“If you see the guy who did it, you call me immediately. ”
“I’ve looked for him every day,” Cole admitted. “I drive around looking for him ’cause I saw his face. I’d recognize him for sure. ”
“I’d really like to find him. ” My eyes narrowed as I imagined beating this animal to a bloody pulp.
“Maybe we can go after practice? See what we can find?” Matt offered with a shrug.
“I’m in. ” Brett raised his hand.
“Me too,” Ryan noted with a grin.
“Sounds good to me. ” I was relieved at their willingness to help, and felt some of the anger trickle away.
Coach Smith poked his head into the dugout. “If you ladies are done with the warm and fuzzies, I’d like you to get your asses on the field with your team. ”
“Coming, Coach. ” I spoke for the group and we filed out.
We all knew we’d probably never find the guy, but this was their way of trying to right a wrong. And I needed that from them to help work past my anger and disappointment.
*****
We walked the streets after practice looking for him, until my phone rang one evening during the middle of our nightly ritual. “Hold up, guys, it’s Dean,” I yelled toward my scattered teammates.
“What’s up?”
“They got him. ” Dean’s voice sounded solid and relieved.
“The guy?” My chest immediately tightened.
“They caught him trying to pawn Cassie’s camera. He’s in jail. I have to head down there to identify him. ”
My head spun as anger, relief, and fury all course
d through me at once. “Can I get her camera for her? Do you want me to come with you? I should probably come with you. ” My voice changed as my emotions settled on anger and making the coward pay for ever putting his hands on my girl.
“I’ll find out about the camera when I get there, but I think it’s evidence now, so she still can’t have it back. ” Dean sounded sympathetic before his tone turned stern. “I’m in the police parking lot now, so I’ll just head in and identify him. You should go tell Cassie they got him. ”
I made eye contact with each one of my teammates, who now surrounded me, and attempted to rein in my temper. I ended the call before addressing the group. “They got him. He tried to pawn Cassie’s camera and they arrested him. Dean’s at the police station now. ”
“I’ll head down there. I got a good look at the guy too, so I can help,” Brett added quickly, and took off running before waiting for a response.
“You alright?” Matt placed his arm on my shoulder.
“In all honesty, I kind of wanted to be the one to find him. ” I shrugged. “I wanted to introduce his face to the pavement,” I added, and they all howled with laughter.
“I bet you did,” Cole said with a wince.
“It’s probably good you didn’t, Jack. Knowing you, you would have killed the guy. You can’t play professional baseball from jail,” Ryan offered, his tone grave.
“I could start a jail baseball league. I’m very resourceful,” I suggested.
Matt ignored my sick humor. “It’s good they got him. This is a good thing. ”
“I know. Plus, Cass would never forgive me if I went to jail. ”
“Or broke your hand,” Cole chipped in.
I frowned at Cole and snapped, “Who invited you?”