CHAPTER TWENTY -THREE

  Troy sat in the almost completely empty parking lot of Hershel High school dreading the moment that he had to go inside. He had decided to not go by the hotel until after his meeting with Principal Jones. The way Troy figured it if he waited to stop by the hotel after the meeting, he possibly could have some good news for Becca. This way he would have a much better grounding to explain his side of the situation.

  The halls were eerily quiet as Troy made his way to the front office, opening the door heading to the back office off the main hallway. He tapped lightly on the office door with the brass signage labeled Principal David Jones. His stomach was in knots as the door was opened and he greeted by Katrina LaBell the assistant principal for the last five years.

  “ Come on in Troy, we’ve been expecting you. “ Katrina said with a bit of overly niceness. She smiled at him as she stepped out of his way to allow him to enter.

  Troy was surprised to see that there was another person who would apparently join them in the conversation. He was definitely caught off guard by the third party being there and was curious exactly who this unexpected add on was.

  As though David could sense Troy’s curiosity, he introduced the third party, “ Come on in Troy. May I introduce Mr. Martin Phelps, Assistant Director of the board of education for the county. I hope you don not mind, but I thought it best to ask him to join us for this discussion. As you know we have a very serious situation on our hand.” David said as he tried to look Troy in the eyes knowing that there was little discussion to the outcome.

  Troy shook Martin’s hand as he took the seat shown for him. He looked down at the cap he held in his hands with the Cougars logo and mascot on it feeling less supported than he had hoped he would. “ So, as you asked, I’m here. What can I do for you Principal?” he said as he twirled the hat around and around from his nervous twitch.

  Clearing his throat David begin the uncomfortable conversation,

  “ As you know our county and school has a strict policy that teachers and student are not to engage in any kind of inappropriate conduct that could or would be considered illegal. Last night’s game was a supreme victory for our high school football program and everyone at Hershel has always been your greatest supporter. We all knew from the moment that you applied for the position of head coach that we and our team could not go wrong. Troy from the start we have supported you through pre-season and until now.” David stopped taking a deep breath and continued,” However, we have a serious problem now. I’m going to ask you straight out having known you since you enter eighth grade at Hershel and all the way through college and becoming a teacher at your high school, are you or have you ever been in any type of relationship with Kelley Brower? Please this is no time to try to hide anything. If you’ve engaged in any type of relationship we have to know.” David finished looking straight into  Troy’s eyes.

  Without a second of hesitation Troy responded emphatically,

  No sir I have not nor would I ever. I am married happily to Becca and have been for the last four years. I do not know for the life of me why Kelley pulled that stunt , but I can assure you that she was the last person I was thinking about last night. David, please, you know me and you know how much I love Becca. Why in the world would I risk my marriage and my career for that girl?” he said trying his heart out to defend himself.”

  The assistant director took charge with the conversation at this point,  “ I can imagine that some of these young these become infatuated with a young, good-looking guy like you. It’s more common than people realize. However, we as professional educators and leaders of the community must keep any advances under control and in place. There can never be any moment of questioning, or suspicion out of our school. You must understand Troy it’s not that we believe you would enter into an illegal lawless act with one of the senior students at Hershel, “ he said taking a minute to form his thoughts, “ It’s just that there can never be a hint of impropriety on our part. I hope you can understand our position.” He finished not saying what really needed to be said.

  For the longest time or so it seemed Troy sat in the folding chair feeling his heart sink. He knew without anyone saying the words that these people had already decided his fate. He was furious and sadden at the same time. There was nothing that he could say to make them feel comfortable with him in the classroom or on the field. Finally, Troy lifted his head taking a look at each of them then said his mind,

  “ So, am I to take this as my firing? I’m gone even though I am innocent? Where is my justice David, Katrina? I did nothing wrong but show up for a football game that I coached and because of some young girl’s stupid crush or whatever I get fired? Why?” he increased his tone and loudness at being so angry at what was happening.

  “ Try, clam down. I know this isn’t what you wanted or expected but we’ve spoken to Kelley and she seems to believe that you had a thing for her. Isn’t true you asked her to come by your office right before game time? She says you’ve been giving her signals for months.” Daivd purposed.

