Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ All Star Dreams (Ver. 3) ❯ Chapter Thirty Four ( Chapter 34 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: bekka_mouri_hibiki 
Robert and Betty get back home. Branslav calls to talk to Betty before the game.
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sports / Romance / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 05.29.2009 | Pages: 8 | Words: 4.1K | Visits: 172 | Status: Completed
Robert and Betty get back home. Branslav calls to talk to Betty before the game.
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sports / Romance / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 05.29.2009 | Pages: 8 | Words: 4.1K | Visits: 172 | Status: Completed
All-Star Dreams: Chapter Thirty-Four
By Bekka Mouri-Hibiki
© Bekka Mouri-Hibiki 2007
Robert walked behind Betty as she crutched up the path to her house slowly. After being out for about five hours, she said she was tired and wanted to go home. Robert had been afraid she wouldn't make it that long but she had. He figured it was because they had taken it easy the entire time, opting to take in a movie then grab dinner at place Robert used to frequent with Branslav.
The time had flown by as they talked, finding they had so much in common it was almost shocking. He already knew they shared some of the same interests but it seemed there was no end to how many things they shared. He wondered where she had been all of his life but decided the time they had met had been right.
Betty stopped at the door and glanced over her shoulder to look at Robert. Her heart jumped every time she looked at him, her skin tingling with the memory of his hands on her body and his lips on hers. He had wanted to spend as much time with her as he could before he left and she wanted the same. She tried not to think about how lonely she would be after he left to go back to Taos.
Robert noticed Betty was looking at him and smiled. Her cheeks colored slightly and she returned the smile. He wondered what she had been thinking about so he figured he ask her. “ What's on your mind baby? “ He smiled again when the blush on her cheeks got a little deeper.
Betty looked at the ground and decided to tell him the truth, “ How much I'm going to miss you when you leave. “
Robert looked at the ground too, knowing that he would miss her too. “ I'll be back Saturday. “
“ I know but then you'll leave again, “ Betty said. “ And we won't get to spend that much time together because you've got to play. “
“ That's true, “ Robert frowned. He walked over to her, putting his hand under her chin and tilting her head up so she was facing him. “ But don't be sad. I already told you we'll get together as much as our schedules allow. “
Betty caught her breath when he kissed her on the lips. She then returned it, her hands going to his waist as she tried to keep her crutches under her arms. She lost the battle when they fell to the ground. Robert slid his arms around her, pulling her tight against him when he felt her start to lose her balance.
Her arms went around him for support as she tried to match his impassioned kisses. He pulled away for air so she leaned her head on his shoulder, panting for air herself. He leaned down, kissing her neck before whispering, “ I wish I didn't have to leave Thursday. I want to stay here with you. “
“ Really? " Betty asked. She wanted him to stay. She had always dreamed of finding someone who would want her but she never thought it would happen as fast as it happened with them. Whatever they had, love or lust, it was undeniably powerful.
“ Yeah. There so much I still want to do with you and not a lot of time to do it in, “ Robert whispered against her neck. He could feel her heart racing beneath his lips when they brushed against her skin.
" There's still a lot I want to do with you too, " Betty whispered.
Robert couldn't help but smile at that. He was glad that Betty was as eager to be with him as he was to be with her. His problems seemed a million miles away when he was with her and he didn't know if he'd be strong enough to face them when he left. He hoped he would be but only time would tell if he would be.
Robert then frowned when he felt her starting to tremble. “ Are you okay? “ He asked. He was afraid she was getting shaky from being tired.
Betty nodded, “ Yes. Just hold me for a little longer, okay? “
“ Okay, “ Robert murmured and kissed her neck. He held her until the cold started to get to him. “ Let's get inside baby. You're about to shake to pieces and it's getting cold. “
“ Alright, “ Betty nodded. She had to admit she was trembling quite a bit. She was tired from going out but didn't want to waste a moment that she could spend with Robert.
Robert slowly eased Betty back onto her feet. He looked down at her crutches then at her. He sighed, “ Let me get you inside then I'll get those. “
“ Okay, “ Betty whispered. Her head was still swimming from the combination of Robert's powerful kiss and the scare she got from almost falling when she dropped her crutches. Her heart was pounding in her head as well, her body thrumming with anticipation of the things Robert's kiss and words promised.
