RedZone Page 4

  “I wasn’t here, Aunt Vicky.” He answered, he looked down at Bryce, and his face was still blank. No tears. No feeling or emotion.

  He held onto Bryce’s mother and helped lift her off of the ground. The coroners came back over and put the body into a black bag and carried it onto the van. Trey didn’t know what to say or do. He put his head down and stared at the blood stained ground.

  Second Quarter

  0:06

  Trey sat on his bed and stared at Bryce’s side of the room. It was completely bare. Bryce’s mom came a took all of his clothes and posters out. The only thing that was left was a photo of them when they played in high school. He was also preparing to move out of their room. The school offered him a 4.0 for the semester because of him losing his roommate, his best friend. Trey hadn’t eaten or slept that whole week. He was lost. He looked out the window and saw how nice it was out. The sky was clear and it was a comfortable day. He fixed his tie and headed down to the lobby.

  When he arrived at the front of the dorm building, he saw all of the other guys on the team dressed in their best suits, most of them were the suits they would wear on road games.

  It was the day of Bryce’s funeral. Trey dreaded going. He knew going would be so final and he wasn’t ready for it. The turn out for the funeral astonished Trey. He knew Bryce was well loved but people were coming in by the packs. There were so many people everyone was standing around the walls and some just couldn’t get in the door.

  Bryce’s casket was set up nicely with the school colors around in flowers and balloons. Trey sat with the family. He held Bryce’s mothers hand tightly and patted her back as she sobbed. Michele looked frail and in shock. She was just staring at the casket. Trey looked around the funeral home and saw their middle and high school coaches and teammates. And there in the far right corner was Sevynn. She had a blank look on her face. Trey rolled his eyes and focused back on his friends service. He was asked to make a speech but he refused. Their coach, Coach Booker, went up and said nice things about Bryce and then a few of his family members went up.

  When the service was over Trey ran after Sevynn. “Why did you even bother to show up?” He asked her harshly.

  “What do you mean? I came to pay my respects.” She snapped back at him. “How dare you insult me like this.”

  “How dare you show your face!” Trey responded. “Look you need to stay away from me. If it wasn’t for you I would’ve been there that night.”

  “If it wasn’t for me?” She asked appalled and pointing at herself. “You chose not to be there. Don’t put this on me.” Before Trey had a chance to answer one of the guys off of the team flagged him over. The bus that the team came over in was leaving to follow the procession to the cemetery. “Don’t come near me again.”

  ***

  The day after the funeral would be the homecoming game. They hadn’t had practiced all week but Coach Booker thought they should that evening. He said it would help keep the team’s minds off of everything. “This is going to be our first game without Bryce.” Coach Booker said, with a knot in his throat. He looked over at the empty locker. “We are going to retire his Jersey tomorrow. I..” He couldn’t finish his speech, he put his head down and sniffled. “Just play for him. Win or Lose, play for Bryce.”

  The locker room fell quiet as the coach walked out of the locker room.

  “This shit is unreal man.” One of the guys said finally.

  “Like who could have done this to him. He was a cool dude.” Another chimed in.

  “Look, we are going to play for him like coach said.” Trey said finally. He never was the ‘giving a speech’ type so he made it short. “He was my best friend, my fucking bro. I’m hurting just as much if not more than y’all. But y’all know he would be hype right now and ready for tomorrow.” The guys nodded their heads in agreement.

  Trey hated being in his dorm room after everything. He tried to find places on campus to go instead of being in his room. Everyone was busy that night the Greeks were having a step show. He wasn’t in the mood to go. The only person he could think of hanging with was Michele. He began to dial her.

  “Yo Chele, what are you doing?” He said when she picked up. “I am about to come to your building. Ring me in.” Trey walked across campus towards Michele’s dorm. He looked over across the quad and saw flickering of candles. It was coming from a shrine that was forming where Bryce’s body was found. He stopped, and thought about walking over but he decided to just keep going towards Michele’s.

