Strike (Sphere of Irony 2)

Ross steps forward. “We have a car waiting, why?”

“You’ll need to call your driver and have him pull up front as close as he can. The media is here and there’s a lot of them,” the cop explains.

Shit.

I can’t handle anymore of that crap today. It was bad enough that we couldn’t watch my girlfriend’s fucking football match without being spotted and swarmed with fans. Now I can’t leave a building without a police escort?

“It’s okay,” Gavin says quietly. “Your arrest is big news. It’s just the way things are.”

I drag my hand down my face, scratching at the stubble and wincing when I pass over a sore spot on my chin where I hit the ground. “Yeah, but after yesterday…”

“I know. Let’s just have the cops keep them back and jump in the car.” Gavin turns to Ross. “He doesn’t have to make a statement, does he?”

“Hell no!” Ross’ eyebrows shoot skyward. “Rachel will get a press release out later today. Don’t say a word.” Ross looks at the cop. “Can you keep the media back?” Ross eyes me cautiously. Likely considering what would happen if one of those reporters were to bump into me or got in my face. After yesterday’s outburst, I can’t say I blame him.

“We can keep them back. No problem,” he says with a wicked smile. “Let me get a few friends. Be back in two. Don’t move.”

It seems Mr. Copper dislikes the media almost as much as me.

Seconds later, six uniformed officers are at the ready, whisking us out of the office towards the front doors. I can hear the murmuring of the bystanders as recognition hits them. It’s a ripple effect, spreading outward from the center of the room to the edges until the entire police station knows we’re here.

The two cops in front open the doors and move directly in front of us, caging us in and the media out. And it’s a good thing, because outside, it is a shitstorm of epic proportions.

“Dax! Dax! Are you going to jail?”

“Dax! Has Lila dumped you for your cheating?”

“Dax! Care to comment on the destruction of property at UCLA?”

“Dax! Is it true that you attacked security because Kate was pulled from the game?”

What? I try to turn to whoever asked the last question, but Gavin is right behind me, shoving me into the backseat of the waiting limo.

“Don’t even think about it,” he hisses. Gavin’s harsh tone shocks me right out of my fury. He’s never angry. Never. Gavin is the epitome of the laid back, California surfer. Sometimes, I wonder if he’s more like me than one would think at first glance—burying his emotions under a thick layer of stereotypical ‘whatever dude’ instead of the stone façade I prefer to use.

Our eyes stay locked for a moment longer before I relent, deflating back into the leather seat.

“Fine. You’re right. I’d be proper fucked if I punched someone outside the police precinct.”

Ross glares at me from the seat opposite us. “That would be an impossible sell, Dax. I can see it now.” He holds his hands up as if highlighting a glowing marquee, “Rock star jailed for assault as he’s released from jail…for assault.”

Gavin’s lips twitch. Then Ross’s do the same. I can’t help it. As shitty as the last twenty-four hours have been, the laughter bubbles out of me, my sour face broken by a grin. Soon enough, we’re all choking from our demented senses of humor.

As I wipe the tears of laughter from my eyes, I pray that this won’t be the last bit of enjoyment I get for a while. Even with the confusion and Gavin’s distraction, that jouno’s words are stuck in my head, hanging over me like a guillotine ready to fall.

“Dax! Is it true that you attacked everyone because Kate was pulled from the game?”

If she was kicked out of one of the most important games she’s ever played in because of me? The shitstorm has only just begun.

Kate

“Hullo.”

Dax’s quiet greeting when I open the door to my flat isn’t what I expected. It’s not even close. He’s wearing baggy cargos and a pullover with the hood up, partially obscuring his face.

“Hey,” I respond stupidly, thrown off by his cold demeanor and his strange choice of clothing.

What did I expect? For Dax to come in here ranting and pissed off? For him to sweep me into his arms and crush his mouth down onto mine letting me know everything will be all right? For Dax to stand stony and silent like he does with everyone else? I don’t know. All I know is that this… subdued, defeated Dax isn’t someone I recognize at all.