The Blood Red Indian Summer by David Handler Read Free Book Online Page B

Buster’s when I was having lunch with Jamella after practice. Started claiming that I done this and that to his fiancée. Who, I swear, I’ve never met in my life. He got very abusive. His language was inappropriate. It’s a family restaurant. Our fans bring their young kids there. He was way out of line. Jamella can tell you.”
    She nodded. “He called my man ghetto trash. And me a skanky ho.”
    “He got in my face,” Tyrone continued. “I simply tried to excuse him from my face. Did I put my hand on his chest? Yes. Did I shove him? No. The man slipped and fell. Did he suffer any injuries as a result of falling? No. I guarantee you he has a perfectly healthy eyeball under that patch he’s sporting.”
    “That so-called doctor of his is a quack,” Rondell said. “When an independent physician examines Mr. Plotka as part of the civil proceedings the man’s injuries will be revealed as utterly bogus. That’s why we’re refusing to settle with him. He won’t get one nickel out of us.”
    “But the damage is already done,” Tyrone said regretfully. “The Players Union wanted me to fight my suspension. I’m accepting my punishment. Never should have put my hand on the bastard. A man my size has to learn how to control himself. Mind you, that’s easier said than done. I don’t know how to dial down. I get paid to never dial down.”
    “But he’s learning how,” Jamella pointed out. “When we’re together he’s just a gentle teddy bear. And he has never once put his hands on me without it being about our love for each other. The Tyrone Grantham I know is a good man.”
    “And I intend to be a good father to our baby. I haven’t been to my other babies. Truth? I don’t even know what it means to be a father.”
    “But he’s going to learn that, too,” Jamella said. “That’s what this time off is all about—learning.”
    “It’s been a wake-up call for me, no question. I let my family down, my teammates down. I miss the game like you wouldn’t believe. But everything happens for a reason. This is my opportunity to change how I go about my business. I’m all done being bad Hercules. I’m not looking to get in any more fights. Not looking to rip any more pub. No more trash talking…”
    “I make sure he drinks his glass of shut up every day,” Jamella said.
    “No more clubbing. No more partying. No more drama. That’s why I rented out my place in Glen Cove and moved us here. It’s quiet here and that suits me just fine. I’m happy. My priorities are straight now. We’ll have us our baby. And I’ll walk the walk. Represent my family the right way.”
    “What about the way you play the game?” Des asked him. “Aren’t you afraid Da Beast will lose his edge?”
    “Da Beast is never afraid. Next season I’ll be a stronger, more dependable leader.” He studied her from across the coffee table. The piano that someone was playing fell silent. There was only the gentle gurgle of the shark tank now. “So why are you here?”
    “To inform you that you’ve got some rich neighbors who are used to getting their way.”
    He let out a laugh. “Hey, I know that. Justy Bond, right? I haven’t met him. Only know him from the pissed-off letters and phone messages he keeps leaving me. But it would appear he has himself a problem with a brother taking up residence next door. I pay him no mind. I’m not looking for trouble. Or attention. That’s why I said no to the reality show they wanted me to film.”
    “We had two offers,” Rondell put in proudly. “Firm offers.”
    “That whole media circus out front is Plotka’s doing, not mine. I’m strictly looking for peace and quiet, like I said. No muss, no fuss. And for damned sure no parties.”
    “That’s probably a wise thing,” Des said.
    “You telling us we can’t have a few friends over?” Clarence demanded.
    “I’m not ‘telling’ you anything. Just advising you to be smart. Otherwise, I can guarantee you that we’ll have