Chapter 15: Open Session

Stefan's POV

The school board met in the high school library, at a folding table under the poster about overdue books.

Five members sat behind it with name cards in front of them.

The president sat in the middle, a heavy man in a fleece vest who had played cards with Blaine Linwood every Thursday for ten years.

I sat in the front row with my contract on my knee and my bad leg out in the aisle.

Behind me the room was full.

I had not seen so many people in that library since the day they cut the bus routes.

Winona sat three rows back with Maxine beside her.

I didn't turn around, but I knew exactly where she was.

"Item four," the president said. "Review of the head coach's contract. We'll take comments from the public. Three minutes each."

Blaine was the first name on the sheet.

He walked to the podium in his navy jacket, his expression heavy and practiced.

"I'm here as a concerned parent and a sponsor of this program," he said.

"I've given this school six years of support."

"I take no pleasure in saying that Coach Ostrow has crossed a line."

The room got quiet.

"My wife and daughter moved out of our home during the season, and they live over his garage."

"I think a coach who houses a player's mother is a coach with a conflict."

"I think the board should ask what kind of example that sets for the girls."

He sat down to a few mutters.

Some of them were on his side.

I knew that, and I made myself keep still.

The president cleared his throat.

"Coach, you're welcome to respond."

I stood up and walked to the podium on my bad knee.

I had written an answer on an index card, and I looked at it, and I put it in my pocket.

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