Coach Greene>>>>>>>
Joanne watched from afar seeing Coach Greene shout out instructions to the boys practicing. Her heart sinked as the thought of Roy came to her mind. He should have been here but instead was somewhere in Mr Carnegie's dungeon.
Coach Greene was a towering figure on the sidelines, his deep voice booming out instructions and encouragement to his team of teenage boys as they trained. Roy is supposed to be here training with them.
With a keen eye for strategy and a passion for the basket ball game, Greene had led them to multiple championships. His players respected him for his tough but fair approach, and his ability to bring out the best in each of them.
Despite his intense demeanor, Coach Thompson had a soft spot for his players personal struggles, often taking time to offer guidance and support beyond the court. That was why she came here knowing fully well that even if Coach Greene does not want to set his eyes on her.He would not turn his back on Roy.
Coach Greene's dedication and leadership inspired his team to work hard, believe in themselves, and play with heart.
Joanne ran her hands over her hair as she walked towards them . The boys were done with practice which was just the perfect time for her to go approach Greene. Few of them greeted as they walked past her. Greene turned around to call one of the boys to come pick his jersey and froze as he saw Joanne.
Joanne smiled slightly as she made her way towards him.
" Good day,Coach Greene."
"Good evening,Joanne. What do you want here?"
" Uhmmm....how about we sit first? I am kind of tired. Had a long day at the shop."
Coach Greene was still staring at her like she fell from the sky.Joanne took her seat on the concrete staring at her feet. Some years ago,she had sat on this same place watching as Greene played.
" What do you want joanne?"
"That is no way to welcome someone."
" I have got some load of work I have to finish up at my apartment and also I have to drive to go pick up the food I ordered. So if there is anything you want to say,say it now. Or do you intend on enrolling your son for basketball classes?"
Joanne burst into laughter trying to picture Gabriel playing in a basketball pitch.She had always wanted him to play basketball just like Roy but it was not just Gabriel's thing.
"You and I both know Gabriel suck at that."
"So what are you here for?"
"Roy Saunders."
" Ohh.. I have not found time to come check up on Gwen. How is she holding up and how is Roy?"
" Roy is still at Mr Carnegie's dungeon."
" Roy was kept in a dungeon?"Coach Greene asked shocked.
" Yes. That is what Gwen told me and she was given a one week ultimatum to provide the money else,she won't get to see her brother again."
" My goodness! Roy is a promising kid. He can't just be taken like he is done kind of collateral," Coach Greene sighed deeply. " How much are we talking about here?"
"Ten million dollars."
" Ten what?! That's too much!!!"
" Gwen and I are ...we are just trying to find a way around this. We tried asking people to help us protest but they are all scared of Mr Carnegie. Sheriff Rolland even asked that we do not try suing Mr Carnegie else we loose our chance of ever seeing Roy again".
" This is so sad. I even saw keystone at the bar yesterday."
" That man doesn't care if his son is being sent to hell for his sake. As long as he is not the one in prison, doesn't mean anything to him."
" So what do you intend on doing? How can I help?"
" I came here because Gwen asked me to tell you to speak to Mr Carnegie on our behalf."
Greene burst into laughter as he stared at her in disbelief. " I should speak to Mr Carnegie?"
" He is your uncle. Your mother's step brother. He might listen to you."
" Look Joanne, I haven't spoken to my uncle for about six years now and since I came back to town,he has never for once pull up to come check up on me even after my mother's death. And you think he will open his arms and welcome me to his house and then let me free his chance of a ten million dollars?"
" I'm just asking that you give this a try."
" Joanne,my uncle loves his money than his step sister not to talk of me. He might have the cash and everything,but he always want more and I mean nothing will stand in his way especially not a relative he doesn't care about."
" Please, Greene. There is absolutely nothing wrong in trying."
" There is? Well I remember years ago I was on my knees asking you give us a try,that you give me a chance a chance in your life. What was your response?"
" This is not about us,Greene. This is about someone who matters to us both.And if I was the one who could give a shot at helping Roy,I would do it with my heart!" Joanne shouted as tears flowed down her cheeks." I know I did hurt you in the past but don't let that stand in the way of helping Roy. So if you don't want to help him and that's fine.It is not your responsibility.But remember you had the chance on taking one step to helping Roy."
And with that ,Joanne stood up to leave just as Coach Greene caught her hand.
"I will do it."
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