Mason Found Ryan’s Missing Soccer Gear Inside a Black Case — Then Coach Sarah Checked the Field Cameras
Chapter 3 — Jake’s Explanation
Jake was called into the office immediately.
He entered looking annoyed.
“We’re supposed to be practicing.”
Sarah turned the monitor toward him.
“Did you put that case beside the field?”
Jake looked at the frozen image.
Then at the black case.
“No.”
Mason stared at him.
Sarah pressed play.
The figure moved across the field.
Jake’s face slowly changed.
“That’s my jacket.”
“Correct.”
“But that’s not me.”
Derek folded his arms.
“Convenient.”
Jake looked at him.
“I lent it to someone.”
Sarah frowned.
“Who?”
Jake hesitated.
“Tyler.”
Mason looked confused.
Tyler Grant was a reserve midfielder.
He had spent most of the season competing with Mason for playing time.
Sarah called Tyler into the office.
The moment he saw the footage, he stopped.
“I can explain.”
Sarah stared at him.
“Please do.”
Tyler admitted wearing Jake’s jacket.
He also admitted carrying the black case.
But he insisted he had no idea Ryan’s equipment was inside.
“Then why were you carrying it?” Mason asked.
Tyler looked toward Derek.
Only for a second.
Sarah noticed.
“Tyler.”
He looked down.
“Someone asked me to move it.”
“Who?”
Tyler remained silent.
Derek stepped forward.
“Don’t drag this out.”
Tyler looked at him again.
This time Sarah definitely saw it.
She turned toward her assistant coach.
“Derek, why does he keep looking at you?”
