Page 125 of Scoring the Player
I think I’ve always known.
CHAPTER 31
SALEM
“He’s one of the best private investigators in New York. He’ll need to talk to you and your parents to get a full picture.”
“Thanks, Cat.” I kill the lights as I head upstairs. “You don’t think this is over the top?”
“I don’t, unfortunately.”
My throat tightens. “Okay.”
“He’s the best, Salem. My team will continue to call hospitals, but so far…”
“Yeah.” I clear my throat. “I appreciate it. I know this is a bit unorthodox.”
“Not for me and my team. You know that. We want to help. I put all your upcoming press engagements on hold.”
“Okay. Thanks. I’ll look out for the call from the PI, and I’ll prep my parents.”
“Sounds good. Talk soon.”
As soon as the line goes dead, I try the number I’ve called dozens of times over the last week, knowing I’ll get Denzel’s voicemail.
Where are you?
REAL TALK SPORTS WITH DARIUS & TODD
“Todd is sick with a cold, or at least that’s the excuse he called out with. That means I’m flying solo tonight.
They call him The Silencer, but you all saw the head-scratching press conference that led Salem Jones to not only come out but also ask fellow gay player Arnaz Cade out on a date. Sources say that the press conference was just for publicity since Cade is secretly dating Sid King. Tonight, Jones played an abysmal game, fouling out.
Was coming out worth it?
Maybe he should have used his silencing powers on himself. In other news, Oklahoma fired head coach AJ Bell after a 12-18 start to the season. I say good riddance.
If only the league were as diligent with polarizing players.”
CHAPTER 32
SALEM
Three weeks and no leads. The detective got ahold of Denzel’s squad mate. Our only potential source of info, and he couldn’t tell us anything. Apparently, he was so out of it, he didn’t even remember Denzel being there. The hospital visitor logs confirmed Denzel visited over a few days.
No leads.
It always comes back to this.
No matter how hard I try…
What I achieve…
The choices I make…
How hard I hold on…
It always comes back to one unshakeable truth—very little in life is in my control.
