“My father is still the least of our problems, Logan. We’ve sent thirty-nine dead boys home with their parents. And we’ve got at least that many to bust out of jail in less than twenty-four hours.”

“It’s not enough just to get the teams on the field, Savannah. The Jackrabbits also have to win the game. I can’t coach them myself. The Badgers are too good to beat without your father’s help. So let me worry about the players, you worry about your dad. I think it’s time the two of you had a little talk.”

CHAPTER 36

SAVANNAH pulled the Honda up to the front of Cole’s trailer under a heavy rain.

“Try him again right quick,” Cole said.

She dialed her father’s cell for the third time. Still no answer. She also tried his office number at the school to no avail. “Can’t reach him.”

“That unusual?”

“Unusual, but not unheard of. But it’s after eleven. Should I be worried?”

“Ah, he couldn’t have gone far.” Cole reached for the door handle. “Just go home and wait for him. Call me as soon as you’ve talked to him.”

“What are you going to do?”

“I’m gonna wait for your call … and think of a way to break those shitheads out of jail tomorrow.”

“Oh.”

“Why?”

“Just asking.”

“Did you want to come in or something?”

“I … no. I mean, is anyone here?”

Cole peered through streaming water. “I don’t think so. Does it matter?”

“I should probably go.”

“Suit yourself.”

“I mean, I could come in for a minute, I guess. I can keep trying my dad from here, then head home as soon as I reach him.”

Cole shrugged. “Up to you.”

Leaving their boots on the doormat outside, they entered the trailer and shook the rain off their wet clothes. Cole had Savannah wait by the door as he made a quick pass through the living area, picking up empty cans, newspapers, and ashtrays. He set a stack of dirty breakfast dishes in the sink, then disappeared down the hall and returned with a bath towel. Savannah used it to dry the rain from her face, then took a seat on the sofa.

“Want something to drink?”

“No. Thanks.”

“There’s Doctor Pepper in the fridge if you change your mind.” He indicated the stains on his skin and clothing, which he’d gotten during the football scrimmage. “I’m just gonna wash this stuff off and change. I won’t be long.”

He switched on the television and adjusted the antennae, but the picture remained snowy and the sound muffled. He went to the window unit across the room and turned on the heater. The blast of warm air was a godsend for Savannah, despite the fact that it accentuated the smell of stale smoke.

“Better?”

She nodded. “Much. Thank you.”

“You should keep trying your dad.”