Against your will, your eyes scan the field for GoGo. It’s like playingWhere’s Waldowith how many white jerseys linger on the turf, but he’s nowhere to be seen. Your suspicion is confirmed when Gabi appears by your side, shyly peeking around your arm.
“He’s gone,” she says flatly. “I watched him leave. He’s really mad. The asshole was always a sore loser.”
You pull her close, and turn your attention to the TV screens, where players are beginning to get nabbed for post-game sound bytes. Sandy thanks God and his teammates for turning things around in the second quarter, and specifically calls out the Train for shifting the momentum of the game. That’s a perfect segue for the network, who already has another reporter downfield who’s managed to snag Kai.
“Congrats, Kaius!” she chirps. Her head barely comes up to his bicep. “What a game! That replay of you and GoGo Heller is going to be playing nonstop on every highlight reel tomorrow. Can you walk us through your mindset when that was going on?Everyone knows your history with GoGo. Were you just waiting the whole time for your opportunity?”
Kai favors her with a wide smile, the fake one he gives members of the press.
“Thanks, Gracie,” he says politely. “To be honest, I don’t have an exciting answer for you. I had a gut feeling that Vegas was setting up something fishy, and I usually follow my instincts in moments like that. Could have been Heller or any other receiver. Didn’t matter. Coach always tells us to read the situation. It’s all football. Nothing more, nothing less. I’m grateful to the Rogues for being such outstanding competitors. It was a good game.”
She presses, clearly not happy with his politic answer. “Did you have words with GoGo at any point during or after the game? He’s a player known for getting under people’s skin, and especially yours, given the news as of late. Any chance you guys had it out?”
Kai’s leaning down to hear her, but, with that question, he straightens up.
“Like I said, the only thing on my mind tonight was helping secure us a spot in the conference game. Now that we’ve done that, I’m thinking about next week. Personal drama is the last thing I have time for.” He flashes one more grin. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a locker room full of teammates who probably want my attention.” He doesn’t wait for a response, just exits the frame.
You continue to watch the post-game coverage, and gradually become aware of the fact that, for the first time in hours, you are breathing comfortably, and your heart doesn’t feel like it’s stuck in a hydraulic press. You’re even a little hungry, so you drag Gabito the food trays before the stadium staff can come in and start clearing them up.
***
BREAKING NEWS: NFA STAR HOSPITALIZED, ARRESTED AFTER NIGHTCLUB INCIDENT
Las Vegas Rogues star receiver Grenville “GoGo” Heller was charged with two felony counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and one charge of felony drug possession on Monday night after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh in a crowded Las Vegas nightclub. Police escorted Heller to a Clark County hospital, where he is being treated for his injuries, and will remain with Heller until he is medically cleared and can be transferred to custody.
As of this writing, Heller has not entered a plea on the charges, although his attorney stated that Heller planned to plead not guilty.
A defense lawyer for the State of Nevada argued for no bail, stating his belief that, with his immense fortune, Heller was a flight risk. Heller’s attorney countered that, due to Heller’s contract with the Rogues, he had good reason to cooperate. Bail was set at $100,000.
According to a criminal complaint that was made public, witnesses in the crowded club reported seeing Heller arrive with an entourage around 11 PM. Reportedly, he was in a foul temper due to the Rogues having been eliminated from playoff contention by the Miami Cyclones, and several complaints were issued to club staff regarding his loud, repeated use of slurs and other profanity. Heller was witnessed to have drunk an excessive amount of alcoholic beverages, and was, at onepoint, spotted drinking straight from a bottle. Around 12:30 AM, the loud, sharp sound of a gunshot was heard, which caused attendees to panic and scatter. In a VIP area, Heller, who had been talking with two female club-goers, collapsed to the floor, his pants bloody, and a .40-caliber Glock pistol fell out of his trousers onto the ground. It seems that the gun accidentally discharged.
“Somebody call a f**king ambulance,” Heller stated.
When police arrived at the scene, a baggie of white powder was also found in Heller’s possession. The powder later tested positive for cocaine.
A grand jury will make the decision as to whether Heller will be indicted after hearing evidence. If Heller is found to have been in illegal possession of a firearm, he could face a sentence of 3½ to 15 years in jail.
Records show that Heller had a concealed weapon permit issued by the state of Florida, which is his legal residence, but that it expired last March. Nevada has a reciprocal agreement to recognize CCW permits from Florida, but that would not apply to Heller.
In light of the charges against Heller, the Las Vegas Rogues issued a statement saying that Heller was suspended indefinitely from team activities, pending further developments in the case.
Chapter Twenty-Five
QUIZ: What’s Your Grayling Style Era?
Over the years, we’ve seen Ster rock SO MANY amazing looks at the Grammys. Pick your favorite fashion component from each question, and discover your Signature Sterling Style!
1.)Favorite hairstyle?
A: Short and messy
B: Sleek and straightened
C: Fancy up-do
D: Long, glam curls
2.)Your ‘fit is giving…