Robert eased her around to his right side so he was supporting her left. She leaned heavily on him as he slid his right arm around her waist. She put her left arm around his shoulders and he gave her a moment to get her balance set. “ Ready? “ He asked.
“ Yeah, “ Betty nodded. Robert started walking slowly and she moved with him. When they got to the steps that led up the porch, they cleared them perfectly. Robert got the key for the door out of his front pocket after he opened the screen. He pushed open once it was unlocked and they went inside.
He let Betty down in a chair next to the door so he could take off his jacket. He hung it on one of the hooks in the hallway then took Betty's after she pulled it off. He hung it next his and took a moment to let her catch her breath. He watched as she leaned her head back, shutting her eyes as she tried to catch her breath.
“ Do you want to stay in the living room or go to the bedroom? “ Robert asked after he let her rest for a bit. He wanted to take her to the bedroom but he wasn't for sure if she could make it all the way there she looked so exhausted.
“ The bedroom, “ Betty replied.
Robert nodded and helped her back to her feet, “ Then the bedroom it is. “
They went across the living room, Robert stopping when he heard the telephone ring. “ Damn it, “ Betty muttered.
“ Do you think I should answer it? “ Robert asked.
“ Let the machine get it, “ Betty sighed. “ I can call them back later, whoever it is. “
Robert nodded then continued on to the bedroom. He helped Betty in the door and over to the bed, turning and helping her sit down. He smiled once they were down, “ What now? “
“ What did you have in mind? “ Betty asked.
Robert smirked, “ A lot of things. “
“ I do too, “ Betty said.
Robert chuckled at that, “ So you did think about it. “
“ I couldn't help but to after what you said this morning, “ Betty blushed.
“ I meant it, “ Robert murmured as he turned her so they were facing each other. He kissed her, reaching into his right back pocket with his right hand. He smiled a little when he found what he was feeling for then pulled away for air, closing his fist around the packet.
Betty watched as Robert sat back, her lips pulsing from the heated kiss. She wondered what Robert had in mind next, willing to go along with anything he wanted to do. She furrowed her brow when he stood up. He smiled and set something on the bedside table, a surge of heat running through her when she saw the packet.
" You really were prepared for anything, " Betty smiled.
“ I always am, “ Robert said. He quirked his mouth as he looked into her eyes “ Let me help you get undressed. “
“ Can I undress you too? “ Betty asked quietly. She wasn't for sure how much she could do but she at least wanted to take his shirt off.
“ Sure, “ Robert smiled. She sounded so shy when she asked, it tugged at his heart. There were so many things he wanted to show her, to teach her but not until she was ready. He knew he had to take great care with her because of her inexperience.
He liked to think of himself as an unselfish and kind lover, something that was totally lost on Pauline. She didn't like him taking his time, forcing him to abandon his ways for quick and unsatisfying encounters. When she stopped sleeping with him altogether, he viewed it as a blessing and a curse.
It was a blessing because he didn't have to deal with her selfish ways any more but a curse because he had needs he couldn't fulfill on his own. He wasn't going to throw everything away on a fling when he thought Pauline was still true to him though. He had desperately wanted things to work out until he discovered her infidelity.
He felt cheated, foolish and used once he found out the truth. He knew he probably would have fallen to pieces if it hadn't been for Betty. He dared not to think of what could have happened if she hadn't been there for him to talk to. Although they hadn't known each other that long, he felt like he had always known her and was one of the few things keeping him sane if not the only thing.
Robert sat back down next to Betty, his hands going to her waist as he took her lips in another kiss. He gathered the hem of her shirt in his fingers, slowly moving it up as Betty slid her hands under his shirt. He smiled against her mouth as she ran her fingers over his skin slowly. He pulled back, looking at her. “ Put your arms up for a second. “
Betty took her hands out of his shirt and lifted her arms, letting Robert pull her shirt off. He folded it in half and threw it towards the television. He watched as Betty put her hands on the hem of his shirt and looked at him shyly. He gave her a gentle smile as he put his arms up, “ Go ahead. “
Betty started to pull the shirt off when she heard something buzzing. “ Is that your phone? “
Robert rolled his eyes as he put his arms back down, “ Damn it. Yeah. I turned the ringer off when we were at the movies. “
“ Maybe you should answer it, “ Betty said. “ With everything that's going on... “
“ Yeah, “ Robert sighed and got his phone out. He hoped it wasn't Pauline and reminded himself silently to get the number changed if it was. He had been too busy with Betty to even think about it while they were out.
