Force Out by Tim Green Page A

when Coach Barrett appeared with the equipment bag over his shoulder and his son—thankfully—nowhere in sight. “Joey, can I talk to you for a second?”
    Joey got out of the Jeep and stood facing his coach. Coach Barrett glanced at Joey’s mom, who sat in the passenger seat but with the door open. “It’s about the all-star team.”

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    Joey couldn’t help wishing with all his heart that Coach Barrett was going to give him the spot. Part of him felt he didn’t deserve it, but Zach’s own words echoed in his mind. Except for today, he did have a great season, and no one hit more home runs.
    â€œSo, I think you know this, but because we lost, we only get one automatic spot for the all-star team.” Coach Barrett scratched his skinny neck. “That’s just the way the rules are. Honestly, I thought we were going to win today, and it would have been easy. You and Zach both had outstanding seasons, and I think you both deserve to be on that team. But we didn’t, and I just want you and your parents to know that I’m going to do everything I can in the coach’s meeting tomorrow to make sure you get on that team, too. There are three wild card spots, you know.”
    Joey blinked. His mind went over what his coach just said, knowing what it meant but unable to keep from considering a different possible conclusion.
    There was none, though. He didn’t make it. Zach did. A small, desperate part of him wondered how it would have turned out if he hadn’t snuck out, “vandalized” Mr. Kratz’s truck, and Zach had never showed up for the game. Then, they still would have lost, but Joey wouldn’t have looked so bad and Coach would likely have given him the sole slot, especially if Zach didn’t even play in the championship game.
    Joey opened his mouth to say something, or start to say something, but his mom spoke first.
    â€œThanks, Coach Barrett. We appreciate anything you can do. Joey’s been talking about this all-star thing and that select team since last season.”
    â€œWell, I think he’s got a better than fifty-fifty chance. I can’t speak for the others, but he’ll have my vote. You folks have a good day. I’ll give you a call after the meeting tomorrow. We get together at three, so I should know by four or five.” Coach Barrett shook Joey’s hand and turned to go.
    Joey saw his mom giving him a look and he remembered his manners. “Thanks, Coach.”
    They all got in the Jeep before his mom said, “That was nice.”
    â€œFifty-fifty?” Joey palmed his own face, then let go. “That’s terrible. Fifty-fifty is like rock, paper, scissors. That’s all I am? Rock, paper, scissors, shoot?”
    â€œHe said, ‘better than fifty-fifty.’” Joey’s father met his eyes in the rearview mirror.
    They rode in silence for a few minutes before Joey’s mom said, “I just don’t get it. Why would someone go to all that trouble?”
    Joey’s dad glanced at her. “Because Joey’s been a great player for him all season.”
    â€œNo, not Coach Barrett. I’m talking about Mr. Kratz’s truck. I just don’t get it.”
    â€œWell, it’s a good thing for Zach his truck broke down,” Joey’s dad said. “If the field trip didn’t get canceled, he wasn’t even going to be able to play today. Now, he’s going to the all-star team.”
    Joey’s mom gripped his father’s leg. “Jim, you don’t think . . .”
    â€œThink what?”
    â€œNo.” She shook her head. “It’s too crazy.”
    â€œWhat’s crazy?”
    Joey slumped down in his seat and folded his arms across his chest, hugging himself tight.
    His mom spun around in her seat to look at him. “Joey, do you know something you’re not telling us?”

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    As a former criminal defense attorney,