  Troy stood up pushing his chair back so hard it tipped over. He was furious to the point of striking Dav8d in the face. He was spouting off huge lies about him and that stupid girl and it was costing him his career. He pointed his finger at each of them almost screaming,

  “If you let this stupid piece of crap destroy me and your hoped of winning a championship then you deserve everything evil to land on top of this fucking high school and every single teacher inside.

  “ Did you know that Kelley’s sister Renee was behind what happen last night? Well sirs, she put Kelley up to this all because I dumped her in our senior year right before homecoming. Renee had grand ideas of being the number one beauty queen of each and every event. You’ve been hooked wink by Renee Bowers, you should remember her David. She is a horrible person who cares for no one but herself. So, now you are playing a part in her revenge. Well, good luck you fool, this isn’t going to end well I can promise you that much.“ Troy turned

  turned to leave.

  David continued to try to explain,” We have a reputation and a standard to up hold Troy. I promise we’ll continue to investigate this situation. You just have to understand,” but David never got to complete his statement.

  Troy jerked his head around spewing his words with hate, “ You had better watch your back, David. That evil witch will be coming for all of you if she thinks for one second you betrayed her plans to be famous. Now, you’ll see what it’s like to be treated so poorly for nothing. Your championship just got flushed down the toilet.

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  With that ?Troy stormed out of the high school walking briskly to his truck. He hadn’t noticed the two you women sitting in the Hinda Accord across the parking lot watching him. He neither cared about anyone watching him at this moment. He would gather his personal things from his history class and the coaching office and be on his way. Troy could not begin to think about how he was going to explain this to Becca, but he knew that he had never not even for a second ever given Kelley any reason to believe he cared for her like she stated.

  As Troy made his way back tohis truck with a box of items that had decorated his classroom and office. He sat the box down on the truck’s seat stepping and leaving the schools grounds. According to the security guard Troy was not allowed back on the property unless having been notified. He was beyond furious, but more worried about how Becca would react. All he could do was pray that she would agree to sit down and talk this out. With the littlest amount of hope he headed out to make his way to the hotel in hope of speaking with her.

  “ Those who walk in silent rage spills the greatest volumes of blood.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  The sun shone brightly as Troy entered the hotel looking for Becca. He walked slowly over to the counter where she normally was working. There was no sign of her at this moment, but one person who had not been noticed was watching him very closely. After a minute or so Kerry the young attendant who helped Becca at the desk came back to the counter. He greeted Troy with a smile not showing the uncomfortable feeling he had, “ Afternoon Troy. Can I help you?” he asked politely.

  “ I’d like to speak with Becca. Would that be possible Kerry?’ Troye asked a leaned over the counter looking for his wife.

  Kerry smiled saying, “ Let me see if she’s available. Can you wait?” he asked.

  Troy looked at him with an emptiness in his gaze, “ Sure, I’ve got nowhere else to go.” Troy replied.

  As Kerry walked off leaving Troy to wait Leland sat watching with great curiosity. He had spoken to Becca earlier this morning when he had returned from breakfast already knowing the full situation. He had made sure to have time to speak to her since she probably needed an outside voice to guide her.

  Leland had something very different in mind when he spoke to her. This was simply part of the plan. Just a slight whisper here and a well place doubt there could always build the worse of the worst-case scenario.

  If Leland had learned anything in all the years of being his master’s servant he knew without question the least of what you share and guide the best of the result you get. Humans really did not need much pushing or influencing. He could not wait to see the next step in his plan come together. The ambers of the fire had begun to burn brighter. Another relationship was going up in smoke and the aftermath was truly going to be exciting, at least for him.

  It took a few minutes for Kerry to return to the counter to speak with Troy. He was nervous about relaying Becca’s message. “ Troy, um Becca wanted you to know that she could not speak with you at this time. Perhaps later today . She said that she would contact you when she could speak with you. I have to ask you to leave the hotel as she doesn’t feel comfortable being at the desk while you are here.” Kerry stood motionless for a few seconds then spoke again, “ I am really sorry Troy. I hate to be the one to give you this news. Please don’t be mad at me. I only work here.” He said almost pleading for Troy not to make it his fault.