**
Branslav drummed his fingers on the back of the bus as he listened to Robert's phone ring. It had rang four times and he was about to hang up when Robert finally answered it. “ What took you so long? “ He snapped.
“ I'm busy taking care of Betty, “ Robert returned Branslav's tone. “ What is it? “
“ Can I talk to Betty? “ Branslav said. " I just want to talk to her before I go play. "
Robert sighed, “ Let me ask. “
Branslav listened as Robert asked Betty if she wanted to talk to him and as he handed off the phone to her. “ Yes? “ Betty asked when she got on the line.
“ I just wanted to hear your voice and find out if you're okay, “ Branslav said. “ How did today go? “
“ It went alright. Robert and I stayed out for a good long while before I got tired. He was just putting me to bed when you called, “ Betty sounded weary.
“ Oh. Um, “ Branslav ran a hand through his hair. “ Do you think you'll be able to watch the game tonight? Even just a little bit? “
“ I don't know, “ Betty sighed. “ You know I have that thing in the morning. “
“ Then have Robert record it, “ Branslav said. “ I want you to see me win this one too. “
Betty sighed again, “ I'll ask him, okay? “
“ Okay, “ Branslav said quietly. He then put the phone as close to his mouth as he could get it so he could whisper, “ I miss you. I wish I could see you. “
“ You can watch me on TV tomorrow, “ Betty offered.
“ I don't know if I'll be able to see it though, “ Branslav muttered.
Betty paused then said, “ I'll record it and give it to you when I see you Saturday. Hold on until then. “
“ Okay, “ Branslav sighed. “ But it seems so far away. “
“ It'll be here before you know it, “ Betty's voice had a hint of sadness to it.
“ It still seems like forever, “ Branslav muttered. “ When I see you, I want to hug you. Is it okay if I do that? “
Betty paused again then sighed, “ You always hug me too tight. “
“ I'll try not to, “ Branslav told her.
“ Maybe then, “ Betty replied. She then yawned, “ I really would like to get to sleep now. “
“ Oh, “ Branslav said. “ Okay. Give the phone back to Robert. “
Branslav waited as Betty handed the phone back to Robert. “ Happy? “ Robert asked.
“ Don't use that tone with me in front of Betty, “ Branslav growled. “ Record the game for her tonight. “
“ Don't tell me what to do, “ Robert shot back. “ I'll figure out how to set the timer because she's probably going to be sleeping then. “
“ Do whatever you need to do. I want her to see us win tonight, “ Branslav tried to keep his temper even.
Robert sighed, “ I said I'll see what I can do. Now, I need to finish putting Betty to bed. “
“ Fine, “ Branslav said and snapped the phone shut. He went to slam his fist against the back of the bus when he heard someone approaching from the left side, the arena side, of the bus. He darted around the right to find the cargo bay was still open.
He got inside and pulled the hatch down, the door shutting quietly. “ What do you mean the account is heavily encrypted? “ Martin shouted loud enough for Branslav to hear him through the wall of the bay. “ You had better find a way to crack the encryption then. I want this blackmailer tracked down and eliminated. “
“ Do you understand how much is on the line here? “ Martin continued to rant. “ I could lose everything and I might even go to jail for this. I don't care if that lady on TV didn't lose everything when she went to jail. I don't want to go at all. “
Branslav jumped when Martin hit the side of the bus, “ I have another call. Hold on... it's the blackmailer. Of course not you git. They have the number blocked and it doesn't show up on the caller ID. Wait, I didn't think of that. You get on that and I'll see what the scumbag wants. “
Branslav continued to listen as Martin switched over to the blackmailer, “ I have the transfer in the works. It should be in your account by Friday at the latest. Of course it's an offshore account. The money would be tied up for weeks otherwise. “
Martin took a sharp breath, “ Why I would never have someone try to hack into your account. Why would I do that? Oh, the bank called and told you someone tried to hack in. Well I can assure you it wasn't me. Of course I'm taking you seriously. “
Branslav pressed the light button on his watch, finding that the five minutes he asked Coach Sweet for were up. He had to practically beg Coach Sweet to let him leave the locker room for that long to check on Betty. He didn't tell Coach Sweet what it was for, he just said he had to make an urgent phone call. He silently prayed that Coach Sweet wouldn't come looking for him or he knew he would be toast.
