Protests sweep through the locker room. Several teammates stay silent as they shoot glances at Reg, Jesse, and Spencer. Jesse and Spencer stand in the back. Both look nervous.

Principal McNeil calls out, “Quiet down!” He waits. “Thank you. Now, after speaking with Coach Hayes and the player allegedly using such filth, I have determined that this anonymous audio is fake, a manipulation of technology by someone determined to destroy one of our top players in order for us to lose at regionals tomorrow afternoon.”

Many players nod and vocalize their agreement.

Mason swallows hard, forces his eyes to remain steady on Principal McNeil until his father’s gaze burns so hot that Mason can’t ignore it. He meets it measure for measure. He knows I sent the audio, Mason thinks, and when his father flexes his fists, Mason also knows his father not only wants to use them on him but will use them on him. Refusing to be intimidated, Mason folds his arms over his chest.

Principal McNeil adds, “Obviously, I am concerned. I ask each and every one of you to be careful. You represent the integrity and respect of Riviere High School, and I expect you will uphold our high standards as outlined in the Athletic Code of Conduct you signed. Unless the person who sent this audio comes forward, I’m putting this completely behind us. Now go out there and win big for Riviere!”

Chapter 58: Logan

It’s Saturday morning. Cade and I stand outside the Bartleys’ Victorian home. We’re here for one reason: to speak with Mr. Bartley and get Monday’s debate canceled. Somehow—maybe it was wishful thinking—I assumed that the commissioner’s announcement also applied to our class’s debate. Miss Wather made it clear that I was wrong.

“Ready?” I ask Cade.

He nods.

A light dusting of snow covers the wraparound porch steps and railing. Our footprints are the only ones leading to their front door. On its left, there’s a small glass coffee table with an empty flowerpot on top. On the right, two wicker chairs sit under a window. And in that window is Cade’s sign! HUMANKIND WELCOME HERE!

How did the Bartleys get one?

“Cade, you see this?” I ask. He stares at the sign, his expression neutral. Right after the rally, the signs started popping up in storefronts and homes around Riviere. My Instagram post with Cade holding the sign, and the picture of the crowd with the signs in Bethany Beshett’s follow-up article, has led to hundreds of requests for copies. With everything that’s been going on, we haven’t had time to respond.

Cade whispers, “Maybe we should wait until Daniel and Heather can join us tomorrow?”

“With the debate less than two days away, I don’t think we should risk it.” I tuck the folder with the information we collected under my arm.