Chapter 10 - After the Whistle
Someone shouted my name.
I turned just as Briggs’ fist came toward my face.
I slipped to the side.
His punch missed.
The referee tackled his arm.
Two instructors grabbed Briggs from behind.
He fought them.
“Get off me!”
Officers were on their feet.
Phones were still recording.
Captain Ward stepped into the mat area.
“Sergeant Briggs!”
She pointed toward the sideline.
“You are done.”
Briggs spit out his mouthguard.
I stared at him.
He looked at the crowd.
At the officers.
At the cameras.
Then he pointed at me.
Captain Ward said, “For what?”
He opened his mouth.
Nothing came out.
Medics checked me.
My ribs were bruised but intact.
Commander Hayes arrived with two investigators.
Briggs’ expression changed again.
“Sir?”
Hayes did not answer.
One investigator stepped forward.
“Sergeant Ryan Briggs, we need you to come with us.”
Briggs laughed.
“For a tournament foul?”
“No.”
The investigator held up a sealed evidence bag.
Briggs stopped laughing.
Mason stood twenty feet away with his hands on his hips, pale and furious.
The investigator continued.
“We’re investigating unauthorized access to medical records, manipulation of training assignments, intimidation of personnel, and possible falsification of safety reports.”
Briggs looked at Mason.
Mason shook his head.
Briggs’ face turned white.
That was when I understood.
Maybe Mason had.
Maybe someone else had too.
The investigators started walking Briggs away.
He turned back once.
“You think this makes you a hero?”
“No.”
“What, then?”
“Witnesses.”
Briggs’ jaw tightened.
Then Owen Reed stepped out of the crowd.
His voice shook.
Everybody turned.
Reed swallowed.
May you like
“And that’s not the worst thing I saw.”
The field went silent again.