  Troy stood at the desk not moving, not leaving. He once again leaned over the counter trying to see if he could find Becca standing nearby. In his frustration he called out her name loud enough everyone in the hotel turned to stare at him. “ Becca, Becca, please don’t do this me. Please let me talk with you. Becca, I love you. I would never betray our love or marriage. BECCA!” he screamed out her name begging his wife to come and speak with him to no avail.

  Another male employee came from the office in the back to the counter putting up his hands shouting at Troy, “ Troy, Troy, stop, stop it. Becca is not coming out here. I’m going to ask you to leave or I’ll have to call the sheriff’s department and have you tressed passed. Troy, do you hear me?” the young man said with great authority.

  Looking for his wife for another minute Troy realized that he had no choice but to leave. The last thing he wanted to do was cause Becca any trouble with her job. She loved what she did and the people she worked with there, which meant leaving the premises. As Troy drove away, he couldn’t help but feel that he had not only lost his job, but he had so lost his true love Becca. He headed home to drown his sorrows in the only thing he had left, his Bourbon.

  The day had moved on and the energy in the town was building very high as the bonfire for the first celebration of the Cougars football teams first victory was in full swing. Troy had planned on attending and giving a hoorah speech to his team. He lay on the couch holding another glass of Bourbon as the alcohol level in him was already very high. His anger was at the highest level as he still brewed about not being able to speak with Becca.

  He sat up with more quickness than he thought he had as an idea cross his mind. He would go to Becca’s parents’ house and demand to talk with her. He gathered up his keys and jumped in his truck heading out to jack’s and Shelley’s home to speak with his wife. He was not going down without a fight and he would settle things up between him, Renee and Kelley. This battle had only begun for him.

  Thirty-five minutes later Troy pulled up in the driveway of Jack’s and Shelley’s home. He sat looking at his watch knowing that the bonfire would be starting in about forty minutes. It was now or never he thought as he opened the truck door and slid out. He walked swaying from side to side as the alcohol was settling in his body. His footsteps were uneven but he managed to make it up the four steps without falling.

  Pushing his hair out of his face he knocked very hard on the door. He stepped back and waited hoping that Becca would answer. The door opened to a small crack as Jack peered out looking at Troy in disbelief. He opened the door slightly speaking, “ Troy, what are you doing here?’ Jack asked.

  Troy tried to peer inside to see if he could find Becca, but Jack just blocked his view. Speaking with a slur Troy answered, “ Um, I’m , I’m herrre ta speak with Bec, Becca. May I see herrr, please?” Troy tried to sound less intoxicated.

  “ I’m afraid she’s not ready to talk yet. Listen Troy, Becca has been in contact with Kelley and Renee. There’s a lot of stuff going on apparently. I think it’s best if you just give it some time. Let it rest for a while. You have a lot to explain, but tonight is not the night son.” Jack laid the whole thing out for Troy.

  “I didn’t do nothing to anyone. I neverrr would mess with that, with that girl. It’s all a lie.” Troy screamed hoping Becca could hear him.

  Jack stepped outside the house closing the door behind him. He took Troy by his shoulders and speaking as a matter of fact, “ Son, I know you are in a mess, but you need to get things straighten out between you and Kelley and Renee. They’ve been telling Becca all kinds of things and none of it is good for you. I do not know what is actually going on, but I know you need to get to the bottom of this before putting your relationship back in order.” He reached for the door knob finishing his thoughts, “ Those two women that have accused you of this wrong doing are up to no good. I know all about Renee from high school. She’s a dirty little mess so do not trust her at all. Troy, go home, get sober and fight for your life and marriage. Find the truth.” Jack went back inside shutting the door.

  Troy knew that for now he had lost this battle, but he knew exactly how to make it all go away. With a new plan in mind, he backed his truck out of the drive way and headed for the bonfire. He would show everyone how much fight he had in him and he would take this fight to the two persons that had started this flame.

  There was a bonfire fire planned for tonight’s celebration. Little did anyone know that the bonfire would turn into a wildfire that would change the meaning of a celebration , at least for one person.

  When the fires burn slowly within the dreadful heart, the sparks rise up to extinguish those who held the match to begin the flames.