He was pretty certain what Martin would have done to him if found out Branslav knew anything. It already sounded like Martin was planning on killing the blackmailer so it was pretty safe to guess Martin would do the same to him. He heard Martin snap his phone closed and his footsteps fading away from the bus. He pushed the cargo bay door open slowly, getting out carefully once he was sure he was gone. He crept around the side of the bus and looked towards the arena entrance, deciding it wouldn't be wise to use it so soon after Martin had.
He stole away into the parking lot, getting his phone out again. He knew it would look crazy but he had to make it appear he hadn't even been in the parking garage when Martin was there. He flipped the phone open and put it to his ear as he darted towards the furthest edge of the parking lot. He acted like he was talking as he paced back and forth, waiting for Coach Sweet to come looking for him.
He only had to wait a few minutes when he heard someone shout, “ KORBEL! I SAID FIVE MINUTES! NOT TEN! “
Branslav furrowed his brow in mock confusion as he looked towards the arena then looked at his watch. “ Oh damn. I have to go. I'll check on you later. “
Coach Sweet strode across the parking lot as Branslav snapped his phone closed, “ Get back inside. “
“ Okay, “ Branslav replied. Coach Sweet then snatched his phone away, “ Hey! “
Coach Sweet flipped the phone open and looked at the last number dialed. “ Oh. Your 'important' call was to White Bread? “
Branslav snatched the phone back, “ Not like it's any of your business but yes. I wanted to check on... “
“ Betty. Yes, yes. Well you just earned yourself three hundred practice free throws when we get to Carson City. You know the rules about calling girls during before a game, “ Coach Sweet said.
“ But I didn't call a girl, “ Branslav said. “ I called Robert. “
“ So you could talk to a girl, “ Coach Sweet said.
“ No! She was sleeping, “ Branslav lied.
Coach Sweet shook his head, “ Rules are rules. Now get int there for the shoot around. “
Branslav growled and slowly trudged back to the arena, hoping he had pulled off his ruse...
**
Robert lay next to Betty, watching he as she slept. After he had gotten off the phone with Branslav, he thought it would be better for her to rest after all. She apologized for being tired but he told her it wasn't her fault and said rest was more important. When he was certain she was deep asleep, he slipped out of the bed and headed back to the front of the house to get her crutches.
As he leaned down to pick it up, his cell phone started to vibrate again. He got his phone out and looked at the caller ID, frowning when he didn't recognize the number. There was a good chance it was Pauline again but there was a slim one that it was Mr. Reiss. He crossed his fingers and answered, “ Hughes. “
“ I figured you'd like to know this, “ Pauline started.
“ Damn it. It's you. When are you going to leave me alone? “ Robert tried not to shout.
“ I'll be off as soon as I tell you what I need to tell you, “ Pauline sounded like she was trying to keep her voice even as well.
“ Then tell me, “ Robert said.
Pauline took a deep breath, “ The investigators from the fire department say it was arson, “ Pauline said. “ Someone burned the house down, Robert. “
“ You mean on purpose? “ Robert furrowed his brow.
“ No. For shit and giggles. Of course on purpose, “ Pauline's tone was sharp. “ Do you know who could have done it? “
Robert arched an eyebrow, “ Why would anyone want to burn the house down? “
“ I don't know Robert. That's why I called you to see if maybe you pissed someone off, “ Pauline said.
Robert scoffed, “ Pissing people off is your department sweetheart. Maybe it was one of your other boyfriends, pissed off you were shacking up with Richard. “
“ Robert Ashley Hughes, “ Pauline said sharply. “ I'm trying to be serious here. “
“ So am I. I'm sure Richard isn't your only paramour, “ Robert said. “ You know, everyone warned me when I said I was going to marry you that a leopard can't change it's spots and a slut can't keep her legs closed. “
Pauline growled, “ Would you stop the name calling for ONE damn minute. I'm getting sick of it! “
“ Then get off my phone, “ Robert said. “ You said what you needed to say now hang up. “
“ Fine. I'll tell the police you don't have any idea either, “ Pauline said. “ Goodbye. “
Robert snapped the phone closed then grabbed the crutch. He walked back into the house, heading for Betty's phone. He picked it up and dialed the number for his phone's service provider...
