Soccer Duel Read Online Free PDF Page A

tone in her voice was snappish — the very tone his father had complained endlessly about in the months before the divorce.
    “He's eating dinner right now,” his mother said. Renny looked up from his empty plate. “Why are you calling?”
    Her brow furrowed as she listened. “Oh, he called you, did he?” She cast a sidelong glance at Renny. “Well, of course he'd have to call you, since you never call him first.”
    There was a long pause during which her mouth got tighter and tighter. Finally, she said curtly, “You tell him yourself.” She handed the phone to Renny.
    “Uh, hi, Dad. Thanks for calling back,” Renny said. “I wanted to tell you about my game today.” His mother picked up his plate and busied herself at the sink. Renny could tell she was steaming mad about something, but he was too eager to tell his dad about the game to take much notice.
    He recapped it as best he could. He tried not to make his role come off as too important, but he
had
been the only one to score, so he had to mention that, didn't he?
    His father congratulated him enthusiastically, then paused. Renny remembered that there was something his father wanted to tell him. Something bad, he guessed — correctly, as it turned out.
    “Listen, Renny,” his father said, his voice full of apology. “I know I promised to join you on the trail cleanup project this Saturday, but I can't be there after all. I have to go out of town on business. But I'll make it up to you soon, okay?”
    “Out of town on business.” Renny's mom had hated the amount of time his dad was away. Now Renny could see her point. But he knew it was useless to say anything, so he just mumbled that he understood.
    “I'll see you soon, though, right, Dad?” he added, trying not to see how his mother's back stiffened.
    “You bet,” his dad replied. “As soon as I can. See you, Renny.” And with that, his father hung up.
    Renny returned the phone to its cradle and slumped back into his chair. His mother turned from the sink and sat with him. She didn't look angry anymore, just tired, as if the brief conversation with her ex-husband had taken the last bit of energy from her.
    “Renny, I'm sorry about the trail cleanup project. I wish I could join you, but I have to host an open house that day.” She stroked his hair gently.
    Renny sighed. “That's okay, Mom. I know some other people who are doing the trail project, so I'll have fun anyway.” He didn't add that he might be the only one without a parent there. In fact, that was the only reason he'd signed up in the first place — to spend some time with his dad. Now he'd just have to go by himself and hope someone else showed up alone.

8
    I t was funny, but his conversation with Turk hadn't made Bryce feel much better about things. He wasn't consumed by that burning fury anymore. A creeping guilt had taken its place. What would happen if Turk went overboard and really hurt Renny Harding? Bryce wondered. In a way, it would be his fault, wouldn't it? Turk's comment about “intensive care” was kind of scary.
    Oh well, he consoled himself, it was too late to do anything about it now. He'd only told Turk to intimidate Renny — hadn't he? Or maybe he'd said to hit him with a few hard fouls… . He couldn't remember anymore.
    “Bryce McCormack!”
    Startled, Bryce came out of his reverie. His teacher, Ms. Hasselhof, was calling his name.
    “Yes?” he asked, standing up.
    “You're wanted in the office. Follow this young man.”
    “The office?” Bryce repeated dumbly.
    “The principal's office,” said Ms. Hasselhof meaningfully.
    Bryce looked at the office monitor. It was Norm Harvey.
    “Follow me,” said Norm.
    “I know the way,” Bryce said, scowling as he brushed past Norm and out of math class. “What are you now, the principal's errand boy?”
    “Office squad,” Norm explained. “It's for extra credit. Something you wouldn't know anything about.”
    “Shut up, you stupid nerd!” Bryce said,