Page 2 of Striking Out In The Mountains

Owen and Lauren from the Greene Mountain Lodge set up a barbecue station and were kind enough to donate all of the food and drinks. Some workers from the lodge are grilling up burgers and hot dogs, selling them for a few bucks apiece. All of the proceeds are going to the Children’s Hospital a couple of towns over.

The local radio station put some speakers around the park and they’re playing fun music while the photographer from the local paper goes around taking pictures of all the smiling faces. Our annual game is always a good time.

It’s a gorgeous summer day and more people come to watch, setting up folding chairs and spreading out blankets on the grass. The field is in a great spot, near the center of town and surrounded by a stunning view of our spectacular Greene Mountains.

“I got a hundred bucks on the game,” Doug says as he tosses the ball to James. “So, wegottawin.”

“Who did you bet with?” James asks as he throws the ball back.

“Henry,” Doug says, looking at the veteran cop. Henry has been around forever and although he’s got a beer belly and bad knees, he’s got a hell of a throwing arm.

“Alright,” I say as I look around at the crowd. Most people have their food and drinks and are ready for a show. “Let’s get this party started.”

I take a deep breath and walk over to the pitcher’s mound. Sheriff Ryland Gray walks over to meet me with his big chest puffed out. The umpire for the day—Greg the doorman from the Greene Mountain Lodge—joins us too.

The cops had their own blue shirts made with their team name—Cuffs and Curveballs.

“Graham,” Ryland says, narrowing his eyes on me as we shake hands. Hard.

“Ryland,” I say as I squeeze his hand harder than he’s squeezing mine. “Ready to lose?”

“Ha,” he says with a deep booming laugh. “Remind me again who won last year?”

I just glare at him.

“This is for charity, gentlemen,” Greg says, already looking exasperated. “Let’s try and have fun.”

“Kicking these fire pussies’ asses is always fun,” Ryland says with a grin.

“Too bad we’re about to spoil your afternoon,” I say, flashing him a cocky smile.

“I see you got Aiden,” he says with a bitter look. “How much are you paying him?”

“Nothing, he just wants to be on the winning team.”

“He’s all yours,” Ryland says. “We got our own secret weapon.”

My stomach twists a little as I look at their bench. It’s all the usual players from the Sheriff’s office—Henry and his wife Natalie, Emmanuel, Santino, and a few other guys from around town like Will from the Post Office and a few of the cooks from Jack Jameson’s Bar and Grill.

“She’s not here yet,” he says when he sees me checking out their bench.

“She?”

He just grins. “You’ll see.”

“Alright, boys,” Greg says as he pulls out a quarter. “Let’s flip to see who has home-field advantage.”

We end up losing, so we’re at bats first.

“Get used to that feeling,” Ryland says as I walk back to my bench.

That fucking guy… I really want to kick his ass today.

“Alright,” I say, calling everyone over. “Doug, you’re up first. Then me, Lincoln, and then Aiden can clean up at fourth.”

“I think Kylee should go second,” Aiden says.

I force out a smile even though I’m feeling a little nauseous.

---