By Bekka Mouri-Hibiki
© Bekka Mouri-Hibiki 2007
Robert walked behind Betty as she crutched up the path to her house slowly. After being out for about five hours, she said she was tired and wanted to go home. Robert had been afraid she wouldn't make it that long but she had. He figured it was because they had taken it easy the entire time, opting to take in a movie then grab dinner at place Robert used to frequent with Branslav.
The time had flown by as they talked, finding they had so much in common it was almost shocking. He already knew they shared some of the same interests but it seemed there was no end to how many things they shared. He wondered where she had been all of his life but decided the time they had met had been right.
Betty stopped at the door and glanced over her shoulder to look at Robert. Her heart jumped every time she looked at him, her skin tingling with the memory of his hands on her body and his lips on hers. He had wanted to spend as much time with her as he could before he left and she wanted the same. She tried not to think about how lonely she would be after he left to go back to Taos.
Robert noticed Betty was looking at him and smiled. Her cheeks colored slightly and she returned the smile. He wondered what she had been thinking about so he figured he ask her. “ What's on your mind baby? “ He smiled again when the blush on her cheeks got a little deeper.
Betty looked at the ground and decided to tell him the truth, “ How much I'm going to miss you when you leave. “
Robert looked at the ground too, knowing that he would miss her too. “ I'll be back Saturday. “
“ I know but then you'll leave again, “ Betty said. “ And we won't get to spend that much time together because you've got to play. “
“ That's true, “ Robert frowned. He walked over to her, putting his hand under her chin and tilting her head up so she was facing him. “ But don't be sad. I already told you we'll get together as much as our schedules allow. “
Betty caught her breath when he kissed her on the lips. She then returned it, her hands going to his waist as she tried to keep her crutches under her arms. She lost the battle when they fell to the ground. Robert slid his arms around her, pulling her tight against him when he felt her start to lose her balance.
Her arms went around him for support as she tried to match his impassioned kisses. He pulled away for air so she leaned her head on his shoulder, panting for air herself. He leaned down, kissing her neck before whispering, “ I wish I didn't have to leave Thursday. I want to stay here with you. “
“ Really? " Betty asked. She wanted him to stay. She had always dreamed of finding someone who would want her but she never thought it would happen as fast as it happened with them. Whatever they had, love or lust, it was undeniably powerful.
“ Yeah. There so much I still want to do with you and not a lot of time to do it in, “ Robert whispered against her neck. He could feel her heart racing beneath his lips when they brushed against her skin.
" There's still a lot I want to do with you too, " Betty whispered.
Robert couldn't help but smile at that. He was glad that Betty was as eager to be with him as he was to be with her. His problems seemed a million miles away when he was with her and he didn't know if he'd be strong enough to face them when he left. He hoped he would be but only time would tell if he would be.
Robert then frowned when he felt her starting to tremble. “ Are you okay? “ He asked. He was afraid she was getting shaky from being tired.
Betty nodded, “ Yes. Just hold me for a little longer, okay? “
“ Okay, “ Robert murmured and kissed her neck. He held her until the cold started to get to him. “ Let's get inside baby. You're about to shake to pieces and it's getting cold. “
“ Alright, “ Betty nodded. She had to admit she was trembling quite a bit. She was tired from going out but didn't want to waste a moment that she could spend with Robert.
Robert slowly eased Betty back onto her feet. He looked down at her crutches then at her. He sighed, “ Let me get you inside then I'll get those. “
“ Okay, “ Betty whispered. Her head was still swimming from the combination of Robert's powerful kiss and the scare she got from almost falling when she dropped her crutches. Her heart was pounding in her head as well, her body thrumming with anticipation of the things Robert's kiss and words promised.
Robert eased her around to his right side so he was supporting her left. She leaned heavily on him as he slid his right arm around her waist. She put her left arm around his shoulders and he gave her a moment to get her balance set. “ Ready? “ He asked.
