Quarterback Queen by Gary Whitmore - HTML preview

Chapter 16

 

Half time was over and the Panthers ran back out to the field and this was the first time their fans didn’t cheer.  In fact, most of the fans booed the Panthers even though Rocky was with them.  It appears that some of the fans placed bets that the Panthers would win and now believe they will lose their precious cash.

Coach Kennedy moped out to the field and over to the benches.

“Welcome back to the second half of the slaughter feast of the Panthers. The score is the Midville Bears 21 and the Panthers zero,” the announcer said from the loud speakers.  “The Panthers are now coming back to the field.  Wait, I see that Rocky Malone is showing up for the second half of the game. Lord only knows what will happen next with his performance at the practice game,” the announcer said from the loud speakers.

Up in the stadium, Sal noticed Rocky was with the team.

“Looks like our quarterback queen is back,” Sal said then he got a huge grin.  “This is a sure fire win,” he added without any concerns of Rocky saving the day.

The Panthers were on the field, and received the kickoff.

They got stopped on the 35 yard line.

The Panthers got in a huddle.

“Let's get this game back on our side,” Rocky told his teammates.

“Are you, you know?” Kenny asked curiously

“That doesn’t have any bearing on this game. We can win and we will win,” Rocky replied with a confident tone.

Rocky gave them their play, which included Stefon.  Many of the Panthers were unsure of Stefon’s ability but Rocky told them that he’s the Captain of the team and he’ll call the shots.

The huddle broke up and everybody got into position.

Jakes snapped the ball and Rocky moved backwards while the other Panthers performed their jobs.

Then he saw Stefon open down the field.  He threw the ball just in the nick of time, as some Bears tackled him.

Some of the Panthers saw the ball soaring to Stefon and knew this was a bad mistake.

To their surprise, Stefon caught the ball on the 45 yard line and ran like hell toward the goal line. 

Two Bears chased after him, but Stefon picked up speed.

They chased after Stefon and gained ground.

The crowd in the stadium stood up in disbelief at the Panthers finally making a promising play.

Then to everybody’s surprise, Stefon made it across the goal line with the two Bear players a foot away from his heels.

The stadium erupted in a loud cheer.

Sal looked pissed.

Ernie shrunk lower into his seat feeling a little nervous.

The field goal was successful and the score was now, Bears 21 and the Panthers seven.

The rest of the third quarter ended with the score being, Bears 21 and Panthers 14.

Up in the stadium, Sal was showing grave concern that the Panthers would win.  He leaned across Mitch and glared Ernie in his eyes.  “You better hope this gets reversed,” he said in a threatened tone.

Ernie swallowed hard and started to ponder how he could slip away with his life.

The fourth quarter started and during the first play, Rocky saw an opening and he decided to run with the ball.  He sprinted 63 yards for a touchdown.

The crowd in the stadium went wild.

Up in the stadium, Sal fumed and Ernie as getting scared.

Coach Kennedy did a little victory dance by the benches.

The score was now tied.

The fourth quarter continued and the Bears made another touchdown, and the score was now Bears 27 and Panthers 21.

Coach Kennedy kicked one of the water coolers over while he stormed up and down the line.

Another play and Rocky threw the ball to another Panther at the 42 yard line.  

He caught the pass and made a dash to the goal line with three Bears after him.

He was tackled at the goal line but it was soon determined that when he hit the ground, the ball was across the goal line.  Touchdown!

The crowd in the stadium went wild except for Sal, Johnny, Ernie, Cecil and Mitch.

Coach Kennedy did a dorky victory dance down the line.

The score was tied with Bears 27 and Panthers 27.

Five minutes later, and the Bears made another touchdown but the field goal went sour.  Score was Bears 33 and Panthers 27.

The crowd in the stadium booed the Panthers.

Sal felt a little better, but Ernie still pondered if he should bolt from his seat now.

Then the score remained the same while the clock was running out.

