Page 23 of Isolation

“Then why did you come? Because I haven’t heard from you since—” My words came out sharp, and I took a small breath to soften my tone.

“Since my brother nearly died after what is being called a routine isolation drill. Since your husband mysteriously got the starting position. DeAndre would have been looked at by the NBA scouts that night.” Her voice remained level, but an undercurrent made the hair on my arms stand up.

I mirrored her stance and crossed my arms. “It was an accident. You know how physical the drills can get.”

“Do I? Because something isn’t adding up. There are too many motives that tell me otherwise.”

My jaw tightened. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying Mateo isn’t who you think he is. Someone saw something.”

I kept my face natural. “Saw what?”

Remi shrugged.

“That’s a hell of an accusation to make with no proof. Mateo was devastated about DeAndre, and the whole team was.” My hands were trembling, but my voice didn’t waver.

“I know your husband had the most to gain, and the look on your face tells me you’re scared. Tell the truth. Something in you is also saying things aren’t adding up.”

“You need to leave. Now.” I opened the door wide.

Remi nodded, as if I confirmed something for her. “They’re going to run more thorough toxicology screens now that DeAndre’s stable enough.”

“There’s nothing to find because nothing happened.” I was unsure if my voice’s conviction reached my core where doubt had taken root.

“For yours and your son’s sake, I hope that’s true. However, if not, you should be ready because it will burn everything down when it comes out… including you if you’re standing too close!”

I closed the door after her and turned the deadbolt. I stood there momentarily with my head on the cool metal just breathing.

It couldn’t be true, but how could I overlook the seed Remi planted? I thought about the strange calls, late nights, and deleted texts. I looked at the clock. It was time to pick Mason up from school. I ran my hands down my body as if that would help me compose myself.

I grippedthe steering wheel tightly as Remi’s words ricocheted through my mind. Her accusations were cruel and absurd. The Mateo I knew wouldn’t hurt a fly much less sabotage a teammate. Yet, the seeds she planted had me asking questions. I force myself to relax. I didn’t want Mason to see me like this. That boy caught everything—a trait I’m sure he got from me.

The dismissal bell rang, and the kids came pouring out of the building. The kindergarten teacher and her aide assisted the younger kids into the cars to keep the line moving. I spotted Mason immediately with his bright blue backpack. His stride already mimicked Mateo’s confident gait. My heart squeezed at the sight. He loved his daddy so much. He damn near worshiped the ground he walked on. Mason’s face lit up when he saw the car. He pulled the teacher’s aide to the car, yanked the door open, and launched himself inside.

“Mommy, I made a three-pointer at recess just how Daddy showed me!”

The teacher’s aide snapped his seatbelt and gave me the thumbs up before closing my door.

“That’s amazing, baby. Did everyone see?”

“Yeah, even Mrs. Elise! She said I might even be better than Daddy one day.”

I giggled as I looked into the rearview mirror and all around the car to make sure it was clear before I pulled out.

“You’ll have to tell him tonight. He might want a rematch to defend his title.”

“Uh huh, and I’m ready. I’ve been practicing up on my follow through,” Mason declared.

“I bet.” I listened halfheartedly to Mason as I concentrated on the traffic. He went on and on about the playground politics of who did what—normal kindergarten stuff.

“Did you hear me, Mommy?”

“Of course, baby. You said Joseph took your pudding cup?”

“No. That was yesterday.” He sighed dramatically.

When we pulled into the driveway, I was surprised to see Mateo’s Audi already parked there. He wasn’t due home until after six on practice days.

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