  ***

  “I don’t know how to feel, Trey.” Michele said with red eyes from crying. “I just feel so empty.” Trey knew what she meant. He felt like something was missing as well.

  “Do they know anything yet?” She asked referring to Bryce’s autopsy report.

  “Nah. Not yet. They are waiting for the toxicology report.” He said rocking back in fourth in the dorm chair.

  “Sevynn, came by to see me earlier.” Michele mentioned out of the blue.

  “Leave that girl alone. You don’t need to be around her.” Trey demanded.

  “Why did y’all break up?” Michele asked curiously.

  “No reason. I just don’t like her.” He was getting annoyed even thinking about her. Trey looked around the room at all of the pictures of Michele and Bryce.

  “He was going to marry you.” He said breaking the long awkward silence.

  “How do you know?” Michele asked surprised.

  “Man, he talked about you all the time. Everybody knew who you were.” He replied with a small smile. “I don’t know what I’m going to do without my friend. I’ve been acting so shitty towards him since we got here.” Trey felt guilty. He treated his friend bad for the few years that they attend S.U.

  “Do you think y’all gonna get to the Championship without him?” Michele asked wiping tears from her eyes.

  “I hope so.” Trey responded.

  0:07

  “It’s a sad day here on S.U.’s campus.’ The CSC commentator said, ‘this will be the first game without Bryce Henson, the young prospect who died tragically last weekend.”

  “Yeah, Bob,” his companion responded, “Coach Booker is retiring his #3 jersey today at half time.”

  “Alright boys.” Coach Booker began, “We’re playing for Bryce remember?” All of the guys on the team nodded. They wore black strips on the back of their helmets with Bryce’s number.

  The crowd wasn’t as loud as usual. The scene was dreary although the sun was out and the temperature was perfect. “Pittman will play RB today.” Trey looked up it amazement. It would be the first game as a starter. He didn’t want to look too excited because of the mood of everyone else but deep down inside he was ecstatic!

  “Yes coach.” He answered. Coach Booker went over the plays and the team said a prayer for Bryce and for a good game. “Son, don’t disappoint me out there.” Coach patted him on the back and Trey ran on to the field.

  ***

  So much was running through his mind. He knew if he messed up it would be the end of his football days. No one would want him in the League and his coach wouldn’t play him in his final season. He heard the crowd loud and clear. It was like he could hear every chant and cheer. He began sweating and his heart raced. The quarterback snapped the ball and placed it in his hands. He began running thru the hole in the middle of the field. He was stopped but he got the first down.

  “Good job, Trey.” The Quarterback congratulated as they ran back to the line. He snapped the ball once more. He handed it to Trey and this time Trey took it straight up the field dodging whatever defensive player coming towards him. He got his first College touchdown.

  ***

  It was half time and it was time to retire Bryce’s jersey. All of his family and close friends stood in the middle of the field as Coach Booker walked on with a large picture frame, holding Bryce’s #3 jersey.

  Because Bryce and he had been friends for so long, Trey was allowed to stand with the family
during the ceremony. Bryce’s mother began sobbing again and Trey held on to her tightly. He knew it was a very hard moment for her. She had just buried her son the day before and now they are retiring a number he had worn since playing Peewee football. It was all happening so fast. The coach gave a nice speech and handed the frame to Bryce’s mother. They called for a moment of silence and then the game continued.

  ***

  It was like high school all over again. 32 seconds left on the clock. It was 3rd and goal. The play was supposed to be a pass for the touch down. The DE went for the blitz and the ball got knocked out the Quarterbacks hands. It was still a live ball. It was like it was happening in slow motion in Trey’s mind he could see the ball, he quickly shuffled over to it, picked it up and ran it in for the touch down.

  They had won the game. Coach hugged Trey as the rest of the team patted his helmet. They cried and cheered and pointed their fingers to the sky as if they were pointing to Bryce in the Heavens.