There was one minute left, and the Panthers were at the 32 yard line.

The ball was hiked, and Rocky ran back.  A Bears play broke lose and charged after Rocky.  He was able to dodge him and ran to the right.  Another Bears player charged after Rocky and he ran to the left.  It looked hopeless while four Bears charged after Rocky.  Then his eyes lit up, and he threw the ball long.

Stefon was at the 20 yard line, and he had three Bears charging after him.  He ran toward the goal line, and he caught the pass and sprinted to the goal.   The three Bears were hot on his heels. 

He made it across the goal line just as one of the players tackled him.  Touchdown!

The crowd in the stadium jumped up from their seats and they erupted into cheers.

The marching band again played the University of Michigan Hail to the Victors flight song.

On the sidelines, Coach Kennedy jumped up and down with extreme joy with his pot belly shaking up and down.  He was so happy that the grabbed a nearby Panther player standing next to him, and kissed the kid on his lips.  The player stood there in shock.  The surrounding players instantly moved away fearful of being kissed by the Coach.

Up in the stadium, Sal looked at Ernie and made an “I’m going to slice your throat” motion with his index finger.  “You’re dead meat,” he mouthed to Ernie.  He motioned to Johnny and they got up from their seats.

Johnny patted his pocket to let them know that he was packing.

Ernie looked at Cecil who discreetly nodded in agreement.  Ernie and Cecil slowly stood up then they jumped over the backs of their seats.

They bolted through the crowd in the row behind them.

Johnny started to go after them but Sal grabbed his arm.  “He won’t get far,” he said then looked at Mitch who looked like he was going to piss his pants.

“Looks like your so called pal left you stranded.  You better come with us.  I’m going to put you to work at my bar for free until get my money back from that turd.  So if he doesn’t pay up soon, you’ll be working for me for free for the rest of your life,” Sal told Mitch.

Mitch got up and walked down the steps along with Sal and Johnny.

On the field, the Panthers and Bears shook hands then they both headed off to their locker rooms.

“Ladies and gentlemen.  Rocky Malone has done it again.  He has pulled off another miracle and the Panthers have won the State Championship.  So that practice game was just a college prank as stated by Coach Kennedy.  It also looks like we have some hidden talent within the Panthers. Stefon Jackson made his debut tonight and what a great player. We hope to see more of him next year,” the announcer said from the loud speakers.

Outside the stadium in the south parking lot was crowded with people walking to their cars and all they can talk about is the game.

Cecil and Ernie run through the crowd scared to death.

Sadie drove her Vespa looking for a place to park.  She came up empty handed on trying to find Mindy and Red.

Cecil and Ernie ran through the lot to his Caddy and didn’t notice the two Bellwood police cars parked behind each other in the lane down from his car.

Professor Ruby, Mindy and Red sat in the backseat of the police car and watched the people while they walked to their cars.  Officer Andy was behind the wheel and his partner Dennis sat in the passenger seat.

Then Mindy’s eyes lit up when she saw Cecil and Ernie while they ran up to his Caddy.  “There they are!” she cried out.

“Stay here,” Andy told them while he and Dennis opened up their doors. 

Cecil and Ernie quickly got inside his Caddy.  He tried to start it up but it wouldn’t.  Then there was a tap on Cecil’s window, and he jumped a mile thinking it was Sal.  He slowly glanced over at his window and saw it was a police officer,  Andy, and he felt relieved.  “He saw the damage from the accident,” he told Ernie then he opened up his door a little.  “Yes officer, I can explain the damage to my car,” Cecil said.

Dennis stood by Ernie’s car door.

“Would the both of you please step outside,” Andy said with a tone of authority. 

Cecil and Ernie got out of his car.

“I know officer.  I shouldn’t have left the scene of the accident, but I was in a hurry to get to the game.  I hope you heard that the Panthers won,” Cecil said to smooth things over.