“ Yeah, “ Betty nodded. Robert started walking slowly and she moved with him. When they got to the steps that led up the porch, they cleared them perfectly. Robert got the key for the door out of his front pocket after he opened the screen. He pushed open once it was unlocked and they went inside.
He let Betty down in a chair next to the door so he could take off his jacket. He hung it on one of the hooks in the hallway then took Betty's after she pulled it off. He hung it next his and took a moment to let her catch her breath. He watched as she leaned her head back, shutting her eyes as she tried to catch her breath.
“ Do you want to stay in the living room or go to the bedroom? “ Robert asked after he let her rest for a bit. He wanted to take her to the bedroom but he wasn't for sure if she could make it all the way there she looked so exhausted.
“ The bedroom, “ Betty replied.
Robert nodded and helped her back to her feet, “ Then the bedroom it is. “
They went across the living room, Robert stopping when he heard the telephone ring. “ Damn it, “ Betty muttered.
“ Do you think I should answer it? “ Robert asked.
“ Let the machine get it, “ Betty sighed. “ I can call them back later, whoever it is. “
Robert nodded then continued on to the bedroom. He helped Betty in the door and over to the bed, turning and helping her sit down. He smiled once they were down, “ What now? “
“ What did you have in mind? “ Betty asked.
Robert smirked, “ A lot of things. “
“ I do too, “ Betty said.
Robert chuckled at that, “ So you did think about it. “
“ I couldn't help but to after what you said this morning, “ Betty blushed.
“ I meant it, “ Robert murmured as he turned her so they were facing each other. He kissed her, reaching into his right back pocket with his right hand. He smiled a little when he found what he was feeling for then pulled away for air, closing his fist around the packet.
Betty watched as Robert sat back, her lips pulsing from the heated kiss. She wondered what Robert had in mind next, willing to go along with anything he wanted to do. She furrowed her brow when he stood up. He smiled and set something on the bedside table, a surge of heat running through her when she saw the packet.
" You really were prepared for anything, " Betty smiled.
“ I always am, “ Robert said. He quirked his mouth as he looked into her eyes “ Let me help you get undressed. “
“ Can I undress you too? “ Betty asked quietly. She wasn't for sure how much she could do but she at least wanted to take his shirt off.
“ Sure, “ Robert smiled. She sounded so shy when she asked, it tugged at his heart. There were so many things he wanted to show her, to teach her but not until she was ready. He knew he had to take great care with her because of her inexperience.
He liked to think of himself as an unselfish and kind lover, something that was totally lost on Pauline. She didn't like him taking his time, forcing him to abandon his ways for quick and unsatisfying encounters. When she stopped sleeping with him altogether, he viewed it as a blessing and a curse.
It was a blessing because he didn't have to deal with her selfish ways any more but a curse because he had needs he couldn't fulfill on his own. He wasn't going to throw everything away on a fling when he thought Pauline was still true to him though. He had desperately wanted things to work out until he discovered her infidelity.
He felt cheated, foolish and used once he found out the truth. He knew he probably would have fallen to pieces if it hadn't been for Betty. He dared not to think of what could have happened if she hadn't been there for him to talk to. Although they hadn't known each other that long, he felt like he had always known her and was one of the few things keeping him sane if not the only thing.
Robert sat back down next to Betty, his hands going to her waist as he took her lips in another kiss. He gathered the hem of her shirt in his fingers, slowly moving it up as Betty slid her hands under his shirt. He smiled against her mouth as she ran her fingers over his skin slowly. He pulled back, looking at her. “ Put your arms up for a second. “
Betty took her hands out of his shirt and lifted her arms, letting Robert pull her shirt off. He folded it in half and threw it towards the television. He watched as Betty put her hands on the hem of his shirt and looked at him shyly. He gave her a gentle smile as he put his arms up, “ Go ahead. “
Betty started to pull the shirt off when she heard something buzzing. “ Is that your phone? “
Robert rolled his eyes as he put his arms back down, “ Damn it. Yeah. I turned the ringer off when we were at the movies. “
“ Maybe you should answer it, “ Betty said. “ With everything that's going on... “
“ Yeah, “ Robert sighed and got his phone out. He hoped it wasn't Pauline and reminded himself silently to get the number changed if it was. He had been too busy with Betty to even think about it while they were out.