  ***

  “Where we’re you this afternoon?” Trey asked Michele when he saw her in the cafe.

  “I couldn’t handle being there, Trey.” She said softly. She didn’t look up at him just down at her food that she hadn’t even touched. “As soon as half time came, I left. I stopped cheering and just left.” Trey was in such a good mood because they had won the game.

  He had a glimpse of happiness out of the tragedy that had taken place. Those moments on the field that day made him feel like he was in paradise. But then Michele bought things back into reality once more. He was grateful he had gotten the chance to play but he would have really enjoyed seeing his friend watch him.

  “Chele, look whatever happens I got you.” He promised her. “I feel like it’s my duty to take care of you now. Bryce, wouldn’t want to see us all down and shit.”

  “Thanks Trey.” She hugged him and walked over to throw her food in the trash. Her cell phone, which she left on the table, began to ring as she was walking back. Trey turned the phone towards him checking the number to see who it was. It was Sevynn.

  “Why is this bitch calling you?” He asked almost in a shout.

  “Just because y’all broke up, doesn’t mean we can’t be friends.” Michele snapped answering the phone. Trey shook his head in disgust and left the table, where they were seated. He couldn’t believe that they were still friends. He wish he could tell Michele what had happened the night he caught them in the room. But it didn’t make a difference at that point. Bryce apologized and Trey was thankful that they did make up before he died.

  ***

  “Hart, there are some files on your desk.” An officer mentioned as Detective Hart came in the door. “Good I’ve been waiting for this.” He said picking up the blank envelope and rushing to open it.

  “What’s that about?” The officer asked.

  “The toxicology report for that kid from S.U.” He answered skimming through the paperwork.

  “Damn.” He said sitting in his chair. “This is about to get real deep.”

  “Why?” The other cop responded after being curious about what the envelop held.

  “The kid barely had alcohol in his system, he had no drugs, this is just turned into a homicide” Detective Hart quickly threw his jacket back on. “The boy was pushed out of that window. I gotta head down to the campus.” Detective Hart headed down to the campus to look for more evidence. He parked his car in front of the Frat house, where Bryce’s murder had taken place. He walked around the house looking behind bushes and high grass, trying to find clues. He was startled by one of the Frat guys in the house, standing in the patio doorway.

  “Yo, can I help you?” The Frat asked. Detective Hart pulled his badge out his pocket.

  “Detective Hart, PPD.” He said walking towards the young man in the door. “I am here, investigating the death of Bryce Henson.”

  “Oh, um, come in.” The Frat said nervously inviting the officer in.

  “Where were you the night of the incident?” Detective Hart questioned as he searched around the house subtly.

  He knew he couldn’t legally search the house without a warrant. The house was messy with beer cans and clothes hanging off of furniture. He knew he wouldn’t find anything just looking at the filth.

  “I was on campus but I wasn’t here.” The Frat boy mentioned. “Why are you investigating I thought it was an accident?”

  “I thought so too.” Detective Hart mumbled under his breath. He circled around the room trying to avoid touching anything. After scanning the room a few times, he finally turned to the Frat boy and asked “Could you show me the room where that balcony is located?”

  After being on the campus for an hour just observing the area of the incident, Detective Hart called his district from his cell. “Hey, I’m going to need a warrant. I need to get in that fraternity house and really search.”

  0:08

  Trey walked over to the gym. He needed to keep his mind off of things, and working out was his outlet. It was empty minus a few students on the treadmill. He put his headphones in and headed towards the weights. A couple of seconds later, Angel walked in behind him.

  “Yo Trey!” He yelled out while walking over to greet him. Trey pulled his music out of his ear to acknowledge his team mate.

  “Wassup, man.” Trey said surprised to see him in the gym. Angel hardly stepped foot in the gym unless it was during summer training.

  “You need me to spot you?” Angel asked making small talk.

  “Nah, I’m good. Just going to work on my Traps today.”

