of her head and pull down her hood to hear her better.
“Jesus Christ,” I cringe when I see the back of her neck.
I have to take a step back from her to calm my heart that just went galloping into the wild.
The purple finger marks tattooing the back of her neck dip down under her hoodie. I don’t want to imagine what’s under.
Tears prickle at the corner of my eyes, my throat tight enough to choke me. I force the tears back and swallow the giant ball in my throat.
You need to put up a strong face, Jamie.
“Rose, talk to me.”
She lifts up her head. It’s blank. No tears, nothing. I’m starting to believe she really never cries.
“I’m never gonna get out of here, am I? Not alive.”
“Rose…” I crouch down in front of her. “We need to get you help. Please, we need to tell the police–”
“No cops, Jamie. When will you understand that Bianco controls all of them?”
If only dad was here. He would do something.
She stands up and I follow, but I can’t keep up with her pacing so I’m the one who sits down.
“It’s always so hot in here,” she growls as she continues pacing. Her hair is a mess, and her face is flushed from the heat.
It’s hard to see Rose like this. She has a vibe, this girl. Something invincible about her.
It is always crazy hot in the locker rooms. We always complain about it during summer. Never during winter. It’s because the boiler room is only a thin wooden door away.
“Do you want to go on a walk?” I ask.
