Mason Found Ryan’s Missing Soccer Gear Inside a Black Case — Then Coach Sarah Checked the Field Cameras
Chapter 6 — The Offer Ryan Refused
Ryan was called to the office.
He walked in wearing training clothes.
The moment he saw his missing shoes and jersey, he froze.
“Where did you find those?”
Sarah pointed toward Derek.
“He had them.”
Ryan’s expression changed.
Not surprise.
Recognition.
Sarah noticed.
“You know why?”
Ryan looked at Derek.
Then nodded.
“Probably.”
Mason stared at him.
“What’s the offer?”
Ryan sat down.
Two weeks earlier, Derek approached him privately.
A regional academy scout was scheduled to watch several club matches.
Ryan was one of the players being considered.
So was another midfielder.
Derek’s son.
Caleb Walsh.
Caleb played for a different team in the same club.
Derek offered Ryan something strange.
If Ryan voluntarily sat out the showcase match, Derek would arrange private training sessions and recommend him to another academy later.
Ryan refused.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Sarah asked.
Ryan shrugged.
“I thought he was just trying to help his kid.”
Sarah looked at Derek.
“So you hid Ryan’s equipment to keep him from playing?”
Derek shook his head.
“He had backup gear.”
“Then why take it?”
Derek didn’t answer.
Ryan did.
“Because that wasn’t the only thing missing.”
Sarah looked at him.
“What else?”
Ryan reached into the black case.
He searched.
Then frowned.
“My medical card.”