  “Oh. Ok. You know that detective that was there the night Bryce died was up here today?” Angel stated.

  “Word? For what?” Trey asked.

  “Apparently they are saying Bryce’s death is a homicide now.”

  “What?!” Blood rushed through Trey’s head. His ears began to ring and he felt numb. “The toxicology report didn’t come back yet.”

  “Nah, one of the Frat boys was home and he said the Detective was outside looking around. He also mentioned he was investigating.” Angel continued while picking up a weight from the stand. “You know once they say investigate that’s some real deep shit.”

  Trey was in complete shock, “Who would kill Bryce?” He asked out loud.

  “I don’t know man, but this shit is a hurt piece.”

  ***

  A few days had passed since his last visit but Detective Hart returned to back to the campus. This time with a warrant to search. He knocked on the frat house door hard and loud. It was 8AM and most of the boys were still sleep, some had left for classes.

  “Open up! It’s the police I have a warrant to search this house for evidence!” He shouted from the door. A different frat boy, from the one he had spoken to from his previous visit, answered the door.

  “Seriously, dude?” He asked in irritation from being awakened from his sleep.

  “Yes, seriously, dude. Let me in.” Detective Hart mocked the boy. “Alright listen up! I am going to be doing a thorough search of this house. The accident that took place here 2 weeks ago, was no accident. We are now investigating a homicide and your house is a apart of the evidence.”

  “What!?” Most of the guys in the house murmured to themselves. “Wait, you think one of us killed Bryce?” One of the guys asked.

  “If the shoe fits,” Detective Hart shot out jokingly, “I am only here to look for more evidence in this case. I will be on and off of this campus until it is solved. So if you do know something speak now or forever regret that you didn’t.”

  When Detective Hart finished explaining what was going to occur with the Frat house he began snooping around the house again. This time checking every nook and cranny. He went back up to the empty room with the balcony. He walked around looking at the walls and floors. “It’s no point in doing a fingerprint search in here.” He said out loud to himself wiping dust from the furniture. He walked over to the balcony. It was shallow in width. He looked down at the pathway below where Br
yce’s body laid that night.

  There were still light blood stains in the concrete and it was starting to be covered by teddy bears and candles from the memorial. When Detective Hart figured he wouldn’t find anything in the room. He headed back down the steps.

  “Tell me, how close were any of you to Bryce?” He asked the boys that sat around the living room.

  “Not real close, I mean he was a cool dude.” One of them mentioned.

  “Yeah, most of the people who were real close to him are the guys on the team.” Another chimed.

  “Thanks. I think I will go pay them a visit.” Detective Hart walked out nodding his head at the guys.

  He walked around campus looking for the gym where the football boys worked out. He needed to get some motives on who would want to kill Bryce. He found a couple of the freshman football players who just said a few nice things about him but they didn’t know him well enough. One of the freshman players suggested that he talked to Trey. “Yeah I think they were like best friends or something.” He told Detective Hart, pointing him to the direction of Trey and Bryce’s dorm room. “That’s the building they stayed in. I believe it’s room 201.”

  “Thanks and if you hear anything else about this case, here’s my card.” Detective Hart handed him his business card. He knew the rules of the streets, the no snitching rule, so he knew the kid wasn’t going to call. He headed over to the building. The Residence Assistant that was at the front looked out the front door window with a dense look on his face. He didn’t recognize the man in the blue suit.

  “Can I help you?” The RA asked through the intercom.

  “Detective Hart, from PPD. I’m here for a Trey, I believe.” Detective Hart held up his badge just as he did with the Frat boys.‘How often do you see a man on campus, in a damn suit?’He thought to himself. The RA buzzed him in.

  Trey sat in his room with his head in the play-book. He had to keep focusing on keeping his newly earned position. He didn’t want his coaches down or his team mates. He sat back and began fantasizing about walking on a pro football field as he did when he was younger. Suddenly it was a knock at the door. It was Detective Hart.