Page 127 of Running
“Heck, yes,” Rori yells as Landon levels the Dallas quarterback.
“Hopefully this game gets less stressful now,” Jessica observes.
Only, ninety minutes later, when the fourth quarter starts, we’re under no less stress. It’s now 16-14, with the Waves barely hanging on. Johnson and the offense have struggled to move down the field.
“Dallas is anticipating all of his moves,” I say under my breath. Bailey’s had two big plays, but otherwise it’s been tough for Johnson to get the pass game consistent. The new wide receiver Paul Graves isn’t breaking away from his coverage readily.
“Uh huh,” Jessica quietly agrees.
“You ladies want anything to drink?” Pam asks as she stands up to go to the back room for provisions.
Rori responds first. “This game makes me want something else, but I’ll take wam?—“
“OOOOOOHHHHHH.” A huge collective moan comes from the Waves crowd.
And a split second later I see why.
A Waves player is on the ground.
#2.
Johnson.
He’s moving his hands and legs but not getting up.
Whipping my head over to Pam, I see her face full of concern as she looks at the field.
I turn back to watch again. One second. Two seconds. Three seconds pass.
Is that…?Yes, it’s Landon, having come from the sidelines—now standing by Johnson, waving for the trainers to come over. He’s screaming something I can’t make out.
The trainers make it, butnothing is happening.
Johnson is still on the ground.
And then…oh my god…they’re bringing a stretcher.
I can’t breathe.
“I’m going down there,” Pam says loudly to us before she rapidly leaves the suite.
And I sit down, unable to keep myself upright any longer.
Please let Johnson be okay.
CHAPTER 40
Johnson
FIVE MINUTES EARLIER
Shit, shit, shit. The Dallas defense has got our number in this half. Has gotmynumber.
We know our receiver core as a whole is weak, but Dallas is exposing the vulnerabilities over and over again today. Once they double team Bailey, none of the other guys are playing at a high enough level to cover for him, even Paul, who seems a step slow.
Still, we’re up, thanks to our equally strong defense holding them to two scores. It’s now 16-14. One more quarter to go.
I won’t cost us this game.