Andy and Dennis escorted Cecil and Andy over to the other police car and placed them in the backseat. 

Andy and Dennis walked away.

From the backseat, Cecil and Ernie looked a little relieved.  “This should help save us from Sal,” Cecil told Ernie.  “We’ll be out of the station in an hour and then we can head over to a buddy’s home.  We can hide out there for a while then make plans to get the hell away from Bellwood,” he added.

Cecil looked out his window and his eyes widened in shock.  “Oh shit!” he said the second he saw Professor Ruby, Mindy and Red standing outside the car with officers Andy and Dennis. 

“What?” Ernie replied.

Cecil pointed at his window and Ernie’s eyes widened with fear when he saw the trio.  “We’re dead meat,” he said.

Andy opened up Cecil’s door and Dennis opened up Ernie’s door.  They got the two guys outside the car.

“That’s the two that kidnapped up and held us hostage in his basement,” Mindy said while she pointed at Cecil.

“You have the right to remain silent.  Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.  You have the right to an attorney.  If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you.  Do you understand these rights as they have been read to you?” Andy read Cecil his rights.

Dennis read Ernie this right then placed them back into the police car.

“Are you sure you can get a ride home?” Professor Ruby said while he got in the back of the other police car.

“Yeah,” Red replied.

“We’ll be in touch soon,” Andy told them while he and Dennis got in their car.

Mindy and Red watched while Cecil and Ernie were driven away.

Near the stadium, Sadie couldn’t find a parking spot so she parked her Vespa by the locker room door, and she waited.

The locker room door opened and Rocky and Stefon walked outside.

Jake saw Sadie and ran up to her and gave her a hug.

“Did you find them?” he asked.

“No.  I don’t have a clue where they could be,” she answered with a worried look.

Then Rocky’s eyes widened when he saw Mindy and Red walking toward them from the lot.  “Mindy!” he cried out in joy.

Mindy and Red saw Rocky.

She ran over to him.

“I wonder?” Red said while he walked over.

Mindy immediately gave Rocky a big hug, and then she looked up at him.  “Are you?” she asked afraid of the answer.

“No.  I’m back to normal,” he replied.

Red, Stefon, Sadie and Jake walked away to give them some privacy.

“Where have you been?  I've been worried sick,” he said.

“Ernie Sobers, Mitch Bowman and two sleaze balls kidnapped us,” she answered.

‘Why would they kidnap you?” Rocky asked a little upset.

“It appears that Ernie set you up with that Witches Brew so you would turn gay. That Steelers scout was his Uncle, and they wanted you to play lousy in the Championship game so they bet on the Bears,” she said.

“Where are they now?” Rocky replied pissed.

“They were just arrested for kidnapping,” she said.

“Good,” he replied then he thought about the past few days and what he learned.  “Listen, there’s something else,” he said then planted a kiss on her lips.  “Have I told you that I truly love you?” he said with a loving smile.

“Only just before we get naked and have sex,” she responded.

Then the locker room door opened, and Steve Booker, a 43-year-old scout for the Pittsburgh Steelers walked outside.  He looked around and his eyes lit up when he saw Rocky with Mindy.

“Rocky, I'm Steve Booker from the Pittsburgh Steelers. I would like to talk with you about a contract,” Steve said while he walked over and extended out his hand.

“This doesn't involve meeting you at some strange gay bar, does it?” Rocky replied.

“Ah, no,” Steve said and looked perplexed.  “I was thinking of you coming to our Pittsburgh office,” he added then handed Rocky his business card.

Rocky looked at the card and smile.  “I would love to come to the Steelers.  And by the way, I’m no longer going by the name of Rocky.  My real first name is Bobby,” he said.

“Okay Bobby.  Call me in a few days and I’ll make the arrangements,” Steve said then walked back to the locker room door.

“I do have one small favor,” Bobby said.

“What's that?” Steve said while he turned around.

“See that guy over there in uniform without a number or name?” Bobby said.

