CHAPTER EIGHT
Coach Able
“What the hell was that all about?” said Monson to Artorius in disbelief. After the scene with Kylie, Casey had beelined it to the nearest bathroom and was now letting out a steady stream of curses as he punched everything in sight. The other two left him alone and talked quietly at a distance.
“Those two have a history.”
“Yeah, I figured as much.” Monson looked towards Casey in the corner. “Do you know what happened?”
Artorius hesitated. “Yes, I do. To a point, at least.”
Monson continued to look at him, as if to say, “Well?”
He hesitated again. “I’m not sure….”
Monson stopped him. “You’re right. I should talk to Casey about this.” He berated himself inwardly. Trust had to be earned, not taken.
Artorius sighed sympathetically. “Don’t worry about it. It’s not even what you think. You’re our friend.”
Monson smiled, turning away as something caught in his throat.
Casey’s ranting interrupted his thoughts. Monson looked towards him. Maybe he would try the direct approach.
“Yo, Casey, what’s up with you and Kylie? Why all the bad blood?”
The bathroom went silent. Monson wondered if he had upset Casey.
“She’s evil,” echoed Casey’s voice from across the bathroom. “Totally and utterly evil. Enough said.” With this, Casey went back to his ranting.
Another ten minutes passed before, finally, Casey strode towards them out of breath and slightly red, but otherwise fine.
“Are we back to normal?” asked Artorius, calmly gazing at Casey. “Do you have it all out of your system?”
“Yeah, I’m good,” answered Casey, “though there are still these.” He held out a pair of sunglasses that Monson recognized as Kylie’s. “When’d you nick those?”
“’Nick’?” Casey’s face was slightly malicious, but his tone sounded playful. It was apparent he was quickly getting back to normal, or at least trying.
“Shut up,” said Monson.
Casey’s laugh sounded a bit forced, but he answered the question. “I caught them before I went for her. Now I just have to figure out what to do with them.” He lapsed into silent thought.
“Well,” said Monson questioningly. “What are you going to do with them?”
“Don’t know, but I’m pretty sure it’ll have something to do with a bird thrower and a shot gun.”
“Come on," said Artorius, checking his watch. “We’d better hurry or we ain’t gonna get no food. And who can think on an empty stomach?”
“I wasn’t aware you could think at all, Arthur,” said Casey with mock astonishment. “Wow, this certainly is a day of discovery!”
“How many times do I have to tell you? Don’t call me Arthur!”
Monson could only laugh as Casey and Artorius lapsed into wild banter. Yet his mind continued to race, mulling over what he witnessed between Kylie and Casey. Casey did not come out and say it, but whatever Kylie did to him, it was more than just a simple parting of the ways. Alas, he needed further information to form a proper conclusion. He would just have to pay attention to Casey over the next few days to see if he could glean more. With that thought, his attention shifted back to Casey and Artorius.