Page 76 of Risky Match
“I made a mistake letting myself believe there might be a chance for us when this is all over. Apparently, I was wrong. I can’t think about that now.”
“Don’t give up yet. I suspect he’s lashing out at everyone. After you came up to your room, Blake stormed off to his room. The rest of us stayed in the kitchen to chat. Josh shared that Blake was a pain in the arse the whole ride back from the hospital. I don’t think it has anything to do with you or even Fausto. He’s mad at the universe. He’ll calm down by morning.”
“If I weren’t on a covert mission, I’d tell him that I’m fed up with his selfishness, and then I’d move out of the house tonight. But I can’t. I’m stuck. Even worse, now I have to beg him to play our match in two days. If I can’t convince him, it will compromise the mission.”
I don’t share that if he leaves Wimbledon now, we’ll lose the opportunity to learn whether he’s involved in the smuggling, and I’m still holding onto the hope that he could be innocent.
“I suspected as much. How are you going to talk him into playing?”
“Didn’t you know I’m a magician? Just call meBri the Brilliant.”
“Huh?”
“Never mind. I’m going to talk to him now.”
“Don’t you want to give him more time to cool off?
“I’ve got to deal with him now. Wish me luck.”
“You’ve got this.”
I cross the hall to Blake’s room. I hesitate. Should I knock? If I do, he might turn me away. I can’t risk that. I knock and simultaneously turn the doorknob.
The room is pitch black. As my eyes adjust, I spot a human-shaped lump splayed across the bed.
I listen carefully, trying to detect his breathing pattern. If he’s sleeping, I’ll come back later. Fortunately, his breathing isn’t that regular, so I quietly venture closer to his bed.
He’s lying on his stomach unable to see it’s me, but he’s not asleep.
I whisper, “Blake, I’d like to talk.”
“Not now,” he grunts.
With him just home from the hospital, the timing is terrible, but I must have this conversation now. Otherwise, the mission will be at risk. In what I hope is a conciliatory tone, I say, “I’m truly sorry, but this can’t wait.”
“Say what you must and then leave. I need rest.”
“First, I can’t let you ruin Fausto’s reputation. We all ate the food he prepared. He didn’t poison you. When you’re feeling better, please apologize to him. Will you do that?”
“Ugh. He doesn’t speak English, so he doesn’t know what I said.”
“Whether someone could understand you isn’t the issue. You unfairly slandered him in front of others. Besides, anyone would have understood the gist of your rant. It’s important to his reputation and to me that you let everyone know it wasn’t Fausto’s fault. I’ll be happy to translate an apology for you. He doesn’t deserve to be treated that way.”
“Fine. Now leave.”
“I’ll leave, but I need to clear up one more thing. I know your dream has been delayed again. You’ll have another chance next year. On the other hand, I probably won’t. I’m asking you to stay here and play our second-round doubles match in two days. Your doctor said you’re able to play, so you don’t have a real excuse to quit. In addition, it would mean the world to me.”
“I almost died. Someone poisoned me. Why would I put myself in danger again?”
“It was probably an accident. Why would anyone want to harm you?”
I can’t share that he was likely poisoned on purpose. Besides, it wouldn’t do him any good to know that. While I feel guilty lying to him, I have no choice. There’s too much at stake.
“Maybe they wanted to make sure I didn’t win.”
“It’s hard to believe one of your competitors attempted to kill you merely to keep you from winning. Even if that were true, then you’re safe now. They would want you out of singles, not our matches. No one pays nearly as much attention to doubles, much less mixed doubles.”
“You’ve played here now. It’s not as if we had a chance of winning. As you said, I’m not an experienced doubles player.”
