Page 118 of Easy Out

“You don’t have to.”

“She’s my daughter.” He pauses and grits his teeth. I recognize his struggle to formulate the right words as if it were my own. “I left her alone when she was in trouble before. I won’t ever do it again.” I nod, understanding completely. I’m glad to hear it. If Lauren is in trouble, she will be happy to see him show up for her.

“Meet me by my car. I need to let Coach Lawson know I’m leaving.” I sprint across the field, bumping into teammates as I go.

“Coach.” I interrupt him talking to one of our pitching coaches.

“Did you find your girlfriend? Everything okay?”

“No, sir. I need to leave.” He takes a step in my direction.

“You aren’t leaving over a girl,” he commands. My fingers flex at my sides. He better choose his next words wisely. “Your entire future hinges on this game.”

“I have no future without her!” I bark.

“Check your tone when you’re talking to me.”

“Sorry, sir. I’m wasting time. She could be in trouble. I need to leave now.”

“And what about your team? We need you on the field and at the plate. That Morelli kid is pitching.” He tips his head where Marco and Enzo are eavesdropping from their side of the field.

Neither of them misses the panic in my eyes. “I don’t think they will be a problem.” I say as Marco and Enzo walk over to us. “They’re her brothers. They won’t be playing either.”

Coach Lawson removes his cap and scrubs his hair roughly. “You realize what you’re sacrificing for this girl? Those scouts will not come back for a second look.”

“I understand, sir. This isn’t some girl. This is my future wife." He sighs. In understanding or frustration, I can’t tell.

“Go. I’ll talk to them.”

“Thank you.”

Koa and Wyatt catch me as I run to the parking lot. I don’t stop to explain. Marco yells something about Lauren being in trouble. That will have to be good enough for now.

“Took you long enough,” Alessandro says as I unlock my car. I don’t need the reminder. Every second feels like a tick closer to a bomb exploding.

I pass Morelli my phone. “Text Carlos. See if he answers. I tried earlier. He didn’t respond.” Los isn’t the most responsible person when it comes to charging his phone or keeping minutes on it.

“Anyone care to explain what’s going on with my sister?” Enzo asks.

“She isn’t here dumbass,” Marco informs him. “And she should be.”

“You are such a little shi-”

“Boys!” Alessandro roars silencing their bickering. “Lauren went to pick up Carlos and Manny.” Enzo curses. I’ve told him enough about their parents. He can connect the dots and understand why we are concerned about Lauren’s safety.

“I haven’t heard from her since she texted saying she was leaving for Royal Oaks. Syd tracked her on her phone. She made it to the trailer park but hasn’t made it out.” My hands choke the steering wheel.

It’s a thirty-minute drive without traffic to Royal Oaks. I chase every yellow light and push the speed limit getting us here in twenty.

“There,” Marco shouts and points out Lauren’s car. It’s parked on the side of the road a few trailers down from her place.

“What’s the plan?” Enzo asks as we exit the car and start walking up the gravel driveway.

“We knock. We get her and the boys out.” Sounds easy enough. Too easy. I knock on the door with Morelli by my side and Enzo and Marco behind us.

No response. I knock again. Harder this time. Enzo taps my shoulder and nods toward the window. The worn sheet covering the window moves slightly. Out of nowhere there is a loud scuffle behind the door.

“Marco, Enzo. One of you stay outside. If we aren’t out in three minutes, call the police,” Morelli instructs his boys. They wordlessly argue over who will be the odd man out. Marco loses.

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