**
Branslav drummed his fingers on the back of the bus as he listened to Robert's phone ring. It had rang four times and he was about to hang up when Robert finally answered it. “ What took you so long? “ He snapped.
“ I'm busy taking care of Betty, “ Robert returned Branslav's tone. “ What is it? “
“ Can I talk to Betty? “ Branslav said. " I just want to talk to her before I go play. "
Robert sighed, “ Let me ask. “
Branslav listened as Robert asked Betty if she wanted to talk to him and as he handed off the phone to her. “ Yes? “ Betty asked when she got on the line.
“ I just wanted to hear your voice and find out if you're okay, “ Branslav said. “ How did today go? “
“ It went alright. Robert and I stayed out for a good long while before I got tired. He was just putting me to bed when you called, “ Betty sounded weary.
“ Oh. Um, “ Branslav ran a hand through his hair. “ Do you think you'll be able to watch the game tonight? Even just a little bit? “
“ I don't know, “ Betty sighed. “ You know I have that thing in the morning. “
“ Then have Robert record it, “ Branslav said. “ I want you to see me win this one too. “
Betty sighed again, “ I'll ask him, okay? “
“ Okay, “ Branslav said quietly. He then put the phone as close to his mouth as he could get it so he could whisper, “ I miss you. I wish I could see you. “
“ You can watch me on TV tomorrow, “ Betty offered.
“ I don't know if I'll be able to see it though, “ Branslav muttered.
Betty paused then said, “ I'll record it and give it to you when I see you Saturday. Hold on until then. “
“ Okay, “ Branslav sighed. “ But it seems so far away. “
“ It'll be here before you know it, “ Betty's voice had a hint of sadness to it.
“ It still seems like forever, “ Branslav muttered. “ When I see you, I want to hug you. Is it okay if I do that? “
Betty paused again then sighed, “ You always hug me too tight. “
“ I'll try not to, “ Branslav told her.
“ Maybe then, “ Betty replied. She then yawned, “ I really would like to get to sleep now. “
“ Oh, “ Branslav said. “ Okay. Give the phone back to Robert. “
Branslav waited as Betty handed the phone back to Robert. “ Happy? “ Robert asked.
“ Don't use that tone with me in front of Betty, “ Branslav growled. “ Record the game for her tonight. “
“ Don't tell me what to do, “ Robert shot back. “ I'll figure out how to set the timer because she's probably going to be sleeping then. “
“ Do whatever you need to do. I want her to see us win tonight, “ Branslav tried to keep his temper even.
Robert sighed, “ I said I'll see what I can do. Now, I need to finish putting Betty to bed. “
“ Fine, “ Branslav said and snapped the phone shut. He went to slam his fist against the back of the bus when he heard someone approaching from the left side, the arena side, of the bus. He darted around the right to find the cargo bay was still open.
He got inside and pulled the hatch down, the door shutting quietly. “ What do you mean the account is heavily encrypted? “ Martin shouted loud enough for Branslav to hear him through the wall of the bay. “ You had better find a way to crack the encryption then. I want this blackmailer tracked down and eliminated. “
“ Do you understand how much is on the line here? “ Martin continued to rant. “ I could lose everything and I might even go to jail for this. I don't care if that lady on TV didn't lose everything when she went to jail. I don't want to go at all. “
Branslav jumped when Martin hit the side of the bus, “ I have another call. Hold on... it's the blackmailer. Of course not you git. They have the number blocked and it doesn't show up on the caller ID. Wait, I didn't think of that. You get on that and I'll see what the scumbag wants. “
Branslav continued to listen as Martin switched over to the blackmailer, “ I have the transfer in the works. It should be in your account by Friday at the latest. Of course it's an offshore account. The money would be tied up for weeks otherwise. “
Martin took a sharp breath, “ Why I would never have someone try to hack into your account. Why would I do that? Oh, the bank called and told you someone tried to hack in. Well I can assure you it wasn't me. Of course I'm taking you seriously. “
Branslav pressed the light button on his watch, finding that the five minutes he asked Coach Sweet for were up. He had to practically beg Coach Sweet to let him leave the locker room for that long to check on Betty. He didn't tell Coach Sweet what it was for, he just said he had to make an urgent phone call. He silently prayed that Coach Sweet wouldn't come looking for him or he knew he would be toast.