Steve looked and saw Stefon with Red, Sadie and Jake.

“Keep an eye on him.  He'll be ready for the NFL in another year,” Bobby said.

“I know. I was also watching him during the game,” Steve said.

“His name is Stefon Jackson and don’t forget it,” Bobby added.

“I won’t,” Steve said then opened up the locker room door and went inside.

Rocky glanced at Mindy, and got a warm smile on his face.  “Well, since I'll be working for he NFL, it looks like I can now afford a beautiful wife,” he said as a way of proposing.

It took a few seconds for it to dawn on Mindy, and then it hit her like a ton of bricks.  “Yes!” she cried out in joy then hugged Bobby.

Mindy broke away from Bobby and looked over at Stefon, Red, Jake and Sadie.

“We’re going to be married,” she called out.

Red, Sadie, Jake and Stefon rushed over.

“I’m happy for you,” Stefon replied.

“I'm glad to see your back to your same old self,” Red said.

“Well, I’m not the same and never want to return to my old ways,” Bobby said while he looked at Stefon.  “And I owe you an apology for my behavior in the past,” he said to Stefon and stuck out hand.

Stefon shook Bobby’s hand accepting is apology. “Forgive and forget.  That’s my motto,” Stefon added.

Red looked surprised with Bobby’s behavior.

Rocky gave Stefon a friendly hug.

“I'm going to talk with Coach Kennedy and tell him to make sure you play next year.  And as an added bonus, I told that Steelers scout to be on the lookout for you.  I would love to have you on my team,” Bobby said.

Stefon smiled.  “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

“Red, watch out for this guy, he's going to give you a run for your money next season,” Rocky said.

“Rocky, it will be a pleasure having him on the team, Red replied.

“By the way, I’m going by my real name of Bobby for now on.  Rocky was a thing of the past,” he told everybody who accepted the name change.

“Let’s go change and shower, then we’ll meet at Sam’s to celebrate,” Jake offered.

Everybody nodded in agreement.

Bobby, Jake and Red went back inside the locker room.

Mindy, Stefon and Sadie waited.

Meanwhile, back at the Italian Stallion, Sal sat on a bar stool at his bar and was pissed while he ate a Calzone.  Johnny was behind the bar and Mitch had an apron around his waist while he bussed the tables for free.

Then the front door opened and four Bellwood police officers entered the bar.

Sal looked at them.  “Good evening officers, have a seat and we’ll be right with you,” he said then took a bite of Calzone.

“Are you Sal Bonaducie?” one of the officers asked.

“Yes, owner of this fine establishment,” Sal said then took a sip of red wine.

The officer walked up to Sal.  “We have a warrant for your arrest for the kidnapping of Carl Maple and Mindy Stanford,” the officer said then removed his handcuffs.

Sal knew it was pointless to try and resist so he got off the bar stool.

“You have the right to remain silent.  Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.  You have the right to an attorney.  If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you.  Do you understand these rights as they have been read to you?” the officer read Sal his rights then handcuffed.

Two of the other officers walked over behind the bar and headed to Johnny.

Johnny knew that he was going to be arrested next for kidnapping.

Two hours later, Red, Jake, Sadie, Stefon, Mindy and Bobby left Sam’s Sports Bar.

Stefon went back to his dorm alone and missed Bobby.

Red went back to his dorm alone.

Jake and Sadie went to her dorm room to spend the night. 

Bobby and Mindy went back to his dorm room holding hands.

They stopped at his dorm room door and kissed.

He unlocked the door and they went inside.

He turned on his room lights.  Bobby’s eyes widened in shock the second he saw how he previously decorated his dorm room with Stefon.   “Oh my God! What have I done?” he said in shock, as he forgot what he did.

“I love it,” Mindy said while she ran over and jumped on the fancy bed.  She patted the cover for him to come to bed.

Bobby turned off the lights then walked over to Mindy.  He sat on the bed where they kissed.