He was pretty certain what Martin would have done to him if found out Branslav knew anything. It already sounded like Martin was planning on killing the blackmailer so it was pretty safe to guess Martin would do the same to him. He heard Martin snap his phone closed and his footsteps fading away from the bus. He pushed the cargo bay door open slowly, getting out carefully once he was sure he was gone. He crept around the side of the bus and looked towards the arena entrance, deciding it wouldn't be wise to use it so soon after Martin had.
He stole away into the parking lot, getting his phone out again. He knew it would look crazy but he had to make it appear he hadn't even been in the parking garage when Martin was there. He flipped the phone open and put it to his ear as he darted towards the furthest edge of the parking lot. He acted like he was talking as he paced back and forth, waiting for Coach Sweet to come looking for him.
He only had to wait a few minutes when he heard someone shout, “ KORBEL! I SAID FIVE MINUTES! NOT TEN! “
Branslav furrowed his brow in mock confusion as he looked towards the arena then looked at his watch. “ Oh damn. I have to go. I'll check on you later. “
Coach Sweet strode across the parking lot as Branslav snapped his phone closed, “ Get back inside. “
“ Okay, “ Branslav replied. Coach Sweet then snatched his phone away, “ Hey! “
Coach Sweet flipped the phone open and looked at the last number dialed. “ Oh. Your 'important' call was to White Bread? “
Branslav snatched the phone back, “ Not like it's any of your business but yes. I wanted to check on... “
“ Betty. Yes, yes. Well you just earned yourself three hundred practice free throws when we get to Carson City. You know the rules about calling girls during before a game, “ Coach Sweet said.
“ But I didn't call a girl, “ Branslav said. “ I called Robert. “
“ So you could talk to a girl, “ Coach Sweet said.
“ No! She was sleeping, “ Branslav lied.
Coach Sweet shook his head, “ Rules are rules. Now get int there for the shoot around. “
Branslav growled and slowly trudged back to the arena, hoping he had pulled off his ruse...
**
Robert lay next to Betty, watching he as she slept. After he had gotten off the phone with Branslav, he thought it would be better for her to rest after all. She apologized for being tired but he told her it wasn't her fault and said rest was more important. When he was certain she was deep asleep, he slipped out of the bed and headed back to the front of the house to get her crutches.
As he leaned down to pick it up, his cell phone started to vibrate again. He got his phone out and looked at the caller ID, frowning when he didn't recognize the number. There was a good chance it was Pauline again but there was a slim one that it was Mr. Reiss. He crossed his fingers and answered, “ Hughes. “
“ I figured you'd like to know this, “ Pauline started.
“ Damn it. It's you. When are you going to leave me alone? “ Robert tried not to shout.
“ I'll be off as soon as I tell you what I need to tell you, “ Pauline sounded like she was trying to keep her voice even as well.
“ Then tell me, “ Robert said.
Pauline took a deep breath, “ The investigators from the fire department say it was arson, “ Pauline said. “ Someone burned the house down, Robert. “
“ You mean on purpose? “ Robert furrowed his brow.
“ No. For shit and giggles. Of course on purpose, “ Pauline's tone was sharp. “ Do you know who could have done it? “
Robert arched an eyebrow, “ Why would anyone want to burn the house down? “
“ I don't know Robert. That's why I called you to see if maybe you pissed someone off, “ Pauline said.
Robert scoffed, “ Pissing people off is your department sweetheart. Maybe it was one of your other boyfriends, pissed off you were shacking up with Richard. “
“ Robert Ashley Hughes, “ Pauline said sharply. “ I'm trying to be serious here. “
“ So am I. I'm sure Richard isn't your only paramour, “ Robert said. “ You know, everyone warned me when I said I was going to marry you that a leopard can't change it's spots and a slut can't keep her legs closed. “
Pauline growled, “ Would you stop the name calling for ONE damn minute. I'm getting sick of it! “
“ Then get off my phone, “ Robert said. “ You said what you needed to say now hang up. “
“ Fine. I'll tell the police you don't have any idea either, “ Pauline said. “ Goodbye. “
Robert snapped the phone closed then grabbed the crutch. He walked back into the house, heading for Betty's phone. He picked it up and dialed the number for his phone's service provider...